New to karting - Types of TAG motors

Cesar Rull

Hello everyone, I am not to karting but have been doing some reading here and there. Enough to know that TAG is the class used to refer to non-shifter karts. Am I correct?

The one thing I would like to learn is what are the typical motor sizes and types? I read some post about 100cc , then I read some about 125cc , I read about leopards, Rotax, RotaxMax.

I wonder if someone can please point me to some reading about motors and classes etc. or I anyone would please break this down for me.

jeff grose · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 3:56 am Post subject:

Tag, aka Touch and Go, onboard electric starter, 125cc
Shifters do NOT have onboard electric starters, neither do 100cc Yamaha,

Tag mtrs. Leopard,Rotax,Rok TT, Motori 7,Sonik, X30. PRD
Each of the mtrs. listed above have a plus/minus issues, powerbands and stuff like that, some mtrs will be better suited at different tracks,
We run Leopards and we're kinda predjudice to the Leopard as it is one of the simpliest mtr.s available to tune or work on,
Rok TT, Motori 7 and Soniks have to carry more onboard weight in Tag classes.
Rotax's can run in Tag even though if running in Rotax only classes have to have passports and be sealed by a Rotax dealer/service center.
Soniks are being slowly phased out as a Tag mtr because they were bought out by another company and their mtr. Maxter has not been approved to run yet.
Rok TT is a great mtr. but look at their parts prices, it's scary, they're are proud of the mtr.
Motori 7, don't get a chance to see many of them here in Florida so I won't comment on them.
PRD is a cheaper Tag mtr. made in China I believe, I think they're getting better but usually run in SPEC PRD classes, seen a few in Tag classes but they usually run in the back compared to the other mtrs
I am sure you will see some more comments/opinions about Tag mtrs on this site.
So stay tuned Surprised

_________________
jlgracing
#31 Gillard/PDBAmerica
IAME Leopards by P1 Engines
Tag Sr./FKCS/WKA
Driver: Jesse Grose
Remember: "No matter where you go,there you are"

Cesar Rull · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 5:36 am Post subject:

Thank you for your reply make much more sense now.

So are all non shifter Karts, Tag-and-go? or is there a non-electric start non-shifter kart? (what are those karts called)

I am gathering that what makes the car a TAG is the motor with the electric starter am I correct?

@Jeff, You mentioned 125cc for shifter, is that the motor size these cars run?
what does a TAG run? and where does the 100cc Yamaha fall under?

Are a Rotax and Rotax Max motor the same thing just different nomenclature?

Peter Zambos · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 7:06 am Post subject:

Not all non-shifters are TAG motors. TAG motors are specifically 125cc with an on-board electric starter. All of the common motors are water cooled, though there are some motors that are approved and are air cooled, but hardly any one runs them.

There are plenty of nonshifter karts that are not tag: Yamaha KT100s, KPP (KPV), several 4 cycle motors. There used to be many 2 cycle 100cc motors, but as time went on, the Yamaha became the standard in the States and the others have fallen into near obscurity.

Rotax and Rotax Max are the same. All Rotax classes use the Rotax FR125 run in different configurations to suit the age of the class. When searching for information on the web, be careful, as Rotax makes motors for all sorts of things, including airplanes.

Cesar Rull · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:32 am Post subject:

I understand, What is the advantage of the TAG setup?
can TAG and non-TAG cars (125cc) run together?

It seem to me that if only the electric starter is the difference, the added cost and weight of the battery seems a bit.. unnecessary.

Please school me <- haha didn't think I was going to ever say that.
Thanks guys

TJ Koyen · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:54 am Post subject:

Peter Zambos · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 11:34 am Post subject:

Most non-TAG engines are 100cc. Though there is added weight associated with a TAG package, TAGs are faster compared to how the 100cc classes are currently regulated.

You have, of course, stumbled onto the great karting debate, which is whether we, as a collective sport, want to run the lighter 100c karts, which are initially less expensive though more costly over time to run them at higher speeds, or run a TAG kart, which is heavier, a greater initial investment, but will not cost as much to maintain as long as it's maintained properly. If you're looking to get more insight into that debate, I would suggest simply doing a search on the forum. None of us really want to rehash it, I guarantee.

TAGs and non-TAGs do not run in the same class.

Greg Wright · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 7:15 am Post subject:

Jeff Salak · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:20 am Post subject:

Greg, depends on the engine.

I agree with Peter, maybe cause he runs a Rotax too. Wink

I have had a Sonik, a Leopard, and a Rotax.
For 10 hrs of use the Sonik easily cost $3k to keep it going....Chasing gremlins...Out front or broke down thats how that one rolls.
A leopard about half $ as Sonik
Rotax a couple new matts for exhaust and very good maintanence(carb care too). Maybe a new drive gear. A piston ring. A few hundred bucks! After 10hrs on my same clutch. Sonik or leopard had to use 2 or 3 in this time.

After 10hrs Sonik and leopard need top end too. Thats not included. Sonik would of had 2 or 3 rebuilds from blowing it up!!!

Maybe cause i road race mostly but the Rotax is trouble free after working with someone and learning it.

I started in a Tag. Cant answer about any 100cc questions.