How Do I Mount a Honda CBR 600 engine on to a kart frame?

Question

First of all I know that motorcycle engines like a Honda CBR 600 engine is much faster than a smaller Rotax or TKM engine. However I have seen many videos showing that a Honda CBR 600 or 1000 engine can run properly. How much is the engine worth second hand and is there any wiring except for the exhaust and throttle. Isn't there only one major thing that I need to do and that is make sure that the engine is connected to the chain. Will this work. My dad also told me about gears. I might not achieve the maximum speed without gears, although I don't really want to have to make gears with a clutch, because it won't work sometimes and can be a hassle. Also I don't even know how to work the clutch. So I just want maximum speed with a throttle. On my frame I've got one rear disc brake and this may not be enough, so if anyone has any advice for me I will certainly be grateful. If I discover that my plans will work then I will consider buying the engine very soon.

Answer 1

Respectfully, unless you have access to a machining and fabrication equipment, or can afford to pay someone to do the work, I would not attempt this project.

A CBR600 motor can be used as the powerplant for a go-kart.  But it would take a lot of redesign of the frame and the motor mounts.  This is where the ability to fabricate, weld and machine will be needed.  

Here is one aspect you will need to overcome.  

How will you shift the engine?

You will need to design and manufacture a shift linkage that is mounted near the steering wheel that will rotate the shifting shaft on the lower left side of the engine mounted behind you.

How will you engage and disengage the clutch using a foot pedal when the clutch actuating lever is mounted (I believe)  on the right side engine case?

How will you transmit the power from the engine to the drive axle?

What will you do to stiffen the frame to accommodate the extra weight and power?

If you successfully marry this engine to a kart frame, my hardy congratulations.

Good Luck

Answer 2

max is on the right page as far as being able to fabricate,

however motorcycle engines in go karts is nothing new, there just not using boat anchor street bike engines,(weight issue) the most popular class is the 80 shifter class, and the Honda CR 80 seems to be the big daddy there, then if that's not scary enough theres a 125 class, yikes!! but these are not hobby karts by any means,  however once you get your engine mounted you can go to one of the many karting sights or check the dwarf car or legend sights as they use the Kawasaki kz 1100 (but that's definitely not a boat anchor!) and adapt the hardware such as cables and linkages easy enough,,  Have Fun and ware your helmet!!