Go Kart Engines
TrailMaster go karts deliver fun and adventure, but the heart of every kart is the engine. Without a strong and reliable engine, the best frame, suspension, or CVT can’t do its job.
TrailMaster has built its reputation by choosing engines that are proven, easy to maintain, and backed by a long history of dependable engineering.
Two main engine families power TrailMaster karts:
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The 6.5 hp and 7 hp single-cylinder engines, which are Chinese-built clones of the Honda GX160.
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The GY6 engine, a long-lasting workhorse found in TrailMaster 200 series go karts.
Let’s explore what makes these engines so dependable, what kind of care they need, and why they’re a smart choice for families looking to invest in a go kart.
The 6.5 and 7 Horsepower Engines
What They Are
The smallest TrailMaster go karts, like the Mini XRX, Mini XRX-R, and Mid XRX models, use 6.5 hp or 7 hp engines. These engines are air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder designs.
They are direct clones of the Honda GX160, a legendary small engine that has powered everything from pressure washers to concrete mixers to go karts for decades.
Because of their Honda heritage, these clone engines benefit from perfected engineering. They have been refined over many years and tested in tough conditions all over the world.
Reliability and Durability
Families trust these engines because they start easily, run smoothly, and hold up under rough use. TrailMaster chooses this style of engine because it can handle:
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Repeated starts and stops on short rides.
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Heavy loads, such as hauling kids and gear up hills.
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Off-road bumps and the dust that comes with trail riding.
These engines don’t need complicated electronics or liquid cooling. Their simple air-cooled design keeps them light and dependable.
Parts Availability
One of the biggest advantages of these Honda GX160-style engines is parts availability.
Since millions of these engines exist worldwide, replacement parts are everywhere. Carburetors, pull starters, spark plugs, filters, and gaskets are easy to find and affordable.
TrailMaster owners never need to worry about finding a rare or expensive part. Most local small engine shops carry compatible components.
Maintenance Recommendations
Even the best engine needs proper care. TrailMaster recommends a regular maintenance routine that keeps these 6.5 hp and 7 hp engines running strong for years.
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Break-In Service (after 5 hours of use):
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Drain the factory oil and replace it with Amsoil 10W30 small engine oil.
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Check the air filter and clean it if dusty.
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Service the torque converter
- Tighten all hardware
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Every 5–10 Hours of Use:
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Change the oil again to keep it fresh. These small engines hold little oil, so regular changes are critical.
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Clean the air filter. Off-road dust can clog it quickly.
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Inspect and tighten bolts, especially the exhaust and engine mounting bolts.
- Service the torque converter
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Every 25 Hours of Use:
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Replace the spark plug.
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Inspect the pull starter cord for wear.
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Check the fuel lines and carburetor for any dirt or buildup.
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By following this schedule, families can count on their TrailMaster kart to start easily and run reliably every time.
The GY6 Engine on 200 Series Karts
What It Is
The TrailMaster 200 series go karts, such as the Blazer 200 and 200EX, step up in power. These karts use a GY6 engine, a 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine originally designed for scooters and ATVs.
The GY6 has been around since the 1960s. Like the GX160-style clones, it benefits from decades of refinement.
Reliability and Durability
The GY6 balances strong performance with dependable design. TrailMaster chooses it because it offers:
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Smooth power delivery for higher speeds.
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Durable construction that holds up under heavier loads.
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Proven track record across scooters, buggies, and ATVs worldwide.
Families enjoy the confidence of knowing their go kart engine isn’t an experiment. It’s a tested design that has served millions of riders.
Parts Availability
Because the GY6 engine powers so many scooters and ATVs, parts are everywhere.
Need a new carburetor, belt, or ignition coil? Chances are, your local repair shop has one on the shelf. Online suppliers also stock every imaginable replacement part.
This wide availability keeps repair costs low and ensures your kart can stay on the trail instead of in the garage.
Maintenance Recommendations
TrailMaster recommends a similar service schedule for the GY6 engine, with a focus on both oil and CVT belt care.
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Break-In Service (after 5 hours of use):
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Drain and replace the factory oil with Amsoil 10W30 engine oil.
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Inspect the CVT belt for proper fit.
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Check the air filter and clean it if dusty.
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Every 5–10 Hours of Use:
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Change the oil again to protect the crankshaft and bearings.
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Clean the air filter. Off-road use brings in plenty of dust.
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Check and adjust the chain tension.
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Inspect the CVT cover and belt.
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Every 25 Hours of Use:
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Replace the spark plug.
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Inspect the CVT belt for wear and replace if needed.
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Inspect electrical connections, including ignition coil and starter.
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Routine care keeps the GY6 engine smooth and strong, ensuring families can enjoy weekend after weekend of karting.
Why TrailMaster Engines Inspire Confidence
TrailMaster doesn’t cut corners when choosing engines. They pick proven designs that offer:
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Reliability: Engines that start and run every time.
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Durability: Built to handle rough trails and heavy use.
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Parts support: Easy to maintain with widely available parts.
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Perfected engineering: Decades of improvements mean fewer surprises.
By sticking to engines like the GX160 clones and the GY6, TrailMaster avoids risky, untested designs. Instead, they give families engines with a track record of success.
The Role of Amsoil 10W30
Oil is the lifeblood of these engines. Because small engines hold little oil, quality matters even more.
TrailMaster recommends Amsoil 10W30 small engine oil for all go karts. It offers:
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Superior heat resistance, important in air-cooled designs.
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Longer engine life, thanks to reduced wear.
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Cleaner running, which keeps carburetors and plugs in good condition.
Using the right oil gives every TrailMaster engine the best chance at lasting for many years.
Engines You Can Trust
The 6.5 hp and 7 hp Honda GX160-style engines, along with the GY6 engines on the 200 series, prove why TrailMaster go karts are so dependable. These engines are simple, perfected, and backed by an endless supply of parts.
With regular oil changes, air filter cleaning, and spark plug checks, they will run strong for years of family fun.
TrailMaster builds its karts for long-term enjoyment, not short-term thrills. When you buy one, you aren’t just getting a go kart—you’re getting an engine design trusted around the world.
That’s why you can feel confident investing in a TrailMaster go kart. The engines inside them are as reliable as the memories you’ll make on the trail.
No matter what the internt says, we stick with what we know to be true. We know what works, and we share that with our customers. We have used Amsoil in all of our powersports for decades. And we've always used 10W30. In the frigid winters of South Dakota, the humid summers in Georgia, and the milk climate of Missouri, 10W30 has always taken great care of our go karts and mini bikes. Get some today!
