Should I use the same sprocket from motorcycle engine on go kart?

Question

Can someone help me because I bought a Yamaha 600cc engine and a go kart frame. But do I use the rear sprocket from the engine on my go kart axle? I don't know how to because the sprocket's diameter is very long, so the sprocket would be touching the ground, as the wheels are small. Is there a way of running the go kart, without having to buy large expensive wheels?

Also there are some many cables from the engine that are meant to be connected to... I have all the electrics and exhaust pipes, but I find it too much hassle to install it.

Answer 1

You can, but you won't get the same speed from it.  It will be much slower but more powerful.  This is because the diameter of the motorcycle wheel is much larger than the wheel on your go cart.

You are going to want to go with a larger sprocket on the engine and a smaller sprocket on the wheel.  You may need to experiment with some different size sprockets until you get the gearing you want.

Answer 2

You will want to use the same size chain from the motorcycle engine on the kart axel.  This means having a sprocket made  that has the same pitch as the motorcycle chain to fit the kart axel.  Have the new sprocket made as large as will fit while the chain does not hit the ground.  Because this new sprocket is smaller than the original rear sprocket on the bike, the kart will have higher gearing.  To compensate for this you want to use a smaller front sprocket on the engine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbLOg0c6f...