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| February 08, 2011 News |
| EKN 2011 Chassis Preview Editorial Series: Merlin |
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The EKN 2011 Chassis Preview Editorial Series was designed during this off-season to provide the karting community with a unique opportunity to become informed of the most popular and successful brands available in the North American market, all from the warmth of their home computers or mobile devices. The karting industry is by no means short on options regarding chassis selection, and our goal with this article series is to help narrow down your choices while educating the community on what exactly is offered by each manufacturer and its United States or Canadian importer/distributor.
For the complete 2011 Guide as it develops, visit the EKN Chassis Showroom
The Merlin brand may not be widely known throughout the world but in the United States, ‘Merlin Nation’ is growing. Manufactured in northern Italy, the Merlin brand has been a developing brand with Dream Works Karting Supply working directly with the factory to better their product. In 2008, the brand earned its first national championship with Trent Hindman in the Cadet category. Merlin’s resume continues to mature as the brand adds more national and regional victories.
United States Importer-Distributor:
Name: Merlin Racing Kart - Dream Works Karting Supply, LLC
Primary Contact: Jamie Sieracki
Address: 2785 S 167th St - New Berlin, WI 53151
Phone: 262-827-1100
Fax: 262-827-1106
E-Mail: info@merlinusa.com
Website: http://www.merlinusa.com
Dealers:
Comet Kart Sales: Greenfield, IN - 317.462.3413 - http://www.cometkartsales.com
Express Karts & Parts: South Elgin, IL - 847.88.2465
Laukaitis Racing: Decatur, IL - 217.877.8877
Trackside Motorsports: Camden, OH - 937.570.6413
Merlin MR Cadet
 | | Merlin MR Cadet |
Homologation #: N/A
Model Description / Intended Use: Comer K80 / 60cc, TaG Cadet, 8-12 year old categories
Tubing Diameter(s): 28mm
Front Width: 595mm
Rear Width: 560mm
Wheelbase: 950mm
Side Bar: N/A
Front Bar: N/A
Rear Bar: N/A
Brake System: AP Mini System w/3mm solid disc
Axle: 30mm Soft
Seat: Clear Fiberglass
Rims: Douglas Spun Aluminum Wheels
Bodywork: AP Euro Star Cadet
MSRP: $3095.00
Comments: The Merlin MR Cadet has found success in the United States, claiming the Stars of Karting Cadet title in 2008 with Trent Hindman. The chassis utilizes uni-ball caster/camber adjustment for up to 6 degrees of adjustment. The MRC 17mm front spindle also allows for 2 ackerman settings for different track configurations. Billet aluminum pedals are standard equipment as well as the graphic kit. Easy to use with a wide sweet spot, the Merlin MR Cadet is a top contender.
Merlin MR28-102
 | | Merlin MR28-102 |
Homologation #: N/A
Model Description / Intended Use: Full-size chassis for 8-12 year old categories (WKA Yamaha & Komet)
Tubing Diameter(s): 28mm
Front Width: 580mm
Rear Width: 570mm
Wheelbase: 1020mm
Side Bar: N/A
Front Bar: Removable Torsion Bar
Rear Bar: Removable Torsion Bar
Brake System: AP Mini System w/3mm solid disc
Axle: 30mm Soft
Seat: Clear Fiberglass
Rims: Douglas Spun Aluminum Wheels
Bodywork: KG w/full rear bumper
MSRP: $3750.00
Comments: The Merlin MR28-102 is the choice for those drivers in the WKA Manufacturer’s Cup Series. The chassis utilizes uni-ball caster/camber adjustment for up to 6 degrees of adjustment. The MRC 17mm front spindle also allows for 2 ackerman settings for different track configurations. Billet aluminum pedals are standard equipment as well as the graphic kit. The Merlin MR28-102 is manufactured to the same quality as the full size models.
Merlin MR29
 | | Merlin MR29 |
Homologation #: N/A
Model Description / Intended Use: Designed for the smaller drivers in the 12-15 year old categories
Tubing Diameter(s): 28mm cross / 30mm side
Front Width: 580mm
Rear Width: 570mm
Wheelbase: 1040mm
Side Bar: N/A
Front Bar: Removable Torsion Bar
Rear Bar: Removable Torsion Bar
Brake System: MRC HP4 w/ventilated disc
Axle: 50mm Medium
Seat: Clear Fiberglass
Rims: DWT Magnesium Low Volume Wheels
Bodywork: KG w/full rear bumper
MSRP: $4095.00
Comments: The Merlin MR29 is the jump for Cadet drivers into the Junior ranks. The chassis utilizes uni-ball caster/camber adjustment for up to 6 degrees of adjustment. The MRC 25mm front spindle also allows for 2 ackerman settings and the steering shaft allows for 2 settings as well. The three bearing design also provides for more tuning opportunities. Billet aluminum pedals are standard equipment as well as the graphic kit.
Merlin LM30 V2
 | | Merlin LM30 V2 |
Homologation #: N/A
Model Description / Intended Use: Designed Junior categories and Senior classes with low horsepower
Tubing Diameter(s): 30mm
Front Width: 665mm
Rear Width: 605mm
Wheelbase: 1040mm
Side Bar: N/A
Front Bar: 2-position Removable Torsion Bar
Rear Bar: Optional Removable Torsion Bar
Brake System: Merlin HP4 self adjusting w/18mm floating ventilated rotor
Axle: 50mm
Seat: Clear Fiberglass
Rims: DWT Magnesium Low Volume Wheels
Bodywork: KG w/full rear bumper
MSRP: $4495.00
Comments:
New for 2011 is the Merlin LM30 V2. The chassis utilizes uni-ball caster/camber adjustment for up to 6 degrees of adjustment. The MRC 25mm front spindle also allows for 2 ackerman settings and the steering shaft allows for 2 settings as well. Billet aluminum pedals are standard equipment as well as the graphic kit. The three Merlin LM rear bearing cassettes have 6 bolts for maximum stiffness adjustment.
Merlin LM30
 | | Merlin LM30 |
Homologation #: N/A
Model Description / Intended Use: Most Senior categories and high horsepower Junior classes
Tubing Diameter(s): 32mm Cross – 30mm Side
Front Width: 665mm
Rear Width: 605mm
Wheelbase: 1040mm
Side Bar: N/A
Front Bar: 2-position Removable Torsion Bar
Rear Bar: Optional Removable Torsion Bar
Brake System: Merlin HP4 self adjusting w/18mm floating ventilated rotor
Axle: 50mm
Seat: Clear Fiberglass
Rims: DWT Magnesium Low Volume Wheels
Bodywork: KG w/full rear bumper
MSRP: $4495.00 - non shifter, $5395.00 - shifter
Comments: The Merlin LM30 is the ‘work horse’ of the brand. The chassis utilizes uni-ball caster/camber adjustment for up to 6 degrees of adjustment. The MRC 25mm front spindle also allows for 2 ackerman settings and the steering shaft allows for 2 settings as well. Billet aluminum pedals are standard equipment as well as the graphic kit. The Merlin LM rear bearing cassettes have 6 bolts for maximum stiffness adjustment. |
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