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Post by davej98002 on Dec 7, 2018 18:10:30 GMT
Nobody wants to step up to take over production. There is a need for a smaller trike but most do not want to be bothered.
The main answer I have gotten is "Buy a tR1ke kit." and that does make a lot of good sense. With a tR1ke kit you ca put a R6 motor in the back if a R1 is too big for your needs. With a lot of mods you could put any engine in a tR1ke, even hang another rear suspension for a 4 wheel car. But a tR1ke is much larger than a Eco-Exo.
But if you think you could build a few Eco-Exo's then contact Stuart Mills and he may grant you a license to manufacture these. He does not require much from the builder so just ask him. I can not disclose the terms of the license that he offered me but it was easy and the costs were low enough per chasses. But my injuries from a motorcycle crash kept me from doing this.
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Post by roger32849 on Dec 8, 2018 1:06:59 GMT
It was unfortunate what Qdos did to the Eco-Exo project. He bought the rights to manufacture and did not produce a single unit. I do not know for sure but I believe MEV Inc has a provision in the contract for failing to produce. After all, it is a source of revenue for him and he licenses all manufacturers of his branded product. A license to manufacture could still be obtained from Mr. Mills but I am not sure if the GRP bucks and molds are still available or if the jigs for the frames still exist either. The Eco-Exo is made very strong. There is no flexing or torquing. It would most likely keep you safe in an accident but naturally not in “all cases”.
Here is what needs to happen with the Eco-Exo in lieu of simply letting it fade away. It needs to be manufactured just as Stuart designed it. Use the newer Burgman 400 engine if you like (it’s an easy modification), keep the frame exactly as designed but as a minimum improve the front and rear GRP styling. The TR1ke, the Rocket, the Exocet and Replicar are all wonderfully designed kit vehicles, they scream BAD A$$ and fast. The Eco-Exo on the other hand screams Harvey Milktoast as designed. As it’s name implies, it is an economical trike to build and cheap to operate. It is the perfect entry level kit to build. With the 35 HP 4 valve 2007 and newer Burgman 400 engine, it sends it down the road at 85 MPH (137 KPH). I am not a lightweight person and I am pleased at its performance. No it isn’t In the same performance arena as the TR1ke or Exocet but every bit an enjoyable solo trike. Updated styling and perhaps a marketing name change such as THE “EXO 400-RT” might turn a few folks heads.
I really enjoy riding in an open vehicle. I believe the very best manufactured trike kit on the market that the working man can afford starts here. It is will writhin most folks budget and will pay the owner continued riding and driving enjoyment. My TR1ke will blow the Slingshot off the road and is about half the cost. I will say if I were to buy a non kit reverse trike it would be the Vanderhall Veinice and not the Slingshot or TRexx.
Someone jump in and pick up the ball and do some nose and tail designs for the Eco-Exo. It would be interesting to see what comes up.
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by resonance94 on Dec 8, 2018 18:28:23 GMT
I agree. I have the equivalent to trike with a Grinnall. It's powerful, fast. I have another trike that looks like the Morgan. It's also powerful, fast.
The eco-exo must be a simple machine, easy to use, playful.
I will see what is possible in Europe.
you have to think for the engine. The 400 is maybe good to start, but a little more powerful this good too. 50 hp seems to me a good compromise.
I made a false ad on the equivalent of "Craig list" in France. There were really a lot of curious people.
How to contact Stuart?
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Post by resonance94 on Dec 8, 2018 18:35:53 GMT
My first   |
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Post by resonance94 on Dec 8, 2018 18:38:04 GMT
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 8, 2018 22:40:08 GMT
Go to the members and send Stuart a PM at MEVltd or his email is on his profile.
I think you are under estimating the Burgman 400 by a lot. Sure it only has 30-35 horsepower but the CVT makes up in constant gear changing. Then add in some Dr.Pulley sliders to change the power range to where you want it for even better power.
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Post by resonance94 on Dec 9, 2018 12:17:24 GMT
I'm doing my mea culpa. I did some research and I admit that the 400 can be quite good, especially if you put a little boost.
It remains to be seen if it is financially feasible.
Help mee
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Post by roger32849 on Dec 9, 2018 13:23:08 GMT
There are a lot of advantages to using the Burgman 400 engine. Yes, it only has 35 HP. The chassis is designed around using this engine. If a person were to step up to a liquid cooled in-line 4 cylinder in the 550 to 650 cc class and make the Eco-Exo a shifter, complete with clutch pedal and gear selector, it would be faster for sure and it follows it would be more powerful.....that is If the modifications could be made. The question is, why mod the Eco-Exo in the first place. It would be more practical to design a completely new chassis and leave the Eco-Exo as it is. There is a place for the Eco-Exo. It is a very easy kit to build. It has really no huge issues with its design. The Burgman 400 engine is a high RPM engine, it produces enough power for the chassis design. It will reach speeds in excess of 85 MPH. I know this for a fact because I’ve driven mine at that speed.... as a side note, there was still a little left in its capable engine to go faster. The downside of using the Burgman 400 is that it isn’t going to be suitable for getting off the starting line like a dragster, but once moving it moves quickly into its power band. The question is: Is it for everyone? Of course not. If you are used to the combination of Power & Speed such as the R1 engine from Yamaha then the Burgman 400 will fall short in that category. The Eco-Exo, for what it is, is a fun build. It is a true beginners kit. It is more than simple and playful, it is serious and purposeful in the fact that it teaches a person a lot about the construction and assembly of a vehicle that you, the builder, will trust your life with.
As I said in previous posts, the Eco-Exo really needs a GRP style update. The chassis is fine, the Burgman 400 engine is an excellent choice for the kit. Engaging in who, what, when, where and how of this kit is all academic....unfortunately. A total of 12 were ever made, I have one and I have corresponded with 9 of the other owners. There are two kits that were sold to people here in the USA that wish to remain anonymous. I believe they live in Colorado. No more are being produced and no one has stepped up to take the responsibility to manufacture.
While this section of the forum remains open for comment and questions, one must bear in mind that these kits were short lived. The people that built them are not actively commenting in this section any longer. They remain a curiosity only, since the technical end of the build is muted by the lack of production.
Would I like to see the Eco-Exo back in production again? Of course, but not for me to buy... I have one already. It happens to be the best kit to learn how to do a build properly. I am glad I own one of the 12. Anyone can speculate on its design, power requirements, and capabilities, not everyone will get a chance to own one... and that my friends is quite unfortunate.
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by resonance94 on Dec 10, 2018 9:37:10 GMT
Hello
Yes all this has been said. An eco will never be a TR1ke, T Rex or any other 3 wheel motorcycle engine, it's not the goal, it would be even ridiculous.
I think that a single-seat economy can have customers.
In France the speed on the highway is 85mi / h. That's where the Burgman is a little bit right. But the purpose of this machine is not to go on the highway.
Regarding the look, there should be a little more space in front of the feet. But the look must be nice not too sharp.
Can you give me the Stuart nickname on the forum?
I do not need production tools, just autocad plans.
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Post by resonance94 on Dec 10, 2018 10:31:21 GMT
I found Stuart. I made him an MP.
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Post by Stiggy on Dec 10, 2018 12:15:10 GMT
My licence agreement with Kelvin is null and void as he failed to adhere to the terms and conditions, namely continue production and marketing or at least make them available to order.
I do not have a sample or drawings of the chassis. The original trike was made on my bench without a jig.
I sold the rights and the prototype to Scott who made a few.
He then sold to Kelvin but no attempt was made to produce them, he didn't make any.
It is difficult to fabricate a chassis with curved round tubes. Accuracy without a jig and perfectly matched CNC machined curves becomes a real issue and almost certainly result in poor quality or symmetry or repeat ability. I think Scott had a basic jig which appeared to work well, he took this from my chassis but if you have not got a chassis to copy it is very difficult to make an accurate jig and get it right first time.
If Eco-Exo was re designed to use straight tube it would lack aesthetic appeal but it would be easier to make.
A straight tube chassis will probably need a full grp body to add style.
I deliberately kept the grp minimal so as to keep costs down, both in terms of production and initial pattern/mould costs.
The best way forward would be to base the Eco-Exo on my EV design, this is simple and easy to adjust to suit a petrol engine.
The plans are available on here under "any other vehicle"
If you wish to copy the Eco-Exo completely I have no objections and would not be looking to charge you, although donations to our tea fund are always welcome.
To get the ball rolling you could perhaps ask one of the Eco-mev owners if they would be kind enough to help you by providing dimensions.
I am happy to offer help and guidance free of charge provided it is actually going ahead and is not just forum chat.
I will keep looking in, regards Stuart
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Post by roger32849 on Dec 10, 2018 12:42:02 GMT
I found Stuart. I made him an MP. When you say you made Stuart an MP... as in “Member of Parliament”. Does this mean he is to be addressed as “Sir Stewie” |
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Post by resonance94 on Dec 10, 2018 17:35:11 GMT
Hello, thank you for the answer and thank you for the clarification. Yes I am aware that the tubes are bent in 2 directions and that the adjustment is difficult. I know a company that knows how to bend tubes on demand. She works a lot with racing cars. The eco is pretty because the tubes are round and curved. The idea is to buy a chassis to reproduce it or to have one ready to do all the measurements. I do not think you can do a big business, but spread the joy around you is important ;-) I spend an ad on a site in France "the good corner" www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/1363632391.htm/There was still 18,500 views in 6 months! Now, if you had to choose an engine, which one would you take? |
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Post by resonance94 on Dec 10, 2018 17:37:31 GMT
I found Stuart. I made him an MP. When you say you made Stuart an MP... as in “Member of Parliament”. Does this mean he is to be addressed as “Sir Stewie” Oh Sorry, i'm french, I apologize for my accent |
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Post by roger32849 on Dec 10, 2018 19:01:30 GMT
Mr. Resonance94:
I realize you are French and accept the fact you may in fact speak at least two languages quite Fluently. When it comes to entering information on the forum in English, one would hardly know you were fluent in both French and English, however your French accent is lost when you correspond in English.... so it leads one to ask, what does “MP” refer to? I realize, conversations often get lost in translation. I do not require an apology because there was nothing to apologize for. I was merely have a bit of a jab at Stuart Mills, all in fun mind you.
ON TO A FORUM RELATED COMMENT: the link you provided is naturally in French and I would need to run each line through a translation program to understand its exact content. It appears it is some sort of advertisement for the Eco-Exo. These ad come up every so often. Mostly from scammers in the Asian market. As you may (or may not) know, the photo in the link is the prototype Eco-Exo-R. The original design of the Eco-Exo had handlebars. Scott Turner and company designed the R version and that became the mainstay of their business. It was powered by a 250cc Suzuki Burgman engine. Naturally it is out of production. If the French Highways are indeed up to 85 MPH a heavier vehicle may prove to be better suited for continually operating at that speed. It is one thing to “hit” 85 MPH in a burst of speed and an altogether different circumstance sustaining this speed while trying to navigate in traffic. You are quite correct in your assumption. The Eco-Exo was not designed for the high speed motorway.
If your intent is to manufacture a similar vehicle, or an Eco-Exo clone, I wish you luck and skill to make it happen.
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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