If you’ve ever seen a crosskart ripping across dirt at full throttle, your first thought was probably, “Whoa, that’s one hell of a go-kart!” And hey, you’re not alone — most people outside the racing community think they’re the same thing. But here’s the truth: while they share some DNA, crosskarts and go-karts are two very different beasts.
Let’s dig into what sets them apart.
What’s a Go-Kart?
Go-karts are the gateway drug to motorsport. They’re lightweight, low-slung machines designed almost exclusively for asphalt circuits.
- Engine Size: Typically 50cc–250cc, small-displacement powerplants
- Top Speed: 30–80 mph, depending on the class
- Terrain: Smooth pavement, kart tracks, and closed circuits
- Use Case: Entry-level motorsport, karting leagues, competitive racing ladders
Go-karts are all about precision. They’re corner-carving machines, and if you’ve ever wondered where F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen got their start — yep, it was in go-karts.
But… they’re also limited. The moment you take them off asphalt, things get ugly fast.
What’s a Crosskart?
Now enter the crosskart: the off-road cousin who hits the gym, lifts heavy, and doesn’t mind a little chaos.
- Engine Size: 600cc–1000cc+ (motorcycle engines from Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha)
- Top Speed: 80–120+ mph depending on build
- Terrain: Dirt, gravel, rallycross tracks, short courses, even grass fields
- Use Case: Affordable adrenaline, rallycross feel, hobby racing, semi-pro competition
Crosskarts are go-karts on steroids. Imagine a rally car and a motorcycle had a baby — that’s a crosskart. Roll cage, suspension, dirt-chucking tires, and raw power that make every lap feel like controlled chaos.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Go-Kart | Crosskart |
| Engine Size | 50cc–250cc | 600cc–1000cc+ |
| Terrain | Asphalt | Dirt + multi-terrain |
| Safety | Open seat, low cage | Full roll cage + suspension |
| Use Case | Entry-level track racing | Rallycross, off-road, extreme fun |
| Cost | Low ($1–5k) | Mid ($3–10k+) |
The Bottom Line
- Go-Karts: Great for clean, asphalt racing. Perfect for beginners or those aiming for professional racing ladders
- Crosskarts: Perfect for hobbyists and thrill-seekers who want rally-level fun at a fraction of the cost
So if your dream is to carve asphalt at your local track, stick with a go-kart. But if you want to kick up dirt, go sideways, and feel like a rallycross pro every weekend, a crosskart is your weapon of choice.
At RiskTaker Racing Products, we build chassis, kits, and full rollers that let you step straight into the world of crosskarts. Ready to trade asphalt for adrenaline? View our available models.
