How much do Rotax engines cost

How much do Rotax engines cost

How much do Rotax engines cost

So you're looking at Rotax aircraft engines. Manufactured by BRP-Rotax out in Austria, these things power a ton of light sport aircraft (LSA), experimental homebuilt kits, and ultralight trikes. The pricing? Honestly, it all depends. Model matters. Whether you want a flyaway or ready-to-install setup changes things. And of course, new crate versus factory-rebuilt makes a difference. As of 2025, a brand-new Rotax 912 ULS (that's 100 hp) is probably going to run you somewhere between $26,000 and $32,000 USD. The turbocharged Rotax 915 iS (141 hp)? That beast often goes for $38,000 to $48,000 USD for a complete flyaway package.

What is the price range for new Rotax 912 and 915 engines?

The Rotax 900 series is everywhere in the LSA world. The Rotax 912 ULS (100 hp) is your baseline. A standard crate engine—without exhaust, carburetors, or cooling—starts around $24,000. Now if you want a complete "flyaway" kit, everything you need to actually start the thing, that's between $28,000 and $33,000. The fuel-injected Rotax 912 iS Sport (also 100 hp) adds another $3,000 to $5,000, putting it between $30,000 and $37,000. Then there's the Rotax 915 iS (141 hp). That's the pricey one. A flyaway package often exceeds $45,000, especially if you add the optional turbocharger and electronic engine management system.

How much do used or factory-rebuilt Rotax engines cost?

These engines last. The 912 series has a 2,000-hour TBO, so the used market is pretty active. A used Rotax 912 ULS with 500 to 1,000 hours? Figure $12,000 to $18,000. A factory-rebuilt exchange engine from Rotax—comes with a full warranty and a zero-time logbook—costs about 60 to 70 percent of a new one. For a 912 ULS, that rebuilt unit runs about $16,000 to $20,000. Factory-rebuilt 915 iS engines? They're rarer. But you might find one for $28,000 to $35,000.

What additional costs are associated with a Rotax engine purchase?

Here's the thing—the engine itself is only part of the story. You need to budget for other stuff too:

  • Engine installation kit: Think exhaust system, radiator, hoses, wiring harness. Cost: $3,000–$6,000.
  • Propeller: A ground-adjustable or constant-speed prop for a Rotax? That's $2,500 to $8,000.
  • Engine instruments and sensors: Electronic monitoring systems (like an EMS) add $1,500–$3,000.
  • Shipping and crating: These engines are heavy—about 140 lbs. Shipping within the US is typically $300–$600.
  • Sales tax and import duties: If you're importing from Canada or Austria, expect an extra 5–10 percent.

A complete "firewall-forward" package—engine, prop, installation kit, instruments—for a Rotax 912 ULS often totals between $35,000 and $45,000. Yeah, it adds up.

How do Rotax engine prices compare to other aircraft engines?

Engine Model Typical New Price (USD) Horsepower Weight (lbs)
Rotax 912 ULS $26,000 – $32,000 100 hp 140
Rotax 912 iS Sport $30,000 – $37,000 100 hp 145
Rotax 915 iS $38,000 – $48,000 141 hp 155
Lycoming O-235 $28,000 – $35,000 108 hp 230
Jabiru 3300 $18,000 – $22,000 120 hp 170

Rotax engines cost more upfront than some alternatives—like Jabiru. But here's the trade-off: they burn less fuel, weigh less, and have a higher TBO. That often makes up for the initial hit over the engine's life.

What is included in a typical Rotax "flyaway" package?

A standard Rotax flyaway package—sometimes called a "ready-to-install" or "RPM" kit—comes with a lot:

  • Engine block with cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, and camshaft
  • Carburetors (or fuel injection for iS models)
  • Ignition system (dual CDI)
  • Alternator (40 amp or 200 watt)
  • Starter motor
  • Oil tank and oil cooler
  • Radiator and coolant hoses
  • Exhaust system (muffler and headers)
  • Airbox and air filters
  • Engine mount (often custom to the airframe)
  • Wiring harness and sensors
  • Owner's manual and logbook

Some dealers also throw in a propeller and engine instruments as part of a "complete powertrain" package. That'll add $5,000–$12,000 to the total.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a Rotax 912 ULS cost in 2025?

A new Rotax 912 ULS (100 hp) is between $26,000 and $32,000 USD for a flyaway package. Used with 500–1,000 hours? Probably $12,000–$18,000.

Is a Rotax 915 iS worth the extra cost over a 912?

If you need altitude performance or more power for a heavier aircraft, yeah. The 915 iS makes 141 hp and is turbocharged—great for high-density altitude. But it costs $10,000–$15,000 more than a 912 ULS.

How much does it cost to overhaul a Rotax engine?

A factory-rebuilt (exchange) Rotax 912 ULS is about $16,000–$20,000. A full overhaul at an authorized service center? That's $12,000 to $18,000, depending on the core condition.

Are Rotax engines cheaper than Continental or Lycoming?

Generally, yes. A Rotax 912 ULS is about 20–30% cheaper than a comparable Lycoming O-235 (108 hp) new. But Rotax engines need more specialized maintenance, and parts aren't as easy to find.

Resumen breve

  • Precio nuevo: Un Rotax 912 ULS cuesta entre $26,000 y $32,000 USD; un 915 iS cuesta entre $38,000 y $48,000 USD.
  • Costos adicionales: El paquete completo (instalación, hélice, instrumentos) añade $10,000–$20,000 al precio del motor.
  • Mercado de segunda mano: Los motores usados con 500–1,000 horas cuestan entre $12,000 y $18,000 USD.
  • Reconstruido de fábrica: Un motor de intercambio reconstruido cuesta entre $16,000 y $20,000 USD para el 912 ULS.

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