The 8225 go kart, released in 1995, 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. The steering uses the flexible rack assembly. It includes a sticker sheet and a Technic figure to drive. The driver follows the "safety first" principle and wears a helmet. Using the figure for scale, this is actually a very large go kart, perhaps 10 feet long.
There's nothing groundbreaking in this set, but you get introduced to a lot of features for a small price. Additionally, it was the first and cheapest Tech Play set and a way to get one of the Technic figures. This particular figure is one of the most common, appearing in a total of 6 sets.
One bit of trivia is that, if you look closely, you can see that the driver's feet actually extend through the floor suggesting that this model employs some sort of "Fred Flintstone" braking system.
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 steering arms and toothed links.
This model effectively has tilt steering since the angle of the steering column can be changed.
The steering wheel is accurately placed to allow the driver figure to grasp it with both hands from the seat.
This model uses a one cylinder reciprocating engine driven both rear wheels via a solid axle.
The engine is made from a cylindrical engine element. The wheel axle connects to the crankshaft of the engine via a pair of 16 tooth spur gears. 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 back.
This kart is operated by a Technic figure with a double belt and an open coat. As pointed out above, he is a bit smaller than correct scale for this model, but the steering wheel he grasps actually controls the model.
This particular Technic figure is among the most common, appearing in a total of 6 sets.
This set uses 4 of the new white 30.4x14 VR wheels and tires. It is the only set of 1995 to use them.
By Technicopedia