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We had the opportunity to attend a Vortex Dinner recently which fell on the occasion of the Rok Cup World Finals. The Italian Motor Giants launched a new motor that at first was a little perplexing too us as we didn't see where it really fit into the grand scheme of things, however as we gave it more thought the ROK GP is a brilliant concept. The new powerplant is a 125cc Touch and Go engine based on the concept of the current KF engines and the Super ROK. The Reed valve engine as far as performance goes sits in the middle of the two and according to factory driver Marco Ardigo is a really fun engine to drive with more or less the same feel as a KF2 engine.

The engine can be run with both its own proprietary exhaust system or with the normal ROK pipe which gives you different power bands with the standard pipe offering more top end power and the standard ROK pipe offers more torque. So where does this motor fit in you might still be wondering well it's designed for use in multi-engine categories like TAG in the USA, however a motor like this could be a great option as a top level category in the USA and why you may ask? Well Price and Power is a good start. The expected retail on the engine is going to be similar to the standard ROK motor which is in the $3000-3500 price range however the GP will offer almost KF2 like power which could be a great step forward for those looking to venture into something faster than their standard Rotax,ROK, Leopard powered karts.

Our thoughts are if you put this engine on any chassis of your choice with some good CIK medium or Soft tires you really could have a great top level class that gives karters a fast, cost effective and reliable option.

The ROK GP comes equipped with a RAV Valve for that extra little boost. It is also set up with a rev limited ignition which goes up to 15,500 RPM