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Post by johnp on Feb 7, 2016 17:05:14 GMT
Funny but I do not see them on the road. I think it's down to perception - before I needed an MX5 donor I rarely saw them on the road; after, I saw them everywhere! There is also the tendency for some riders to store their 2 wheelers over the winter months. |
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Post by mawdo81 on Feb 7, 2016 19:45:22 GMT
It's a common cognitive bias but I forget the specific term. As a kid I'd get the same playing with Lego, in reverse. Couldn't find an X for love nor money. As soon as I'd given up and moved on I couldn't move for Xs...
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Post by davej98002 on Feb 7, 2016 20:46:06 GMT
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Post by roger32849 on Feb 10, 2016 21:27:08 GMT
I sat on this topic a few days and decided I would make an observation. There really doesn't seem to be "much" of a shortage of donor Burgman AN400's in the UK. I would imagine there is a significant number of available Burgman donors per available Eco-Exo kits. They are scattered about on ebay and more than likely a few around using word of mouth campaigns in various neighborhoods. The trouble with donors is quite simple. You must have something for the donor to be used for. Naturally we on this forum prefer the Eco-Exo as the prime reason to sacrifice a Burgman. I know there are potential Eco-Exo builders out there that really want to build their own trike. So, while we are all academically discussing woulda - Coulda - Shoulda theories about donors and what would be acceptable to propel the ECO-EXO, there needs to actually be an Eco-Exo manufactured to be propelled.
That being said, I whole heartedly agree with everyone that has written about this amazing Reverse Trike. It is sturdy, safe, fun, fast, and unfortunately needing someone to pick up the manufacturing rights and continue building the kits. I have logged several thousand miles in mine. Daily rides easily going 250 to 300 miles. With the Burgman 400 engine, I have passed much larger Motorcycles while cruising in the mountains. By shear handling alone I can litterly scream around tight corners, and yes, even drifted around a few. I have dived into pot holes and came out straight. Nearly ZERO bump steer. I crank up my on-board Ipod and fill up the tank and stay gone for the day.
What is needed, is someone to buy into this fantastic machine enough to become a manufacturer. If you "think" you can build it, then you will succeed.
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 13, 2016 9:32:26 GMT
It has been over a month since my last post in this thread. I would like to think someone out there has the time and inclination to pick up the manufacturing rights for the Eco-Exo project and build it into something more than what it has become. There hasn't been an Eco-Exo produced in over a year and whether Kelvin will sell his interests, or reconsider his decision not to manufacture is all left to speculation and guesswork. I personally believe it is to early for a funeral for the Eco-Exo project, but perhaps a memorial might be appropriate.
We, the owners of the Eco-Exo have ours. It was a fun kit to build and a fun trike to drive. We are probably not likely to buy another Eco-Exo kit. It would, however, be nice to see more of them on the road.
Is it dead.... not sure.... it definitely has one foot in the grave and the other on a banana skin.
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by Stiggy on Mar 13, 2016 10:43:34 GMT
I would hope that it will find a new home, BUT how is anyone going to know if the project is for sale or not? It's not even in this forums "For sale" section and I have not seen it mentioned anywhere else.
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Post by andyl on Mar 13, 2016 18:26:21 GMT
Does anyone know how many kits were sold in total? Perhaps potential fabricators feel the market is too small for the eco-exo to make it worth setting aside the space and time?
Maybe plans could be sold like for the e-trike?
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 13, 2016 19:09:55 GMT
Andy.. I believe there were 12 made. I did a copy and paste from Edwards page and it reflects who has (had) them and what their locale might be. Here it is:
Eco Exo & Eco Exo R Kit's
UK
Scott T- Eco Exo prototype from Stuart
Scott T- Eco Exo R prototype
Bigbro- Eco Exo R
Andy - Eco Exo
Holland
Erik - Eco Exo R
Anne - Eco Exo R
USA
Jimmy C - Eco Exo R
Edward - Eco Exo R
Roger - Eco Exo R
?Colorado - Eco Exo R
?Colorado - Eco Exo R
Fred B - Eco-Exo-R
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by nigel on Mar 13, 2016 19:34:52 GMT
roger32849 , Kelvin qdos has not been on the forum since his announcement to withdraw. I make no promises, but I will be attending Stoneleigh and shall make a point of tracking down Kelvin, if there, in the hope of getting an explanation regarding the future of the Eco-Exo, that I shall be happy to share will all on this forum. nigel
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Post by andyl on Mar 13, 2016 20:07:46 GMT
Thanks for the information Roger. So in the UK at least there is very low demand, as three out of four cars were built by the company producing them. Not hard to see why they decided to move it on.
I think it's a hard sell, because people looking for economy will probably look for something with a little more comfort, and people looking for sport will probably veer more towards something like the TR1ke, which offers a much higher PWR.
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 14, 2016 2:29:14 GMT
The Eco-Exo offers an alternative to "brute force power", it isn't all about economy or comfort. The kit is ideal for a person that is on a budget and is looking to get into a first build that will not break the bank. It isn't exactly a stick of dynamite but there is plenty of "bang for the buck". I personally ride large tour bikes and do a lot of cross country riding. I enjoy the freedom that provides. I also like to take my Eco-Exo-R on the rides closer to home. It is great in traffic, its agile and fun to drive. In my case it isn't all about the power, it is about the ride, the scenery, the shear fun of getting out of the house and enjoying the day without making an adrenaline rush of it. I will be 67 in a couple of weeks, perhaps it is my age speaking and doing the reasoning, but I've ridden a lot of miles on a motorcycle, worn a few out and I have to admit, this trike offers something that is equally as enjoyable. The Eco-Exo may not be as popular as the more profitable MEV line-up, but it has its place.
Nigel: That would be a very good thing to do if you see Kelvin. I know it hasn't exactly worked out in his favor here on the forum, but I still feel Kelvin is in the best position to manufacture than anybody else I know.
Watch out everbody, Monday is sneaking up on us.... Oh wait, I'm retired... false alarm!
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by andyl on Mar 14, 2016 8:39:37 GMT
I'm not the one you have to convince. I like small modestly powered vehicles, currently restoring an Isetta, which has a third of the PWR of the Eco Exo. Just highlighting the simple truth that this is a vehicle with low demand, and that will undoubtedly temper appeal to a producer.
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Post by Stiggy on Mar 14, 2016 9:44:17 GMT
low demand for a small firm that has other work or a one man outfit is a full order book. This project is ideal for someone that has retired!
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Post by martinw on Mar 14, 2016 10:30:03 GMT
Watch out everbody, Monday is sneaking up on us.... Oh wait, I'm retired... false alarm! That made me laugh Roger! And so true.....  Martin |
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 14, 2016 12:38:57 GMT
I must have a bit of the devil in me. I have to admit I enjoy my second cup of coffee as my wife goes off to work.
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