So, you’ve heard the word “CrossKart” getting tossed around — maybe at the track, maybe on some motorsports forum, or maybe a buddy said it while showing you a wild YouTube video of a screaming little buggy tearing across a dirt field.
Now you’re thinking: What the heck is a CrossKart? Is it a go-kart with a protein shake? Is it an off-road golf cart gone rogue? Or is it something in between?
Let’s clear it up.
The Short Answer
A CrossKart is a lightweight, off-road buggy powered by a motorcycle engine. Imagine strapping superbike horsepower into a tiny, tube-frame rocket on wheels — and then letting it loose on dirt, gravel, or pavement. That’s a CrossKart.
They were first invented in Europe back in the 1980s as an affordable, high-speed racing alternative to cars. Since then, they’ve become a whole underground motorsport of their own, and now they’re finally sneaking their way into the U.S.
In simple terms:
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Size: Smaller than a UTV, bigger than a go-kart
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Engine: Motorcycle engines (600cc–750cc for standard models)
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Speed: 70–90 mph (or over 120 mph if you’re talking Super CrossKarts)
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Terrain: Built for dirt, gravel, tracks, and pretty much anything except the mall parking lot
Why Are CrossKarts So Popular?
1. Bang for Your Buck
You don’t need six figures to get into motorsports. A CrossKart gives you superbike thrills at a fraction of the price of a UTV or track car. It’s hands-down one of the cheapest ways to get your adrenaline fix.
2. DIY Heaven
Love tinkering? Most CrossKarts are designed to be built yourself. You can buy blueprints, kits, or even just parts and piece them together in your garage. It’s like a hot rod project — but for dirt.
3. Stupid Amounts of Fun
Lightweight frame + motorcycle engine = a power-to-weight ratio that’ll melt your face. These things don’t just drive — they launch. And sliding sideways through dirt at 70 mph? You’ll never look at a UTV the same way again.
4. Versatility
Street, dirt, grass, track — CrossKarts don’t care. They’ll rip on whatever surface you put under them.
CrossKart vs. Go-Kart
Here’s where people get confused. A go-kart is designed for pavement and tight corners. Great fun, but pretty limited.
A CrossKart? Totally different beast. Bigger engines, more suspension, and a design meant to handle off-road punishment. If a go-kart is your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, a CrossKart is more like Deadpool — rowdy, unhinged, and way less safe to have around the kids.
Who Are CrossKarts For?
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Weekend warriors who want something fast and affordable to play with
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DIY builders who like projects almost as much as driving them
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Racers looking for a stepping stone into bigger, faster motorsports
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Adrenaline junkies who think UTVs are too tame
If you’ve ever looked at a dirt track and thought, “Man, I wish I could just sling something around that corner at full throttle,” — then yeah, a CrossKart is for you.
The CrossKart Spectrum: From Fun to Insane
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Standard CrossKart: 600–750cc, ~80–120 hp, 70–90 mph. Perfect entry-level ride that still feels absolutely wild.
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Super CrossKart: 1000cc superbike engines, 150+ hp, 120+ mph. Not for the faint of heart — this is where things get downright ridiculous.
Why RiskTaker Racing Products is All About CrossKarts
At RiskTaker Racing Products, we’re not just selling frames and kits — we’re building a community. CrossKarts are new to the U.S., and we’re here to make sure people can actually get their hands on them without importing some overpriced European unicorn.
We’ve got:
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Blueprints & kits for the DIY crowd
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Fully built CrossKarts if you just want to rip, not wrench
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Parts and upgrades to keep your ride mean
And because we’re racers ourselves, we get it — you want something fast, tough, and fun that won’t drain your bank account. That’s exactly why we do what we do.
Final Thoughts
So, what is a CrossKart?
It’s not a go-kart. It’s not a UTV. It’s not a dune buggy.
It’s a dirt-slinging, adrenaline-pumping, garage-built weapon that’s equal parts project and play.
Whether you’re looking to build one from scratch or jump straight into a pre-built monster, CrossKarts are the most fun you can legally (well… mostly legally) have behind a wheel. Shop now >
