Kid Kart Tech TipMaximize Your Driver's Safety with the Jex Kid Kart Clutch Guard
Bergfelt Racing Enterprises
Kid Kart Page
Kid Kart Tech Tip
Maximize Your Driver's Safety with the Jex Kid Kart Clutch Guard
The main objecttive of kid kart racing, any kart racing for that matter, is to have fun. Without a doubt, in any motorsport there is a certain amout of inherent danger and participants need to be fully aware of those risks and take whatever precautions to minimize them. One area where there is room for safety improvement in kid kart racing is in the area of proper shielding of the dirve system components from the driver. Jex Manufacturing and Bergfelt Racing Enterprises, LLC recognized that and teamed up to produce the Jex Kid Kart Clutch Guard. Most of the credit for this product goes to the people at Jex but Bergfelt Racing Enterprises, LLC was very honored to serve as a consultant in the project.
The Jex Kid Kart Clutch Guard effectively shields the drivers arm and shoulder from making contact with a very hot rotating clutch drum, sprocket, and chain and drastically cuts down on chain lube from getting all over the drivers suit. Additionally it protects the driver from the blast of hot air blown out from the blower housing. This is a very well thought out piece of top quality equipment. One of the features lacking from the Comer C-50 design is an adequate provision for mounting a serious guard. Jex Manufacturing solved that situation by mounting the guard to a very sturdy and light weight mounting plate that fits between the crankcase and motor mount. Not only does the plate serve as a foundation for the Clutch Guard, it has the added benefit of stiffening the crankcase combining safety with enhanced performance potential.
As is illustrated in the photograph above, there are two threaded holes that the body of the guard attaches to. The holes in the guard body are slotted in such a way that they only have to be loosened a bit to allow the mechanic to slide the guard to one side slightlly to easily lift it off to gain access to the clutch and chain.
One of the coolest features of the Jex Kid Kart Clutch Guard is the adjustable heat shield. The purpose is to deflect the hot air that blows out from the forced air cooling system away from the drivers arm and shoulder. An added benefit is that it allows the mechanic to adjust the operating temperature of the engine. To increase the operating temperature of the engine adjust the heat shield so that it is positioned right up against the cooling fins preventing the air from easily exiting increasing its temperature. To cool things down, position the shield so that the air can escape around the sides.
Open heat shield on left and closed heat shield on right.
One more safety feature is the wide plastic chain guard strap that deflects the chain in the event that it would break. It also cuts down on chain lube getting all over the back of the driver's arm. It is designed to extend to the rear bumper where the end can be attached in a variety of ways.
The hardware that attaches the heat shield and plastic chain guard strap is easily replacable.
The Jex Kid Kart Clutch Guard is manufactured from light weight, high strength aluminum and is anodized black to keep it looking good for a long time. It is sold as a complete kit that includes everything needed to completely install and use it right away. As can be seen from the preceeding photographs it is simple to install and use.
The Complete Jex Kid Kart Clutch Guard sells for $90.00 plus shipping and handling as of January 1, 2010. Prices are subject to change without notice so be sure to verify the current selling price and availability when placing an order.
To order call (724) 847-3677
fax (724) 847-1566
or email:
info@bergfeltracing.com
