THE ROTAX EXPERIENCE
CRANKS AND CONNECTING RODS ⊲
Kurt Wildfellner, manager of specific components and services, explains how Rotax creates splits and rejoins connecting rods found in the 850cc and select other engines. The large rack of connecting rods use both QR- and color-coding to log each rod’ s size and constraints. Then Rotax breaks the connecting rod into two pieces so it will fit into the designated crankshaft, which is a solid piece.
The connecting rod breaking station uses a laser to etch a small line into the rod to create a sharp edge. A solid pin forces itself mere millimeters into the bore of the lower connecting rod bearing end and exerts outward force to sever the connecting rod at the precise location. The rod is then bolted back together, the QR code matches the dimension tolerance to the right crankshaft, and it’ s ready for the assembly process.
⊳ THE ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN
Rotax does its own electric motor winding in-house. The myriad of precision steps include paper insulation insertion, routing wires, bending wires, banding the assembly, forming of the internal / external radii, tying the large ring lug and clipping. The assembly cannot function properly if the coated copper wire becomes occluded or chafed. If a wire is routed the wrong direction, the motor won’ t turn or produce power. Gloves are required when touching each part, as they are un-filleted or deburred for ideal electric transmission.
Fun on the Side:
Rotax MAX Dome
Anyone can go karting at the Rotax MAX Dome in Linz, Austria. This innovative complex, opened in 2019, houses an exciting indoor e-kart racing arena combined with gamification and augmented reality.
“ The Rotax MAX Dome reflects our ongoing passion to deliver the ultimate experience by combining the thrill of an actual race with the fun of being inside a video game,” says Peter Ölsinger, General Manager BRP-Rotax and Vice-President Sales, Marketing and Communications.
He’ s right: It’ s really like being inside a video racing game. At the center of the space is a perfectly staged, two-level broad kart track capable of accommodating up to 12 Rotax Sonic e-karts at a time, with a 50-meter augmented-reality tunnel where racers can earn extra points, called“ coins,” depending on where they drive.
46 / JANUARY 2026 / SNOWGOER. COM