XPS Range: Gear Oil, Chain Lube and Kart Maintenance
XPS is not just an oil: it is the whole line of kart maintenance products made by Rotax (a brand of BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG) for its own engines. We have already covered two-stroke mix and the correct percentages in the dedicated guide: here we focus on the rest of the range, the products that keep the kart in order between sessions.
→ If you are looking for mix percentages and Castor Racing 2T oil, you will find everything here (in Italian): Kart fuel mix: the right petrol, oil and percentages for Rotax engines
In short The Rotax XPS range covers gear oil (MAX and DD2), mix oil and products for chain, bearings and brakes. Gear oil is changed every 5 hours of use and the level checked every 2: it must not be confused with mix oil, which burns together with the petrol.
XPS kart range: MAX and DD2 gear oils are not the same thing
Gear oil lubricates a mechanical part of the transmission, closed and separate from the rest of the engine. Rotax does not offer a single product for all engines: the choice changes depending on the type of transmission fitted.
XPS Kart Gear Oil (for MAX): specific for Rotax MAX engines, it reduces wear and withstands high temperatures. It is not suitable for engines with a manual gearbox. It must be replaced every 5 hours of use.
XPS DD2 Kart Gear Oil: the product dedicated to the two-speed gearbox of the Rotax DD2, a mechanical component that the standard MAX does not have, which is why it needs a different, specific oil.
Chain: three products, different uses
For the chain, XPS offers three references designed for slightly different needs, all compatible with chains fitted with O-rings.
XPS Kart Chain Lube: a formulation designed for very adhesive lubrication, which holds up in all weather and temperature conditions, tested not to damage O-ring seals. Adhesion is not a minor detail: at the rotation speeds of a kart chain, centrifugal force tends to fling off a lubricant that is too fluid after a few laps, leaving pins and rollers dry exactly where most protection is needed. A formulation that stays on the chain ensures continuous lubrication even after several minutes of use, not just at the moment it is applied.
XPS White Chain Spray: the white version of the same product family, also useful to see at a glance where it has been applied.
XPS Synthetic Chain Spray: a synthetic formulation, an alternative in the same range for those who want less visible lubrication on the chain.
→ Read also: The kart chain: tension, lubrication and when to replace it (in Italian) · CZ or Panther HAT kart chains: differences and when to choose each
XPS Bearing Lube is designed to lubricate axle and wheel bearings, as well as ball joints such as steering track rod ends. It is a low-viscosity formulation that flows well and also helps displace water in wet track conditions. Our advice is to apply it before every track session, practice or race.
Braking system: fluid and cleaning
XPS Kart Tec Brake Fluid DOT 4: the brake fluid for the kart's hydraulic system. DOT 4 fluids are hygroscopic, meaning they naturally absorb moisture from the air over time, even inside a sealed system. The more moisture there is, the lower the fluid's boiling point: under repeated heavy braking, the heat generated can boil the absorbed water and create vapour bubbles in the circuit, resulting in a lever or pedal that suddenly feels softer and less responsive. This is why brake fluid must be checked and replaced regularly, not only when you notice a problem.
XPS Brake Cleaner: a degreasing spray to clean discs and calipers of rubber, oil and dirt residue, keeping braking consistent and effective.
→ Read also: Kart maintenance: brakes, tyres and pre-race checks
Carburettor cleaning and other accessories in the range
XPS Kart Tec Carburettor Cleaner: useful for removing deposits and combustion residue from the carburettor during routine maintenance.
XPS Ceramic Multispray: a ceramic-based multi-purpose product for general protection and lubrication of kart components.
XPS Kart Tec Visor Cleaner: a specific cleaner for the helmet visor, cleaning without damaging anti-scratch and anti-fog treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Is XPS gear oil the same as two-stroke mix oil?
No. Mix oil burns together with the petrol during combustion, while gear oil lubricates a separate mechanical part. They are two different products with different functions.
How often should XPS gear oil for the MAX be changed?
It should be replaced every 5 hours of use and the level checked every 2 hours. It is not suitable for engines with a manual gearbox, for which there is the dedicated DD2 Kart Gear Oil.
Are XPS chain products compatible with O-ring chains?
Yes, the XPS Kart Chain Lube line is tested not to damage O-ring seals.
When should Bearing Lube be used?
Before every track session, on axle and wheel bearings and on ball joints such as steering track rod ends. It also helps displace water in wet track conditions.
Why use XPS products instead of generic ones?
They are developed directly by Rotax for the operating conditions of a kart: high engine revs, the working temperatures of the braking system and chain, and exposure to rain and dirt on track.
Not sure which XPS product you need for your routine maintenance? Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you put together the right kit.
👉 You will find the XPS range in our shop: XPS Kart Tec Kart Gear Oil (for MAX), XPS Kart Tec DD2 Kart Gear Oil, XPS Kart Chain Lube and XPS Kart Tec Bearing Lube.
Conclusion
The XPS range covers practically all routine kart maintenance, from gears to chain, from bearings to brakes. Using the right product for each component, instead of one generic lubricant for everything, is one of the simplest and cheapest habits to keep your kart reliable session after session.
Questions about this topic?
Message us on WhatsApp: we answer personally, with the experience of people who live at the track. And if you want to drive a real racing kart, with Arrive & Drive you get into one of ours, ready on track. The right spare part? You will find it in the shop.
Arrive & Drive Pro by TKS RaceLab: 2026 karts with Rotax Senior MAX and DD2 engines, Alfano 7 telemetry and trackside technical support at Lonato, Franciacorta, Cremona and Ala. Message us on WhatsApp for information and availability.
TKS RaceLab | Performance Engineering Karting | tksracelab.com
Read also: CZ or Panther HAT kart chains: differences → · Kart maintenance: brakes, tyres and pre-race checks → · Rotax MAX EVO: classes, power and how to choose →
📞 Contact
📞 +39 352 0280 133
Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 17 August 2026 | Updated: 8 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
Comments