I purchased two Go Carts from Express ATV's about four weeks ago - I wanted to share my experience for those who are looking into purchasing like I was. I found this forum very useful in making my decisions. I decided to purchase from Express ATV's based on price, and the selection that fit my needs. They seemed to have the best deal and based on the forum had done successful transactions with other buyers. Price negotiation was fine, mainly on shipping and I felt I got a good deal. I did ask a couple of questions when purchasing - Which would be better size wise for a 6'5'' guy (me)? The Viper 262 or the Spyder 250? They stated the Viper. I also asked if these shaft drives had locked diffs. They said yes. The shipping on the Go Carts was fast. I recieved them in about 7 working days. Carts showed up intact with just a few tears in the boxes. There were two steering link bolts and bushings that were missing on the Viper 262 because they had come loose during shipping. Rather than call and wait for them to be shipped I drilled out the holes and used a larger bolt... worked great. The panther was the first to assemble (for my son)... Went together great in about 3 hours - runs fabulous and have had no issues. Viper was a little more involved, and took a full day to assemble. Took it out for a drive and it died when it got warmed up. Started again after it cooled down, and continued like this. I called Express ATV and they were VERY helpful. Troubleshot the issue over the phone and sent me a CDI and a Coil. Took about 5 days to get the parts (bummer) but I replaced them and the issue was resolved. (CDI was the issue). Cart Runs awesome now. My only gripes are... - the carts do NOT have locked diffs as I was told. Not a big deal for how my son and I are using them. Flat grass with some jumps. And hopefully less maintenance on the shaft drives. Other gripe was that Express ATV's said the Viper had more leg room than the Spyder 250. Not so - while I fit in the Viper OK, I saw the Spyder about a week after I got the Viper and there was a ton more leg room. Although... I think the Viper is better built. Overall I am very happy with these Carts and ExpressATV's. My neighbor may be buying in the next few weeks because these things are so much fun. The independent suspension on all four corners is awesome... and the Panther 150 for $1,499 is tough to beat. I hope this helps any perspective buyers.... Attached some Pics of my son / friends in the Panther.
congrats on the purchase!!! I hope you have a lot of luck with the buggies. I highly recommend you getting in touch with simsim44 on this forum for advise and expertise in your viper... he has a fantastic model, and it is highly modified.
Please, update your profile and let us know where you are from!!! We can get others to meet up with you or get you better support locally!
I recently bought a viper 262. After reading your artical I purchased it from express atv. I also was missing bushings on my front end. I was wondering how the brakes are on your kart? I can not lock up the brakes on mine. I bled all the brakes and it feels like there is air in the lines. Right now they are reluctantly sending me a new master cylinder. Can you please let me know how your brakes are. My email is jdubois2@yahoo.com. I have a hard time navigating this sight, so it might be easyier to email me if you can. This kart is a Christmas gift for my daughter and before I pay my MC bill I want to make sure this kart is OK. Thanks