Is the UK Eco Exo Project Dead Or Is There Hope?

[mawdo81]

I was looking for the dislike button ;-)

[andyl]

How about someone like Bambycars Ltd. Would they be interested in producing the design under license?

[Albert]

It's still alive. I just ordered mine through Exomotive. I traded some e-mails with Kelvin from Qdos and spoke with Kevin at Exomotive and you can still order them. Kelvin said there would be some extra lead time since he's working on the next generation of the kit but he's willing to do it. I have my '06 donor and I'm now just waiting for the kit.

[roger32849]

Welcome to the Eco-Exo forum Acorrea4. I would encourage you to scan through the various builds to get an idea what is ahead of you. You might also consider starting your own build thread. You can enter what ever information you need or desire. There is no wrong way to do it, except doing it alone. We are all here to help.

Welcome..

Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts.

[Albert]

Thanks, Roger. I'm going to need all the help I can get. Kelvin said it would be 2-3 month turnaround so I have plenty of time but I like the notion of starting my own thread. I'll get it started soon.

To get back on topic, I'm just glad Kelvin is still committed to this kit. If anyone else is still interested in it, I would suggest getting your order in.

[elder]

Do we have any idea what the "next generation" is?

Food for thought. I had started looking for something else but now...................

[roger32849]

The current Eco-Exo-R is good platform to build on. The 400cc Burgman engine has ample power and can send the trike down the road in excess of 75 MPH. It handles well and offers a comfortable enough ride. The drawback to all of this, is that the trike is only a single seater, has no extra space to put anything for an extended trip. Between Edward and Me, we installed saddlebags and tail trunks, still not part of the overall design concept. I also test drove the Polaris Slingshot. No luggage space in that vehicle either even though it is a 2 seater. Granted, most kit cars and specially produced vehicles are fun driving machines and not to much concern was afforded the aspect of having a boot.

If a modification were to be made to the Eco-Exo at all, should be to make it more stylish. Edwards concept is exactly what this trike should look like. He took a modified Eco-Exo (modified by Exomotive into the "Eco-Exo-R) and made it his own. A completely redesigned bonnet, steel fenders that emulate the Exocet design, and a very snazzy cockpit with butterfly wheel and carbon fiber seat. The design facet of Edwards build was only the start, he added a stereo with subwoofer, modified the front suspension by adding newly designed "A" arms better shocks all the way around. He also added performance options like a LeoVince exhaust and a modified fuel management "Power Commander black box". I believe Edward does have the next generation Eco-Exo.

On many occasions Dave has brought up manufacturing a "TRIKE" of some sort that could incorperate a larger engine such as the 650 Burgman. The current frame of the Eco-Exo is not suited for this modification, however it is not to say that one couldn't be designed and built. It could emulate the original design and possibly include a version that has more than just one seat. There is really nothing wrong with the overall design of the current Eco-Exo frame. A face lift with a sporty look to it would be a great addition to an already proven chassis and power plant.

Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts

[davej98002]

In all the talks with a few members, Stuart Mills and Kelvin, we came to an agreement that a Burgman 650 should NOT be used for two basic reasons:

1) Its too long from the front valve cover to the axle centerline. It would add about 20 inches to an already long trike.

2) Its extra torque and horsepower would over tax the frame of a Eco-Exo that was designed for a Burgman 250 and then modified to fit the Burgman 400. The frame tubing size is the same. It would need a more solid frame to handle the extra power and size of a Burgman 650.

So with talks (posts) with Kelvin, suggestions were made to change the NEW model with engine mounts for a Burgman 400 from 2007 and UP as it has a bit better engine and bigger wheels. Roger is the only one that has modified his frame to fit these newer engines and it works well for him.
Also it was suggested that over the counter automotive front A arms and spindles be used so you can get a replacement part from an auto parts store in a matter of days.
There were many changes discussed with Kelvin but he has kept mum on what he is doing to the NEW model.

In most markets for these trikes you can get a whole Corvette suspension used for $700 and modify it to fit and have one of the best front suspensions made. Or Mustang II, Mazda MX5 Miata and many others. 

Make the frame more solid and maybe a Yamaha T-Max, Kymco 700, Honda 600 Silverwing engine MAY fit as they are not long engine modules like a Burgman 650.

[roger32849]

I agree with all you said about the Eco-Eco and the Burgman 650 not being any sort of match up. This does not eliminate that engine and drive train from being utilized in a redesigned chassis. Lets face it, a reverse trike has a certain geography. It all starts with two forward wheels and one in the rear. The rear is always connected to the drive train. The Burgman 650 has an advantage. It has a stationary engine with a swing-arm. This means a potential design of a two seat RT could allow for the extra length of the engine...oh lets say between the seats without the need to allow for vertical movement. Apply some insulation and keep the bottom open to vent heat and it would probably work quite well without aďding extra length. There might be a project in there somewhere. The aluminum suspension from a Subaru WRX (turbo or non turbo) makes an excellent choice and is probably dirt cheap. See Factory Fives, 818 kitcar for details. For all fuss, the suspension on the Exocet utilizes Miatas very reliable system, and is MEV approved.....(in the application of the Exocet)

All that is needed is to have a donor, be willing to spend some time doing R&D and build something that works. Morbid curiosity will probably get the best of me. We will see what the winter brings. Summertime is play time, not build time.

Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts

[roger32849]

After careful thought and much reflection on the subject I have decided to go to the "Darth-side". Okay, bad joke, but I am going to run an automotive style tire on the rear of my Eco-Exo-R. On the advise of Dave, I ordered a 155/70R-13 Achilles brand tire. It appears to have an "A-semetrical" tread pattern, or close enough. Since I have my own "Cheap-o Depot" tire machine and compressor, I figured I would install the tire and balance as well.. again with my "Cheap-o Depot" brand balancer. FYI that brand is from a small off shore import company sold exclusively by Harbor Freight.

Here is my thought. I have kept an eye on my wear spots on the Bridgestone Hoop tires on my trike. There is a narrow wear spot exactly in the center of the tire about 2 inches in width (give or take a little). Bridgestone Hoops are a soft gripping tire, great on a two wheeler and ok so far on the trike. I have drifted around a couple of corners and actually spun out on one ocassion with the current tire configuration. If I install a tire that puts more tire on the ground, then it seems to follow it would be less likely to drift or slide out. I realize there is more to a tire than simply more tread on the pavement, tire composition, tread pattern, inflation and so an all play a roll in handling. Since I have the only Eco-Exo model capable of Darksiding the rear tire, why not give it a try.

The tire will be here next week from Florida. By the way, this is a hard tire to buy in the USA. When I called to place an order at a local tire store, they said they had some in stock but when I arrived to pick it up, they changed their tune and said they couldn't get that size tire. I did a google search and found what I needed. Since I have to order the Bridgestones, I am none the worse off.

I have already begun to feel the Force from the "DARK SIDE"!!!!?

Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts

[davej98002]

Roger, I just want to make sure that you have read some of the BurgmanUSA topics on Darksiding a 2007 and up 400. It is hard to get the tire to pop in to its bead. The motorcycle rim is about 1/8 inch larger in diameter that a 13 inch car tire. So it does fit down in the bead seat more and WILL NOT come off the rim if you have a blow-out. It just make it harder to inflate to seat the bead. That is covered over on the BURGMANUSA site.

And last time we had an ENGINEER test a RE92 Bridgestone Potenza car tire with a hardness Durometer, he found that the CAR tire was a softer compound than the Bridgestone BattleAx motorcycle tire. So the car tire should be softer and wider than the Motorcycle tire.

[roger32849]

I know about the mounting issues. I have Ru-glide and a 140 psi capable compressor (with a long hose) I am sure I can get it to fit in as good as it fit. I don't know about the hardness or softness of the tire I bought, but everything in good time.

I will try to get it all done as soon as the tire gets here.

Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts

[davej98002]

Just had to ask. Over the years I have gotten some HATE PM's for owners that did not read our warnings on mounting.

In all the years I have been riding a two wheel on a rear car tire we have had only one death of a member when his FRONT tire bulged on a highspeed run and he crashed and died. He was observed doing well over the posted 85 MPH Speed zone while passing a slower car doing 65 MPH.

[davej98002]

May 3, 2016 21:29:28 GMT Albert said:

It's still alive. I just ordered mine through Exomotive. I traded some e-mails with Kelvin from Qdos and spoke with Kevin at Exomotive and you can still order them. Kelvin said there would be some extra lead time since he's working on the next generation of the kit but he's willing to do it. I have my '06 donor and I'm now just waiting for the kit.

Hey, its been almost 6 months. Any updates? Did you get the kit?

[davej98002]

I have sent an email to Kelvin about restarting Eco-Exo builds. We shall see.