In this review, we’ll be taking a look at the best clutches for go-karts. I will review the best clutches and evaluate their build quality, material, type, application and specifications. There will also be a buying guide on go-kart clutches at the end of the review section where you can familiarize yourself with all the different elements of clutches.
Go-kart clutches are transmissions that are connected directly to the engine’s crankshaft. It’s a mechanical device that engages, once the engine reaches a certain speed (rpm). In this review, I’ll only consider centrifugal clutches, as they are by far the most common and affordable clutches for go-karts. There are also other types of racing clutches such as the hydraulic and electric clutch. Without further ado, let’s jump right in!
1. MoonSun Go-Kart Clutch
Clutch Features
For #35 chain compatibility
Recommended for 4 hp to 7 hp engine
2300 ± 300 rpm engagement range
The MoonSun clutch is the best go-kart clutch in our list, as it offers the perfect ratio of build quality and affordability. It’s a great clutch for Briggs and Stratton, Tecumseh, Predator and other small to medium go-kart engines. This centrifugal clutch has a height of 55mm (2.17”) and a diameter of 107mm ( 4.21”). It fits any engine with a 3/4″ crankshaft and a 3/16″ keyway.
Generally speaking, it will support any engine with an output of about 4 to 7 hp. The MoonSun has an engagement range of 2300 ± 300 rpm and also includes a #35 roller chain. Additionally, you’ll also find two set screws that are included, which you don’t have to source separately.
Specification:
Bore Diameter: 3/4″
Clutch Height: 55mm (2.17″)
Clutch Diameter: 107mm (4.21″)
Sprocket Teeth: 12
Compatibility:
Required Chain Size: #35
Recommended Engine: 4 to 7 hp
Crankshaft Diameter: 3/4″
Engagement Range: 2300 ± 300 rpm
2. FDJ Go-Kart Clutch
Clutch Features
For #40/41/420 chain compatibility
Recommended for 2 hp to 7 hp engine
2300 ± 300 rpm engagement range
The FDJ Clutch is another great entry into our list of best go-kart clutches. It’s made of wear-resistant steel, which is heavy-duty and is built to last.
This centrifugal clutch has an outside diameter of 4 3/4″ and a total height of 3”. This makes it very compact and suitable for small to medium go-kart engines. It’s available in 3 different variants featuring a 10, 11 or 12-tooth sprocket.
The FDJ Go-Kart Clutch is compatible with any go-kart engine from 2 to 7 hp, with a 3/4″ crankshaft and a 3/16” key. Overall, it’s a well-built go-kart clutch that is suitable for for a #40/41/420 chain. Please note that no set screws are included.
Specification:
Bore Diameter: 3/4″
Clutch Height: 3″
Clutch Diameter: 4 3/4″
Sprocket Teeth: 10, 11 or 12
Compatibility:
Required Chain Size: #40/41/420
Recommended Engine: 2 to 7 hp
Crankshaft Diameter: 3/4″
Engagement Range: 2300 ± 300 rpm
3. Trkimal Go-Kart Clutch
Clutch Features
For #35 chain compatibility
Recommended for 2 hp to 6.5 hp engine
2000 ± 100 rpm engagement range
With either a 10, 11 or 12 sprocket configuration, the Trkimal Centrifugal Go-Kart Clutch is another great choice for karts that are powered by a 2 to 6.5 hp engine. It’s crafted from durable steel that is wear and heat-resistant.
All variations of this clutch are compatible with a #35 chain, which is not included. It also features an inner bore of 3/4″, meaning that it’s compatible with crankshafts that have a diameter of 3/4″ and a 3/16” keyway.
The clutch is 54.5mm (2.15”) in height and has an outer diameter of 107mm (4.21”), which also makes it small and compact. In terms of engagement speed, you should expect it to happen at around 2000 ± 100.
Specification:
Bore Diameter: 3/4″
Clutch Height: 54.5mm (2.15″)
Clutch Diameter: 107mm (4.21″)
Sprocket Teeth: 10, 11 or 12
Compatibility:
Required Chain Size: #35
Recommended Engine: 2 to 6.5 hp
Crankshaft Diameter: 3/4″
Engagement Range: 2000 ± 100 rpm
4. Auto Express Go-Kart Clutch
Clutch Features
For #35 chain compatibility
Recommended for 2 hp to 6 hp engine
2200 ± 200 rpm engagement range
The Auto Express Go-Kart Clutch is made out of high-grade steel and is another great option for smaller sized go-kart engines. It’s a centrifugal dry clutch and only comes in one variant that has a 12-tooth sprocket.
With regards to compatibility, this go-kart clutch has a 3/4″ bore, which means that it fits any 3/4″ with a 3/16” keyway. The 12-tooth sprocket suits a #35 chain, which is not included. You can either source it yourself or hook it up to your go-kart immediately, if you have an existing roller chain.
The Auto Express Go-Kart Clutch is recommended for go-kart engines that have an output of around 2 to 6 hp. Once installed, the clutch has an engagement range of 2200 ± 200 rpm.
Specification:
Bore Diameter: 3/4″
Clutch Height: –
Clutch Diameter: –
Sprocket Teeth: 12
Compatibility:
Required Chain Size: #35
Recommended Engine: 2 to 6.5 hp
Crankshaft Diameter: 3/4″
Engagement Range: 2200 ± 200 rpm
5. Bravex Go-Kart Clutch
Clutch Features
For #35 chain compatibility
Recommended for 2 hp to 6.5 hp engine
2300 ± 300 rpm engagement range
The final entry on our list of best go-kart clutches is from Bravex. The Bravex Go-Kart Clutch comes in a 10-tooth or 12-tooth sprocket configuration. The 10-tooth sprocket version is compatible with a #40/41/420 chain, while the 12-tooth sprocket is compatible with a #35 chain. However, the respective go-kart chain is not included.
This centrifugal go-kart clutch features a 3/4″ bore, fitting on a 3/4″ crankshaft with keyway that measures 3/16”. It’s suitable for go-kart engines that are around 3 to 6.5 hp and should have no more than 200cc. Overall, the build quality of the Bravex Go-Kart Clutch is great and promises a 50% longer lifetime, due to its high-impact and wear-resistant steel construction.
Specification:
Bore Diameter: 3/4″
Clutch Height: –
Clutch Diameter: –
Sprocket Teeth: 10 or 12
Compatibility:
Required Chain Size: #35 or #40/41/420
Recommended Engine: 2 to 6.5 hp
Crankshaft Diameter: 3/4″
Engagement Range: 2300 ± 300 rpm
Application
As you should know, a centrifugal go-kart clutch is a type of transmission with a fixed gear ratio. A clutch will have an engagement rage of about 2,000 – 2,300 rpm. That means that when the crankshaft of the go-kart engine spins, which is at around 2,000 – 2,300 rpm the clutch starts to engage.
