Hi,
It is possible to make the Whizzer "bullet proof", and with the exception of the 2008 Ambassador, I would trust my bikes to travel from coast to coast without problems. And with time I will even make my Ambassador "bullet proof". There are small problems that can easily be eliminated, and most are just annoying. Simple upgrades, such as the fender tab, clutch hub, clutch arm mounting sytem, mushroom lifters on most of the NE motors, oil breather system, longer front axles [some models], replacing the band brake with the later expanding shoe system, and NE cylinder kit for the WC-1 motor. Even though I guess most of the upgrades could be completed for under $250.00 total, the only expensive upgrade would be the NE cylinder kit [if needed].
Once the "bugs" are worked out on a Whizzer it becomes a ride like no other! The sound, power, ride, & vintage look set it apart from all other bikes in its class. The Whizzer is one bike that blends in with the Harley's [HD] crowd, and always attracts people everywhere. Even though I raced motocycles, and understand "fast", riding my Whizzers at slower speeds is worth every dollar I have invested in them. The motto "Ride one and you will buy one" has a lot of merit. I was lucky enough as a youth in Ohio to have owned two Whizzers, both were the 24" kickstart Ambasador model, so I have a long history with motorbikes. The reason I consider myself lucky, is because today the most common comment overheard at shows and events is, "you either had a Whizzer as a kid, or wished you did". Today I own a large collection of both vintage & new edition Whizzers, well maybe not a large collection, but more than should be allowed. 5 new edition, and 7 vintage models are hard to ride enough to keep the carburetors from gumming up, but somebody has to do it [don't ya feel sorry for me].
Like I said earlier they are worth the extra effort to make them right, because there is nothing like a "classic" Whizzer.
Have fun,
Quenton