Kf2 VS Rotax max

Domo230 · 28 Jul 2009, 19:59 (Ref:2510165)

Hi, new to the forum.

Interested in getting into karting and have applied for the introduction course you are required to do in Ireland. Next step is to choose a class to take part in.

It seems that the choice is between KF2 (not sure what the budget is like for this) and Rotax max . I have a about 6000 euro for a budget but dont want to spend any more than I have to. I intend to take it seriously and try and progress to other forms of motorsport in the future.

Which class do you believe would be the better choice for me?

Rockmunky · 30 Jul 2009, 22:57 (Ref:2512028)

I don't know what it's like in Ireland particularly. But Rotax is very popular at all levels here, and I think that KF2 would be a more expensive option.

**ghinzani** · 30 Jul 2009, 23:34 (Ref:2512049)

If you are serious about your racing then KF2. If you want a more clubman level class then Rotax, but beware of thinsg like the 09 barrel issue (they are quicker). Is there any TKM still out there?

Domo230 · 1 Aug 2009, 21:43 (Ref:2513485)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghinzani

If you are serious about your racing then KF2. If you want a more clubman level class then Rotax, but beware of thinsg like the 09 barrel issue (they are quicker). Is there any TKM still out there?

Havnt heard of any TKM in Ireland.
Does anyone have a rough idea of the budget for KF2? Ive been searching online but havnt been able to find a rough figure.

Sideswipe · 4 Aug 2009, 11:10 (Ref:2515344)

OK, first we need to know a little more about you: Age, weight, racing experience, location, local tracks, what sort of championship you are looking for and anything more you think would be relevant! Then it will be easier for us to point you in the right direction!

Sideswipe

Domo230 · 4 Aug 2009, 16:00 (Ref:2515521)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sideswipe

OK, first we need to know a little more about you: Age, weight, racing experience, location, local tracks, what sort of championship you are looking for and anything more you think would be relevant! Then it will be easier for us to point you in the right direction!

Sideswipe

18, 6 ft 3, 12 and a half stone, no racing experience. Live in Dublin. Nearest track I know of is Kiltorcan in Kilkennyhttp://www.irishkarting.com/tracks.php (A fair drive away). Looking for a competetive championship that will challenge me to improve my driving so I can move on to other forms of karting or single seater racing in the future.

**ghinzani** · 8 Aug 2009, 19:04 (Ref:2517915)

If you are doing Rotax make sure you get an 09 engine, everything that preceeded it is worthless now really.

Fabienne Lanz Racing · 6 Sep 2009, 05:49 (Ref:2535150)

I aggree with ghinzani. If you go Rotax, make sure you buy the 09 engine. I have driven 2 or 3 here in South Africa. They are definitely a lot better and more consistent than the older engines. Also make sure you get the 09 clutch as this is way better than the older one... It is a single unit, Rotax got rid of the springs on the clucth shoes, so now it is more reliable. =)

davyboy · 6 Sep 2009, 11:20 (Ref:2535240)

Domo, I've been racing karts for 26 years, initially in Ireland in the 1980s and now in the UK - I guess I've seen it all, well most of it anyways. Here's some advice in terms of getting started.

o Get yourself to a few race meetings as a spectator and see the lay of the land. Even better, see if you could ask somebody reasonably approachable if you could help them out over a race weekend - i.e. fetch/carry etc... It will give you a very good insight into how everything works and will help you in deciding how to get started, what to buy etc...

o So many people start kart racing believing they'll set the world alight. The fact is they won't. Its more complicated than it first appears and its best to use your first year as a learning year. Do not spend a lot of money on your first rig as you will not be able to get the maximum out of it. The best option would be to buy a 'retirement sale', where somebody getting out of the sport is selling all their kit and caboodle, it short circuit's the process of buying tools, stands etc... all of which cost a lot new. There will be time later to spend money on new equipment when you're quick enough to get the most out of it.

o In terms of class, I would recommend Rotax Max rather than KF2 or Bilands [which are also popular in Ireland]. Its cheaper and more pervasive. Please don't get caught up in this 2009 Rotax Max versus older versions. As I mentioned earlier, until you're several meetings in and have learnt your racecraft, you're driving improvements will give you far more than the delta between the engines - which is minimal if anything in my opinion [and I should know, I bought a brand new 2009 motor a few months ago and have done back to back tests against my 2008 motor]. But don't just take my advice, speak to other people racing in the classes at the events before you draw your own conclusions.

o One final point, karting is great fun but its also dangerous. One area not to scrimp and save is on your lid. Make sure you get yourself a decent helmet that complies with the racing standards in Ireland - I imagine its SNELL 2005, the same as here. As they say buy a $10 helmet if you have a $10 head. After all those years of racing I never needed to use my helmet once... until last November when I had a sizeable shunt that destroyed it !

If you've any questions at all, post them here or drop me a PM [private message] and I'd be only too happy to help.

kartincolin · 24 Dec 2012, 17:14 (Ref:3181671)

A lot of people seem to not be particularly fond of the Rotax Max kart. I am after buying one and love it, although I would say that seeing as it is my first 2-stroke kart.

If you are serious about having a career in motorsport, is the Rotax a bad series to compete in? I`m aware that it`s KF2 that is raced in the FIA sanctioned championships, but Rotax have their own European championship and they have a World Finals held at the end of every year which you can qualify for by winning your national Rotax championship.

davyboy · 24 Dec 2012, 19:40 (Ref:3181703)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kartincolin

A lot of people seem to not be particularly fond of the Rotax Max kart. I am after buying one and love it, although I would say that seeing as it is my first 2-stroke kart.

If you are serious about having a career in motorsport, is the Rotax a bad series to compete in? I`m aware that it`s KF2 that is raced in the FIA sanctioned championships, but Rotax have their own European championship and they have a World Finals held at the end of every year which you can qualify for by winning your national Rotax championship.

If you're serious about kart racing, then Rotax Max is absolutely the class to be in. KF is dying at international level and never even got going at club/domestic level. Charlie Eastwood from Northern Ireland won this years Rotax World Finals and as far as I'm concerned he's more of a world champion than those who lifted this years CIK KF crowns.

Rotax Max isn't perfect but it's head and shoulders above any other kart category on just about any measure.

kartincolin · 24 Dec 2012, 20:22 (Ref:3181713)

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyboy

If you're serious about kart racing, then Rotax Max is absolutely the class to be in. KF is dying at international level and never even got going at club/domestic level. Charlie Eastwood from Northern Ireland won this years Rotax World Finals and as far as I'm concerned he's more of a world champion than those who lifted this years CIK KF crowns.

Rotax Max isn't perfect but it's head and shoulders above any other kart category on just about any measure.

That`s fantastic to hear. From what I have seen and heard, there are some phenomenal drivers competing in the category, and the racing is extremely competitive.

I just hope that you aren`t a Rotax employee! Merry Christmas btw!

davyboy · 25 Dec 2012, 15:42 (Ref:3181848)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kartincolin

That`s fantastic to hear. From what I have seen and heard, there are some phenomenal drivers competing in the category, and the racing is extremely competitive.

I just hope that you aren`t a Rotax employee! Merry Christmas btw!

I'm not a Rotax employee... but from the amount of money I've spent on their kit over the years I ought to be a significant shareholder

Have a great Christmas too... and enjoy your karting in 2013.

Gilles lives! · 11 Apr 2013, 01:49 (Ref:3232261)

Have you bought a Kart yet kartincolin ? If you went for a Rotax you've probably found out that your budget will restrict you to club meetings ! Rotax Super One on the mainland and Euromax are out of reach to most, unless the driver can buy into a team, or the driver is so good that his talent can 'sell' karts and will be an asset to a team, they are very few however.

Let us know what you chose.

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