Yeah, GEBE told me those Tanakas were due to arrive.....I considered the fuel and fuel tank issues and it seems like a trade-off either way. Mixing is no problem and I could carry a spare gas bottle if necessary so I'll definately look into the 2 stroke.
My other thought is this.....bicycles are relatively cheap ( well...not my GT anyway) I thought about purchasing a budget bike that would accept these kits with minimal modification and hassle. So I'd be happy to look into full suspension models ( and maybe hard tails with a nicer seat) that would install in a breeze. I don't want to Frankenstein the GT to the point where I'm spending money to undo the original bike just to accomodate the engine. I'd say $200-250 range is not unreasonable. Thanks again. You guys are great here.
I think you are being VERY wise in this decision.
Random ideas (sorry to knock out a lot of things in one post, but best to fill the plate when serving food for thought)
One thing about suspension on the rear. You can just about duplicate the "feel" with a $20 shock absorber seat post. It has an Allen's screw on the bottom, you can adjust from "soft" to "firm".
Rear suspension puts extra stress on the "mount strap", the thick band GEBE sends to keep the motor mount attached to the bike.
The stress using rear suspension CAN be overcome, of course. Loktight on the connection bolt, zip ties for extra security. But phat cruisers with no suspension will do nearly everything a mountain bike will...
And on front suspensions, unless you do some adaptations or reinforcements to the legs of a basket/rack, those two legs will bend. Quick release fronts also have some "basket issues".
On a non-suspension bike, baskets or front racks cause no problems.
Reading MB.com, you have a good idea what your future plans/additions would be, picking a 50 pound aluminum cruiser with 7 speeds or 21 speeds, with 1.95-2.125 inch tires, probably gives you the MOST adaptability.
Once you use a 12" gel saddle, you'll never go back !!
I emphasize curved handlebars because you can sort of sit back, instead of feeling you are leaning "over" the front wheel.
Craigslist in you area might have some cruisers at a bargain. If it has FULL FENDERS, you will have to drimel away some metal so the belt can pass thru, or switch the fender out with a half fender. (Or discard the rear fender altogether).
If you have time to look in bikeshops,
Sun brands are pretty much Generic Schwinns and Diamondbacks.
However, with the 12gauge steel wheel on the rear, then mirror/bottlecarrier...you are bumping $275.
Sun
Retro Alum 7's were the ones I found with half fenders which were easy to work with, no drimel needed. You can get a cruiser without fenders, then add them later.
If that bike shop has a Sun Comfort Rover, I just took the Greygeezer 50 miles roundtrip today, pretty comfortable.