It's a honda .49cc,
Runs better than the skyhawks.
I would concentrate on the bike first.
No one says you have to run a bike motor!
Well, I'd never seriously considered that sort of engine before. It makes me wonder if I want to even have to pedal it at all once it's complete.
I feel like anything is possible now. I want to go all out and really build the nicest, most enduring machine I can. Something tight and light and clean. Something that doesn't squeak or vibrate, but hopefully purr. My main goal is to have a whole, functioning bike like you suggest. If, however, I wanted to, say, weld in mounts, the time would be now, and the idea really appeals to the aesthetic that I've sketched in my head. Heh, I just watched Big Jake for inspiration... it makes me want a capable sort of bike, something with a little pickup to it.
Everything you've told me has really changed my perspective though. I felt kind of locked into the idea that I was stuck with the common Skyhawk engine your brother ran. Having heard of his problems, though, it's clear to me that the path I was on was the wrong one. I may not even run a 50cc now, heh! I'll likely still start there, though, but who knows?
Anyway, a Honda engine would actually be pretty cool. My dad has an '84 Gold Wing. He bought it brand new and has won more poker run trophies with it than I can count.