Friction drive back up and running, complete carb clean, re-assembly, freed-up air flow from the carb vent device, and replaced clutch spring , new schwalbe big apple tires, and it's running pretty good so far .I have been riding the FD and the in-frame designs last few weeks. The FD (to me) is definitely easier to use, no holding the clutch, pedal starting, or chain maintenance, the vibration is also a lot less, pull-start and you're off. The in-frame design however looks much better, more motorcycle like vs. something hanging off the bike, and the chain drive seems to have a little more torque. The FD set-up needs the most reliable engine you can get, probably the Honda, and the reliability could be as good as yard equipment.