If you’re a fan of off-road racing and go-karts, chances are that you’ve heard of the brand Yerf-Dog. Yerf Dog go-karts were products between 1996 and 2006. In this period, more than 20 million Yerf Dog go-karts were sold.
Today, Yerf Dogs have become an icon of the 90’s and are still being driven today, even though they are no longer manufactured. With more than 20 different models, there is plenty to choose from.
In this review and buyer’s guide, I’ll go through the best models to buy, where you can buy them and what you should consider before making a purchase. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best Yerf Dog go-karts on the market:
- Yerf Dog 3206 (Spiderbox GX150)
- Yerf Dog 42101
- Yerf Dog 3203
- Yerf Dog 3002
- Yerf Dog 30032
1. Yerf Dog 3206 (Spiderbox GX150)
Go-Kart Features
- Output: 7.8 hp
- Capacity: 2
- Max Weight: 250 lbs
The Yerf Dog 3206 go-kart, also known as the Spiderbox GX150, is one of the most popular Yerf Dog models on the market for various reasons. It’s equipped with a 150cc 4-stroke petrol engine that is air-cooled and delivers 7.8 hp at 7,500 rpm.
The Spiderbox GX150 is the perfect off-road model that features a high-quality independent suspension system, large pneumatic tires and two well-padded bucket seats allowing for a comfortable ride on any type of terrain.
It’s also equipped with various safety features. It has two headlights for extra visibility, a padded roll cage, a seat belt for the driver and the passenger and a robust metal frame.
In essence, it’s the ideal Yerf Dog go-kart for two people. It’s suitable for youths and adults with a total driver and passenger weight of 250 lbs combined. And with its 1 gallon fuel tank, this go-kart holds enough fuel for several sessions, before having to refuel it.
2. Yerf Dog 42101
Go-Kart Features
- Output: 7.8 hp
- Capacity: 1
- Max Weight: 250 lbs
The Yerf Dog 42101 is a single-seater version of the Spiderbox GX150 go-kart. It’s equipped with the same 150cc hp engine, which has an output of 7.8 hp at 7,500 rpm.
This Yerf Dog model is perfect for people who love to race off-road alone, instead of having a passenger with them. The 42101 is able to handle any type of terrain thanks to pneumatic tires and high-quality independent suspension system.
Moreover, the comfortable bucket seat and the safety belt ensure that the driver is well protected at all times. Driving his go-kart at night is also possible, due to its bright headlights, which are mounted on top.
All in all, this go-kart is one of the best single-seater Yerf Dog models on the market. It’s fun, convenient and extremely comfortable to ride! It’s able to support a maximum driver weight of 250 lbs.
3. Yerf Dog 3203
Go-Kart Features
- Output: 6.5 hp
- Capacity: 2
- Max Weight: 250 lbs
The Yerf Dog 3203 is a smaller sized off-road version of the Spiderbox GX150 and is one of the most popular Yerf Dog go-karts. It seats one driver and a passenger.
Although it features a sturdy build and has enough room for two people, it’s not as spacious as the Spiderbox go-kart. However, it still packs a punch with its 6.5 hp Tecumseh engine.
Due to its compact size, it’s great for youths or smaller adults that enjoy off-road racing with passengers. It has a basic suspension system and a three-point safety harness for both occupants.
Instead of seats, the Yerf Dog 3202 has a well padded bench. Additional features include a storage rack, racing flag, a padded roll cage and racing decals. If you’re looking for a more affordable two-seater Yerf Dog, then this may just be the one for you.
4. Yerf Dog 3002
Go-Kart Features
- Output: 6 hp
- Capacity: 2
- Max Weight: 200 lbs
Another favorite and best seller is the Yerf Dog 3002. This model comes with a gas-powered 6 hp Tecumseh engine and a torque converter. Due to its compact size and powerful performance, the 3002 is ideal for youths above the age of 16 years.
Although its form factor is on the smaller side, it still has a maximum capacity of 2. However, take note that the maximum combined driver and passenger weight is only 200 lbs, therefore making it ideal for youths.
The 6 hp engine packs quite a punch, even if the compact form factor may tell otherwise. Equipped with a suspension system, a padded bench and roll cage, as well as three-point safety belts, this Yerf Dog 3002 is comfortable to ride on nearly any surface.
However, it does not have bucket seats or headlights, so do keep that in mind. Overall, the 3002 is a great single or two-seater off-road go-kart for youths and young adults.
5. Yerf Dog 30032
Go-Kart Features
- Output: 5 hp
- Capacity: 2
- Max Weight: 250 lbs
Another great two-seater Yerf Dog go-kart that has been quite popular is the 30032. It’s also fairly compact in size and is therefore ideal for youths above the age of 16 years.
This model comes in three different colors, a yellow version (30032), a blue version (30033) and a red version (30034). All models come equipped with a gas-powered 6 hp Tecumseh engine.
It’s slightly less powerful than the 3203, but is still able to provide an enjoyable off-road racing experience. The slightly narrower frame means that it’s suitable for an average sized racer.
It can get a little squeeze for two people but it’s definitely still possible. Overall, the 30032 caters to a younger audience, while still having many – but not all – of the features of the higher end models.
Yerf Dog Go-Karts: Buyer’s Guide
In this section, I’ll be sharing with you what type of aspects to consider, before purchasing a Yerf Dog go-kart. Here, you’ll find information about the different go-kart types, capacities, performance, upgrades, features and prices.
Type
Yerf Dog go-karts are generally designed for all types of terrains. This makes them great off-road go-karts, thanks to their suspension system, padded seats and large pneumatic tires.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a more intensive off-road racing experience, you should select a Yerf Dog with an independent suspension system and padded bucket seats, to ensure a comfortable ride on rough terrain.
Capacity
Most go-karts in the Yerf Dog line are designed for two people – one driver and a passenger. However, take note that there are also single-seater Yerf Dog go-karts like the 42101.
Therefore, it’s best to select a Yerf Dog model that suits your application. For larger families who enjoy off-road racing, I would advise to get a two-seater Yerf Dog. The great thing is that you can also drive the two-seater models without a passenger.
Performance
Performance is another thing that you should consider, before deciding which model best suits you. All Yerf Dog engines are gas-powered. The Tecumseh engines range from about 5 hp to 7.8 hp.
If you’re looking for a more thrilling off-road racing experience or are an adult, the higher output engines as found on the 3206 (Spiderbox GX150) and the 42101 would be more suitable.
For youths above the ages of 16, a lower-powered engine is recommended. There are several 5 hp and 6 hp engines available for that, for example on the Yerf Dog 3203, 30032 and 3002.
Upgrades
If you’re a hobbyist, builder or are looking to modify your go-karts, then you should definitely consider checking out my guide on Yerf Dog upgrades. The Yerf Dog model you get may not have all features available.
Additional features that you may want to upgrade are bucket seats, an independent suspension system, headlights, fog light and various other things. Keep the ability to upgrade in mind, when selecting a model to purchase, if that is what’s important to you.
Features
While most models come with similar features, they can vary between models. All Yerf Dog go-karts come with a durable metal frame and rubber tires, but the seats are often different.
There are also various additional features such as headlights, independent suspension and roll cage padding that differentiate each model. Below, you’ll find a list of features that you should consider, depending on how important they are to you.
- Headlights
- Storage rack
- Racing flag
- Bucket seats
- Padded roll cage
- Independent suspension
- Racing decals
Price
Unfortunately, Yerf Dog go-karts are no longer in production since 2006. A brand new Yerf Dog go-kart used to cost about $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the model. The good news is that the used market for Yerf Dog go-karts is relatively large.
Many people buy and sell these iconic go-karts for just a fraction of what they used to cost. You’ll be able to find a used Yerf Dog go-kart for about $300 – $1,000, with newer and better models being slightly more expensive.
Best Places to Buy Yerf Dog Go-Karts
As Yerf Dog go-karts are no longer in production, you won’t be able to get your hands on a brand new model. However, there is a big used market for Yerf Dogs and you’ll find them mostly in the United States.
With a total of 20 million Yerf Dogs go-kart being sold, used models are available in almost every US state. If you’re interested in buying a Yerf Dog go-kart, your best chances are on classified advertisements websites such as Craigslist, eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
Here’s a list of websites that you should consider:
- Craigslist
- eBay
- Facebook Marketplace
- Offerup
- Purple Wave
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, I’ll go through some of the most frequently asked questions on Yerf Dog go-karts and things to look out for when making a purchase.
What Should I Check Before Buying a Yerf Dog Go-Kart?
Before buying any Yerf Dog go-kart, you should spend a good amount of time checking the condition of it, it’s market value, modifications, ride quality, parts and anything else that will help you gauge if the price is worth it.
Since all Yerf Dog go-karts you’ll be looking at will be used, there is a good chance that it’s going to be a couple of years old and some parts may have worn.
Pay special attention to the engine, torque converter (and belt), frame, pedals and steering wheel, as those are the most important components. Here’s a list of items to check:
- Engine
- Torque converter
- Drive belt
- Suspension
- Steering
- Wheels
- Frame
- Roll Cage
- Seats
- Safety belt
For more information, feel free to check out my general guide on things to look out for when buying a go-kart.
Where Can I Buy Yerf Dog Spare Parts?
Buying spare parts can be quite tricky, as some original parts may no longer be available, meaning that you may have to get other compatible replacement parts.
One example would be the engine. There are various Yerf Dog go-karts that have a Predator, Harbor Freight or Honda engine installed, instead of the original Tecumseh engine. A similar case can also be made for the torque converter, but there are many choices available.
For Yerf Dog spare parts, you can check out:
- Monster Scooter Parts
- BMI Karts
- Amazon
- eBay
- GoPowerSports
