Microlighters

Picked this up from another thread and did not want to Hijack it. Anyone have any more substantive info or did someone chop down the vine that produced it?

Asteriks wrote:I find it interesting that the whole engine-thing is being discussed again. I heard via the grapevine that 503's have been discontinued and 582's will be discontinued this year by Rotax due to European regulations regarding emissions.

I also heard that the 503's have been discontinued. How true I don't know.

It would not surprise me though as 2 strokes are a very big no-no with the europeans etc. Look at the motorcross fraternity - most new designs are four strokes, and as such only one or two 2 strokes remain.

Maybe this will open up avenues for some better/cheaper/safer/lighter/more modern designs. I also see that Solo Wings is testing with a BMW motor on an Aquilla.

503 confirmed as discontinued

582 ? Don't know.

2-strokes unwelcome in USA and as you say becoming so in EU.

503 is uneconomically for them to make. They don't break, so they don't make money. Simple rule of good business: Build something that will only last for 2 years to get your cashflow going. Just look at the cellphone industry. They perfected this theory.

Keep an eye on the market, I am sure some chinese manufacturer will by the dies etc and sell it to Joe public. If you think Mike Blythe has big cajones, wait till you meet the guys that fly with those engines

Still nothing like the smell of two-stroke in the morning

windswept wrote:Maybe this will open up avenues for some better/cheaper/safer/lighter/more modern designs.

One of those adjectives is out of place - it is the one beginning with 'c'

Wargames wrote:503 is uneconomically for them to make. They don't break, so they don't make money.

I dissagree, the 912 is supposed to be the saving grace but it has become too expensive. They discontinued the 618 because it impacted on 912 sales. It costs them nothing to make the 503, it's money for jam, but they want to make much more. So if they stop the 2-stroke then.... here come the beemers

Ths is my humble opinion

I must agree with you Morph, Rotax themselves say that the 503 is one of the best selling engines they have. A best selling engine means you should be making money especially at the prices they charge. As for the BMW engines, they are bullet proof and thanks to guys like Oupa-G they have been fully kitted out for flying duty. When my engine ends up timex I will go the BMW route.

How does the weight compare ? Surely a 4 stroke will be heavier?

FROM the MD. BMW (SA)Bike Division

We have had the odd enquiry but no-one has ever pursued it to conclusion. The problem is that BMW doesn't even supply complete engines for bikes - the tendency is to repair rather than replace. But on the other hand I've also heard that there is a specialist division within BMW that is looking into the supply of engines for quads and microlights. I will make some enquiries and see if that is still an option.

The problem is that the new BMW engine wont run on its own like an old carburettor and points engine. It needs control units and ECU's to manage the engine, and the setup for these is very specific. The older 1150cc and 1100 engines are probably a lot simpler in this regard.

I'll let you know what I hear from Germany.

Cheers
Lach
BMW (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd
Mr Lachlan Harris

skybound® wrote:How does the weight compare ? Surely a 4 stroke will be heavier?

The 912 is significatly heavier than the 2 strokes. In fact the 582 has a better Power to Weight ratio than the 912 UL 80hp. Also the 912S will be too powerful for most trikes, unless you start reducing wing sizes, which make them quicker and more of a handful for the low hour guys

Here come Hirth and HKS and........ It will be a stupid move on Rotax's part

Wargames wrote:503 is uneconomically for them to make. They don't break, so they don't make money.:

Simple rule of good business:

Create an engine overall / crank replacement policy at 300 hrs.

Yip, off the market. This is why I installed a brand new 503, so that it will still last me for all the days that I will be flying.
Safe, reliable, plenty of spares. My old 503 did nearly 1000 hrs, no problems. The new one has nearly 50 hours. No problems. If things not broke, leave it alone. Do the maintenance and it will give you good service.

Happy flying all you 503 owners......Volksie of the Sky....

I am happy with my 503, it preforms well, not too thirsty and spritely enough with 2 big blokes up at sea level.

What are the options now in the 503s HP range?

I just bought an Aquilla with a 503. They have an good reputation.