Coleman KT196 Review

The Coleman KT196 is one of the best off-road go-karts for adults, youths and kids. With a solid build quality, rugged design and plenty of other features, it promises safety, speed, and thrill for countless hours of fun for any type of terrain. 

Equipped with a 4-stroke engine, it manages to reach speeds of up to 15 mph. With easy-to-reach accelerator and brake pedals, as well as an ergonomic and steering wheel, this off-road go-kart is easy to drive and handles great. 

Features

  • Great for adults and kids
  • 4-Stroke 6.5 hp engine
  • Independent suspensions
  • Variable transmission

The low-pressure tires help to dampen shocks and make it suitable even for rough terrains. Its heavy-duty steel frame can support a total weight of up to 400 lbs. Moreover, the two-seater design allows you to take along an additional passenger, which makes for a great family activity. 

All things considered, the Coleman Powersports KT196 is a great choice for individuals or families who are looking for an off-road that is safe, reliable and family-friendly.

Specifications

There are plenty of features that the Coleman Powersports KT196 has to offer. Here is a list of the specifications:

  • Engine: 4-Stroke Gas-Powered
  • Displacement: 196cc
  • Go-Kart Weight: 330 lbs.
  • Max Passenger Weight: 400 lbs.
  • Ground Clearance: 4″
  • Oil Capacity: 0.63 Quarts
  • Fuel Type: Unleaded 87+
  • Dimensions: 68″ x 44″ x 47″ (L/W/H)
  • Manufactured: United States

Performance

The Coleman KT196 is a powerful off-road go-kart that is suitable for all types of racers. Not only is it great to drive, but it thrives in delivering countless hours of high-powered fun!

kt196 performance

KT196 Parts:

  1. Torque Converter
  2. Engine
  3. Fuel Tank
  4. Exhaust/Muffler
  5. Air Filter

Engine

One of its best features is the 4-stroke overhead valve (OHV) 1-cylinder engine it’s equipped with. It has virtually no problems dealing with any type of terrain, thanks to a displacement of 196cc and an output of 6.5 hp.

It’s also a very fuel-efficient engine and the pull-start adds to the convenience of operation. All of this power helps this go-kart reach speeds of up to 15 mph, which is great for off-road go racing.

The engine is located on the rear end of the kart and is protected by a steel frame. The engine is connected directly to the live rear axle via a torque converter.

Fuel & Oil Tank

The Coleman Powersports KT196 has a fuel capacity of 0.95 gallons (3.6 liters), which is best suitable with unleaded 87+ gasoline. The fuel tank is located near the engine on the rear, which is also protected by the steel frame. 

This go-kart runs optimally on SAE10W-30 or SAE10W-40 engine oil and the oil tank capacity is 0.63 quarts (0.6 liters).

Transmission

The go-kart uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system, which is a torque converter. This transmission system allows it to automatically adjust the gear ratio according to the engine speed. 

Build Quality

The Coleman Powersports KT196 features an excellent build quality with heavy-duty materials and a robust frame.

KT196 Build Quality:

  1. Tires
  2. Steel Frame
  3. Padded Roll cage

Frame

The frame of the go-kart is made of heavy-duty steel and is very sturdy. The use of metal also means that the kart is safe and protects the driver, as well as the internal components.

The frame is further enhanced by the roll cage which ensures that the driver is protected at all times. A roll cage can often prevent serious injuries, especially when it comes to off-road racing.

Since this go-kart is designed for off-road use, it has a ground clearance of 4”. This helps it move freely on almost any type of unlevel terrain without having to worry about damage to the undercarriage. Furthermore, the wheelbase of the kart is also very wide at 50”, which allows it to remain stable even at higher speeds. 

With a length of 68 inches, a width of 44 inches and a height of 47 inches, the KT196 is spacious enough even for adults. With a weight of 330 lbs and a wide stance, it’s very stable even on inclining or declining terrain.

Tires

There are a total of 4 rugged tires that are designed to handle various types of terrain. They are relatively large and offer excellent grip and durability. 

Not only do they perform well for off-road racing, but they are also designed to be long-lasting. The size of the front tires is 145/70-6, and 16×6-8 for the rear tires.

Handling

Driving the KT196 is straightforward and intuitive, even for younger kids. All of the controls are easily accessible and are driver-centric. Let’s take a closer look at the individual handling components.

KT196 Controls:

  1. Brake Pad
  2. Accelerator Pad
  3. Steering Wheel

Steering

The Coleman Powersports KT196 has a traditional-style steering wheel that feels ergonomic. The steering column is located toward the left side of the kart and therefore has a left-seated driver position.

Although this driving style may require some getting used to for kids, compared to single-seater go-karts, they’ll get the hang of this fairly quickly.

Accelerating & Braking

The accelerator and brake pedal are also located on the driver side of the KT196. Another great feature of this off-road go-kart are its highly-effective hydraulic disc brakes, which bring it to a complete stop almost instantly.

Comfort

The KT96 offers an incredibly comfortable ride, thanks to its padded seats, independent suspensions and pneumatic tires.

Seats

As the Coleman KT196 is a two-seater go-kart, you’ll be able to share your off-road racing experience with a passenger. The dual-seats are padded and are very comfortable to sit on, especially for longer driving sessions and even on off-road terrain. 

Moreover, this go-kart is also relatively wide, which makes the entire racing experience even more comfortable and less bumpy.

Suspension & Tires

All four low-pressure tires help with dampening and ensure a smooth ride. Having softer tires also means that you can easily take the kart off-road without having to deal with the discomfort of hard bumps as you go over any type of terrain.

Safety

Since the Coleman Powersports KT196 is designed for adults and youths, safety has been given special importance in the design. The first safety element of the design is the roll cage. Made out of a durable steel, the frame and its roll cage help to keep the driver and the passenger safe. 

Moreover, this off-road go-kart also has a 4-point safety harness that is more secure than regular seatbelts. This harness ensures that you and your passengers are securely fastened into your seats. 

KT196 Safety Features:

  1. Hydraulic Disc Brakes
  2. Sturdy Steel Frame
  3. Protective Roll Cage
  4. 4-Point Safety Harness

Other safety features include a low center of gravity and a wide wheelbase for additional stability. The low-pressure tires also help to absorb impacts and ensure a good ride quality. 

The hydraulic braking system is easy to operate via the brake pedal located on the driver side and the disc brakes work effectively. They can bring the kart to a complete stop in a short amount of time.

Unfortunately, this go-kart doesn’t come with any headlights or fog lights, which would have made racing at night safer. Therefore, it’s best to operate the KT196 during the day or install a pair of aftermarket headlights.

Additional Features

Some other features of the KT196 include a pull-start system, a storage rack which is located behind the seats, and padding on the roll cage. This padding not only ensures that you can easily use the metal bars for support on extremely hot days but it also helps to keep you protected in case of an impact. 

Another cool feature is the kill switch which helps you quickly and easily turn off the engine. Unfortunately, a push-start system is not included, which would have made turning on the engine a little more convenient.

Fun

What’s an off-road kart that isn’t focused on providing fun for the whole family? Luckily, the Coleman Powersports KT196 absolutely delivers in this aspect. Not only is it extremely fun to ride, but it has plenty of features that make it a great choice for families and individuals. 

The design of the go-kart is great for adults and children, and the dual seats make it possible for parents to enjoy racing with their kids, or for siblings and friends to take it out for a spin. 

However, one area that this go-kart excels in is the fact that is perfect for off-road racing. Being able to drive it on nearly any type of terrain means that you can take it along for trips and explore the surrounding environment. 

The adjustable suspension, soft tires, and powerful engine are what make the off-road ride experience comfortable and thrilling.

Assembly

The Coleman Powersports KT196 comes in a crate and requires to be assembled, before being able to ride it. The assembly process is explained in detail in the owner’s manual. 

The parts that you would need to assemble are the wheels, the steering wheel, the storage rack, and the brush guards. All of the required nuts and bolts are included in the package and you’ll only need a basic tool kit to carry out the assembly. 

The process doesn’t take a lot of time. If you follow the step-by-step instructions carefully, you should be able to assemble it within 30 to 60 minutes.

Design

Available in a blue and red design, the Coleman KT196 looks like a true off-road go-kart. While it’s not flashy in design, it’s simplistic and rugged appearance substantiates its functionality: off-road racing.

The metal frame design and exposed parts, such as the suspension, engine and transmission, make the KT192 look like a true off-road go-kart. In combination with  race car-inspired seats this go-kart looks ready to be taken outdoors to conquer any type of terrain.

Final Thoughts

The Coleman KT196 is a great choice for families or individuals who are looking for a safe, powerful and fun off-road go-kart that can tackle any type of terrain.

Its powerful engine, hydraulic braking system, excellent suspension, and the high-quality tires provide an extremely comfortable off-roading experience that is hard to match.

The additional safety features such as the roll cage and the 4-point safety harness ensure that the driver, as well as the passenger are kept safe at all times. 

Overall, the KT196 is an impressive off-road go-kart that is agile and powerful enough to deliver countless hours of outdoor fun!

Features

  • Great for adults and kids
  • 4-Stroke 6.5 hp engine
  • Independent suspensions
  • Variable transmission

Additional Information:


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About Gerrit

Owner, Researcher, Writer & Editor at GoKartGuide.com

Hi, I'm Gerrit. I have been racing go-karts competitively and recreationally for the past 20 years. Apart from actively growing local karting communities, I run GoKartGuide and write comprehensive articles, guides & reviews about go-kart racing. I race, build, mod, & discuss go-karts whenever I find the time. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the read!

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