Hobbies And Interests
Honda Go Kart Production Period
The Honda Go Kart Division of Japan introduced the Odyssey in 1977. They would continue to make improvements on their same basic frame and engines, introducing several models up until 1990, when they ceased production. Honda was known for pricey, and very high-tech performance systems on their machines, with sticker prices ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 and upwards.
Honda Odyssey FL250
The Honda Odyssey was a full-bodied go-kart, equipped with a 250 cc, two-stroke air-cooled engine. It had a pull rope starter and a CVT (constant velocity) transmission, very similar to what is found on modern snowmobiles today. The tires were oversized, air inflation types, and the frame had a simple double-loop roll bar. The front suspension had limited damping capability, and the rear axle was solid in design. The seat was padded and bucket-type. Fenders came standard. The 250 cc model was manufactured and sold from 1977 to 1984.
Honda Odyssey FL350
Banking on the brisk sales and popularity of the FL250 model, Honda released an improved, updated edition of the Odyssey in 1985, called the Odyssey FL 350. The engine size increased to 350 cc, providing a substantial horsepower increase. An electric starter was added, and the transmission was given a reverse gear. The frame was reinforced and given a more eye-appealing design, along with the addition of protective side rails. Larger front and rear fenders came standard. The FL 350 came with full front and rear suspension, providing a much smoother ride. The FL 350 was sold only as a 1985 model.
Honda Pilot FL400
The Pilot FL 400 was by far the most sophisticated and elaborate go-kart produced by Honda. It was manufactured and sold from 1989 to 1990. A two-stroke, liquid-cooled 400 cc engine replaced the 350 cc in the Odyssey. The suspension became further refined and strengthened, to compensate for the increased speed and horsepower. Honda claimed that the Pilot could reach 60 mph. The body was further enclosed with wrap-around side panels, adding a sleek dragster car look. Front and rear struts were added to the frame, creating a full-cage professional roll bar. Heavy-duty shocks were added to the front and rear. The Pilot FL 400 was the last production go-kart manufactured by Honda to date.
Modified and Aftermarket Versions
Many aftermarket swaps have been made on the basic Honda line of go-karts, ranging from frame to engine modifications. The Honda minibike line continued up until 1998, and many of the minibike engines were modified to fit the Honda go-kart frames, as were some the larger motorcycle engines. A "Clone" class was added to the American kart racing industry, which used a 6.5-horsepower four-stroke replica Honda engine made in China. The clone engines readily fitted the oval track, racing and sprint kart chassis'. Virtually any form of the original Honda go-kart engine and frame combinations are valued collector vehicles today, commanding substantial prices on the market.