There are not many iconic go-karts out there but the Honda Minimoto Go-Kart is certainly one of them. It’s the only actual go-kart that Honda ever produced – and a great one at that! Nowadays, they’re well-focused on cars, as well as Honda engines for go-karts and other applications.
Here’s a quick summary of the contents:
In this article, we’ll be taking a trip down memory lane for a closer look at what made the Honda Minimoto Go-Kart so iconic and memorable. As they are no longer in production I’ll also share a quick guide on where to grab one of these models if you’re interested.
Honda Minimoto Go-Kart Review
The Honda Minimoto Go-Kart is an iconic electric go-kart. In this review, we will go through the performance, steering and controls, safety, additional features, assembly and design.
Performance
Although this electric go-kart is designed for kids, the Honda Minimoto can reach speeds of up to 18 mph. Believe it or not, this go-kart even fits smaller adults who weigh under 200lbs. It has very good acceleration, reaching 10 mph in just 2.3 seconds.
What makes the Honda Minimoto Go-Kart stand out is its high-torque motor that is powerful, quiet and reliable.
In addition to that, it also comes with a 36V battery that is rechargeable. Better yet, the charger is also included.
Once fully charged, this little powerhouse by Honda can keep going for a distance of about 10 miles or achieve a runtime of around 40 minutes, which is quite impressive.
That is a good enough racing session for younger drivers and the great thing is that it has the ability to recharge to 80% within about 3 hours. For a full charge, it requires about 8 hours.
Steering & Controls
The steering wheel is easy to operate and allows the driver to control the go-kart easily. It has a simple switch on the steering wheel that controls its direction – forward or reverse.
Having a reverse gear is great because it means the kart can be taken out of small spaces without having to turn it around. The switch makes it very simple to operate the kart for young children who don’t want to fiddle around with changing gears.
Those are pretty much the only controls available and this makes the Honda Minimoto Go-Kart a very friendly kart to drive.
Safety
The classic go-kart is built with a full steel frame that is rugged and will keep kids safe even if it comes into contact with something. It also comes with a seatbelt to keep them in place, which is especially important at higher speeds.
Here’s another great feature; this go-kart comes with a speed governor switch that allows parents to cap the top speed of the vehicle at 10 mph. This is great for younger drivers and allows for safer karting experience.
Additional Features
The Honda Minimoto has very high-quality pneumatic tires that offer superior grip. The tires have a pressure of 27 psi and give the kart a low center of gravity to make it even safer while turning – children won’t be able to flip this kart very easily!
The speed limiter for parents to control is also a very good feature that is missing on many other models out there. Just having the ability to control the maximum speed gives parents the extra peace of mind that their child will be safe.
The Honda Minimoto can also seat an adult in it as long as they weigh a maximum of 200 lbs. Although, it’ll make for a pretty squeezy driving experience.
Design
The design of the Honda Minimoto is excellent. This is the kind of go-kart that makes drivers feel like real racers. It has a very cool F1-inspired design, complete with a racing-inspired seat and steering wheel. The seat, in particular, really adds a lot to the kart’s look.
The red and white color combination of the body seems to be an ode to the old school Honda Formula 1 vehicle, adding even more to its aesthetic appeal. The black tires pair very well with this color combination, as does the black steering wheel and the black base of the seat.
Where to Buy the Honda Minimoto Go-Kart
Unfortunately, the Honda Minimoto Go-Kart is no longer in production so you won’t be able to get your hands on a brand new model. However, you’ll be able to buy one on an online marketplace or through classified ads.
Depending on where you are located and on its condition, used Honda Minimoto Go-Karts go for about $100 – $500. Here are some websites where you may be able to pick one of these up:
- Facebook Marketplace
- eBay
- Craigslist
- Offerup
- Worthpoint
Spare parts can be purchased at Monster Scooter Parts and they even have quite a wide selection available.
Honda Minimoto Go-Kart Buying Tips
When it comes to buying a Honda Minimoto Go-Kart there are a few things that you’ll want to consider checking first. This will help you identify if the price of the used model is worth its advertised price.
- Appearance – Given that the Honda Minimoto Go-Kart saw its last production several years ago, ensure that the bodywork and internal components are not too worn.
- Battery Life – Ensure that the battery life is also still acceptable. If not, you can always negotiate a lower price and replace them with new ones.
- Performance – Electric motors can last for many years, given they have been taken care of. Make sure that it’s still able to provide adequate power to the Honda Minimoto.
- Features – It’s also a good idea to test all of the additional features, such as tires, forward and reverse gear, steering wheel and everything else.
Depending on the overall condition of the Honda Minimoto Go-Kart, you’ll be able to propose a reasonable price. Take note that this is an iconic go-kart that is no longer produced! That should add value in itself!
