Connecting the frame tails / motors with steel member seems like an ok balance of strength/ease/aesthetics/function.
I opted not to do that yet. Aesthetics
jodieadiar: thanks for the pic of yours - that setup is substantially more stout with the 3 dimensional shape, I wouldn't expect any issues.
Wow I wonder the age/make of the bent one in your other pic- really obviously a poor design (without some decent gusseting)
I don't think so. I'm thinking the greater average of machines will last with minimal repair/replacement for the first 2k or so hours. Shouldn't be difficult to source the bearings and generic stuff, and repair the rest.
My issue with 'agt' - I've not heard of direct contact/avenue to manu for parts?!? So yes a pain then to source drive sprocket (or more likely needed first - drive motor(s)). Does seem like they are working on NA dealer networks though - so perhaps a dealer could source (with their cut of course . . .)
The manu of mine seems to have everything available, to a point. For instance she got a little perturbed when I insisted they should source/sell cylinder rebuild 'kits' from their cylinder provider.
She can sell whatever cylinders you want but can't provided parts or even parts lists. Cylinders of this size not difficult to rebuild at all - . . . . with the exception of somehow finding the proper parts.