Well for $300/mo I can smash laps on someone else’s engine and keep the KZ on the shelf and fresh. It’s a bit sad but that’s barely more than a set of new tires currently.
What’s a decent used R1? $3000? Plus the cost of a couple top end rebuilds. I’ve been putting in 1.5+ hours every other weekend. Soon it will need a bottom end as well. Add that up it’s over $3600+ so that’s about a year of leasing an engine.
I’d personally maybe do it for three to four months this winter so I can just keep turning laps until my body gives out. I agree that you should practice with what you race, but the offseason for me is just pure seat time and fitness.
prices As said above the lease programs are intriguing, however it would depend on the terms, fees, and amount of months. I have to wonder how many people would buy into the 65 and 85cc engines, and then have to find a chassis.
Being that I dont currently race shifters, I will say that the number of motor choices confuses me quite a bit. I’m starting to understand, but considering you have tons of motor choices available I dont even know where to start.
I’ve recently figured out that the R1 and R2 and successors to the 10B/10C and etc.. This website is a good example of my confusion - and that’s just TM motors: TM Engines | Italian Motors USA LLC
I have no idea what the difference between the first 5 motors are on that page. With a KA it really is just one option. Now consider that there are Rok, Modena, maybe IAME? Its just plain confusing. At least my current understanding is if you want to race shifter at STARS or SKUSA you get the latest TM motor, send it to your favorite builder, and move on.
I had to do the same recently. I’m sure a handful of people like the other brands, but TM seems to be king. With that is many people who know how to tune them and parts are plentiful.
R2 is the most recent. Followed by R1 which a good one can compete-ish with R2s. Then the 10 series which is getting long in the tooth now. Homologation cycle is 3 to 5 years. I can remember off the top of my head. So in theory a R3 is a couple years away.
It should be worth saying the Vortex Rok is not as powerful as a full blown KZ, David. I believe this is due to porting differences.
I think the power difference is something like 4 or 5 hp. Either way, when im running long tracks, the KZs get me (we run in the same run group, but scored with the stock hondas with a weight break). On the straights, out of the draft, theyre probably going around me 5-10mph faster at full click.
Modenas are the king of road racing it seems, with the most top end power. Some guys are pretty successfully running R1s and R2s but only the R2s seem to keep up.
I’m with @Andy_DiGiusto that it is many years too late. My main hangup is that many clubs and regions now have an established structure for the KZ and higher powered engines, so in order to effectively integrate the FZ platform it will require its own class…otherwise you’re stuck with managing different weight requirements for different engines, and no one is happy.
There has been a ton of good info on these forums regarding the KZ, but one point to clarify is the pricing. MSRP on a stock TM R2 Total Black is $5,060.70. Add in an Airbox from your favorite US dealer, and you’re at $5,180 before tax and shipping.
Under racing circumstances, I would expect the FZ to have longer service intervals, but for a hobbyist (likely those who are concerned about spending extra $$$), the KZ parts life can be extended by running rich and not downshifting like a madman.
DISCLOSURE: I am a TM dealer. The above price is current retail based on current importer pricing.
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE: I want everyone to get many years of enjoyment from driving a SHIFTER kart, and don’t care what engine you buy.
Yeah I have no interest buying one. But wear and tear on someone else dime? Depends on how the lease reads.
My local track you can’t stretch the legs on the KZ except for one proper back stretch and a short front stretch depending on config. Overlaying data I’m barely faster through the rest of the track versus my Rotax. Just grip limited for mid corner speed and our tiny straights between corners. So for just pounding laps the FZ is a potential option.
For my occasional every other month +5 hour trip to K1, I would run the KZ if I’m putting in the time and money to go out there.
Also Factory Kart just moved to Phoenix. They are a 5min drive from the house so at least for me the support is there.
They are trying hard. SKUSA ProKart races at K1 has had a decent draw of FZ shifters. We just don’t have a great shifter scene at my local track. A couple quick guys, but not enough to host a race.
Does anyone know how rebuilds work with the lease program? Is the leasee responsible for rebuilding the engine or do you return it back to manufacturer and they send you a new engine at no extra cost out of the lease deal?
Depends on how the lease reads.