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Post by roger32849 on Aug 13, 2018 23:25:53 GMT
I am not sure how much of a following the TR1KE has on the forum, from the very fact that I seem to be the only live body doing any posts, I can assume I am pretty much "it". If there is anyone building anything it isn't likely to be on 3 wheels. From a journalistic viewpoint, it is safe to assume, not to many folks read what I enter,or are only casually skimming the pages and not curious enough to inquire about the process.... Sooooo, with that being thrown out there, I am continuing to enter as long as I am working on my TR1KE. At some point though, I will be finished with my modifications and there wouldn't be much of a reason to post about building or modding that's already been completed.
As of right now, I have the frames for my saddlebags at Central Mass Powder Coating. They REALLY increased their prices. Holy cow, $150.00. That includes media blasting, etching, primer and gloss black top coat. What I like about powder coating is its durablity. The frames will be ready tomorrow. When we get some decent weather I will be taking pictures.
One of the things about the design of the frame's is the fact I didn't need to drill any holes in the chassis to mount them. I used chrome 1-1/4" clamps and spacers.
As always, pictures to follow.
Roger Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by davej98002 on Aug 14, 2018 1:00:49 GMT
Being one small page of the many MEV kits I do not see too many members even thinking about 3 wheels. 4 wheels are BORING. Some of the t R1ke owners need to show up to more Track Days to show those 4 wheel CAGED animals whats up.
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Post by roger32849 on Aug 14, 2018 16:25:21 GMT
I take my trike(s) to the local car shows. I usually go and see what is there first, then circle back and answer questions about my TR1ke and Eco-Exo-R. I get a lot of interest in the idea of doing a build, but let’s face it, the Slingshot and Vanderhall trikes have really put MEV kit car trikes in the hurt locker. The onlookers don’t want to build one, they just want to own one. For less than $30K I can own either of them. My preference would be the Vanderhall with frontwheel drive and automatic. I tried out the Slingshot, they need to build one with a less aggressive looking style. The retro-style of the Vanderhall is reminiscent of earlier British craftsmanship found in the older sports cars.
Meanwhile, back to reality..... I do enjoy my trikes very much and would not want to get rid of them.... at least not at the moment. Who knows what will come around the corner. I do have a PPL and might get into the flying trike gondola, or a closed body ultralight. Something I could fold the wings up and take it out fly it and then go home.
Roger Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by roger32849 on Aug 16, 2018 10:15:05 GMT
MVIMG_20180814_140742 by Roger Baker, on Flickr When I went to pick up my parts from the powder coating company it just started to rain. Within 15 minutes it turned into a deluge of water. It was so fast and intense by the time I picked up my parts, the streets were running rivers. The picture here was taken from the parking lot just in front of Central Mass Powder Coating. The street had about a foot of water rushing down it. Roger Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by roger32849 on Aug 19, 2018 20:42:41 GMT
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Post by roger32849 on Aug 19, 2018 20:46:13 GMT
MVIMG_20180819_153702 by Roger Baker, on Flickr I installed the lower panels. I had them color matched to the rest of the blue parts. Hopefully these will stop all the sand, small stones and tire wash from landing inside the passenger compartment
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Post by roger32849 on Aug 19, 2018 20:51:09 GMT
MVIMG_20180819_153813 by Roger Baker, on Flickr The interior is done. I managed to get the seats lowered, to be beneath the rollbar. The c0ckpit layout works pretty well and the cable gear selector is a bit spongy feeling but I have NO trouble finding gears.
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Post by roger32849 on Aug 19, 2018 20:54:52 GMT
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Post by roger32849 on Aug 19, 2018 20:58:03 GMT
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Post by roger32849 on Aug 19, 2018 21:03:02 GMT
I have thought on this for quite some time. I believe I am finished with my TR1ke. It's solid, pretty nice looking and performs quite well. It is as close to a SUPER CAR as I will ever get. With that, I will stop with the build information and enter a few road trips and day drives.
I am done with this build.
Roger Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by davej98002 on Aug 20, 2018 17:04:45 GMT
It is sad that Reverse trikes are just viewed as "Toys".
The Gen Pop just does not get how well these would fit in real world use. A little less so with R1 or Hyabusa power but a trike like the ECO-EXO done in EV or small gas engines for a commuter would save a lot of pollution, replacing a car that has 1 person commuting to and from work that gets 30 MPG, with a Trike that has the same 1 person doing the same commute but getting 70-80 MPG GAS or 220 MPGe on electric.
This MEVOWNERS forum is a good place to see some good designs but it is mostly a forum of guys and girls that want a "TRACK DAY" car that will not see everyday use. Kind of generalized opinion but from my reading of topics that is my overall view.
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Post by roger32849 on Aug 20, 2018 20:47:40 GMT
The NEED of a replacement vehicle to commute has always been a hard sell. This is why Elio will no doubt fail. Nobody wants a cheap, economical, 1 (or 2) person commuter. Elio has a wonderful idea and has spent his fortune and a good deal of others money to land exactly where he is now, broke and begging for a chance to prove his idea of the All American Commuter car can be a reality. On the other hand, you offer a snazzy body, a 175 HP engine and call it a Slingshot, Vanderhall or T-Rex then it's another Kettle of fish. In my case, it's an Eco-Exo and a TR1ke. The Eco-Exo gets 55-60 MPG, The TR1KE gets at least 35 to 40. My hybrid car gets 40 to 45 MPG in town, sometimes more if I can run 100 percent in EV Mode. A vehicle rarely becomes more than its original intended use. The big guns in Detroit (and elsewhere) rarely allow vehicles to see their full potential. Ford gave us the Pinto in the 70's, Chevrolet the Vega, and Chrysler the K-car. All were disposable vehicles that, at the time, we're great on gas mileage compared to a full sized vehicle of the day. Imagine what they would be like today if allowed to be refined into small commuter cars. However in the UK, they were making the best selling car in the world..... The Mini and had been making it since 1959, a fun car, very easy on gas, and went like a bat out of hell. The new Mini not an evolved old Mini. It's something else altogether different.
Some people want a Track car. I want a hot rod and something fun to drive. Some people do want a cheap economical commuter, there are millions, maybe billions of them out there already. They are called bicycles and cities all across the USA and in Europe are modifying street markings and making special lanes and paths for them. Portland Oregon is the home of the commuter bicycle hybrid vehicle. It will go 25 MPH and go a distance of about 35 miles on battery power alone,is solar rechargeable ND is called the ELF.
I don't disagree with you Dave, it is just unfortunate set of circumstances for those that try to make something economical and fail. The ELF has a very good start. The company is small and I assume still in business. They ship world wide and stand behind their product. It is a sure bet no one there is interested in racing or taking their ELF to a track day. Check them out.
Also, in Washington State Paul Elkins makes a LOT of neat stuff that is environmentally friendly, from shelters to boats to transportation. His Web site is Elkins DIY I believe you and him would have a lot in common. Hang in there Dave, some day the need for an environmentally friendly single seater electric vehicle will be filled.
Roger Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by edvb on Aug 21, 2018 1:01:11 GMT
Wow I just had a chance to see the pictures. I am blown away on your finished masterpiece!!! I might even trade mine for it;-) Super job Roger and a big WELL DONE!!! The side cases look great in that position. Hopefully I will see you in a month if everything goes right. For the years I have had mine I have met a lot of people that thought it would be the perfect vehicle for them and all said that must be a blast to drive around in. I am glad to have found this site , Become good friends with Roger and be able to build the Eco Exo R and enjoy the finished machine after all these years. Roger built two and he is slightly older then I am. I hope the Solo and FUN make it to mass production. We will see in the next two years if that happens. Dave you have two new vehicles to wet your appetite again. For me this will be my last vehicle I will build but it sure is a keeper! Dave you are lucky to be in an area that is in the heartbeat of small commuter vehicles. You can either ride the 650 Burgy and dream or do something about it. I am glad Roger and I did the latter. Good luck Dave and Roger try to keep at least three wheels on the road some of the time
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Post by roger32849 on Aug 22, 2018 8:13:12 GMT
It has been a long haul getting this project done. As with all endeavours, sometime's frustrating, sometimes not, but always a pleasure in the end. One of the purposes of the forum is to learn from others a better way to do a build as well as passing on information that you yourself learned. There were regular viewers and guys that commented. I relied on the experience of previous builders as well as those that had very good mechanical abilities. My special thanks to Eddie, Slugshot, Dave and Peter Dove of Dove Racing. Thank you all for being a part of this experience. If ever anyone needed guidance, it was me. The kit was actually made in 2014 and one of the last ones from Road Track Race. I have to say, it was (is) flawless. The welds were perfect and the fitment precise.
As soon as the rainy weather ends, I will be taking a nice long ride up the Mohawk trail and straightening some curves along the way. It's not been the best of weather lately. It's rained for the last two weeks. Between the showers there may be a chance to do some short hops.
Cheers everyone and thanks for making my build easier and better.... now to "Drive it like I stole it".
Roger Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by davej98002 on Aug 22, 2018 15:55:08 GMT
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