Whatever is ‘laid down as law’ in the various countries, clubs and groups, a cyclekart is first of all a fun machine. So, whatever ‘regulations’ apply, the primary intention is to have fun – building it yourself and then running it (and of course showing it off!). There are, of course, ‘guidelines’ in place to set a framework of how and what to build and to set out where the limits in size etc. lie, but these are well intended not as limits to your creativity, but to stop advantage being taken by the unscrupulous, which , let’s face it, spoils everyone’s fun.
Having had a look at the various ‘groups’ on facebook, for example, I lean heavily towards the ‘regulations’ put forward by the Aussie CycleKarts which also have ‘borrowed’ from another group, the Arizona CycleKart Club Handbook. A very straightforward and open approach to the movement, also allowing a certain leeway regarding some specifications of the Karts. What has up until now been set in stone, they are open to assessing minor differences in motor specs (for example) with the option of inclusion in sporting events in the future, where it is deemed not unfair to other builders. I find this approach very sensible and sensitive to, for example, calls for the inclusion of vintage engines and other deviations from the accepted ‘norms’, where appropriate. I for one welcome a less rigid approach to the fun sporting side. Unfortunately, where I live (in Germany), there is no such flexibility intended and the rulebook is thrown heavily at anyone deviating from the written constitution.
The first principles (like vehicles being owner-built) are, however, thrown to the wind, as is the suggested cost of €2500 per, when a certain member of the official organisers and grounders of the national committee openly earns a living by supplying ‘nearly-finished’ cyclekarts to (very) well-heeled customers… Such a shame to observe such ‘irregularities’ in a movement that should primarily be fun and include a certain home-made ingenuity aspect to the sport as such.
I am of the opinion that one should go ahead and build whatever turns you on, keeping as close as possible and largely within the rules of the game. Engine capacity is largely defined as are the weights and measures aimed at.
I personally think that weight should be defined as a minimum as well as a maximum, as a certain mass will ad stability and safety – or should do. And what about all-up weight with driver?? If the driver only weighs 40 Kg, there will be a definite advantage over one that weighs much more and vice-versa… there should be some kind of middle ground here, not wishing to appear discriminatory.