LO206 racing is heavily affected by drafting, momentum, engine temperature, clutch behavior, and tiny variations in gearing. This means the quality of your logged channels matters more than the quantity.

This guide explains the most important AiM channels for LO206 and why each one plays a direct role in tuning, driving analysis, and gear ratio optimization. It also includes direct links to professional grade MyChron sensors you can install to build accurate and consistent data.

For deeper tutorials, check out the LO206 Data Acquisition and Analysis Center and the Race Studio Video Guide Library.

1. Engine RPM

RPM is the most important channel in LO206. It shows how your gearing interacts with the power curve, where the engine falls in the draft, and how much rpm you regain at corner exit.

Key things to look for:

• Peak rpm at the end of the longest straight
• Exit rpm after each major corner
• Draft rpm increase when pulled by another kart
• Lazy acceleration if gearing is too tall

RPM also feeds into gear ratio math channels and the RPM histogram used for true gear optimization.

2. Wheel Speed Sensor (Rear Axle or Front Wheel)

Wheel speed is far more accurate than GPS speed for karting. AiM GPS samples at lower frequency, smooths the data, and cannot capture micro changes in acceleration the same way an actual wheel rotation sensor can.

Benefits of wheel speed:

• Accurate acceleration tracing for gear ratio math
• Smoother and more precise speed curve in Race Studio
• True coast, brake, and throttle transition analysis
• No GPS drift, lag, or signal variation

A front wheel speed sensor is ideal when the rear axle cannot be used. We stock the MyChron compatible front wheel speed sensor here:

MyChron Front Wheel Speed Sensor

3. GPS Speed (If Wheel Speed Is Not Available)

GPS speed is acceptable if you cannot run a wheel speed sensor, but it has limitations. AiM GPS smooths spikes and is less accurate in hard acceleration zones.

If you start with GPS, upgrade to wheel speed later for better gearing work and throttle mapping.

4. Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT)

CHT is extremely important in LO206 racing because drafting and kart balance both affect engine temperature in measurable ways.

Why CHT matters:

• Drafting heats the head faster because airflow drops, meaning your engine may run hotter during long pushes.
• A tight kart (overloaded front end or stuck rear) creates extra load and additional heat rise.
• You can see when the kart is overworked in traffic or when handling changes cause heat buildup.
• Helps detect lean conditions, power fade, and overheating before they cause performance loss.

Install a proper one piece CHT sensor here:

MyChron One Piece CHT Sensor

5. Acceleration (G-Force Longitudinal)

Acceleration is one of the best channels for calculating gearing accuracy and rpm distribution. It shows how strong your engine pulls in each section of the track and allows you to isolate only the time spent on throttle.

Why this channel matters:

• Helps build an accurate RPM histogram by filtering only acceleration periods.
• Shows where the engine stops pulling due to gearing, clutch slip, or chain drag.
• Helps measure draft effectiveness and compare push vs solo laps.

When tuning gear ratio, acceleration data combined with rpm tells a complete story.

6. Tire Temperature Sensors

Infrared tire temperature sensors give you a major advantage when tuning pressures, balance, and contact patch stability.

These sensors show you:

• How quickly tires heat up throughout a session
• Inside, middle, and outside temperature behavior
• Whether your pressures are correct for the session length
• How track temperature, draft, and kart balance affect heat buildup
• When the tire goes past its peak grip temperature range

This is one of the highest value upgrades for driver coaching and pressure tuning.

Tire temperature kits available:

• Infrared Tire Temperature Mounting Kit
• Full Infrared Tire Temp Sensor Kit

How These Channels Work Together

When you combine these channels in AiM Race Studio, you get a complete picture:

• RPM + wheel speed = precise gearing decisions
• CHT + drafting = engine load and temperature prediction
• Acceleration + rpm = optimized power usage
• Infrared tire temps + pressure tuning = consistent balance

You can learn how to read these channels together in the LO206 Data Acquisition and Analysis Center and the Race Studio video guides.

Bottom Line

These channels give you the clearest picture of your engine, your tires, and your driving. With the right sensors installed and a consistent logging routine, you will learn faster, tune smarter, and get more from every track session.