Best Go Kart Engine 2021

Finding the right engine for karting can help you win that race. Check out our review for our top 4 favorites for Go Kart engines below.

Predator 6.5 HP 212cc OHV Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine - NOT Certified for California; Fuel Shut Off and Recoil Start
DuroMax XP7HPE 208cc Electric Start Gas Powered, 50 State Approved, Multi-Use Engine Blue
X-PRO 125cc 4-Stroke ATV Gokart Engine with Automatic Transmission with Reverse, Electric Start
XtremepowerUS 7HP 4-Stroke Gas Engine OHV Industrial Grade Gasoline Engine Recoil Start Go Kart Log Splitter Lifan Type Engine 212CC, Black
Our Rating:
Features:
Durable cast iron and upgraded engineering
Heavy-duty power
Automatic transmission with reverse
Industrial strength engine
With recoil start and fuel shut off for safety
Standard shaft for multiple uses
With electric start
With low oil shut off
Editor's Choice
Predator 6.5 HP 212cc OHV Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine - NOT Certified for California; Fuel Shut Off and Recoil Start
Our Rating:
Features:
Durable cast iron and upgraded engineering
With recoil start and fuel shut off for safety
DuroMax XP7HPE 208cc Electric Start Gas Powered, 50 State Approved, Multi-Use Engine Blue
Our Rating:
Features:
Heavy-duty power
Standard shaft for multiple uses
X-PRO 125cc 4-Stroke ATV Gokart Engine with Automatic Transmission with Reverse, Electric Start
Our Rating:
Features:
Automatic transmission with reverse
With electric start
XtremepowerUS 7HP 4-Stroke Gas Engine OHV Industrial Grade Gasoline Engine Recoil Start Go Kart Log Splitter Lifan Type Engine 212CC, Black
Our Rating:
Features:
Industrial strength engine
With low oil shut off

Best Go Kart Engine Reviews

Look:

With a wide variety of options, it can get confusing to choose only one. But the thing is unless you have multiple Go-Karts, you should only look for the best. And to help you, here are four of our top Go Kart engine choices.

Editor's Choice

Backyard's Rating:

Predator 6.5 HP 212cc OHV Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine Review

Heavy-Duty and Durable

This Go Kart-ready engine dons a powerful 6.5 horsepower with gas-saving overhead valves. It has a horizontal shaft with a ball-bearing mount, which makes it an ideal replacement for a lot of standard engine configurations.

With its heavy-duty cast iron cylinder, it works perfectly well with several other machines. It’s also ready to withstand wear and abuse so you can have this engine for longer while it continues to provide a cooler and cleaner performance.

Easy To Use

The Predator engine has user-friendly controls for starting and operation. It also features a safety transport feature thanks to its fuel shut-off system.

How to use it?

The Predator 6.5 HP 212cc engine is best for go-kart racing, pressure washers, cement mixers, compressors, mowers, generators, and even water pumps.

PROS AND CONS

  • Cool and clean performance
  • Strong engineering and construction
  • Durable cast iron material
  • Multi-purpose engine
  • Not certified for California use

Predator 6.5 HP 212cc Engine Verdict:

If you want a strong, multipurpose engine for Go Karting, the Predator 212cc is a clear winner. With its 6.5 horsepower and 212cc OHV, you can’t go wrong with this durable and easy to use of an engine.


Backyard's Rating:

DuroMax XP7HPE 7HP Electric/Recoil Start Engine Review

Solid Power

If you want a heavy-duty workhorse, this is the engine for you. The DuroMax XP7HPE is a premium engine that features a 196cc – 4-stroke overhead valve design. It has a 7-hp capacity that can crank out 9.7 ft/lbs of torque. If you’re looking for solid power output, this one delivers.

Approved in 50 State Emissions

This mighty engine is feeding off of a 1-gallon fuel tank. At only half a load, it can run for 2 hours on a single tank. What’s more, it’s EPA and Carb approved in mandated areas. It also features an easy Key Start with a backup recoil start, and it comes with a standard shaft that’s perfect for most projects.

How to use it?

Aside from customizing your Go-Kart, you can use this DuroMax engine for log splitters and water transfer pumps.

PROS AND CONS

  • Impressive power
  • Standard shaft size
  • Easy operation
  • Sounds mechanical
  • The motor requires choke when warm

DuroMax XP7HPE 7HP Start Engine Verdict:

Consider the DuroMax XP7HPE if you want maximum torque and horsepower. It’s also easy to use thanks to the electronic ignition, and back-up recoil start.


Backyard's Rating:

X-Pro 125cc 4-Stroke Engine Review

Automatic Transmission

A 4-stroke engine that comes with an automatic transmission and reverse is something most people want. This 215cc X-Pro engine is a single-cylinder with an electric start is perfect for Go Karts and other ATVs. The engine assembly comes with an intake pipe, drive sprocket, sprocket cover, and spark plug. What’s more, it has high-quality aluminum cylinder head and an iron cylinder body.

Great Compatibility

The X-Pro 125cc engine is compatible with all 125cc sizes of ATVs and Go Karts. It also pairs with vehicles such as the Coolster, Taotao, Roketa, Kazuma, and lots more. If you aren’t quite sure what engine to try but know it’s for a 125cc, this might be the one to consider.

How to use it?

The X-Pro 125cc 4-stroke automatic engine is compatible with all 125cc Go Kart and ATV models.

PROS AND CONS

  • Automatic with reverse
  • Wide compatibility
  • High-quality engine
  • Mostly works only for vehicles

X-Pro 125cc 4-Stroke Engine Verdict:

If you need a specific 125cc engine, the X-Pro one might be a good try. It’s has a good build with a variety of engine assembly.


Backyard's Rating:

XtremepowerUS 7HP 4-Stroke Gas Engine Review

Industrial-grade Strength

Enjoy go-kart racing and more with an industrial-strength engine that is the XtremepowerUS gas engine. This durable OHV engine offers an incredible seven horsepower that’s perfect for go-karts or other machines. It works with a standard 87 Octane operating fuel, but it’s better with gasoline. It also has a low oil shut off to make sure that there will be no serious damage or failure.

Durable Design

This extremely quiet and dependable engine is EPA certified. It provides a smooth but powerful operation every time. Whether you need an average or maximum power, the XtremepowerUS gas engine can handle the job.

How to use it?

Use it to power a variety of equipment such as go-karts, log splitters, pressure washers, and more.

PROS AND CONS

  • Starts easy
  • Industrial strength power
  • Large tank
  • Not for use in California
  • Prone to the air filter and spring issues

XtremepowerUS 7HP 4-Stroke Gas Engine Verdict:

Try the XtremepowerUS 7HP gas engine for your next go-kart project or as replacement for other applications. It provides industrial-grade strength but works quieter than the alternatives.


Best Engine for a Go Kart

Building a Go-Kart is one of the fun ways about it. Whether you consider it a hobby or an extreme sport, it’s a project that’s likely to keep you busy. With the many things you can do to customize your Kart, there’s no wonder a lot of people enjoy this recreation.

Still, the one thing that’s probably most exciting about working on a Go-Kart is the engine. You can go as fast and as powerful as you want or build something that even your kids can use.

But you might be wondering: What is the best engine for a go-kart?

Well, it all depends on what you want. But to make sure you end up making an informed decision here’s a quick buyer’s guide to help you.

Go Kart Engine Buyer’s Guide

The market is full of several engine options for you to choose from, and it can be quite confusing when it’s time to make a decision. To make things a bit easier, here are some factors which you should consider when looking for the best engine for your Go Kart.

Class

If you’re building a racing Go Kart, the first thing you should consider is the class in which you plan to compete. Different categories depend on where you’re from, and it usually depends on age. But the best way to determine this factor is to go to your local club and talk to the other members. Doing so will allow you to land a better decision on which engine to buy for your Go Kart.

Second-hand or Brand New

Another consideration you must think about is whether to buy a second-hand or a brand new engine. Of course, if your goal is to win, it’s easy to believe that it would be better to purchase a proven race-winning package. However, it also means that the parts of that winning engine are already deteriorating. And you’d need to maintain it along the way. With a brand new engine, everything is fresh, and you have the assurance that you can use the best part of the motor.

Budget

Finally, it all comes down to your budget. Since there are several choices out in the market, it’s quite easy to find an engine that fits your budget. Still, you also need to combine this consideration with the features and capacity of that engine.

Last Updated on June 15, 2021 by Patrick

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Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API