Opinions for a Off-road/Sand mini???

[mlchris2]

So I have been reading posts for awhile on this board and still havent a clue. I am wanting to build a 1000cc+ (possibly upgrade to a v-tec honda motor later on) 2 seat mini.

I'd like something suited for the dunes, desert and ability to take on some ATV/mountain trails. I am an aggressive driver of sorts. I tend to jump a little more than most and tend to drive things like I stole 'em some of the time . A few of my concerns would be handling and durability.

I have a shop that has all the tools needed to build. I will end up doing an equal part of making parts and buying pre-built from suppliers.

I would like to hear from all the owner/drivers out there which frame I could order plans for or order pre-built that might suite my needs.

I have been checking out the following;

Badland Buggy ST4 (only gripe about this frame is the nose. too narrow.)
Desertkart Panther and Pantera (I would more than likley modify into a 2 seater)
ATV Racing TAZCAR (really really like this one)
ExtremeBahaKarts EBK1 (if I can get frame plans, would modify into 2 seater)
ProSand SureShot 2 (dont really know if this will work for off-road setup)
Rorty R82 and R16 ( like these, but the front end hasnt grown on me yet)
TeamMoto LT2 (really like these)
Short Sand Car (my old neighbor in UT. dont know about an off-road setup)

Any opinions/information you can provide on these would be awesome.

[El Toro]

I would look at the components and ask some owner of the cars your looking at for their take on durability of the said brand. Just my 2cents....

[Gene]

Welcome to MBN! Here is my opinion:

Badland Buggy ST4 (only gripe about this frame is the nose. too narrow.) - If you don't like the nose then redesign it.
Desertkart Panther and Pantera (I would more than likley modify into a 2 seater)- Seems like customers have issues with customer support.
ATV Racing TAZCAR (really really like this one)- Highly recommended so get your wallet out and get ready to pay.
ExtremeBahaKarts EBK1 (if I can get frame plans, would modify into 2 seater) - I don't think plans are avaialble and the two seater looks cool.
ProSand SureShot 2 (dont really know if this will work for off-road setup)- Great price for a knock down frame but get ready to design components to put the car together and make it work correctly.
Rorty R82 and R16 ( like these, but the front end hasnt grown on me yet) - Best plans available - make the front end look different or just accept it.
TeamMoto LT2 (really like these)- Read more about TeamMoto then decide.
Short Sand Car (my old neighbor in UT. dont know about an off-road setup)- Guess he's a nice guy but the design needs improvement IMO. Front end geometry inhibits steering.

Lots more to say. Learn something about suspension geometry before deciding on any build.

[El Toro]

Originally Posted by Gene

Welcome to MBN! Here is my opinion:

Badland Buggy ST4 (only gripe about this frame is the nose. too narrow.) - If you don't like the nose then redesign it.
Desertkart Panther and Pantera (I would more than likley modify into a 2 seater)- Seems like customers have issues with customer support.
ATV Racing TAZCAR (really really like this one)- Highly recommended so get your wallet out and get ready to pay.
ExtremeBahaKarts EBK1 (if I can get frame plans, would modify into 2 seater) - I don't think plans are avaialble and the two seater looks cool.
ProSand SureShot 2 (dont really know if this will work for off-road setup)- Great price for a knock down frame but get ready to design components to put the car together and make it work correctly.
Rorty R82 and R16 ( like these, but the front end hasnt grown on me yet) - Best plans available - make the front end look different or just accept it.
TeamMoto LT2 (really like these)- Read more about TeamMoto then decide.
Short Sand Car (my old neighbor in UT. dont know about an off-road setup)- Guess he's a nice guy but the design needs improvement IMO. Front end geometry inhibits steering.

Lots more to say. Learn something about suspension geometry before deciding on any build.

Well said Gene!

[Mopar]

Originally Posted by mlchris2

So I have been reading posts for awhile on this board and still havent a clue. I am wanting to build a 1000cc+ (possibly upgrade to a v-tec honda motor later on) 2 seat mini.

I dont know if a Honda is an upgrade from a streetbike motor IMO they just dont have the power to weight ratio that an Busa or R1 have....