thinking of a mini project

[atavar]

I am watching a growing proliferation of 49cc rat bikes in my area and somehow getting the bug to put one together as an urban commuter/warrior..  I have no idea why but I am thinking it sounds like fun.
If I were to do such a thing what would be a good choice as a base?  Something with good parts (OEM and aftermarket hot rod) availability.  Preferably something with decent electrics and maybe even brakes and some sort of possibility of suspension.  I would really prefer not to start with a dirt bike.
2 stroke?  4 stroke?
What would you suggest?

[twowings]

Why not do a RAT Grom?

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

Something with good parts (OEM and aftermarket hot rod) availability.  Preferably something with decent electrics and maybe even brakes and some sort of possibility of suspension.  I would really prefer not to start with a dirt bike.

How about 70cc instead of 49cc?  Although not a mini, various versions of the Honda Cub are quite plentiful, over 60-million produced worldwide.  The 1983 C70 Passport was the last model imported into the USA. The C70 Yahoo Group is available for technical help and parts are available. See link below some initial information.

http://www.velodrome.com/hondaC70/hondaC70.html

[fotoguzzi]

MadAss 125

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF3Loc0q-J4

[Triple Jim]

I did a 1978 Yamaha DT100 to rat-mini-roadracer build a couple years ago and it's a blast.  It'll do a solid 65 mph, so it would be fine for commuting.  The DTs were enduros, so they have road lighting and are easy to title and register.  They're also old enough that they don't have a mile of suspension travel.  The change to road service included re-lacing a new rim to the rear wheel to get from 16" to 18", road tires, stronger rear springs and front spring spacers, front disk brake, two more teeth on the front sprocket, and a few other performance mods.

[Sasquatch Jim]

  Get a Honda Ruck ass.  They are very tough and versatile.