2012 ST 2+2 safe speed for engine?

[PeterBott]

So I got my new 2012 ST 2+2 with a kawasaki 401cc (13hp) engine today. The guys at the shop said they could make an adjustment from the factory setting to make it faster, so of course I said to do it! I tested it on the street last night with GPS and it was doing 28mph with 23" tires. I have since read that it may not be good for the engine parts if the engine is run too fast. I think they just adjusted the throttle linkage or something but I'm not sure. Is this too fast and am I going to damage the engine? I like it being fast but definitely dont want to hurt the cart. anyone have thoughts on this? Does anyone have an idea what they did? it only took a couple minutes.

[kgsc]

They probably adjusted the governor assembly and if it is running 28 they tweeked it pretty good. I am not sure if I would push a new engine that hard for a while so I would personally slow it down a little. I am not sure however how to do that with the newer Kawasaki but I am sure someone will chime in. If not, go back to the dealer and ask, they probably have another cart there they could show you with. That way you can set it where you wish.

My 2 cents

[gpshemi]

When I first got my st express home it would only go 9mph (gps). I tweaked it to about 33mph, but decided like you A) it seemed like too much for it and B) it's just plain too flippin' fast. Since it lives mostly in RV resorts, I backed it down to about 28mph. It's been running like that all year. Then again we don't do many high speed runs either. So...ymmv.

[PeterBott]

Originally Posted by kgsc

They probably adjusted the governor assembly and if it is running 28 they tweeked it pretty good. I am not sure if I would push a new engine that hard for a while so I would personally slow it down a little. I am not sure however how to do that with the newer Kawasaki but I am sure someone will chime in. If not, go back to the dealer and ask, they probably have another cart there they could show you with. That way you can set it where you wish.

My 2 cents

Ok, thanks for the response, I'm thinking the same thing. There doesn't seem to be too much info out there on this newer engine. I'd love to hear from anyone who might be able to walk me through the procedure of adjusting the governor assy. Pictures would be awesome too, I've looked all over the Internet, even the Kawasaki mule forums and haven't found anything.

[IDIeselman]

You will be fine, I have ran mine inexcess of 4000 RPM and beat it like a rented mule since new two years ago. If it makes you feel better don't run it at full throttle for a couple weeks.

Congrats on the new cart!

[PeterBott]

Originally Posted by IDIeselman

You will be fine, I have ran mine inexcess of 4000 RPM and beat it like a rented mule since new two years ago. If it makes you feel better don't run it at full throttle for a couple weeks.

Congrats on the new cart!

Thanks IDIeselman, good to hear that! I'll take it easy for a bit then start abusing it every now and then. When I finish accessorizing it, I'll post a few pics. Sweet looking cart you got there!

[Scooter B]

Man, it's threads like this that make me want to cross over to the gasser side! What year did EZGO switch to the 401cc Kawi?

[4mula1fan]

My 401 is still running like a champ too, and man will this thing pull a hill. 4 people on board, and straight up the hills we go! It does vibrate some while it's pulling hard. I backed mine down to 22 mph by the Garmin...

[Express in La.]

I've been running mine at about 3500 rpm for over a year and no issues... just didnt want to push it too hard.. mostly neighborhood or campground running anyway...

[Scooter B]

How loud it this engine at 3500 RPM...say compared to a stock 4 wheeler or something?