Shifter karts have seen many moto engines, many are still used today but lacked support to become
popular enough to stay alive. All moto engines are origonaly taken from motorcylcles or delivered from
the manufaturer in kit form.
Engines from many japanese manufacturers such as Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda and many others have been used
in shifter karts. Everything from 60cc two strokes
to 450cc four strokes, have been used in shifter karts.
SSC was one of the first kart manufactures to sell complete moto shifter karts. Including a complete
kart and engine package that was ready for the track.
The KX125 was popular in the height of shifter karts in the late 1990's. Supported by mainy engine
builders as well as in a complete shifter kart form by SSC. Mid to late 90's Kawasaki KX125's were
used, specificlly 1997 from SSC, coming as a stock engine similar to Yamaha's YZ125 including the
engine, electronics and carb needed for the engine. Many chose to modify the engine, similar to Honda
mod moto's. These engines had high performance modifications done to them.
The Kawasaki KX125 had a hard time staying afloat against all of the other moto shifter kart engines.
Similar to many others, due to lack of support and popularity the KX125 has died out along with many of
the other moto engines. These days they are fairly uncommon but many still run them for fun. Such
as our SSC KX125 you see to the right.
YZ125's were the origonal spec shifter kart engine's similar to the spec CR125. Delivered from Yamaha
these spec engine's, including carb and electrical with specifc oem parts. Where complete engines that
where ready for a kart.
Yamaha only produced a small quantity of these engines before production stopped. This is why the
YZ125 never took off in comparison to the stock honda. After the production of YZ125's stopped, Honda
stepped in and began producing stock kit motors.
The YZ125 is seen as a great moto shifter kart engine, but due to lack of support from yamaha, the
engine couldn't meet demand.
Another type of shifter kart engines that have gained some popularity are four stroke moto shifter kart
engine's. Particularly Honda CRF 250's as well as some 450's. These engines feature easy drivability
and great torque. Four stroke moto engine's are a new type of shifter kart engine. Great
for people looking for something new to drive.
Big fourstroke shifter kart engines havent gained very much popularity. Only supported by a few engine
builders such as Tokyo Mods, these engines are very rare.Some parts that make installation possible
have been produced.
There has been a suprising amount of interest in four stroke shifter karts. But havent gainned any
great popularity. Possibly due to the high price of moto shifter kart engines. A complete Honda CRF 250
shifter kart engine package from tokyo mods will run you about 8k.
