The "standard issue" Kar-Bike, introduced in 1946, is demonstrated by the restored example shown here. The basic construction was of the same tubular steel used in bicycle manufacturing at the time. The original design featured two tubular bars, but asecond version that used only one tubular bar for the body was also available. Kar-Bikes were advertised from 1946 through 1949. Their market was probably limited by significant shipping costs. They were very rugged and s tood up well to punishment, but few are found intact today.
The steering wheel shaft was adjustable to suit the driver’s stature!
The V-Belt drive was smooth, quiet, and deadly on pant leg cuffs.
This is an original New-Old-Stock Torrington Jr. pedal – correct original equipment on Kar-Bikes.
When the V-Belt became worn you could easily tighten it up with the lock bolt shown above.
The seat could be adjusted six ways (forward, back, up, down, and tilt! Advanced engineering.
The rear axle rode in smooth-running ball bearings held in the clamps at each wheel.
Although the original wheel size was 10×1.50, I settled for 10×1.75 when I restored this toy.
The cast aluminum steering wheel was unique to Kar-Bikes and is almost impossible to find today.