Operation Of The Gearbox; Activating The Reverse Mode - Rotax Rm 1 Benutzerhandbuch

3.4. Operation of the gearbox

The ROTAX Kart RM1 is fitted with a 2-speed gearbox that is switched manually via a shifting
paddle. The engine also has an electronic ignition cut-off which at every gear shifting interrupts the
ignition releaving the load from the gearbox and hereby makes gearshifting easier and faster.
Note: Gearshifting is not possible at engine standstill 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
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 already engages.
Note: If shifting at idling it may happen that, due to the design of the gearbox, no gear
engages. In such a case increase shortly the speed over 2.500 r.p.m. and try again
to engage the gear.
st
Shifting from 1 to 2
In principle this is possible at any engine speed (r.p.m.). The optimum timing for shifting is
reached when the red LED flashes shortly at the multi-functional display.
Due to the electronic ignition cut-off the gas pedal can stay fully activated.
nd
Shifting from 2 to 1
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
(over 13.600 r.p.m.), 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 off the Kart. By no means it is 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 the red LED at the multi-functional display flashes and 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 at 1
backwards however the 1
Note: The engine can be started only at forward direction.
Seite/page 87/132
Operator`s Manual RM1
st
gear
nd
gear
st
gear
nd st
to 1 gear at speeds over 10.200 r.p.m, this causes over-revving
st
gear must be engaged.
ROTAX KART RM1
st
gear. For driving
Ausgabe/Edition 05/2003