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Do you think using Kenda 4.10/3.50-5 sawtooth tires would be a good choice for general karting use? How would they react in a high grip, high speed asphalt turn? Plus they look somewhat vintage kinda like 50's and 60's car bias ply tires, thanks.

I run them on the front of 2 of my early dead axle karts. Karts are slow so traction is not much of a problem.

Hey rob. What is a dead Axle kart, I am thinking one wheel drive!

One wheel peel. The early karts were most dead axle until 59-60 when live axles were the "thing".

Hi Rob. I remember my good friend had a homemade kart and it was one wheel peeler, lol. It had a 5 hp briggs and I remember it would chew the drive tire quite quickly, then when he swiped a 4 incher off his dad's hand truck he got real mad and that kart was sold asap, funny now that I think of it. So would it not be ideal to use 5 inch sawtooth tires on my 62 live axle rupp? Thanks again.

Scott,
I good choice of tire for your kart is the Cheng Shin slicks. They look very close to the old Carlisle racing slicks of the day and perform great. They are available for 4", 5", and 6" wheels depending on what sizes you have. They are reasonably priced and readily available. Check American Power Sport, a link is on this website. If you need wheels, lot of us use the Azusa Tri Star wheels. These too are available at APS. If you need parts for your kart, including upholstery, get in touch with Robert Stanton at Rob-Ron. He still builds and sells the "Rupp" karts. His contact info is in the links on this site as well. Have fun and welcome to our disease.
Bob

Hey there Bob. I have been looking a the cheng shin slicks and the Azusa tri star wheels, I have a 6 inch on the front of my "sprocket" mini bike. I have 2 5 inch rupp turbines on the front that are mint but some one painted them black I just need to 5 inch rears but man they are $$$$ and hard to find. I have contacted Robert in the past and inquired about a "new" rolling chassis, way outta my price range and kinda takes the fun of building one up. Ever since my dad loaned out a book from the local library called the complete guide to karting when I was like 9 or 10 I new something was special with those older karts, I think the book was published in 1961! I could say I am hooked