old ATV'er, new to "buggies"

[cybercop106]

Howdy all!
Now that I'm finally retired and (mostly) settled in FL, I'm researching dune buggy-type 'go carts'. I'm planning to ride in the Apalachicola NF (N Oak, Vinzant, Silver Lake) among other places. In this state they are apparently called ROVs (Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles) and are limited to 60" width.
I'll have to figure out if there is a 2 seater buggy narrow enough but powerful enough to fit and lug me around (a shade over 6' and 230lbs) with a smaller passenger, that also features a big enough bucket seat, reverse gear and halfway decent brakes/suspension.
It's not looking good................

So I appreciate any advice/recommendations.

-Jim

[joshstep1]

Hi Jim. I'm Josh. Something I have figured out about mini buggies (at least the 150s) is that they have pretty good power right out of the box. I have an ASW (American Sportworks) Carbide 150. I was impressed when I got it. Then I put a few mods on it and I was even more impressed with it. Most mini buggies are pretty comfortable; the Carbide is very comfortable. Almost all buggies come with a reverse gear, and some also have a neutral. So far the only buggy I've seen with out a reverse gear is the Tomberlin Crossfire. Buggies with a rear wheel braking system only have good stopping power, but the ones with four wheel braking ,like the Carbide, have ridiculous stopping power. I can stop going down a very steep dirt hill easily, most of the time. The suspension on 150 buggies is usually not that good though. I hope I answered all of your questions. If I didn't, just tell me.

[24evanwilson]

hi and what josh said lol

im evan

[cybercop106]

Thanks for the info Josh, and for the PM Evan.
Oddly enough, the buggy I was last looking at was the 150 Crossfire. It looked okay, but the lack of reverse was a dealbreaker. I will be using the reviews mostly, to determine what's a good price and reliable unit.

[BuggyMaster]

The hammerhead 250 is probably your best bet if you have a 60" width limit. Plenty of power and will fit in the back of a pickup truck.

[joshstep1]

Or a YamaBuggy 400! Those are awesome! But they may be a little expensive. But then again, so are the HH 250s.

[BuggyMaster]

Yamabuggy is too big for the 60" rule. They are huge.

[joshstep1]

Oh, I didn't know they were that big

[24evanwilson]

they're big lol

[joshstep1]

Duh! But the main reason I would buy one would be for the 5 speed semi auto tranny!

[24evanwilson]

thats what my z is lol

[cybercop106]

How about the 250cc LG Tomahawk or the Sahara 250cc? Looks like they are 59" & 58" wide respectively, with good ground clearance and specs. Any knowledge of them?
I have a 16 year old and a 14 year old, so don't want them to get much over 50mph, or pay over $3000 until I find out if we really like them and that they can handle the configuration......
I can always upgrade later........ but the 60" width thing will still be a prob!!
Anyways, they've driven my ATVs (Kaw Prairie 400s), but always with the accelerator limiter. The 16 yo can finally ride by herself on public trails but that will annoy the 14 yo, so I wanted something the 14 yo could drive while I ride shotgun, but that was still capable of giving me a thrill or two on my own.....

[bige]

welcome, the hammerhead or the kinroad sahara would meet the width limit, the kinroad would have more leg room if its the long frame version. also the new carter matrix would fit also. I have the specs on my websight www.*************************

[booda72]

i am 6 ' and around 250 and my helix works just fine for me. that definately meets the width limitations that you have. you can get those for under 2000 and its a nice ride.

[cybercop106]

Thanks for the input guys!!!
I test drove a used 250cc Hammerhead (2006 I think) at a Scooter store today. It had definite signs of hard usage and the acceleration was unimpressive. I ran it on a paved sideroad and in their small gravel lot, so arguably I wasn't able to push it too much. They wanted $1800 for it, which would probably be reasonable if it was in better shape.
I plan to test at least half a dozen different ones UNLESS I find a fantastic deal on a reputable machine before I can do so.
HA..... like THAT will happen!!
I missed a really nice Talon that had been refurbished, sold for under $500 by a private party. I called right after the guy who bought it.......

[BuggyMaster]

Now that I think aabout it, you should look for a Honda Odyssey or a Pilot.

[joshstep1]

What he said

[Krusekontrol]

The Oddy and the Pilot only have 1 seat, but they are sweet machines. The new Carter lineup is top shelf and so are the kinroads. The HH 250 is nice but for what your looking for the climbing, speed and comfort the carter brands are your best bet. I own crossfires but I have tried a ton of different buggies at many rallies and I would strongly suggest you give a good look at the kinroad and Carter models.

[EJ Mac]

As already stated you can't go wrong with Carter, Kinroad, or Hammerhead. I own 2 Kinroads and 1 HH and the Kinroads are very roomy, but I would gladly relinquish mine to get a HH250SS w/ the Hi/Lo Tranny. BTW the Crossfire has a 150R that is silver that has reverse and from what I understand it is an internal unit that is supposed to be a pretty good design.

[joshstep1]

I think anyone would trade a 150 for a HH250.

[24evanwilson]

very true lol