With the incredible Rotax/Prime Powerteam incentive deals now available, more and more Briggs & Stratton LO206 racers at Hamilton Karting Complex have been asking the same question:

“What’s actually involved in switching from Briggs to Rotax?”

We get it—moving from a 4-stroke to a 2-stroke package sounds daunting. New equipment, new power, different maintenance… it can feel like a big leap.

So we decided to break everything down as simply and clearly as possible.
No hype, no comparisons, just what to expect if you’re considering swapping your Briggs package for a Rotax Max engine for club racing.

Before we begin, let’s be super clear:

Briggs isn’t better. Rotax isn’t better. They’re just different.

This isn’t a debate about which platform is superior. Briggs offers incredibly close, strategic pack racing. Rotax delivers high-performance 2-stroke thrills with late braking and impressive acceleration. Both are fantastic, both have huge followings, and both will continue to be supported at HRKC for many years.

This article simply explains what changes—and what stays the same—if you switch from Briggs LO206 to Rotax Max for club racing.

Let’s get into it.

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1. Equipment: What You’ll Need to Run Rotax

Rotax Package

Obviously you will need a Rotax Package to compete, there are differences between Mini, Jr, Sr packages so make sure you get the one that is appropriate for you. A full package will consist of:

• Engine
• Battery/Wiring Harness
• Carburetor
• Exhaust
• Clutch

Chassis Requirements

For Junior and Senior Rotax, you’ll need a proper 2-stroke chassis.

• Briggs chassis—like the Birel ART AM29—are designed for 4-stroke flex and typically aren’t suitable for 2-stroke racing.
• For Rotax Junior/Senior, you’ll want something like the Birel ART RY30 or an equivalent 2-stroke chassis from another brand.
• Cadet racers: Good news! You can run the same chassis you already have.

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Power Source

Rotax engines use a battery for more than just starting—the ECU requires proper voltage to deliver full performance.

You will need a way to charge your battery between sessions, such as:

• A battery power bank (e.g., Jackery)
• A small gas generator
• A compact battery inverter using a drill battery (e.g., Milwaukee Top-Off)

Any small, reliable power source works. No need to overthink this part.

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Tools

Most of your Briggs toolbox transfers over! You’ll only need a few extras:

• 17mm wrench + 17mm socket
• Rotax spark plug socket (larger than Briggs)
• Exhaust spring puller

Everything else is the same—you’re not reinventing your setup.

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Track Supplies

Here’s what changes:

• 2-stroke oil (mixed with fuel; several brands allowed at HRKC)
• Sticky chain lube, like Xeramic (used far more frequently in Rotax)
• Gearbox oil (changed occasionally)
• O-ring chain recommended (better durability, retains lube longer) although some still run a Gold Chain just fine

Here’s what goes away:

• Engine oil

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2. Maintenance: The Truth About Rotax Care

Good news—Rotax maintenance at the track is actually simpler than LO206.

Track Day Maintenance

All you need to do:

• Clean the clutch once per day
• Lube your chain after every session
• Perform normal chassis checks (bearings, alignment, hardware)
• Normal cleaning

No valve lash.
No oil changes.
No servicing the clutch between sessions

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Ongoing Engine Maintenance

Rotax engines are extremely reliable when run within spec.

You’ll want to:

• Change gearbox oil every few race weekends
• Service the engine every 20–40 hours at a Rotax-certified shop
  (About half the frequency of a typical LO206 service interval)

For a 2-stroke engine, it’s remarkably economical.

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3. What to Expect: Performance, Wear Items & Driving Feel

A Different Kind of Speed

Rotax engines rev nearly three times higher than LO206 and produce significantly more horsepower. This means:

• You’ll burn more fuel
• You’ll use more chain lube
• Chains and sprockets wear faster
• Bolts need checking more frequently (vibration!)

This is normal for all 2-stroke packages.

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Tire Pressure Differences

Briggs racers typically run 16–17 psi hot.

Rotax racers usually run 11–13 psi hot.

This affects grip, balance, and warmup but is easy to adapt to.

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Driving & Racecraft

Briggs = pack racing, drafting, bumpers locked, strategic moves.
Rotax = precision, punishes mistakes, rewards clean laps, less drafting.

Expect:

• More emphasis on brake points, apex timing, acceleration zones
• More breakaways (less drafting effect compared to Briggs)
• A stronger “performance karting” feel—late braking and explosive exits

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4. So… Is Switching Hard?

Not at all.
If you can handle a Briggs kart, you can absolutely handle a Rotax.

It’s different—but straightforward, approachable, reliable, and supported.

And with Prime’s current incentives, there has never been an easier or more affordable time to make the switch.

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HRKC Fall Rotax Incentive – Best Pricing in Canada!

Prime Powerteam is offering unbeatable packages for Briggs and ROK drivers looking to enter the Rotax program for 2026.

These packages can be ready for fall practice and are available while supplies last.

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Why Add Rotax to Your Karting Profile?

• Step into a new level of speed and performance
• RMC Ontario returns for Season 3 with more Grand Finals tickets
• Easy, economical, sealed 2-stroke platform
• Massive discount programs through Prime Powerteam

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Complete Kart Packages (Starting Prices)

• Birel ART C28 w/ NEW Rotax Mini Max — $5,679.35
• Birel ART RY30 w/ NEW Rotax Junior — $6,343.95
• Birel ART RY30 w/ NEW Rotax Senior — $6,700.95

Available for:

• Mini Max
• Junior Max
• Senior Max

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Extra Discounts When Purchasing a Complete Package

Rotax & Chassis packages come with huge bonus reductions:

• Chassis (Birel ART or OTK): Additional 15% off
• Rotax Engine: Additional 15% off
• Accessory Kits & Add-Ons: Additional 20% off

Best pricing in Canada—guaranteed.

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Ready to Move from Briggs to Rotax? We’ll Make It Easy.

If you’re interested in learning more or claiming one of these packages, contact:

📧 [email protected]

Whether you’re a seasoned Briggs racer or a brand-new driver looking to step into 2-stroke performance, Rotax is an exciting, accessible, and reliable next step—and HRKC is proud to support both platforms for years to come.

Don’t let the differences scare you off—Rotax is easier than you think!