In kart racing, power is generally transmitted via a drive chain. Depending on the engine and kart class, different chain types and chain sizes are used. Choosing the correct kart chain and the right gear ratio is crucial for acceleration, top speed and ultimately your lap time.
The following chain types are commonly used in karting:
The numbers (219, 215, 428, 415) refer to the specific chain size or pitch.
The 219 chain is the absolute standard in modern karting. It is used in classes such as:
The 219 chain offers an ideal combination of durability, efficiency and low rolling resistance – perfect for high-performance 2-stroke engines.
The 215 chain is a lighter and smaller alternative to the 219 chain.
In recent years, it has mainly been used in Mini kart classes.
Advantages:
The 428 chain is primarily used in KZ shifter karts and, in some cases, in 4-stroke engines.
It is more robust and designed to handle higher torque – ideal for high-performance engines with a gearbox.
The 415 chain is smaller and lighter than the 428 chain.
In the KZ category, it is used as an alternative when reducing weight and friction losses is the goal.
In practice, however, this chain is currently rarely used.
In addition to choosing the correct chain size, the gear ratio in your kart plays a central role.
The interaction between:
determines:
In shifter karts (KZ), the gear ratio also affects gear selection in specific sections of the track. An optimally matched ratio ensures that the engine always operates within its ideal RPM range.
Choosing the right kart chain (219, 215, 428 or 415) as well as the correct gear ratio are key factors in kart racing. They influence not only on-track performance, but also the driving feel and overall setup of your kart.
If you want to run at the front in competitive racing, you should pay special attention to the drivetrain and chain selection. IMPORTANT!
The chain, front sprocket and rear sprocket must always be of the same type. Particular caution is required with type 215, as it is similar to type 219. Mixing these types will inevitably result in immediate failure of the entire drivetrain system.
When installing the chain kit, ensure perfect alignment between the rear sprocket and the chain. Even minor misalignment can lead to rapid wear.
The drivetrain of a go-kart is exposed to enormous stress under racing conditions. Several factors act simultaneously on the kart chain and the entire chain set:
The tight rotation around the small front sprocket results in significantly higher mechanical stress compared to, for example, a motorcycle.
In addition, the rotational speed of a kart chain is many times higher than in most other vehicles. This substantially increases friction, heat generation and overall material stress.
External influences further add to the load, such as:
All these factors demand maximum stability and precision from the kart chain and the entire drivetrain system.
Due to these unique stresses, kart chains, sprockets, rear sprockets and chain lubricants are specifically developed for kart racing.
Products from other applications – even high-quality motorcycle components – often do not fully meet the specific requirements of karting.
The reasons include:
Choosing the correct chain spray for kart chains is particularly crucial:
The lubricant must simultaneously:
We recommend using only high-quality products that have been specifically developed and manufactured for kart racing.
This ensures that:
