| Author | Message | ||
| Tenney (Tenney)
Member Username: Tenney Post Number: 289 Registered: 2-2001 |
I'm with Art re: the shifter kart. Would suggest spending a day or two in both and then decide. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 850 Registered: 6-2001 |
Rob: I would get the shifter, 125 Honda dirt motor engine. The rotex is a great idea, but the class is just starting. With your racing experience, the shifter will be the best choice for you. I fyou had no racing experience, a non shifting cart like the rotex might be appropriate. The shifter car will probabably be MUCH faster than what you are used to (Madzas right?). If you get the non shifter, you'll just trade it in on a shifter later. Art | ||
| Paul Wehmer (Pwehmer)
New member Username: Pwehmer Post Number: 28 Registered: 10-2002 |
The Rotax kart is a one gear kart. It has a centrifigual clutch that locks up at 3K RPM so it is basically a direct drive system. A Rotax kart has a battery and electric start which is great compared to having to push start a shifter kart. Rotax is a world wide karting series. You can race in regional races to earn a qualification to the US championship held in Vegas. Top drivers in the Vegas race win paid trips to the world championship which was held in South Africa last time. http://www.rmaxchallenge.com/ Gives you info on the Rotax race program, Rotax FR125 karting, & the new RM1 DD2 kart. Rotax has a new kart out- the RM1 DD2 -that may or may not become important. It is a two speed engine & transmission package that is direct drive to the axle- no chain drive. You select that gear by a paddle shifter on the steering wheel. The kart offers safety items that I really like regarding people hitting your rear tires and flipping up. You buy this as a complete engine/transmission/ chassis package. But will people buy it and make another karting class? To soon to tell. Rob- karting is popular in Texas. Check out: http://www.texasracekarts.com/ | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3061 Registered: 12-2000 |
Explain what really is the difference between a rotax and a shifter? Is a rotax one gear or an automatic? Thanks. | ||
| Paul Wehmer (Pwehmer)
New member Username: Pwehmer Post Number: 27 Registered: 10-2002 |
To start out in karting starting in a 125 shifter is to much in my opinion. 125 shifter is the top level of karting. You'll have a long learning curve. Also can drain your pocket book. Starting in Rotax karts is a great starting point. The engines are sealed so everyone has the same HP. Tires are spec. Only difference is chassis setup & driver skill. Become a good Rotax racer and you'll be smooth in shifters if you decide to move up. Go to the local tracks and see what the other guys are running. Karters are a friendly kind. www.ekartingnews.com is the biggest kart infomation website that I know of. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3051 Registered: 12-2000 |
I'm looking at karting to keep my racing fix and help my club racing. I don't want to race the road courses as I club race those anyway, but the purpose built kart tracks look great. I asked about the RM1 and they said they're on backorder and it will take a year for the class to build. The local dealer recomended not starting with a shifter kart, he said something about a Fr 125 Rotax that he said would go on about any chasis. I have no idea the terminology yet. I think I'll start with a used kart and then see where I want to go from there. | ||
| Bart Boonacker (Sharky666)
Junior Member Username: Sharky666 Post Number: 111 Registered: 9-2002 |
Arthur, I agree with you. Go to the track and watch some races, see what you like and dislike. I'd prefer 125 shifters aswell, that would be IF I had the money. A well tuned 125 shifter could reach speeds around 220 kmh (if the straight is long enough). And the feeling is about 10x better then going 220 with a car  Like arthur said, also check what tires the 125's are riding on. Just ask around, get to meet some people on the track or in the shop. Those are the ones that know the track etc. and could probably inform you better then we (since we don't know anything about the track, the races, the rules etc.) About the stand, I'd once again go with arthur, check one out with some big wheels. It's always good to be able to go trough rough terrain when your kart broke down on the other end of the track orso. And there will always be someone that would help you out with getting the kart on the stand. But since your going with your brother I guess you'll help out each other. Hope to have informed you enough. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 838 Registered: 6-2001 |
Chris: The most popular shifter class is the 80cc class. However, I think the most fun is the 125 shifter, faster, etc. I would spend some time at the track, watch the races, see what people are running, check their tires, etc. I would then look at the various vendors available in your area to see who you want to take care of the kart, and who is at the track to supply you with what you need (or you can keep your own parts supply with you when you go to the track). After you have done that, since you're only in this for fun, I would buy a 1, 2 year old kart that has been reconditioned, and you'll save quite a bit. You will probably also need a stand, I suggest the ones with wheels. The ones that claim you can put the kart on without help are generally junk, and overpriced. Hope this gets you started. Art | ||
| Chris Brody (Cbrody)
Junior Member Username: Cbrody Post Number: 60 Registered: 3-2002 |
Bart, Looking for fun.... There is a track in westhampton about 10 minutes from my house. I guess a shifter cause I figure thats what they prob. run the most? | ||
| Bart Boonacker (Sharky666)
Junior Member Username: Sharky666 Post Number: 111 Registered: 9-2002 |
Chris, what are you planning on doing ? Are gonna ride competitions or is it just recreational ? Are there any tracks nearby ? Looking for a shifter or an automatic ? What are you willing to spend ? Looking for a race career or just the fun of competing against each other ? If you're looking into championships, I guess someone else could inform you better about the US-championships, because I'm from Europe and I think we have different championships etc. Hope to get the ball rolling. - Bart | ||
| Chris Brody (Cbrody)
Junior Member Username: Cbrody Post Number: 59 Registered: 3-2002 |
My brother and I are looking into karting.... Any advice? What to get? How to start? Thanks guys! |