Rotax RM1 - Operation of the Gearbox; Activating the Reverse Mode

Operator`s Manual RM1
Seite/page 84/132 ROTAX KART RM1 Ausgabe/Edition 01/2006
3.4. Operation of the gearbox
The ROTAX RM1 Kart is fitted with a 2-speed gearbox that is changed manually via a shifting
paddle. The engine also has an electronic ignition cut-off which when changing from 1
st
to 2
nd
gear
interrupts the ignition relieving the load from the gearbox and thereby makes gearshifting easier
and faster.
 Note: Gearshifting is not possible when the engine is not running as it is not assured that
the gear engages and the shifting mechanism might get damaged.
The gearshifting in principle is very simple, only some points have to be observed:
Engagement of the 1
st
gear
• As a matter of principle this is only possible at idling (engine speeds below 2.500 r.p.m.) as at
higher r.p.m. the centrifugal clutch is already engaged.
 Note: At idling speed when engaging 1
st
gear, due to the design of the gearbox, no gear
engages. In such cases briefly increase the speed over 2.500 r.p.m.and try again to
engage 1
st
gear.
Shifting from 1
st
to 2
nd
gear
• In principle this is possible at any engine speed (r.p.m.). The optimum timing for shifting is
reached when the red LED flashes briefly on the multi-functional display.
Due to the electronic ignition cut-off the gas pedal can stay fully activated.
Shifting from 2
nd
to 1
st
gear
• Due to the high difference in r.p.m. between the two gears it is prohibitive to shift down at a
speed of over 10.200 r.p.m.
 Attention: If shifting from 2
nd
to 1
st
gear at speeds over 10.200 r.p.m, this causes over-revving
(over 13.600 r.p.m.), which may damage the engine. Due to the instantaneous
braking effect of the engine, the vehicle may get unstable when entering a corner
and the rear of the kart may break out and get uncontrollable.
3.5. Activating the reverse mode
The reverse gear is intended only for reverse driving in the pits and to bring the vehicle back to the
race track after unintentional exit, without getting out of the Kart. By no means is it intended to
drive at higher speeds.
The possibility to drive backward is achieved by a change of the engine rotation sense, thus
without a mechanical gear. To do so, the ignition timing of the engine is controlled in a way to
change the engine from forward to backward rotation and vice-versa.
¨ Actuate the push-button for activation of the reverse mode at idle speed.
As soon as a warning signal is heard, the vehicle can be driven backwards by accelerating.
 Note: The reverse gear can be activated both at idle speed and in 1
st
gear. For driving
backwards however 1
st
gear must be engaged.
 Note: The engine can be started only in forward direction.