The 8219 go kart, released in 1998, is quite an accurate representation of a real go kart. The wheel base is almost square, and the tires are wide and smooth. The center of gravity is low, and a single cylinder engine is rear mounted to a solid drive axle with a tune pipe for exhaust. It even has a single rear brake disc. The steering uses the flexible rack assembly. Although the model is scaled for a Technic figure, the set does not come with one.
The front wheels can be steered using a wheel at the driver's position. The wheel drives an axle connected to a 8 tooth pinion gear. The gear drives a flexible rack. The steering mechanism itself uses the new steering arms and brackets.
This model effectively has tilt steering since the angle of the steering column can be changed.
This model uses a one cylinder reciprocating engine driven by both rear wheels via a solid axle.
The engine is made from a transparent engine element. The wheel axle connects to the crankshaft of the engine via a set of 24 tooth and 8 tooth spur gears resulting a 3:1 ratio. The crankshaft is offset 1/2 stud from center, giving the piston a stroke of 1 stud.
There's even a little tuned exhaust pipe hanging off the side.
This set uses 4 of the white 30.4x14 VR wheels and tires. These tires were extremely common this year, appearing on most of the Tech Play sets.
By Technicopedia