125cc Engine Parity

[tom]

With the introduction of the CNC barrel for the rotax, which improves it's performance significantly, along with the availability of the Leopard X30, i think it's time for AIDKA to be forward thinking with the 125cc class, and put in guidelines for the future of the motors in this class..

Eventually, the Leopard RL will cease production, so there is a need to have a phase in date for the X30.

I believe the current rotax should be ineligible for AIDKA events, if i had the coin i'd get one for sure.

In my opinion, AIDKA should publish an eligibility date for the new rotax, and X30, to give competitors a "life cycle" for their existing engines. eg, new engines are eligible for competition from 2014.

Another option (and possibly a better one) is to allow the X30 and CNC rotax to be used immediately, but with a weight penalty attached (5 to 7 kg's, to be reviewed)

This would allow heavier competitors to use a more powerful engine, and therefore be more even.

(eg if you are already 7kg's overweight for your class, you can effectively use a more powerful engine without penalty).

I have done a fair bit of work with the early rotax, early and current fireball, and leopard RL. In my opinion any of these motors can be competitive currently, but the '09 onwards CNC rotax's, and the X30 leopards are definately more powerful and i don't see they should be in the same class at the same weight!

Any thoughts ?

[John]

Hi Tom,

I don't know the technical factors in relation to the power values of the engines but accept your comments.

I think your ideas of allowing the newer engines with a "Total" weight factor are good. It would allow the newer technology to be used on a level playing field so to speak.

[link77]

well considering im all ready over minimum weight...where do you get a rotax??? lol nah...not in the budget, but interesting anyway
Is anyone currently running these 2 new engines tom?
I just looked on the rotax website,are you talking about the rotax 125max engine?
also spotted there 125max DD2....No more chain!!

[tom]

There are some CNC rotax's around, this engine is the latest iteration of the rotax max. Interestingly the AIDKA rulebook is specific about what cylinders are allowed in Rotax, and the CNC cylinder (part no. 223993) is NOT allowed.

I wonder if this will be checked, possibly when the first CNC rotax passes me down the straight ?

Nobody has the X30 on dirt at the moment, but this engine has been available from IAME for 5 years, and eventually the RL will become unavailable.

In any case AIDKA need to phase in these engines in a way that preserves the class while also ensuring engines are available..

As much feedback as possible would be great in order to put a sensible rule change (clarification) forward for the next AIDKA rule change period.

[Worried]

Tom
I think the introduction of the X30 is an over the top expense for the small gain in speed a claimed 4 to 5 tenths on the bitumin I can not see that it would equate to much if any thing on the dirt!! I also know that the exposed clutch drum will relate to more maintenance and more money spent, the RL engine is favoured by the bitumin guys for having more torque. The cost certainly does not relate to the power gains, and there are a lot of RL's available from the bitumin guys which makes for cheaper racing!! Does anyone know what the life span of the rRL will be in years? I can agree that a engine rule is in place for x amount of years. Very few people will profit from an engine change rule at this time.