McCulloch F1 & R1 differences

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Jeff Schroeder
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McCulloch F1 & R1 differences

Post by Jeff Schroeder » Tue Jan 15, 2013 8:30 pm

Can someone out there in Kartland please tell me the difference between a 1961 McCulloch "F1" and " R1" kart. Thanks, Jeff

kevin brown
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Re: McCulloch F1 & R1 differences

Post by kevin brown » Wed Jan 16, 2013 9:34 am

Jeff,
Check out this site for pictures http://macbobaust.com/kart_brands2.html.
The F1 was the first Mc kart and the entry level kart . As in least expensive. I have read that the "F" stood for fun. In the picture on Bob's site the F1 has an incorrect seat. The correct seat would be the same as the seat in the picture of the R300, only in black. Fixed engine mount.

The R1 was the "Racing" version hence R. Added tubing on the side. "Quick change" ? rear axle assembly enabled you to remove the power train ( Engines, mounts, axle, wheels/tires, sprockets) as a unit . And use the same kart with different setups for different classes.

It has been said that the F1 was the better handling kart.

Kevin

Rob Voska
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Re: McCulloch F1 & R1 differences

Post by Rob Voska » Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:24 pm

I heard the "F" was for family. Also I hear the F handled better than the R1.

Dick Teal
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Re: McCulloch F1 & R1 differences

Post by Dick Teal » Wed Jan 16, 2013 2:03 pm

I couldn't make either one handle very good but that could be my problem and not the kart.

I had a new R-1, when they first came out, with a pair of Mc20's for about three weeks and it was sooooo bad it had to go.

Dick Teal

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Scott Kneisel
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Re: McCulloch F1 & R1 differences

Post by Scott Kneisel » Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:32 pm

An R1 basket case was my first vintage restore and was actually a biggie winner in 2009. I had always driven Rupps back in the day so the R1 took some getting used to but I actually felt comfortable with it's handling, especially with 2 engines. It is a little roomier for us taller guys with an extra inch or so leg room. I have a 1961 Karting World article where they said it handled beautifully but I'll bet they got paid to say so by McCulloch. Next to a GoKart 800 or a Fox I don't know how they could claim that but they did. There was a reason they were only produced for 2 years. I also heard that the F1 handled better and the R200 even better with a floating pan and floating mount. Only trouble with those karts is they always broke in half right behind the seat, one side or the other. I always laugh when I see one for sale with a big glob of weld on the main tube behind the seat.

Now I have 4 Rupps, back to my roots!!

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Randy Forbes
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Re: McCulloch F1 & R1 differences

Post by Randy Forbes » Fri Jun 07, 2013 9:56 am

An R1, showing the two (2) rows of frame tubes on the sides; yep, this one had to be repaired too...

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... =3&theater

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