Pit Stop - Engine Removal

[Scott]

Hi All,

Well even we have to do some winter mods,, This time its the engine!!! its covered some major miles from the donor, it sounds a tad knocky and lacking in power, with a annoying oil leak too,,

As I haven't go the time a friend is going to give it a overhaul, and maybe even a oversize piston kit!!!

So 1.5hrs in the garage and look what happened - very easy













PS. Don't tell granddad, he has gone away

[roger32849]

Good use of the rear tyre.... Oversized valves, big bore kit, stroker crankshaft and some aftermarket electronics and the demo machine will scream. Actually keep us all posted on the overhaul and if possible the associated spares costs. In all of the paperwork gathering, I found my 2008 engine was less than 5000 miles... So I do not believe I will need an overhaul just yet, but you never know.

Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts

[edvb]

Hi Scott

That is a good thing with the Burgman 400 as it does not take a lot of time to remove the engine/tranny from the frame. I only have 8500 miles on mine so should last a long time. It will be interesting with the stock air box with the K&N filter, Leo Vince Gran Turismo Exhaust and Dynojet Power Commander to see if any performance gains can be expected. Having the radiator in front really cleans up the engine bay so things are easier to get to and remove.

The videos from you and Roger have been a driving force to keep me going.

Will we see a video of both yours and big brother's together?

When you drove big brother's how was it different that yours?
Roger and I are sorting out our shocks and any detailed input will help us get on track more quickly.

Regards

Edward

[Scott]

Hi Ed,

We hope to do some videos in the summer, when we get the time,

I have requested some details from the supplier, but im not hopeful I will get what I need, I will let you know if I find anything out,,

Cheers Scott

[erik]

Hi Scott,
I don't quite get it. in other threads you claimed An400 engine is power full enough for the exo and now you like tuning? wouldn't be an additional oil reservoir (too little oil in the early engines and bad maintenance is claimed to cause early wear on the engine) be worth reconsidering?

[Scott]

The power is plenty, I ask anyone to prove otherwise, its the knocking in my ear and annoying oil leak that I want to sort out,, but while I'm in there no harm in tweaking it slightly!!!!

I suspect Its not early wear, the speedo reads 69,000 miles

[erik]

In the Netherlands there are many early An400's for sale with ruined engines at low milage.I recon this is a bad sign which made me chose a K4. I work with a former Suzuki mechanic who told me the early versions wear out early due to little oil in the engine and often poor maintenance, but he noted he serviced 60+k miles Burgmans on a regular base as well (younger versions). The key is frequent (as in yearly) oil change. The younger versions have more oil capacity inside. On the early versions the oils gets too hot and greasing performance goes bad terribly. Along with high milage servicing it's a disaster waiting to happen.

[roger32849]

I have a stock setup on my Burgman engine with the exception of the air box. I have an aftermarket air filter, the rest is OEM Suzuki. Three people including myself have driven my Eco-Exo-R. We all agree the power is quite sufficient to operate this trike under every normal terrain including some pretty challenging hills in my neighborhood. Every vehicle imported the the US is detuned, but in spite of that, the power is still satisfactory. My Kawasaki Vulcans OEM Horsepower at the rear wheel Dyno tested at 68 HP. After some tuning and custom exhaust...the bike put 100 HP to the rear wheel. More is better even though 68 HP was good, 100 HP was obtainable, so why not.

I would encourage anyone that is rebuilding any engine (especially a small engine) to do what they can to improve performance if that is their desire. In the Burgmans defense, the 400 cc engine has the power to send the Eco-Exo down the road with power to spare. I concur with Scott... It has the power as a stock motor, but why not get more if it is there. At 69,000 miles with reduced power, knocking, leaking oil and smoking... I would say Scotts engine is due for some extended maintenance. Most of these engines only use a Quart (US Qt) and require changing more frequently.... It is possible that the older engines had an oil capacity less than today's engine, but naturally the key to keeping it running like new is following the proper maintenance schedule.... For any engine.

Roger

[roger32849]

Scott
I am curious about your orange demonstrator. Has it been refurbished yet? I have not seen much in the thread (well actually nothing in the thread) concerning its progress. It is riding weather and would hope you make the sprucing up and repair a high priority.....

Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts

[Scott]

Hi Roger,

Sorry keep meaning to update,

Surprisingly it looks like nobody offer non genuine parts for the Burgman engine, (due to their solid reliability) - so parts are there just not as cheap as I would of liked, so it turned out that the engine was not worth repairing, to recondition it back to spec was just to expensive for me,

So I got another 1998 donor with 18,000 on it for a steal, £350 so with time I have managed to get it bolted in the trike and done a couple of test rids and I must say it goes a lot better than the old engine, it's very responsive with more power,

I will post some pics ASAP,

Cheers Scott

[edvb]

Hi Scott

Great to hear! I did a quick test ride on mine and wow does it ever move. I love this sucker! The steering is so light but precise I feel like I have a F1 car. Thanks for all your help and cant wait to see the new heart transplant.

Edward

[roger32849]

Scott

That is the beauty of the Eco-Exo. If you ruin an engine... You can replace it for short money and be on the road again without loosing any summer riding weather. Can't wait to see the pictures.

Just curious, have you had any progress reports from the guys in Denver. They should be well on their way to riding their trikes by now. Also, has there been any more ordered from the US. I know Fred's order is ready to be shipped soon, and I also know that Mark cancelled his.. The forum is sort if quiet these days.

Roger

[Scott]

At last found some time to finish off the checks after the engine fit, and have a good 30 mile run out this afternoon, shame I totally forgot to mount my new camera!! will try and do some soon,,

[Scott]

Hi All,

Eventually got round to some videos, sorry about the wobble the mount needs some adjustment,

[erik]

Hehe, Speed bumps shouldn't be ridden over with speed LOL!!!
Nice footage. I hope you get the vibes down on the camera. Nice qty reolution.

br!
Erik