Hello everyone. My Yamaha G29 is slower than a turtle, and I’ve tried everything I can think of to speed it up. Anyone out there have any magic tricks to make this thing go faster?
Response
I feel your pain; slow carts are no fun. One game-changer for me was getting the PTV mode set up by a Yamaha dealer. It was like night and day; the cart hit 19 MPH!
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTV Mode with Yamaha Dealer | 2 | Increased speed to 19 MPH | Varies | 30-60 |
| Alltrax 400 Amp Controller | 1 | Speed increased to 22-25 mph | $400-$500 | 60-120 |
| Taller Tires | 1 | Increased speed but reduced torque | $100-$200 | 30-60 |
| Alltrax 300 AMP Controller | 1 | Speed increased to 21-23 mph | $350-$450 | 60-120 |
| Cable Adjustment and Clutch Replacement | 1 | Smoother on take-off | $100-$200 | 30-60 |
| Adjusting the Rev Limiter | 1 | Picked up some speed | $0 | 5-10 |
| Zip Tie the Governor | 1 | Got about 20-21 MPH | $0 | 5-10 |
| Gear Ratio Adjustment | 1 | Increased speed but affected torque | $100-$200 | 30-60 |
Symptoms
- Cart moves at a snail’s pace
- Struggles to climb hills
- Speed doesn’t go beyond 10-11 mph
Possible Causes
- Incorrect PTV settings
- Inadequate controller
- Worn-out tires
- Poor battery condition
- Damaged speed sensor
Solutions that Worked
1. PTV Mode with Yamaha Dealer
What I Did:
Took the cart to a Yamaha dealer to have PTV mode set up.
Outcome:
Increased speed to 19 MPH.
Personal Experience:
After setting up the PTV mode, my cart’s speed increased significantly. It was like a whole new machine.
Estimated Cost:
Varies
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Research and locate an authorized Yamaha dealer near you.
- Call ahead to schedule an appointment and inquire about the PTV mode setup.
- Take your Yamaha G29 to the dealer on the scheduled date.
- Request to have the PTV mode set up and wait for the process to be completed.
Expert Tip:
Ensure your cart has lights and reflectors installed as dealers may require them for the PTV mode setup. Also, check if your cart’s firmware is up-to-date as some dealers might update it as part of the PTV setup.
2. Alltrax 400 Amp Controller
What I Did:
Installed an Alltrax 400 amp controller.
Outcome:
Speed increased to 22-25 mph.
Personal Experience:
After installing the Alltrax 400 amp controller, the cart felt like a rocket. The speed increase was noticeable, and it was well worth the investment.
Estimated Cost:
$400-$500
Time Needed:
60-120 minutes
Steps:
- Purchase an Alltrax 400 amp controller compatible with your Yamaha G29.
- Disconnect the battery before starting the installation.
- Remove the old controller from your cart.
- Install the new Alltrax 400 amp controller following the installation guide.
- Reconnect the battery and test the cart to ensure the controller is functioning correctly.
Expert Tip:
Make sure to also upgrade your battery cables for optimal performance when installing a new controller. A poor battery connection can limit the performance gains from a new controller.
3. Taller Tires
What I Did:
Installed taller tires on the cart.
Outcome:
Increased speed but reduced torque.
Personal Experience:
The taller tires did increase the speed, but I noticed a significant reduction in torque, especially on hills.
Estimated Cost:
$100-$200
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Research and purchase taller tires that are compatible with your Yamaha G29.
- Use a jack to lift the cart off the ground.
- Remove the old tires.
- Install the new, taller tires.
- Lower the cart and tighten all bolts and nuts.
Expert Tip:
If you’re considering bigger tires, be prepared for a decrease in torque, especially on hills. Also, recalibrating your speedometer might be necessary as taller tires can affect its accuracy.
4. Alltrax 300 AMP Controller
What I Did:
Installed an Alltrax 300 AMP controller.
Outcome:
Speed increased to 21-23 mph.
Personal Experience:
The Alltrax 300 AMP controller was a bit cheaper than the 400 AMP version but still provided a significant speed boost.
Estimated Cost:
$350-$450
Time Needed:
60-120 minutes
Steps:
- Purchase an Alltrax 300 AMP controller compatible with your Yamaha G29.
- Disconnect the battery before starting the installation.
- Remove the old controller from your cart.
- Install the new Alltrax 300 AMP controller following the installation guide.
- Reconnect the battery and test the cart to ensure the controller is functioning correctly.
Expert Tip:
Make sure to also upgrade your battery cables for optimal performance when installing a new controller. A poor battery connection can limit the performance gains from a new controller.
5. Cable Adjustment and Clutch Replacement
What I Did:
Adjusted the cables and replaced the clutch.
Outcome:
The cart became smoother on take-off.
Personal Experience:
After adjusting the cables and replacing the clutch, the cart felt much smoother, especially during take-off.
Estimated Cost:
$100-$200
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Inspect the cables for any signs of wear or damage.
- Use a wrench to loosen the cable adjusters.
- Adjust the cable tension as needed.
- Tighten the cable adjusters.
- Remove the old clutch and install a new one.
Expert Tip:
When adjusting cables, make sure they are properly lubricated and free from any kinks or frays for optimal performance. Also, consider using a torque wrench for precise tightening.
6. Adjusting the Rev Limiter
What I Did:
Adjusted the rev limiter on the cart.
Outcome:
Picked up some speed.
Personal Experience:
After adjusting the rev limiter, the cart felt a bit faster, but it wasn’t a drastic change.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the rev limiter on your Yamaha G29.
- Use a screwdriver to adjust the limiter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Test the cart to ensure the adjustment has been effective.
Expert Tip:
Be cautious when adjusting the rev limiter as it can put additional stress on the engine. Make sure to monitor the engine temperature when making adjustments.
7. Zip Tie the Governor
What I Did:
Zip-tied the governor arm.
Outcome:
Got about 20-21 MPH.
Personal Experience:
The zip tie trick did increase the speed, but I was concerned about the long-term effects on the engine.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the governor arm on your Yamaha G29.
- Use a zip tie to secure it in a position that allows for higher speed.
- Test the cart to ensure the adjustment has been effective.
Expert Tip:
Make sure to monitor the engine temperature when bypassing the governor as it can lead to overheating. Also, this is a temporary solution and not recommended for long-term use.
8. Gear Ratio Adjustment
What I Did:
Adjusted the gear ratio to 6:1.
Outcome:
Increased speed but affected torque.
Personal Experience:
The gear ratio adjustment did increase the speed, but I noticed a significant reduction in torque, especially on hills.
Estimated Cost:
$100-$200
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Purchase a gear set with a 6:1 or 8:1 ratio compatible with your Yamaha G29.
- Remove the old gear set from the cart.
- Install the new gear set.
- Test the cart to ensure the adjustment has been effective.
Expert Tip:
A 6:1 gear ratio is drastic and should only be used if you don’t go up any hills. An 8:1 ratio is safer and provides a good balance between speed and torque.
Cart Models where this worked
- 2012 Yamaha G29
- Yamaha G29 Model YDREX3