Why Is My Go-Kart Hopping Through Corners?

Published: 18.7.23

Updated: 14.8.24

A sunny afternoon, the wind in your hair, and a go-kart that seems determined to do the bunny hop through every corner.

It's enough to put a damper on even the best day at the track. So why is your go-kart behaving more like a hopping kangaroo rather than a smooth racing machine? Why Is My Go-Kart Hopping Through Corners?

Well, it's down to a variety of factors that influence the kart's handling characteristics.

From kart setup, tyre grip, weight distribution to track conditions, all play a role. Understanding the basics of go-karts will help you grasp these nuances better.

So, Why Is My Go-Kart Hopping Through Corners?

A go-kart hops through corners primarily due to the design of its solid rear axle, which forces both rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.

This causes the inside rear wheel to lose and regain contact with the track during cornering, leading to the hopping effect. W

hile pushing the kart too hard into a corner or sudden changes in weight distribution can exacerbate the issue, the core problem lies in the solid rear axle design.

To mitigate hopping, it's important to balance speed, adjust kart setup, and refine driving technique, but the absence of a rear differential remains the fundamental cause.

The Solid Rear Axle: The Core Cause of Hopping

The most critical factor in go-kart hopping is the solid rear axle, which locks both rear wheels to the same RPM.

Unlike vehicles with a rear differential, which allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds when cornering, a go-kart's solid rear axle forces both wheels to turn at the same speed.

This design inherently causes one wheel to drag during turns, leading to a hopping effect as the kart struggles to maintain grip.

Delving into The Reasons Behind Go-Kart Hop

Excessive Grip

One of the main reasons for go-kart hopping is too much grip, especially in tight corners.

The solid rear axle contributes significantly to this issue.

When there's excessive grip, the inside rear tyre doesn't unload properly, causing the kart to resist turning. The frame flexes and snaps back, resulting in a hopping motion.

Suspension Issues

While most go-karts don't have traditional suspension systems, the frame's flexibility acts as a crucial form of suspension, known as "chassis flex".

This flexibility allows the kart to absorb bumps and maintain optimal tyre contact with the track surface.

Frame Flexibility and Track Conditions

The frame's stiffness plays a vital role in a go-kart's cornering performance:

A frame that's too stiff can cause the kart to hop through corners, especially on bumpy tracks.
Conversely, an overly flexible frame may lead to unpredictable handling and reduced responsiveness.

Experienced drivers and mechanics often adjust frame flexibility to suit specific track conditions:

For smooth tracks: A stiffer frame setup is generally preferred for better responsiveness.
For bumpy tracks: A more flexible frame helps absorb irregularities and maintain tyre contact.

Balancing Front and Rear Grip

Hopping can also occur when there's an imbalance between front and rear grip levels. This imbalance can be addressed by:

Adjusting tyre pressures
Modifying seat position
Fine-tuning caster and camber angles

The Solid Rear Axle Factor

While frame flexibility and grip balance are important, it's crucial to note that the solid rear axle remains the primary factor influencing a go-kart's tendency to hop through corners.

The axle's design inherently creates a differential effect between the inner and outer rear wheels during cornering, which can lead to hopping if not properly managed.

Driving Technique

Improper driving technique can exacerbate the hopping issue, particularly when turning too tightly in rental karts or applying too much lateral load in corners.

Entering corners with a more rounded, U-shaped trajectory instead of a tight V-shape can help minimise hopping, but it won't eliminate it entirely due to the solid rear axle.

Can a Rear Differential Solve the Problem?

Yes, a rear differential can completely eliminate go-kart hopping by allowing the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds during cornering.

This prevents the inside wheel from dragging and hopping. However, rear differentials are typically avoided in go-karts due to the added weight and complexity they introduce, which conflicts with the go-kart's design principles of simplicity and speed.

Practical Solutions to Mitigate Go-Kart Hop

Given that most go-karts don't use a rear differential, drivers and mechanics focus on other adjustments to mitigate hopping:

Adjusting Grip Levels

To reduce rear grip, consider loosening the rear horizontal bar, widening the rear track, removing seat struts, or decreasing rear tyre pressure.

Increasing the front grip can be achieved by adding a front torsion bar, increasing the front track, or increasing the caster angle.

Frame Adjustments

Experiment with adding or removing torsion bars to change frame stiffness.

Consider adjusting the axle by using a thinner and wider axle to absorb more bumps. In sprint racing, larger diameter axles with thicker walls can help.

Driving Technique Improvements

While mechanical factors play a significant role in go-kart hopping, proper driving techniques can greatly minimise this issue.

Here are some effective strategies that experienced drivers often employ:

Smooth Steering Inputs

Abrupt steering movements can exacerbate hopping. Many successful drivers focus on making smooth, progressive steering inputs to maintain stability through corners.

This technique helps keep the kart balanced and reduces the likelihood of hopping.

Weight Transfer Management

Proper weight transfer is crucial for maintaining traction and reducing hopping. Experienced racers typically follow these steps:

Brake in a straight line before entering the corner
Gradually release the brake as they turn in
Apply throttle smoothly as they exit the corner

This approach helps maintain the kart's balance throughout the cornering process, minimising the chances of hopping.

Adjusting Racing Lines

Sometimes, altering the racing line can help minimise hopping. Skilled drivers often experiment with:

Taking a wider entry into the corner
Aiming for a later apex
Gradually increasing throttle on exit

These adjustments can help distribute the forces acting on the kart more evenly, reducing the likelihood of hopping.

Throttle Control

Precise throttle control is essential, especially when exiting corners. Many top drivers use a technique called "throttle feathering" to maintain optimal traction through corners, which can significantly reduce hopping incidents.

This involves:

Avoiding sudden, aggressive throttle applications
Practicing progressive throttle input
Using the right foot to "feel" the kart's balance

By implementing these driving techniques and continuously practicing them, drivers can minimise go-kart hopping and improve their overall performance on the track. Consistency and smooth inputs are key to mastering these skills.

Tyre Pressure Adjustments

Reduce tyre pressure to lower grip and allow tyres to run cooler. However, ensure that you do not follow manufacturer recommendations for safety reasons.

Tyre Pressure Adjustment Guidelines
Category	Details
Temperature Considerations	For medium to hot temperatures (around 20°C), the ideal pressure range is typically between 0.75 and 0.8 bar (approximately 10.9-11.6 PSI).
Track Conditions	Grippy tracks: Higher pressures (up to 8.5 PSI on right tyres and 7.5 PSI on left tyres) may be used. Low-grip conditions: Pressures as low as 4 PSI (right) and 3 PSI (left) might be appropriate.
General Pressure Ranges	Most go-kart tyres operate in the 8-15 PSI range. Softer, stickier tyres tend to use lower pressures (around 8 PSI). Harder compound tyres may use higher pressures (up to 15 PSI).
Fine-Tuning	Small adjustments of 0.1-0.5 PSI can make a significant difference in performance.
Wet Weather Adjustments	Tyre pressure for rain tyres can be adjusted based on the amount of water present on the track.
Starting Pressures	For races, it's common to start with a lower pressure than the manufacturer's recommended value, as the track is often more rubberized due to increased activity.
Measurement Tools	Using a digital tyre pressure gauge, especially one with memory functions like the Prisma gauge, allows for more precise adjustments and tracking of pressure changes before and after track sessions.

Conclusion: Understanding the True Cause of Go-Kart Hopping

While track conditions, temperature, and driving technique can influence the severity of go-kart hopping, the core issue lies in the solid rear axle design.

Without a rear differential, go-karts will always be prone to hopping during sharp turns.

Understanding this fundamental cause is key to effectively addressing and minimising the hopping effect.

However, as adding a rear differential is often impractical, other adjustments and techniques can help mitigate the issue.

FAQs

What type of tyres are best to prevent go-kart hopping?

Different tyre types can contribute to or help prevent hopping. Choosing the right tyres depends on various factors, including track conditions and the specific kart setup. Consulting with a tyre expert or experienced kart racers can guide you towards the best choice for your specific needs.

How does my seating position affect go-kart hopping?

Your seating position in a go-kart can significantly impact weight distribution and, consequently, kart behaviour. An optimal seating position can help maintain better tyre contact with the track, reducing the chance of hopping.

What role does the kart's suspension play in preventing hopping?

Although go-karts generally don't have a traditional suspension system like cars, the chassis flexibility acts as a form of suspension. Understanding this and learning how to optimise it can be crucial in managing hopping issues.

Can the choice of track affect go-kart hopping?

Different tracks have different characteristics, such as surface material and corner tightness, which can contribute to kart hopping. Familiarising yourself with track conditions and learning to adapt your kart setup and driving technique can help in preventing hopping.

Additional Resources

For more information, tips, and techniques on go-karting, you can explore the following resources:

These resources will equip you with a broader knowledge base and deeper insights into the exciting world of go-karting. Whether you are just starting out, or are a seasoned karter, you can always learn something new!

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