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Post by swordsman on May 14, 2013 17:07:54 GMT
Hey guys! I JUST ran across this vehicle, and I'm intrigued. My perfect ride would be a single seat, enclosed reverse trike, something I could commute in every day regardless of weather. The Elio Motors concept is probably the closest, but it's honestly larger than I need, and the chances of it ever seeing daylight seem small. I suspect the Eco-Exo could be modified to have an overhead canopy and side panels, the engine size is perfect, and let's be honest, it looks frikkin' awesome. My questions to you: 1.) Exactly how much welding is involved? The framework looks complete in the pics I've seen, but perusing the forum, I've seen welding mentioned several times and... well.... I don't weld.  2.) What would you estimate the cost ($US) of all the extra bits you have to add to the kit? I'm currently in the process of selling my Ural sidecar (see, I have a thing for 3 wheels!), and I'm wondering if the sale might cover the entire Eco-Exo cost. 3.) Why does it use motorcycle tires? Given that it doesn't lean, seems like tread life is going to be very short. Thanks a bunch! ~SM |
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Post by Scott on May 14, 2013 19:41:09 GMT
Hi, Glad you like it, sounds like your ideal vehicle!!!  Kevin @ Exomotive is the US Dealer so give him a call - exomotive.com/The weather pertection has been look at but in the UK the rules are pretty tight so we are still looking into options, but the side panels I tried worked great, and a simple GRP canopy mounted on some supports with no screen could be done easily,, either that or a helmet!! you dont get wet when your moving  Welding is not really requied but some builders are trying different options which means changes need to be made, brackets etc can be made easily and bolted if needed, or just nip them to the local fab shop and buy him a drink and he will weld bits up for you no problem,, The cost is really down to how far you want to go regarding finish of vehicle and your choice of Donor (1998 - 2003 is the easiest model), I know they can be a little more espensive in the US but here in the UK with the donor and the kit and the extras you should be looking to complete one for around £3000 mark,,, obvousily you will have shipping to add to that, again speak to Kevin he's your man,,, The kit is designed to use as much as possible of the Donor and the uprights are designed for that set up, I am looking into car tyres that size but they only seem to be available as those horrible space saver things which I dont like,, tyre wear on the demo machines doesn't seem to be excessive as yet,,, Hope that info helps,, Cheers Scott |
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Post by swordsman on May 14, 2013 20:34:41 GMT
Cool, thanks for the feedback! Turn out I have a neighbor that builds drag bikes and is a professional welder by trade, so I'm sure I could get some odd jobs taken care of if needed. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't something I was missing.
As luck would have it, I live maybe an hour from Exomotive. How cool is that?!
One more quick question: am I correct in thinking that the only difference between the base and R version is the steering system, and the changes made to accommodate it?
~SM
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Post by Scott on May 14, 2013 20:39:56 GMT
Got it in one,,,
Give Kevin a ring,, he will help you out no problem,,,
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Post by roger32849 on May 20, 2013 13:43:36 GMT
Hi, this is Roger from Worcester Massachusetts. Welcome to the Forum and to the fun!! If you are seriously going to order a kit contact Jimmy Cox, Me or Edward Van Belkom after you speak to Kevin at Exomotive. We can help you through the build, or offer some expertise on what to expect. One thing for sure, you will have a very agile (QUICK) trike that will be durable enough to ride anywhere. When you are finished you can be content in the knowledge there are only 4 total Eco-Exo trikes in the entire USA.
Again, Welcome and lets here from you
Roger
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Post by swordsman on May 21, 2013 16:31:09 GMT
I'm kind of curious about the handling and speed of this little contraption. Looks like it could be very sporty, but I'm unfamiliar with the power available in a 400cc single cylinder CVT engine, and the suspension seems a bit primitive for aggressive driving. I noticed some interesting flex in the tires and/or suspension uprights, and I was wondering if it's supposed to do that or not (see attachments)? The wheels appear to be flexing withing the "U" mount. The 2nd pic looks like there's all kinds of flex in the front end, but I admit, that could just be an illusion created from the camera angle. ~SM Attachments:
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Post by Scott on May 21, 2013 17:26:53 GMT
There is limited flexing, mainly on the tyres,, where it needs to,, But this was me hammering it round a track!!! its not track vehicle and will never be sold as one  If your after a fast insane 3 wheeler - the TR1ke is the one, its insane!!!! However, if its a low cost fun trike, that is capable of making you clench your cheeks  this is the one!  |
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Post by erik on May 21, 2013 17:39:13 GMT
Hi Sm, Just made my opinion on the pics you posted, the 1st shot is made with centreline in between rear wheel and right wheel which matches the camera angles on the left wheel and right wheel. Keep in mind this pics are made when cornering and to me this seems good. the 2nd shot is more in line wit the rear wheel and more accurate. You could measure the width of both wheels in CAD but the right caliper is blocking a good measurement. Only detail which seems a bit off is the centreline of the mudguards but I recon this is optical illusion. I don't think it every failed a braking test which proves the construction is sound  As for welding, You could spot weld the bracket and outsource the welding for inferiour craftmanship like I did. This kit would be awesome as a tilting trike: Eco-Exo-RT sounds lovely Too bad I ordered a tR1ke before the Eco-exo-R was revealed. I think I would have gone RRRRRRRRRRRR Perhaps I might build one after my tR1ke has been licensed too. Not many good kits out there which exell in simplicity and costs. Elio is cool. To make an Eco-exo weather proof takes brings some aditionall challenges: wipers, defogging and accessibility. It's tempting to place the side plates inside the chasis but outside the chasis helps to keep the dirt of the tubing. Been looking a long time to this kit and I think there is nothing i'd change. The orange version is my favourite! |
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Post by swordsman on May 21, 2013 20:55:36 GMT
There is limited flexing, mainly on the tyres,, where it needs to,, But this was me hammering it round a track!!! its not track vehicle and will never be sold as one If your after a fast insane 3 wheeler - the TR1ke is the one, its insane!!!! However, if its a low cost fun trike, that is capable of making you clench your cheeks this is the one! Ha, well, so long as it's not from a wheel breaking off!  Watching those vids, it's kinda' hard to tell how hard you're pushing it, or even how fast it's going. Looks fun though. I have no need for a crazy performance machine, just a vehicle that will do commuting duty up to 65 mph (but usually 50-60 mph), and get some pretty good fuel economy (50+ US mpg, I hope!). ~SM |
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Post by Scott on May 22, 2013 12:12:57 GMT
Well this is the exact brief we like our customers to have,,
This is the perfect match for your needs,,,,
Smiles to the pound - or should I say Dollar!!!!
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Post by swordsman on May 22, 2013 20:13:02 GMT
Oh, hey, y'know what? I just got a good look at the front end of the Eco while turning (from one of those kit car mags), and what I thought was flexing is certainly NOT... just the suspension letting the body roll to the outside of the turn. Guess I never really thought about body roll. Doh!  ~SM |
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this is the one! 
