Well, driving Little Wing (my Zen-n 50 cc scooter) has been giving me some ideas...I want a car I can wrench, screw OBD-2 and $1000+ computer chip/sensor replacements! Also, I must work within NC state DOT laws. SOoooooo......
1) Get my full motorcycle endorsement (just need to budget some time).
2) Pick up a used (or new if I have no choice) 150cc scooter along the lines of a GY6, get title work, insurance etc.
3) Strip the body bare of panels/seat-cut frame and lengthen by roughly 8 or 9 inches.
4) Purchase and install a two-wheeled front end steering kit-shorten steering column by as much as a foot.
5) Size and build a sidecar-style seating pod and place directly on frame where the footrests normally go, steering column will now be roughly between calves and the lower center of gravity will lend stability in turns since vehicle will no longer lean.
6) Extra space behind rider will contain a 5-7 gallon fuel tank and behind that will be a trunk at least as large(if not larger, depending on factors) as a Harley Touring trunk. Engine will be under ventilated yet lockable access panels. Cockpit will contain indicators, short plastic windscreen, seat, decor and cupholder (
) while signals, brakes and accelerator remain on handlebars. Turn and brake signals will be installed in compliance with DOT...then, once it passes inspection I will add a small foldable rain roof.
Estimated costs-as little as $3000 if I stick with used scooter, 1/4" ply and fiberglass for the body work, do the cutting and welding by hand, take my (unpaid) time and then pass inspection the first time without too much head-scratching on the mechanic's part. Now assuming I was rich, used only the best, had a custom shop doing the work and demanded carbon fiber and Aramid for maximum weight savings I could easily break a number of (Other Peoples!) piggybanks...
Estimated Economy-despite the less than perfect Aerodynamics I could easily see 85 or 90 MPG at 60 MPH or so...the inline CVT would keep maximum speed down to maybe 65 or so , and the ease of operation and decent cargo capacity would make this a nice, streetlegal daily driver and a motorcycle trailer would turn it into a decent hauler at roughly 40MPH or less. Repair costs and ease of maintenance would be comparable to a decent lawn mower and parts would remain plentiful.
Best of all it might even be in my (meager) budget someday soon! I like dreams that I have at least a slim chance of fulfilling...