Newbie questions

Todd Sanders · Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2002 6:07 am Post subject: Newbie questions

For the record, I searched the archives before I posted my newbie question.

Currently I have a '68 BMW 2002 Track/Auto-x toy that I am considering selling to get into Karting. I love Karts and figure with a second child on the way it is a much more feasible hobby than the car. Initially I am looking to purchase a Kart to play with and in the long run race. Ideally in 3 years I'd pick my son up a Kart as well.

Now the questions. Karts are completely new to me so bear with me.

Based on the limited information I have found it seems as though Rotax would be the best alternative for my situation (new to karting, wanting reliable performance, etc.). Is this true?

I'd be looking at a used Kart first. Where would you recommend I look? What should I expect to pay for a used one? I know a complete package is the best way to go so ideally I am looking for one. Ideally I would be looking to sell my 02 and just put those fund into a Kart.

Anything you'd recommend to look for/watch out for when buying a used Rotax?

Is the Rotax motor a newer motor? There seems to be very few used ones out there.

Sorry about all the newbie questions. I am sure I'll have more and I'm sure you've seen them all before. If there is a FAQ out there I can look at please let me know.

One more thing to make note of, I'm 6'4" and about 250. I don't plan on being fast but how screwed am I at fitting in a Kart. I've heard you can extend the pedals, is this true?

Thanks,
Todd
'68 BMW 2002 - soon to be for sale

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Sanderskog ]

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Sanderskog ]

Roger Roatch · Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2002 9:26 am Post subject: Newbie questions

Hi Todd, welcome to the forum. I’m the moderator, but in no way the voice of experience, so I’m pretty much here to say welcome. It just so happens that I live in the area, and if some of the suppliers don’t speak up, just Email me and I’ll give you some names.

As for your height and weight, you’ll be fine in the masters class, and the good thing about the Rmax series is that there are others like you. Your height can be facilitated if you feel crunched.

Yes, this program is new (2 years in the US), but is probably just what you’re looking for.

Good luck, the guys in the PacNW are very friendly and helpful.

Jose Rodo · Joined: 19 Aug 2002 Posts: 530

Also look at a set up with the Parilla Leopard 125 water cooled. It's less expensive to maintain. On ekn there's an article and a thread titled leopard. Otherwise go to www.italianmotors.com or russelkarting.com and see the difference between Rotax and Parilla. Good luck

Robert Brooks · Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2002 4:22 pm Post subject: Newbie questions

Roger what is the "max" a driver can weight and still make weight in the heaviest class. Is it Masters??

Nick Weil · Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2002 4:43 pm Post subject: Newbie questions

There is no maximum weight for either class. There are only minimum weights.

Running by the R Max Challenge rules would give the following weights:

International: 355 lbs. Minimum
Masters: 400lbs. Minimum
Juniors: 310 lbs. Minimum

Nick WeilSpeedQuest Karting Website

Craig Nunn · Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2002 4:56 pm Post subject: Newbie questions

To give you an idea of where you might stand. I weigh 160 pounds (without safety equipment). To make the minimum in the International class with a full tank of fuel I have to add about 10 pounds on the kart. If my math is correct a 215 pound person in my kart would be right at the minimum for the Masters class.

Craig
Rotax#20

Lee Jashinsky · Joined: 17 May 2002 Posts: 302

Hi Todd,

I run the Masters class, I am 6'2" tall 235lbs. I weigh in at 425-435 without adding weight to my kart. You will be at a little disadvantage with the weight, but I run middle to front of the pack. Keep in mind that most people in Rotax are fairly new to karting so the experiance level is lower than other classes. With your height I would get a kart with an extended porch. My kart currently is not extended but, I am going to have it done soon. I have to place to seat to far back to give me enough leg room, so I am running with about 62%of my weight on the rear wheels. What I have been told, you want around 57% on the rear. You will have a blast with the Rotax.

Lee Jashinsky

Andy Seesemann · Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2002 6:26 pm Post subject: Newbie questions

Hey guys, long time no talk!!

Craig,

Your math is right on, I weight 215 and I add a 5 lb weight to the kart. When I come in I am usually at 405lbs. Also, have you checked your charger? I was thinking on the way home Sunday that the problem may be with your charger, not the batteries.

Lee,

You should just save up and get a new chassis.

ANDY

Craig Nunn · Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2002 7:00 pm Post subject: Newbie questions

Andy,

Two different chargers were used on the two batteries that I had problems with. Also, the battery I ran everything but the main was charged with the same charger as the battery that shot craps. So, I dont think it is a charger problem.

Craig

Craig Nunn · Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2002 7:02 pm Post subject: Newbie questions

Andy,

BTW, I think you need to change your e-mail address in your profile.

Craig

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Craig Nunn ]

[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: Craig Nunn ]

Todd Sanders · Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2002 7:11 pm Post subject: Newbie questions

Sounds like I've finally found the right motiviation to drop a few pounds (to say the least).

What can I expect to pay for a used Rotax? I know they are hard to come by but this is the route I will probably need to go.

Todd

Lee Jashinsky · Joined: 17 May 2002 Posts: 302

Andy,

Have any ideas where I might get a new chassis?

Lee

erik nystuen · Joined: 06 Mar 2002 Posts: 319

Todd,
I got my Rmax used this year and did quite a bit of reasearch and talking with different shops in PS. Look arround, Check this BEKC web site for a list of links and shops localy. Visit as many as you can and talk to everyone, they all have good information, you just have to judge for yourself who will give you the best support.

I got mine from Dave at GPR in Fife. He may be able to set you up with a test drive if you are interested in trying out a R-max, get your feet wet. It might help you in your decision making. He has a couple on different chassis to try.

Getting your kart to fit and be properly balanced will gain you thouse final few seconds in lap time. So when you are at a plateu in your progress, get your kart scaled, Doug Huggler spent 2+ hours with me and got mine almost perfect in balance, I instantly shaved 1/2 sec off my previous best time.

If you have any questions just post, there are alot of great people out here on this web site. Help is abundant, so don't worry about asking the "dumb" question, we all had simmilar ones when we first started.

Cheers.

Roger Roatch · Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2002 5:53 am Post subject: Newbie questions

Robert, Nick answered the weight question.

International: 355 lbs. Minimum
Masters: 400lbs. Minimum
Juniors: 310 lbs. Minimum

You select the class you might want to run based on your experience (this is subjective to your opinion, and the class of driver in your area). At some point the weight disadvantages will be significant enough to not be able to win races. However, don’t let that deter your goals. Remember that your strongest opponent for quite some time will be yourself, not the rest of the field.

An example in our area is Dave Lehmann, who Erik mentioned. Dave is very experienced, an extremely smooth driver, OLD, in racing years, probably around 6’3”, and is about 40lb over the international weight. He still competes very well, but his weight probably is the only thing keeping him from challenging for 1st in each race. But he still prefers to compete in this class. So, there are many reasons you might select one class over the other.

[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: Roger Roatch ]