I recently purchased a Simplex bike that was in a little rough shape rust wise, but I didn't want to see the bike go into the scrap yard and get junked. The bike is missing the tank, is covered in a layer of rust like it has been in someones back yard for 40 years, and the crash bars have apparently lived up to their name sometime in the past. I managed to find a bare frame in good shape for a mere $50 so I believe combining the two with a little of fab work should make a fun bike to ride.
I removed the motor from the frame, and due to the weather it has seen is rusted beyond repair, so I will need to find a new powerplant. I'm thinking something a little nontraditional to the Simplex bikes, a 250+cc dirt bike engine. I'd like to shy away from the Briggs or Tecumseh pull start engines most people use. Maybe electric start but definitely a kickstart engine. Has anybody seen something used? Any suggestions on powertrain?
Since it won't be all original I'm not opposed to using non original parts, but would like to if I can get them at a decent price. Most stuff I can get fabbed by a couple friends using the existing parts I have, but I'll need to get a tank and would like to get one as cheap as possible.
So here are my needs, if you have any suggestions on the following I am all ears. I do have a vision in my head, but this is the first time I have ever seen one of these bikes in person, much less worked on one, so I could use the input from those with experience with Simplex bikes.
1. Engine
2. Tank
3. Headlight and tail light
4. Possibly new rims and tires (depends on drivetrain setup)
along with other hardware, wiring, ect. That will be determined along the way.
