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Post by unclemark on Jun 3, 2014 17:12:27 GMT
Roger, now that you have a few miles on your Eco-Exo. I'm hoping you'll comment on how it handles the everyday duties of serious transportation. I know its fun to drive but can it serve as more than a toy? My wife and I took a trip this weekend up to my sons. Windy all the way, 500 miles of interstate and lots of very large trucks. The car was getting pushed around at times. I'm wondering how the trike would handle the same trip.
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Post by roger32849 on Jun 4, 2014 8:03:53 GMT
Good question... The trike handles quite well on the road. For what it is, you will enjoy the ride. The steering is responsive and quick without being twitchy. You can climb into to it and go as far as you like and it will do all Scott and Stuart built this fun little trike to do. I wouldn't use it as an interstate cruiser even if it goes as fast as the rest of the traffic. There is more to going long distance that just the speed required to keep up with the flow.
Crosswinds affect all vehicles even this one. The open design and standard flow through ventilation system only means your body will feel it more because of its openness. I have not been in any crosswind situation where handling and being blown about is/was an issue significant enough to affect handling.
I have many years of experience riding large motorcycles cross country on the US freeway system. I see lots of motorcycles out there going like a bat out of hell. It doesn't mean they are all going cross country, or their bike is built for the highway, but are using the freeway (perhaps) as a means to get from "A" to "B" for an extended or local ride. I take my two wheel Burgman 400 on the interstate occasionally and it runs as fast as the rest and will do so all day long. It simply isn't my first choice as a freeway cruiser even though it will do the speed required to keep up..... However for a lot of Burgman riders the 400 is their choice of two wheeled transportation for freeway riding.
In a nutshell, a trip of 500 miles isn't out of the question for the Eco-Exo-R, but for me PERSONALLY I would not do it all on a freeway. Where this trike really excels is the back road twisty windy highways. It is powerful and fast and will surprise you with the way it holds the road. Handling is superb in this sort of driving.
Lastly, it will be as safe and handle as well as you build it. It is a kit car, but there is fabrication work to be done and precise alignments to be made. If you do not stray to far from a standard build and follow the manual, you will be okay. By the way, you do not ASSEMBLE this kit, you must BUILD it. Assembly infers the Eco-Exo-R is a complete kit and all you do is put it together. This is not the case. There is a lot of engineering, welding, fabrication of supports, placement of components, and so on to be done.
I hope this answers your question as well as provide you with my spin on where best to drive it. The longest freeway ride I've taken so far was a 50 mile round trip ride. I felt comfortable in it. If I ever thought the Eco-Exo-R was "serious transportation" I would never have built it. It is however, Seriously fun to drive and a unique experience. If anyone is looking for serious transportation you should really look into a T-Rexx. They are complete when you buy them and only cost $65,000 give or take a few grand. Now that's serious transportation... LOL.
By the way, UGLY MONKEY.......Avatar... Nasty!!
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by roger32849 on Jun 12, 2014 20:04:58 GMT
I will be leaving on holiday this Sunday. It is a lengthy motorcycle ride from the East coast to the West coast. I will be putting the Eco--Exo in a safe corner of the garage surrounded by my Burgman 400 and roll around tool chest.. I will be checking the pages from time to time, but mostly will just be riding the bike and logging some serious mileage. Catch you all when I return.
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by edvb on Jun 13, 2014 0:52:18 GMT
Well at least it has companionship while you are away  Have a safe trip and I will see you when you get to Wisconsin. If things go right with the inspection you might have a partner for a short cruise around Oshkosh. Edward |
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Post by erik on Jun 13, 2014 21:05:22 GMT
Hey Roger, I don't think your insurance covers theft you posting you're on a long trip now...
have a great trip!
br,
Erik
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Post by roger32849 on Jun 14, 2014 10:15:01 GMT
Hey Erik... Are you planning a visit to Massachusetts while I am gone? LOL... My son is home from college and is in the house most of the time. My wife is off during the summer and will be here as well. If either are gone at the same time, I have a couple of "not to friendly dogs" that just love to play "Bad Dog" when placed in the garage. The house will really never be empty. I live in a tight neighborhood and we all keep watch for each other.... Let me know if you plan to stop by and I will let the dogs know... Roger
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Post by roger32849 on Jun 14, 2014 10:40:33 GMT
Ed..
What do you mean "IF THINGS GO RIGHT". Do you mean to tell me you have doubts about it passing LOL. You better get that red hot rod all bright and pretty before the inspector gets there..I HEAR Wisconsin inspectors will fail you for dusty bumpers and chipped (red) paint.
I KNOW FOR A FACT IT WILL PASS EDDIE... you have exceeded all inspection requirements for any state. Your inspection will be simply a formality. You will probably be given a license plate with a big gold star on it for outstanding work. (You little overachiever you). LOL
Roger
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Post by roger32849 on Jul 18, 2014 17:24:55 GMT
link I returned from my cross country motorcycle ride. Part of my tour was to stop in Oshkosh Wisconsin to visit Ed Van Belkom. I got to test his Eco-Exo-R. Not only is the fit and finish superb, it sounded great and ran like rabbit, very quick, agile, and responsive. It is wonderful to see every detail addressed professionally. Nothing was left to question. If you were inclined to ask yourself the question of how far can a person take this kit you only need to see Eds results. It is truly beautiful. Roger Baker Worcester, Massachusetts Oh, I couldn't help razzing Ed in the above photo.. Just a little bit...
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Post by edvb on Jul 19, 2014 14:34:26 GMT
Thanks for the kind words Roger. As you suggested I did modify the angle of the tail lights and stop light so now you can see them clearly from a farther distance behind. I had to use the Dremmel tool on the fender for the tail lights but it turned out well. All I have left is tweaking the seat by adding some foam for some lumbar support and bottom of the seat. With the new seat cover I will make this Winter she should be just about perfect. I really enjoyed having you stop by and thanks to you I have a EcoExo R that has no problems after the alignment doing 75MPH + on the freeway. Edward  IMG_2445 by evanbelkom, on Flickr |
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Post by roger32849 on Jul 20, 2014 13:35:03 GMT
link I had just gotten off my Victory Cross Country Tour. It was a real treat to be able to make my stop in Oshkosh to personally need Ed and Cris. We naturally posed for this photo but the handshake was a sincere gesture of friendship. Roger Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by erik on Jul 21, 2014 15:46:30 GMT
Hi Roger, Nice to have you back here and great you have met all the street legal Exo's in the US br! Erik |
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Post by roger32849 on Jul 21, 2014 18:58:48 GMT
It was a 8,500 mile or 13,679 km cross country trip to California and back. Lots of hot weather 106 F (41C) in Idaho and California and 37 F (2.7C) and rain in Wyoming. I used sun block one day and a riding parka and winter gloves the next. Everything considered, it was a wonderful ride. Ed and his wife were wonderful hosts.... His trike runs as good as she looks...
Roger
Worcester Massachusetts
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Post by roger32849 on Jul 27, 2014 20:01:02 GMT
 This is the beginning of my radiator intake scoop. More details will be coming, but this is the general shape I am going with. I will be adding a filler piece on the opposite side, OS. I will be adding more pictures as I go. Roger Worcester, Massachusetts  |
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Post by edvb on Jul 29, 2014 3:10:07 GMT
Roger
I like the shape!
Now all you have to do is carve the front Like I did for my Bonnet for the radiator opening. It takes time but you should have no problem getting that carved out. You only have to go about an inch deep so when the layup is done you can trim it to about 1/2" or so.
Or you can add about a 1" thick foam oval ring to the front and glue it on. Then shape it to the foam. That might even look better!
Looking real good so far.
Edward
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Post by erik on Jul 29, 2014 17:46:11 GMT
Hi roger! Nice start on the scoop! Here some food for thoughts  www.andersondynamics.com/After seeing this scoop I like the rectangular slightly more to match the exo. br! Erik |
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