RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

Stephen Buckley · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 861

I have in my greedy little mitts the latest brochure from Rotax explaining the features of the RotaxMax DD2 with the Rotax RM1 chassis. This particular kart package seems to fill any void that one might conceive between clutch karts and shifters. I perceive that Mom's across the world are sighing with relief at the new advanced safety features.
I don't particular like the look of the shift paddles or the way that the display electrics are mounted (on the top of the steering wheel). Adjustable brake bias on the dash is cool. So is the easy access intake filter.

Just to nic-pic... the Bridgestone tires are mounted backward on the ad.

Don't shoot the messenger!

Charles Pou · Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2002 1:03 pm Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

I am wondering about gearing on this puppy.

Are the 2 speeds supposed to cover everything from a tight sprint track to a roadrace track? Or, will there be various gears that can be changed out?

It looks like a fancy rental kart to me. That's not bad, it could bring tons of new karters into racing. :-)

Chaz Clover · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 879

quote:
Originally posted by CharlesPou:
I am wondering about gearing on this puppy.

Are the 2 speeds supposed to cover everything from a tight sprint track to a roadrace track? Or, will there be various gears that can be changed out?

It looks like a fancy rental kart to me. That's not bad, it could bring tons of new karters into racing. :-)

I agree with the rental kart comparison, but it still looks like the "real deal".

I was especially impressed with the rear bumper system. It looks like it can take one hell of a good hit, and those rollers designed to prevent the impacting kart from launching is neat. I'd rather have someone go underneath me rather than over.

I wonder though, how much does this sucker weigh?

I was talking with Jeremy Fair @ NKN and he spoke in VERY glowing terms on this kit. I _think_ he said test drove one in Italy.

The chassis is different in how the engine mounting rail is configured. It has one mounting rail instead of two. I wonder how soon other chassis manufacturers will pick up on the design?

Chaz
http://www.kartmonster.com

Stephen Buckley · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 861

Charles,

I believe you just undo a cover, pop the old gear out and put the new one in. I think it's final drive only. The primary drive ratio is 35:62, and the secondaries are 19:81 (1st gear) and 24:77 (2nd gear).

I do like the 'reverse' thing.

Stephen Buckley · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 861

The whole engine package weighs about 27 kg. The kart without fuel is 87 kg. That totals about 229 lbs.

If you go to the Rotax-Bombadier website, you can watch movies about the bumper systems.

Nick Weil · Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2002 12:18 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

Chaz,
I know of at least one chassis manufacturer that is developing an RM1 chassis as we speak. I think everyone will eventually jump on board if Rotax can supply enough of these beasts. Right now the production is supposed to be limited to 300 worldwide for this year. No real definite word on when, where and who gets them as of yet.

Nick

Chad Stapleton · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 4403

Steven, does your brochure show any detail of the side "pods" ?
Previous photos i have seen show these to be only a thin outer bodywork panel over a rigid metal tube support frame, not the normal type moulded plastic "pod".
They sure look nice , but more a piece of " cosmetic bodywork" than a true safety component and a step back from the impact adsorbing, crushable, CIK box pod.
I hope they have changed that feature on the production version.

Stephen Buckley · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 861

The pictures don't show alot of the sidepods. They appear to be CIK-like except a bit distorted (because of the swoosh design). There is a screw on the outside of the pod about 20cm forward of the rear tire.

I was told at Lynnwood CycleBarn that they are getting some in and in fact have presold a couple. The price is $6500-7000US.

Blake Newson · Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2002 6:08 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

We just hosted the Canadian Karting championships here in Calgary Alberta this weekend. We had an RM1 here for test drives. Unfortunately, I could not get signed up for a test drive in time. It looked great! The engine has about 32 hp! (according to the Austrian Rotax rep at the meet) and 2nd gear will drop the rev's by 2800 RPM. The extra hp should be enough to take care of the extra weight. The kart looked very quick on the track. I saw the reverse gear operate, very cool. Perhaps one of the test drivers will add on to this thread?

PS We also had a Briggs World Formula kart for demo rides.

Tom Stephens · Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2002 7:14 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

quote:
Originally posted by Blake Newson:
PS We also had a Briggs World Formula kart for demo rides.

Blake, any more info on this kart?? Who makes it?

Tom Stephens
www.kartfinder.com

Blake Newson · Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2002 9:42 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

Sorry Tom, not much more I can add. The guys at srakarting.com had the kart in their tent here in Calgary, perhaps they, or one of the test drivers could answer some questions.

Tom Stephens · Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2002 9:58 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

Blake, that information will work for me! Thanks! Tom

Rick Senechal · Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2002 11:27 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

Will this setup be a CIK class? I know the body work has been homologated but what about the rest of the package? Also, are there any other manufactures on board for building chassis for this engine?

Neal Wood · Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2002 10:27 pm Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

I drove the 2 speed rotax. It was a nice driving chassis, and the shifting mech. worked well. It was jetted way to rich for conditions, so it was hard to say how it worked from a performance stand point.

Neal

Bradley Allen Johnson · Joined: 17 Nov 2001 Posts: 106

"...intended for the rental/non race market."

Is that what Rotax/Bomb. are saying? People race lawn mowers against one another, do they really think that racers won't get ahold of these??? Isn't that how racing started in the first place, mine is faster than yours!!!