Erik making a good run

[Falko]

http://www.jsonline.com/business/new...241022261.html

Sorry if it is a re-post. I checked and didn't see anything. Not a lot of new info here, but good little article, IMO.

[Pigman]

Plus they have Pegram to race for them also....should be a good year for him

[Rosco61]

If they made a naked street fighter version with some good suspension pieces and that motor I would have a look.
Nice for his team and the support he brings to his former employees now working again is cool as hell.

[stoinkythepig]

What other bikes use that Rotax engine?

[Falko]

I know of none. What is the KTM using now?

[stoinkythepig]

I don't know what KTM uses, but Rotax would not surprise me. Isn't Rotax part of BRP these days? If so, that seems like a nice marriage, I really like BRP engineering and both companies have history in the aviation world. Success in the aviation industry implies a high degree of technical competence to me. I like the idea of a bike powered by an engine made by a company that produces airplane engines. Light weight, high performance and reliability seem like a good combination for a bike or an airplane.

[stoinkythepig]

Interesting air scoops on the front brake caliper. It has to dissipate twice as much heat as a caliper used in a dual front disc application. It would be interesting to see if they fade during track use. That's also the only 1+ liter bike I know of that comes with a 520 chain. That won't last long... Vacuum operated slipper clutch sounds neat, are they common?

[Falko]

Vacuum operated slipper is somewhat common to Rotax. My Falco had the Rotax engine that Aprilia used back then, 996cc I believe it was. But it had the vacuum system on the clutch to relieve pressure on high rpm down shift. That engine was very reliable for the time I had it. Only thing I found was a weak point was the clutch cylinder burning up o-rings unless you did the silicon treatment. I think the Can-Am still uses that engine in the Spyder. I would buy a Rotax engine in a heartbeat, as long as it was packaged in something I was interested in.

[gregp]

Non-Erik related, but check out this Rotax 125 cart engine. 32.6 HP out of a 125 is impressive!
http://www.rotax-kart.com/en/Product.../3-125-MAX-DD2

[GixerJockey]

I don't know what KTM uses, but Rotax would not surprise me. Isn't Rotax part of BRP these days? If so, that seems like a nice marriage, I really like BRP engineering and both companies have history in the aviation world. Success in the aviation industry implies a high degree of technical competence to me. I like the idea of a bike powered by an engine made by a company that produces airplane engines. Light weight, high performance and reliability seem like a good combination for a bike or an airplane.

BRP owns Rotax... Bought them back around 07/08 or so. No sense in buying all your motors if you're the largest manufacturer of watercraft, snow mobiles, jet boats... Just buy the engine company.