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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:06:16 GMT -5
Well It is cleanup time for sure Dave! Doing all the wiring, soldering, heat shrinking and mounting of the lights in a cold garage took some time and got a little messy. But it will only take and hour to clean up so not a big deal. The nice thing is the proper beam pattern and small size. It sure made a difference on the look of my trike. It is not cheap though but very nice quality and waterproof. www.futurevisionled.com/catalog/product/view/id/38/category/11
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:07:00 GMT -5
Well it was a beautiful day but we are getting 10 inches of snow tomorrow. I decided to take the trike out on the driveway and test everything before putting it away for the next three months. Everything works great so I should not have to do anything else to it for a long while. Here is a video and some pictures just before I put it away. Click on picture for Video 20160201_105330 by evanbelkom, on Flickr 20160201_105132 by evanbelkom, on Flickr 20160201_105142 by evanbelkom, on Flickr 20160201_110001 by evanbelkom, on Flickr
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:07:52 GMT -5
I was going to see if some 2012 Burgman 400 front calipers would work but after getting them I found they would not fit properly. I changed the brake fluid and bled the brakes with the pneumatic brake bleeder I got from Harbor Freight. It work very well and I got it done in about 15 minutes. The brakes work very well now and I was able to lock the fronts before the rear so the balance seems about right. I also took a video yesterday to check the new HID Photon headlights I installed. Everything works great so no need to change anything any more. Even on a cold day it was just a blast to run around. I can't wait till Spring to take her out again! MVI_3600 by evanbelkom, on Flickr
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:08:52 GMT -5
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:12:05 GMT -5
Very nice high quality build. I read all your posts,did you incorporate some type of reverse gear for the Burgman 400? My trike is also automatic transmission, I was able to fabricate an electic reverse setup that works great and draws minimal current. The custom trailer is also a very professional looking build. Please check out my trike under "Built projects ", "T-Rex Carbon Fiber", keep up the good work!
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:13:31 GMT -5
Of all the Eco-Exo builds I have seen, Edwards build is far supreme, followed by Rogers. I was a big fan and still am of the Eco-Exo R. But being that I have 3 Burgman 650s I was trying to see if we could modify the Eco-Exo chassis to fit one but NO, it is 20 inches longer than a Burgman 400 and would put the rear tire too far back and upset the Akerman angles. But I bet the shorter Honda Silverwing 600 may be a better "BIGGER" engine, but "I" will not be the one to address that over there!
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:14:18 GMT -5
Thanks Joe Yes it has reverse. This is a video that shows it backing up. I have the reverse with me at all times. Seriously it works great and no extra weight to carry around. This was a few years ago as I was testing the trike out. The trailer I designed myself so the total weight including the trike with full fuel was under 1200 LBS. It has worked great and is the garage I keep my trike in. Reverse Gear by evanbelkom, on Flickr
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:15:30 GMT -5
Thanks Dave I have a feeling the Eco Exo R is no more. It was great to be able to get a frame and engine and roll my own. You already know how many changes I made that it is almost a new updated design. There are other designs out there like the Scorpion P6 but are pretty pricey. I probably have close to 20K in mine including the trailer so not cheap but a complete package that can go anywhere in complete confidence. I really like all the builds here and Booser shows how to make one out of a Burgman 650 so now you have a way to use your frame and engine:) For me after I retired I do not think I have the energy and help from other people that I worked with to build another one. I kind of knew that and really pushed to get this as nice as I could before retiring. I am sure something will come up for you to finish.
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:16:17 GMT -5
Edward, do not count the Eco-Exo as a dead kit yet. I have talked to Kelvin and things are just on a hold. I wish I had $10,000 all free and clear to just offer to buy the whole works from him but I do not. I have time and space to do these kits but the whole startup would be about $20K before I could get a few kits built and ready. Time will tell.
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:16:49 GMT -5
Hi Dave Yes things can always change but I always try to look at the big picture. The Eco Exo R kit is just basically a rough frame with A-arms. You still need to do some welding and fabrication to complete it. It also does not come with a gas tank that fits and other items that requires some fabrication and welding skills to complete. Unless the kit is built here in the US (cost) and has been refined to the point where you just bolt on the parts it will be a hard road ahead. I wish whoever gets it good luck and hope they can make the changes needed to make it a viable kit. I am sure it can be scaled to fit the Silverwing but it would be a new and larger designed frame of the original. I am not saying it cannot be done Dave, it just would not be using the original size frame.
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:18:21 GMT -5
FYI,Just to know where Edward is coming from on the Eco-Exo frame and making a 600cc engine fit, the original Eco-Exo was made just for the Burgman 250 that was only for NON-USA markets. Scott Turner made some changes, with the frame designer Stuart Mills, to make the early Burgman 400's fit. Then a guy in Georgia made some more conversions for the Eco-Exo R. And a guy in Worcester Mass made some MORE changes just to HIS frame to fit a NEW 2007 up Burgman400. So fitting a 600cc engine in a frame made to handle 250cc would need some modifications to the tubing sizes and such. Not just a "Cut the 250cc engine mounts off and weld the 600cc mounts on".
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:19:21 GMT -5
That is correct Dave. Scott worked with Stuart to make sure the frame was designed to handle the Burgman 400. As you add weight and power the strength of the frame and suspension components have to increase. I am not the best at explaining things but that is the jest of it. Even when I modified mine I really looked at the frame mounts for the A-arms but was assured they were up to the task when I sent the pictures and material type and dimensions to the engineers.
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:20:13 GMT -5
Found this just for you Dave:) (link is now dead and not usable)
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:21:17 GMT -5
Thanks Edward. That is $8750 plus shipping and customs fees. Nice trike though. If I were living in UK Id buy it. For about another $2000 to $3000 I could buy the whole license with all GRP moulds, frame bucks plus the demonstrator kit from Kelvin I bet. Just not so sure I could do enough kits per year to keep Stuart happy. For those that do not know Kelvin is the current HOLDER of the only license to make these kits in England and is not making ANY kits currently. Stuart Mills is the designer and owner of the license and has extended the offer for a USA license to make these kits locally. I just retired Dec 2015 and have not figured out IF I could afford to buy that license and make these kits here near Seattle WA.
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:24:02 GMT -5
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:25:01 GMT -5
You Like your British Three wheelers! I think that the FRS-3 is built quite local to me. Having said that I have not had the pleasure of seeing one in the flesh I did go to our local speed hillclimb last year to have a look at one that was on the start list to race but unfortunately it did not turn up, I like the idea of two wheel drive at the front with the weight over the axle but the big draw back is trying to design something that is streamlined when the bulk of it at front and you have to peer over the Engine!
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:26:22 GMT -5
I know what you mean but everyone is different and for me I just like the overall styling with the seats fore and aft. It just looks like a robust machine that hits all my buttons for a two place machine:)
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:26:29 GMT -5
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:27:31 GMT -5
Very slick indeed. How about adding side panels? Looks as though there would be quite a draft with the sides open all the way to the foot controls. Just picking nits here, for conversation's sake. You could recess them to preserve the exposure of that rather pretty frame.
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:28:05 GMT -5
I took it for a ride yesterday and only had my tee shirt on in about 46 degree weather. The way the hood is shaped makes the cockpit area almost draft free. I was very comfortable and did not feel any side draft when driving. Maybe I just lucked out but it works very well. Here is a picture of Roger's trike that he put side panels on. For me I like it just the way I have it now as I see no need for them. 20160228_124518_zpsagee4lip by evanbelkom, on Flickr
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:28:51 GMT -5
Yeah, By all means, I agree with your idea that if ain't broke don't fix it. Simplicity is a worthy goal all by itself. I do prefer Rodger's transparent screen though I realize there will probably be lots of distortion at the angle its mounted and you mostly view over , not through as is the case with mine. An esthetic choice, not a functional one. Either way, nice looking windshield. Where did you source it? (If you are here Captain, you should look into it. IMO, It would look great on yours, after you cut away about the lower half) You a have a lot more cold tolerance than me. I can't be outside in calm air in a t-shirt when its 56 never mind 46. Must have been toughened by those Wisconsin winters.
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:29:46 GMT -5
If you are talking about mine it is part of the carbon hood that I molded and had the windshield part painted a sparkle black. Roger used a Burgman 400 windshield he trimmed down and painted the bottom inside black. He also bought a wind deflector for his trike but a different make. The wind deflector makes the comfort while cruising possible. I have no problem looking over it in normal use. If I get caught in the rain I can scrunch down and look through the deflector. It work real well for me. Aesthetics is the reason for the lower windshield. Making one higher made it look dorky. With the deflector when I look through it make me feel like a fighter pilot:) 20160312_165751 by evanbelkom, on Flickr
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:30:42 GMT -5
You fooled me edvb. Now I look again and there is no seam between "windshield" and cowling. Very cleanly done and so smooth, please excuse my thinking it was a separate blown piece. Beautiful. As my nitpicking seems to be going nowhere, I'll give it a rest.
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:31:20 GMT -5
Like you there is a reason for every detail we do on our trikes. Sometimes we might redo a few things to clean it up even further. Thanks for the compliments. Roger nitpicked mine also so I thought I would take care of every last detail I could think of. He seems to be in the same boat. LOL
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:31:55 GMT -5
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:34:17 GMT -5
How does fuel mileage compare with a 400 Burgman? TT, I will let Edward confirm the MPG but with this trike kit it still gets over 60 MPG. It actuality has less aerodynamic drag than the upright two wheeler Burgman 400. Edwards trike is FAR from a stock Eco-Exo R, he has truly made it HIS and it is an EXCELLENT build. It would be hard to copy it. I wish I could!!!Sadly the Eco-Exo kit may not be anymore. The license holder and the license owner have kind of split the sheets. The license owner has offered a USA license and the holder will sell the whole kit setup for about $12,500 plus shipping from the UK. For that $12K you get the GRP moulds, the frame bucks, the web site page and a turn-key basic Eco-Exo. As a start-up, adding a Business license, a shop, welding equipment and tube benders, supplies, figure another $10K or so, about $23K to start making these kits. That $23K is to make KITS, not turn-key trikes. For turn-key kits you would need to add in inventory of a few used Burgman 400's and maybe a NEW one just for that person that wants a 100% new everything trike. The best thing would be to sell just the kit for $5,500 + shipping and let the buyer source the rest. Triplethreat It gets about 57 MPG. That is my normal running in town and the back roads we have here. While it is more streamlined it weighs more than a stock Burgman 400 so it is a wash.
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:36:48 GMT -5
Dave Thank you for the compliments. I think Dave is correct and the kits will be no more. While everyone that has finished the kit seems very pleased with their trikes it just was not a bolt together kit. There will be new reverse trikes made every year and maybe someone will come up with a low cost kit but I am not holding my breath. I am happy I was at the right time and place to pick up mine at a great price! Of course it cost twice as much to finish it to the detail I have in mine now. I am really happy with the outcome and how it drives.
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:40:08 GMT -5
Edward, Which form did you use to apply for the VIN? I see it has a normal MC license and not a "Hobbyist" plate. Any tips on how to register a homebuilt? Thanks! acerguy Hi I got your post from Dave. It is titled as a Type 1 motorcycle as it has no fixed or convertible top. I just used the regular registration form and had all my receipts, and title from the other vehicle. I had receipts for every part I installed so it was an easy process. I did my research ahead of time so my trike passed without a single problem. You want to stay on the good side of the inspector and make sure you have everything according to the books before inspection. Hope this helps.
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Post by davej98002 on Dec 12, 2018 0:41:49 GMT -5
The rights to build these kits is still open. The fee is not much but you will not have any reference material to build from. Best overall to just start from scratch. The design is still owned by MEV Stuart Mills of Mills Extreme Vehicles in England. The last licensed builder was Qdos and he seems to have abandoned the kit. Qdos wanted $9500 USD for the whole rights but did not have a frame to copy from. Stuart Mills has basic paper drawings that would come with a license to build 5-15 of these kits. But I will say this up front, the ECO-EXO is too small for a Burgman 650. It was designed for a Burgman 250 (Not a USA model) and was slightly updated for the 400cc Burgman. Putting a Burgman 650 in the back would make it real long and the Ackerman angles would be all wrong. The AN650 is a very long unit EVEN when you strip all the tupperware and frame off. I know Burgman 650's. I am Dave_J over on BurgmanUSA.com I have two stripped nakid Burgman 650's in my garage The Tri-Magnumn may be a good fit for the longer AN650 engine module. Would just need to bring the looks out of the 1980's is all. There are mod's that allow the top tube of the VW front beam to be cut out, lowering the Tri-Magnum floor some in the knee areas. A good frame plan set may be the IndyCycle. www.indycycle.net/plans.html You can order a t R1ke frame from Dove Racing in Texas that is also a MEV design for around $7200. Then cut the Yamaha R1 mounts off and weld in the subframe of a AN650
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ahweh
New Member
Posts: 48
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Post by ahweh on Dec 12, 2018 5:01:01 GMT -5
How do people get the compound curves in the frame tubes of this trike?
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