LO206 Chain & Sprocket Guide

Tension, selection, lubrication, and maintenance tips to keep your drivetrain efficient and reliable in a spec class where every detail matters.

At Swift Karting, we’ve serviced hundreds of LO206 drivetrains for club, regional, and national racers. In a sealed, low-horsepower class, small inefficiencies in the chain and sprockets cost real lap time. This guide combines proven practices to help you run faster, more reliably, and with longer component life.

LO206 Rules, Specs, and Downloads

If you are setting up or maintaining an LO206 kart, make sure you are working from the correct ruleset and specifications. We keep manuals, rules, and reference files organized in one place.

View LO206 Resources & Downloads

Quick Start Checklist

1. Run the chain looser than instinct suggests, adjust slack at the tightest spot by rotating the axle.
2. Use a gear guard when running loose.
3. Ensure perfect alignment between clutch sprocket and rear sprocket.
4. Match chain and sprocket pitch (#219 with #219, #35 with #35).
5. Size the chain so engine adjustment sits mid-slot.
6. Eliminate stiff links immediately.
7. Lube the chain while hot, right after a session.
8. Replace chain and sprockets as a system.

Recommended Products

• DID 219 HTM Chain (114 link)
• RLV Xtreme #35 Chain (106 link)
• Premium #219 Chain Breaker
• Premium #35 Chain Breaker

For gear guards and sprocket protectors, view options here.

#219 vs #35 Chain

• #219 Chain: Lighter rotating mass, smoother wrap on small clutch drums, finer gearing steps. Preferred for sprint and road course efficiency.
• #35 Chain: Larger pitch and thicker plates for durability, stretch resistance, and shock loading.

The fastest chain is the one that stays aligned, lubricated, and on the sprockets. On smooth tracks, #219 usually wins. In rough or endurance conditions, #35 often survives longer.

Chain Tension: Loose Is Fast

A tight chain is one of the biggest hidden power losses in LO206. It increases bearing load, friction, and heat.

Target slack: ¼ to ¾ inch total up and down deflection at the midpoint, measured on a stand and set at the tightest rotation point.

Why Tight Chains Cost Speed

Real-world impact, an overtight chain can cost 0.5 to 1 or more horsepower in a roughly 9 horsepower engine.

Chain Lubrication and Real Testing

Independent testing has shown massive differences in wear and friction depending on lubrication quality and application method.

• Top-performing lubes showed roughly 7.5 percent wear after 1300 miles.
• Average lubes exceeded 60 percent wear under the same conditions.
• Clean chains consistently ran cooler and freer.

Best Practice for LO206

• Use kart-specific dry or wax-based chain lubes.
• Lube immediately after a session while the chain is hot.
• Wipe all exterior excess.
• Relube every session or race day.
• Avoid heavy off-road lubes that trap grit.

Chain Breaker Basics

1. Verify correct breaker for chain pitch.
2. Align tool pin perfectly with chain pin.
3. Apply pressure slowly and evenly.
4. Leave about 1mm before separation.
5. Install master link from inside out.
6. Ensure clip faces closed end forward.
7. Spin axle and verify free movement.

LO206 Chain & Sprocket FAQs

Recent Swift Karting Tech & Race News

We regularly publish updates covering LO206 tech, rule changes, race support, and product releases. If you want to stay current on what we are seeing at the track, check out our latest posts.

Read the Latest Swift Karting News

Browse all LO206 parts.