Video of El Bandito Testing the
Vortex KF1 Karting Engine -
The Vortex KF1 is a 125cc key start package, packing around
40hp, with a rev limit of 16,000rpm. In Europe The Vortex
KF1 has completely dominated, and KF1 class is setting times
quicker than the Formula A 100cc karts of old. But what is
it like to drive?
Here are Willdendinho's thoughts on the Vortex KF1
-
“The initial impression of driving the KF1 is that
the bottom end power felt very slow. The mid range power was
really good, and surprising. But when you got to about 14.5-15krpm
the power died. However I did have a play on a 100cc and actually
I realised the bottom end of the KF1 wasn't really as bad
as I thought when comparing it. I think the excellent KF1
mid range power made rhe bottom end feel weaker than it really
was. The KF1 is a fast engine, but compared to a wankle engine
it isn't 'all that' in terms of raw power.
The main issue I had was that because of the extra weight,
it caused the sidewalls to flex too much, similar to the way
a DD2 does, but no where near as bad. I would prefer stiffer
sidewalls on the Bridgestones I was using. This would have
helped.
I did enjoy driving the thing. I really enjoy 100cc karting,
but the KF1 is good to drive. The power valve made getting
the power on in some corners a bit difficult, but after a
few days testing I'm sure I can get used to it.
You can't lock up so hard under brakes. The clutch just
kicks in and the engine stops. At one point I was rolling
on the track turning the key to get the motor started. Compared
to a 100cc, I feel that you can't push so hard into corners,
or else you bog down, and when the power valve is kicking
in you can't just plant the throttle like you are supposed
to in a 100cc. The main focus is good early braking, and driving
the kart through the corner.”
From an outsider's perspective you can really appreciate
the mega mid range power this thing has got. It just picks
up real nice mid range, but it certainly sits flat at low
revs. In the sound department, I think a lot of karting
noise appreciators will be pleasantly surprised.
It's isn't all that bad. In fact, I would say it's pretty
good.It doesn't quite have the tingle of a 100cc but
it certainly does have a growl that lets you know this thing
is actually moving. I had a quick sniff of the fumes
as well, and it still passes the tests. It smells
proper mint.
The KF1 doesn't look as alive as a 100cc on the track,
but you can really start to understand why there has been
a definite mood change towards KF in Europe, and
why so many MAX drivers appear to be attracted by the new
classes. It certainly is more than a MAX on steroids!
The reliability, and expense of the KF1 is still questionable.
Ironically the 100cc that was being run as well lasted
all day without any fault, the KF1 however had a
piston failure early on, and that put an end to testing it.
With the UK Winter Series just around the corner, and full
grids of KF1, KF2, and KF3 expected, we can be certain
that KF is here to stay, and is going to be massive!
Alan Dove
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