Kart Purchase Costs
Discussion
I don't often post on PH, aside from commenting on the topics driven from website articles, but I'm hoping someone out there can help me.
I'm based in Saudi and a friend of mine is interested in starting a karting business. He is looking to get a rough idea of costs before going too far into it, but I am really struggling to find out how much the basic rental karts cost to buy - can anyone help? All the websites are POA, which is a bit of PITA to be honest, as even just a ballpark figure would be nice.
In addition, should it take off, he may look to add a few race karts for people to try. There isn't much karting infrastructure here, so not much in the way of championships to spec a particular model for, but could anyone give an approximate cost for an entry level race kart of some kind? Again, just looking for a ballpark for now.
Much appreciated...
I'm based in Saudi and a friend of mine is interested in starting a karting business. He is looking to get a rough idea of costs before going too far into it, but I am really struggling to find out how much the basic rental karts cost to buy - can anyone help? All the websites are POA, which is a bit of PITA to be honest, as even just a ballpark figure would be nice.
In addition, should it take off, he may look to add a few race karts for people to try. There isn't much karting infrastructure here, so not much in the way of championships to spec a particular model for, but could anyone give an approximate cost for an entry level race kart of some kind? Again, just looking for a ballpark for now.
Much appreciated...
I am based not too far from you in Dubai, and my home circuit is at the Autodrome there. (I have no connection with them, other than having given them lots of money over the years!) https://dubaiautodrome.ae/kartdrome-main/arrive-dr... A very professional and well-run setup there.
The karts they use there are Sodi RX karts, with Honda generator engines, which are bulletproof compared to race kart engines.
https://www.sodikart.com/en-gb/karts/rental/
The price new will depend on volume, Sodi also have a good second-hand business going. Work on 15-20k dhm per kart. It’s definitely worth sending them an enquiry. Electric options are also now available, which are more expensive to buy but will be cheaper to run and maintain over time, make for a nicer atmosphere indoors too.
Race karts are about the same price to buy as rental karts, but more expensive to run. Rotax engines are the standard, and thankfully now much more reliable than the olden days of rebuilding them every weekend!
Everything else depends on what the business looks like. Are you indoors or outdoors? Are you a car park with a few tyres, or an FIA-spec circuit hoping to host regional championship rounds?
As the business builds, you’ll need a contingency for unserviceable karts, so if your track uses 20 karts then get 30, and you can’t keep too many spare parts in stock. There’s nothing worse than having to turn down revenue because you don’t have enough serviceable equipment.
Also don’t forget the incidental fixed costs of the business - the track infrastructure, lights and flags, timing system, membership and booking system, suits and helmets, computers and TV screens, insurance, legal etc.
A few years ago, I also did a business plan for an entertainment business competing with karting, PM me if you want any more information.
The karts they use there are Sodi RX karts, with Honda generator engines, which are bulletproof compared to race kart engines.
https://www.sodikart.com/en-gb/karts/rental/
The price new will depend on volume, Sodi also have a good second-hand business going. Work on 15-20k dhm per kart. It’s definitely worth sending them an enquiry. Electric options are also now available, which are more expensive to buy but will be cheaper to run and maintain over time, make for a nicer atmosphere indoors too.
Race karts are about the same price to buy as rental karts, but more expensive to run. Rotax engines are the standard, and thankfully now much more reliable than the olden days of rebuilding them every weekend!
Everything else depends on what the business looks like. Are you indoors or outdoors? Are you a car park with a few tyres, or an FIA-spec circuit hoping to host regional championship rounds?
As the business builds, you’ll need a contingency for unserviceable karts, so if your track uses 20 karts then get 30, and you can’t keep too many spare parts in stock. There’s nothing worse than having to turn down revenue because you don’t have enough serviceable equipment.
Also don’t forget the incidental fixed costs of the business - the track infrastructure, lights and flags, timing system, membership and booking system, suits and helmets, computers and TV screens, insurance, legal etc.
A few years ago, I also did a business plan for an entertainment business competing with karting, PM me if you want any more information.
garypotter said:
pablo said:
Definitely go electric, check out the Rob Smedley series.
NO dont go electric, bloody worst karts i have used. i am aware due to noise and pollution electric is the only way but if that is not an issue go petrol.My son raced the Rob Smedley electric karts last year. The cadet ones have a very similar pace to a Honda Cadet, some tracks slower some faster.
A few teething problems as you'd expect but pretty impressive.
They will have Bambino, Cadet and Junior ones this year. Faster motors more battery power.
The local indoor place has electric ones as well, no better or worse than any other corporate rental kart I've tried.
A few teething problems as you'd expect but pretty impressive.
They will have Bambino, Cadet and Junior ones this year. Faster motors more battery power.
The local indoor place has electric ones as well, no better or worse than any other corporate rental kart I've tried.
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