Thanks for all the welcomes!
I don't intend to ride off road in the winter. Larger snow falls where the snow is not packed is the main issue. Side road intersections can bring my bike to a grinding halt in quick order. Throw in the wind when it's cold can make things really interesting.
Thanks for the oil tip!
I have heard of the Gebe boxes, I don't really know too much about them. I assume they will work with either a frame mount engine or rear rack mount. As for engines I'm thinking something like a GX35 or GX50, I hear that they are a similar size.