RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

Chad Stapleton · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 4403

quote:
Originally posted by Warren Currie:
in talking to the SRA people at the Canadian Nats. This kart IS intended for the rental / non race market.
Corporate track rental days / yuppies that don't want to race - just lap / etc.
.

Remember the FR125 MAX was only intended as a "recreational" motor - not for "racing". !!

Brian Kay · Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2002 10:28 pm Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

BRAVO,

So every Rotax Max sold thus far is already on the road to obsolescence???

I know...we can have a FR125 and DD2 class - just what we need, another class.

Am I missing something?

Brian K -T2 RaceKarts

Warren Currie · Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2002 10:35 pm Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

I agree Brian.

BUT - in talking to the SRA people at the Canadian Nats. This kart IS intended for the rental / non race market.
Corporate track rental days / yuppies that don't want to race - just lap / etc.

The kart that was at Nationals is now at our track in Edmonton - come on up and test it out.

Brian Kay · Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2002 6:20 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

So "RMC" stands for Recreational Motoring Club?

Watch for a DD2 class to pop up along with alot of whining (I'll be the first!) about a motor so aggressively promoted, then instantly obsoleted - that's the perception anyway...

Nice going Rotax!

Brian K - T2 RaceKarts

Rick Senechal · Posted: Sat Aug 17, 2002 9:58 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

I believe that they use the term recreational for people like me. I race for the joy of it and with no plans to be a professional racer.

I don’t see how anybody could think the Max or the RM-1 was to be used as a only a recreational yard kart. They are intended for racing. That is why they set up the challenge. If you remember that is a “racing series”.

As for being obsolete, if you take the time to read what the company says they are standing behind the Max. Should they only build one engine configuration? Should they take their investment in making a kart specific engine and then just stop with the Max?

I swear some of you would think that winning the lottery was a conspiracy!

Chris Hinrichs · Joined: 21 Jul 2001 Posts: 474

I dont think that Rotax is selling it self out b/c they got you to buy the first motor for X amount of dollars let you run it for a few years spend lots of money, then they come out with another one and then you go spend more money to comply with their rules for the RMC, thus they make more and more money.

ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY $$$$$.

Chris

[ August 17, 2002: Message edited by: Chris Hinrichs ]

Bill Wright · Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2002 6:24 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

I'm REALLY confused about why anyone would be concerned or unhappy about the introduction of the much anticipated DD2. In development for over three years, and featured in many National Kart News articles over the last 18 months, it should be no suprise that Rotax has finally brought it to market.

I retail complete FR125 Kart packages starting at $4500. The projected retail price of the RM1 is in the $7000 range.

These are two distinct and seperate packages, aimed at two distinct and seperate types of competitors.

The RMax Challenge, using the FR125, will continue to grow long after the introduction of the DD2. With thousands sold in the U.S. and ten's of thousands sold throughout the 54 countries that participated in the 2001 World Grand Finals in Malaysia, IMO it is somewhat insulting to even suggest that the FR125 is anywhere near "obsolescence". There are now 3 versions of the engine ( Mini Max, Jr and Sr ), and Rotax is continuing to announce reliability and convenience improvements to the powerplant and the RMax Challenge program.

The DD2 is hailed by many as "revolutionary", however I say it is actually evolutionary. It has a combination of outstanding features that karting customers have been dreaming of for years. First and foremost NO CHAIN AND SPROCKETS!!

I maintain 6 arrive-and-drive karts that I make available at FL Region RMax Challenge and SKUSA events. THE single highest maintenance item and expense on the karts is the chain and sprockets. Changing them for ratio adjustments, replacing them when they wear out, and just keeping the karts clean from the lubrication of them is a problem I ( and I'm sure thousands of others, shifter or clutch) would love to see go away. The DD2 does that!

Let's take a look at the RM1/DD2 STANDARD features:

A sealed engine based on the incredibly reliable and low maintenence FR125 and tuned to produce approx. 32hp.

Electric Start

Direct Drive ( no chain or sprockets )

2 speed, quick-change primary drive gear box

Electronic, no-lift, shift-on-the-fly steering wheel mounted paddle shifter mechanism

Electronic Reverse

Self adjusting, four piston, four rotor brakes, with driver fairing mounted bias control

A "front fender" dampened front nose that absorbes impact.

A "rear fender" dampened rear bumper that absorbes impact.

A "rear tire protection system" that eliminates 80% of all wheel-to-wheel accidents.

I'm hoping to pick mine up in Vegas at the U.S. RMax Grand National Final. I can't wait!

If this thing works, I'm convinced we really will see a "New Age" of "Karting".

For more information about the "EVOLUTIONARY" RM1/DD2, log on to www.formulakart.com, and click on the "New Age Karting" logo.

Bill Wright
"Get on Course!" with FK www.formulakart.com

[ August 18, 2002: Message edited by: Bill Wright ]

Rick Senechal · Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2002 6:59 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

It’s all about the $$$$$$$

I just hate when a business tries to money! Don’t look around this site as it is filled with companies run by evil owners who have risked everything so that we can race

If people are concerned about a company making money then either don’t race or build your own kart.

Signed, your capitalist friend, RS

John Gilbert · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 88 Location: Salinas, California

So with the FR125 on back order along with parts. Does anybody think that the 2 speed will be any different?
John

Nick Weil · Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2002 2:53 pm Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

John,

You must not be ordering your parts from the right sources... I get all my parts orders within a reasonable amount of time and all of my customers would say the same. Maybe you should call around for parts or call me.

Nick Weil
SpeedQuest

Bill Wright · Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2002 3:13 pm Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

John,

You are correct that for the immediate future the RM1/DD2 will be a rare beast. Sodi was only able to guarantee 300 RM1 chassis for this year. But with multiple manufacturers coming on board to produce chassis, I would suggest that by early next year we'll ( hopefully ) have a steady supply of DD2's on several different brand chassis. I'm taking deposits if anyone is interested? I've had my order in for months.

About current FR supplies, success is sometimes bitter sweet. However, we have engines and parts in stock, ready to ship. What do you need? Just let me know.

Bill Wright
"Get on Course!" with FK www.formulakart.com

Brian Kay · Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2002 7:46 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

Hey call me crazy. I just DONT think throwing another engine configuration into the fray is going to help anyone.

Yes, it's high tech it's reeeally cool (nice promo btw!) but dont you think it will dillute things a bit? If you disagree, please explain. I'm not trying to "stir the pot" it just seems like a reasonable concern to me.

Each package will appeal to a different group, BUT DD2's will find their way to the races. What then, will we create a DD2 class? It will take a TON a weight to offset the 2 speed advantage, so will they ever race together?

And dont get me wrong - I hope Rotax makes a trillion dollars in their venture, and I sure dont see a "conspiracy" here. Just not the most well thought out move IMO, just as the FR125 is gaining momentum in the US.

Oh, more more thought (I'm good for about 4 a day) I realize that in RMC land one more class is not a big deal - BUT in the real world, Rotax Max is a tag along / add on class. (skusa/ces/msss/dkc/ikf?etc) What do we do with the racers who's dealer steered them towards a DD2 - create another class with 1 or 2 karts?

Since the whole entire world is reading this, I'll bypass the media and just say to all would be DD2 racers - please dont show up and complain if there's no class for you. Save $2000, deal with messy chains and join US!

STABILITY...CONSISTENCY...GROWTH...Say it with me now.

[ August 19, 2002: Message edited by: Brian Kay ]

Chad Stapleton · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 4403

quote:
Originally posted by Bill Wright:
....There are now 3 versions of the engine ( Mini Max, Jr and Sr )...

Bill, what is "mini-Max" ?

Nick Weil · Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2002 7:35 am Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

Chad,

The Mini Max is best described as the 'baby brother' to the Junior motor. It is a Junior motor with less power through some different restrictions. I believe it has a restrictor for the intake, and the exhaust. These restrictors reduce the horsepower by yet another 1/3 over the Junior motor.

Nick Weil
SpeedQuest

Bill Wright · Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2002 5:51 pm Post subject: RotaxMax DD2 with RM 1 Chassis

The DD2 is not a replacement for the FR125, nor an addition to it. It is a seperate, individual kart and engine package. The two shall never meet. Yes there will be a new class. Rotax is much bigger than the U.S. 52 ! countries participated in the last World Grand Final. The U.S. was late getting started in this program. If the local distributor thinks it's going to have a negative impact, then they shouldn't bring the kart in. But I think we're going to see the consumer demanding this one. It will live or die on it's merits.

We have been promoting the Max classes at the Ocala Gran Prix track for about 3.5 months. When we started they had 3 or 4 at their club events. They now have 25+. The local shop sold another Jr after the last event, I sold a Jr today, and another dealer sold 2 Internationals, so if everyone shows, we'll have 28+ at the next race. The last event we had was a Rotax ONLY. No other classes, just Max International, Masters and Junior. The local promotor told us if we'll bring him that many or more entries every event he'll start doing Rotax only races EVERY event.

How would you like to go to a race and have only 5 classes.

1. Rotax Mini Max ( 9-12 )
2. Max Junior ( 12-17)
3. Max International ( 18+ @ 355 )
4. Max Masters ( 18+ @ 400 )
5. DD2 ( 18+ @ ?? )

SWEET ! !

Bill Wright
"Get on Course!" with FK www.formulakart.com

[ August 20, 2002: Message edited by: Bill Wright ]