Why are shifter kart's so much money?

Question

I want a Birel kart, but they are about 7,000-9,000 U.S $. WHY?

Answer 1

i raced karts for about 10 years. Nationally, internationally, everywhere. I raced against danica patrick, fernando alonso, sam hornish jr., etc. The reason karts are so expensive now, is because they are THE best training for drivers. They are fast. They are the best handling thing you will ever drive. The competition now is incredible. Plus, look at the technology involved in each kart. its simply amazing. Birel is a good kart. I raced with a birel for a couple of years. I would recommend a CRG, or TopKart though. I had the chance to drive a TopKart not too long ago, and wow. That kart felt great! CRG is always a good one too. If you are starting new, you shouldnt get a shifter. Start off smaller, and work your way up. You need to learn how to drive a kart before you go and spend 10 grand on one. Its not as easy as you think. You will be driving around in last place the whole time. If you have any questions about karting, feel free to private email me. I have plenty of expirience to share with you.

Answer 2

Shifter karts can be had for much less, but if you want something that can be competitive at the top levels of karting, you will have to pay for it. However, keep in mind that $7-9k is a pretty inexpensive price to get something which can be competitive in motorsports.

The problem is that most often when you talk price in motorsports, you have something like this come up, and people that are involved in motorsports look at each other and say "ONLY $7-9K for something competitive, how can they offer something for so cheap!?" While people outside motorsports have the reaction you've had (the same goes for tire costs, track time, etc etc). When you look at all the costs involved and the costs of gaining performance, a good shifter kart is inexpensive... even at $7-9k (you would not be able to get a competitive chasis for Formula Ford or even Spec Miata in that price range... maybe something that could serve as a back marker or mid pack with a good enough driver, but not a truely competitive vehicle).

If you want to get involved in shifter karts, you might look into something like the rotax karts which is a spec series, and has a much lower price point for getting a competitive entry. But keep in mind you'll still have a good chunk of money to put out for personal equipment and while a kart is quite a bit less cost to operate, there is still money involved.

Answer 3

I've seen used shifter karts for sale from $2,000 to $3,000 and up. Look around, maybe you'll find something in your price range. Many pro race drivers use shifter karts to stay sharp.

Answer 4

Those kart's were designed and built strictly as a race application. they were never meant for the average person to have as a so called go-cart for recreational use.

Answer 5

I do not even know what it is that you are talking about.