How To Choose A Kart Steering Wheel
Choosing the right steering wheel for your kart racing setup is essential when it comes to achieving maximum control, comfort and overall performance on the track.
But with so many options out there, it can be really difficult to know which option is right for your karting needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors that you should consider when choosing a kart steering wheel, along with Aim’s recommended kart steering wheel.
Diameter
Kart steering wheels come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 300 mm to 360 mm to suit your kart’s chassis and personal preferences.
Smaller wheels (300 mm to 330 mm) are preferred for tight, technical tracks where quick and precise steering inputs are needed. Larger wheels (330 mm to 360 mm) are typically the best option for wider, faster tracks as they provide better leverage and lighter steering effort, reducing strain on the driver’s arms and minimising fatigue during long races.
Shape
Kart steering wheels are available in a variety of shapes to suit driver preferences:
- Round wheel: Traditional and commonly used for consistent handling.
- D-shaped wheels: Provide extra clearance for the driver’s legs and improve ergonomic positioning.
- Flat-bottom wheels: Common in high-end racing karts, offering more room for driver movement.
Material
The material for your kart steering wheel can significantly impact elements like durability, feedback and overall weight of the kart. A high-quality kart steering wheel will often include:
- Aluminium chassis: Lightweight and durable to enhance kart responsiveness and durability.
- Carbon fibre composites: Extremely lightweight, reducing inertia and enhancing responsiveness.
- Foam or suede grips: Preferred by professional karters for improved hand comfort and grip under different racing conditions.
- Ergonomic contouring: Ensures optimal hand placement for better steering.
Display Integration
Many modern karting steering wheels now come with pre-drilled holes to allow drivers to easily mount a display into the setup. This integration allows drivers to easily see performance data, such as lap times, RPM and speed to make adjustments to improve performance.
Related: How to choose the best kart display
Dish
Dish refers to the depth of the steering wheel from the mounting point. Deeper dishes bring the steering wheel closer to the driver, which is preferred for taller drivers for added comfort. Conversely, a shallow dish steering wheel allows drivers to sit closer to the steering column. This type of steering wheel is better for drivers who need to make quick movements.
Although both types of dish are suitable for all kart drivers, a shallow dish style may be preferred for competitive kart racing.
How To Mount A Race Kart Steering Wheel
To ensure that your steering wheel is mounted securely to your karting setup, follow these steps:
- Remove the existing wheel by removing the bolts that are securing the wheel to the steering column.
- Position the new wheel on the steering hub, ensuring proper alignment with the steering column.
- Secure the wheel to the hub with bolts, but avoid overtightening to reduce stress on the mounting points.
- Check that the wheel moves seamlessly without feeling stiff or off-centre.
Upgrade Your Setup With Aim Kart Steering Wheels
Aim kart steering wheels are designed to meet the highest standards of performance, comfort and durability to suit a variety of karting setups. Based on the points that we’ve previously discussed, let’s take a look at how Aim kart steering wheels stand out in the karting community:
- Diameter: Its 340mm diameter makes it ideal for high-speed kart racing, combining responsive steering with driver comfort.
- Shape: The flat bottom design improves ergonomics, providing drivers with better leg clearance for a more comfortable and controlled grip without unnecessary interference.
- Material: Made from lightweight Anodimed Aluminium with Koram Nabuk and Shammy Leather, this steering wheel offers maximum grip and control. This allows drivers to achieve consistent and competitive lap times.
- Display: Available in 3 and 6-hole options, the steering wheel allows for MyChron displays to be easily integrated (display sold separately). This allows drivers to visualise crucial data, such as lap times, RPM and engine performance in real time.
- Dish: Its 32 mm dish allows for the installation of MyChron lap timers, without protruding too far from the wheel. This ensures easy visibility of crucial data, without distracting from driving focus.
If you’re looking for a high-performance race kart steering wheel that enhances control, comfort and data integration, we have the option for you. Shop Aim kart steering wheels today and take your kart racing experience to the next level.