Steve I'll take some time to decide on a frame. Though the Simplex duplex tube shape is a definite as it obviously is not just stronger than a single tube, but also offers a wider & more stable mounting platform as well. The strength of the design extends the length of the frame with seat and chain stays connections eliminated at the seat tube ( no saddle tube in the Simplex design) the frame is double and continuous from the head of the bike to the axle drops, same size tube and no welded or brazed connections along the way to weaken the tube.
The existing Copper Gator frame was way overbuilt. I've no doubt that the frame would easily support a 300 lb. rider and a 200 lb./ 60 hp motor safely. It was initially built with the addition of a sidecar in mind and the possibility of adding DOT tires etc. for highway service. The rear has plenty of room to mount a 2.75" tire on an appropriate rim and hub assembly. Wider & stronger forks would be necessary, but the frame already has enough room to house the V-twin & battery and a solid 3/16" thick base plate to set it all on. I'd use the same HD tube clamps to form motor to frame connections.
This will be a small motorcycle with no pretense of being a motor bike, so pedal bracket & levers not required, kick start lever and pedal levers on the CG 125 powered Simplex were a problem for the mounting and operation of a sidecar. Electric start and upgraded brakes along with a solid car mount system, rather than a leaning wheel design, will be operational and safety improvements at even low highway speeds with a passenger along. I'm opting for the safest design possible and that being (sadly) the traditional fixed wheel car.
I love the CG 125 motor in the Copper Gator & it would be difficult to change it out, but I see many very good reasons to make the motor swap as outlined above especially if I'm to put this sidecar rig together, I'll want to register and insure for liability concerns. I've watched Wret's build and his transition to upgrade and become a small motorcycle and I can't see that it's done anything but improve his build tremendously. I'd say that would be the case with the use of the Copper Gator frame...just a serious bike upgrade & a sidecar! I am leaning in the rebuild direction at the moment. If I were to build another frame I'd think I'd scale it back to house the CG 125 & use the current frame for the V-twin.
I'd still have the CG125 Peashooter Harley to sport around on and a sidecar rigged Gator to entice the ladies out for a Sunday afternoon cruise. Ol' dog's tricks don't change much!
The existing Copper Gator frame was way overbuilt. I've no doubt that the frame would easily support a 300 lb. rider and a 200 lb./ 60 hp motor safely. It was initially built with the addition of a sidecar in mind and the possibility of adding DOT tires etc. for highway service. The rear has plenty of room to mount a 2.75" tire on an appropriate rim and hub assembly. Wider & stronger forks would be necessary, but the frame already has enough room to house the V-twin & battery and a solid 3/16" thick base plate to set it all on. I'd use the same HD tube clamps to form motor to frame connections.
This will be a small motorcycle with no pretense of being a motor bike, so pedal bracket & levers not required, kick start lever and pedal levers on the CG 125 powered Simplex were a problem for the mounting and operation of a sidecar. Electric start and upgraded brakes along with a solid car mount system, rather than a leaning wheel design, will be operational and safety improvements at even low highway speeds with a passenger along. I'm opting for the safest design possible and that being (sadly) the traditional fixed wheel car.
I love the CG 125 motor in the Copper Gator & it would be difficult to change it out, but I see many very good reasons to make the motor swap as outlined above especially if I'm to put this sidecar rig together, I'll want to register and insure for liability concerns. I've watched Wret's build and his transition to upgrade and become a small motorcycle and I can't see that it's done anything but improve his build tremendously. I'd say that would be the case with the use of the Copper Gator frame...just a serious bike upgrade & a sidecar! I am leaning in the rebuild direction at the moment. If I were to build another frame I'd think I'd scale it back to house the CG 125 & use the current frame for the V-twin.
I'd still have the CG125 Peashooter Harley to sport around on and a sidecar rigged Gator to entice the ladies out for a Sunday afternoon cruise. Ol' dog's tricks don't change much!