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Post by roger32849 on Jan 9, 2014 17:41:32 GMT
 link I thought I would post a quick photo of the upgraded light assembly. The addition of the number plate along with the VIN number assignment makes a statement all of its own. It says, "I am Finished, Now let's go for a ride". I went to the insurance company and transferred my old plate to the Eco-Eco-R along with insurance. I have the proof of insurance (RMV-1 form) and all I have to do is write a check to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for taxes, title, transfer and plate tag. It was officially designated as a SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLE ..... Three wheeled Vehicle .... TRIKE. It is all about the money now...... Which will be the final stroke of the oar in the completion of the paperwork. Roger Worcester, Massachusetts |
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Post by erik on Jan 9, 2014 18:12:19 GMT
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Great to see a new vehicle has born today. It was a great build to follow. I'm looking forward to your driving report!
Best regards,
Erik
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Post by grandad on Jan 9, 2014 18:33:13 GMT
Hi Roger, firstly let me introduce myself. I am the silent forum wise but very hands on partner in the Eco-Exo production team, Scott being my youngest and most pedantic offspring. I have been following your progress with interest and have been keeping my fingers crossed for a successful outcome. The vehicle looks brilliant and you must be proud of your achievement. For us it is great to see the first approved eco-exo in the states and hope there will be many more to follow. Hope you get lots of fun out of cruising.  Stuart (aka Grandad) ps I that another donor I see in the photo. |
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Post by roger32849 on Jan 9, 2014 19:24:15 GMT
Thanks to you both.... It was great fun to build. Along the way, I met people that I have established a wonderful friendship with and I have hopes to meet in them in person. My final step in the process is to take place tomorrow.... At the registry.... Pay taxes, and receive the registration paperwork. It is a feeling of supreme satisfaction knowing that I managed to meet or exceed the requirements of one of the toughest states in the USA for motor vehicles. The Eco-Exo-R kit was flawless in design. Every weld was solid, all parts fit as designed. The 2008 Suzuki Burgman Engine fit with minor alteration and minimal cost for required linkages, mounts and hardware.
I see you noticed my 2004 Burgman in the corner. If I chose to build another I would first look for a donor that has a NON SALVAGE title. I actually enjoy riding the Burgman, but would part it out to do another build. It has a good Massachusetts roadworthy title so the paperwork nightmare I experienced with this project would not be there.
As a footnote, it feels great to have the first Eco-Exo-R on the road here in the USA. When the temperatures here get above freezing I will post some driving videos and let you know how it does. Again, thanks for your encouragement and kind words. I wish you every success in your sales market especially here in the States. Now to terrorize the neighborhood with my new toy.... LOL
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by Scott on Jan 9, 2014 19:55:42 GMT
Well Done Roger, Excellent work, congratulations on being the first US builder on the road,,  Enjoy,,  Cheer Scott |
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Post by roger32849 on Jan 9, 2014 20:33:14 GMT
Thank you Scott.... It was fun and also a first for me. Now that I know how to build one.... Perhaps another one could find its way into my future.
Thank you
Roger
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Post by edvb on Jan 9, 2014 21:46:31 GMT
Congratulations Roger
It looks even better with the plate on!
It is great to have you as a friend to work on our builds together even if we are a 1000 miles away.
You did a top notch build and I am eating my heart out as we speak!
Edward
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Post by roger32849 on Jan 9, 2014 23:31:21 GMT
Ed: You too will revel in the in the pleasure of doing a CUSTOM supreme-O Eco-Exo-R. Don't eat your heart, finish yours and we can go on a cruise one day. Thanks again for all your help and encouragement. You are a good friend to have in the trenches......loads of thanks for everything...
Roger
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Post by roger32849 on Jan 10, 2014 22:02:56 GMT
The trip to the registry was uneventful. I paid the taxes, license transfer fee and title fee. They did not allow me to keep my old number plate so I had to turn it in. A new one was less money... So, I didn't complain. It wasn't quite the in and out process I was hoping for, but considering the stack of paperwork I had... All went quite well. I have the new number plate installed, the registration is in my pocket and the title will be arriving in about 4 weeks. (Normal for Massachusetts).... It is legal to drive.....
Roger
Worcester Massachusetts
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Post by erik on Jan 10, 2014 22:55:27 GMT
great! it took me about 9 months to get my tR1ke approved and insured until winter came in. in april I'll make the 1st metres in it which would take 14 months in total, 2 months longer as buid time. I've been quite unfortunate with outsourcing labour and I'm amazed at the pace your Exo went through approval.
br!
Erik
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Post by roger32849 on Jan 11, 2014 0:55:54 GMT
Erik
When it came to the build, I was already well into a dialogue with Ed. He placed me on a very good track to completion. I happen to be fortunate enough to retire early. This gives me ample free time. Naturally I was in the garage with the trike. To be honest, between Ed and myself It was "engineered by consensus". I did not outsource any labor except powder coating. All work was completed by me including the welding.
The process of getting it through the inspection system requires a thorough understanding of what is required as far as documents. I was short two docs.. But was able to have them mailed within about 10 days total. Without getting to deeply into the how of things and the process of getting it done... I saved every scrap of paper, and when I got used parts I made sure I had the donor vehicles VIN associated with that part... Good thing because the inspector wanted it all. As far as the trike went, the inspection was done by the inspector and I was NOT allowed to observe or even be in the same area while it was being looked at. I cannot tell you his standard except it took about half an hour and I was out of there with my VIN TAG and associated paperwork. For the record I received the trike kit in June and I finished in December. Even though the certificate of origin says it is a 2013, kit cars in Massachusetts are granted their year of manufacture when they pass inspection. Soooooo..... Mine is officially a 2014.
That's it....
Roger
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Post by roger32849 on Jan 12, 2014 15:24:44 GMT
MAIDEN VOYAGE REPORT!!!!
This morning I went out and got my trike dirty. Yep, I went down the road and around the block and onto the freeway. The steering and handling are pretty good. I need to center my front wheels with the steering wheel. It is only slightly off though. It will be a minor tweak. Other than that, it ran great... Fantastic throttle response. I had to be careful, there was a lot of black ice on the road, and it was salted. I will rinse the trike off with a cloth and clean water later.
I cruised very comfortably at 50-55 MPH along the rural roads. They were a bit bumpy in places.. Frost heaves and manhole covers didn't help either, but were not a huge deterrent to driving. When I got onto the freeway it was only for about a half mile. I floored the throttle on the acceleration lane and was at a quick 65 MPH BEFORE I merged into traffic. I tickled the throttle a bit more and was at 70 MPH with plenty of power and speed remaining. Since the exit was rapidly approaching, I lifted my heavy foot from the throttle and cruised down the off ramp to a service road and coasted to the light at the bottom of the ramp. I did a left turn and headed back home. The ride was less than 10 miles, but was sufficient enough to shake the bugs out of it, or at least one or two. The temperature gauge stayed within the normal range and when the fan came on (or thermostat opened) the temp dropped to below mid way.. All lights, gauges, brakes and so on worked as designed. No problems... All I will do is center the steering wheel with the tires, wash it off and go out again. And so went the maiden voyage!!!
Roger
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Post by roger32849 on Jan 13, 2014 21:55:42 GMT
 I went out for a ride. I am not to experienced with a "GOPRO" camera. Nothing on it is easy. SORRY!!!! The weather was near 50 deg F the sky was clear and roads were mostly dry. If you notice, I am raising my right hand every so often to indicate my speed in MPH. Four fingers is 40, five fingers 50 and so on... I was going a bit over 50 MPH at one time, but had to do a panic slow down. I came to a school and had to go the limit... 35 MPH....We have to look out for the little ones... |
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Post by edvb on Jan 13, 2014 22:16:43 GMT
That does look like fun! Now I can't wait to get mine on the road.
Thanks for making the video and knowing what speeds you were doing.
Well done.
Edward
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Post by roger32849 on Jan 13, 2014 23:37:19 GMT
link  Janet we absolutely thrilled with the result of the build..
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