Photography by Jan Morgan
Collection Gift Guide: A Three-Legged Stool
December 1, 2006
The somewhat zany-looking three-wheel T-Rex ($48,000), now in its 10th year of
production, has built a solid cult following among tripedal enthusiasts. The
appeal here is flat-out, g-force inducing, pavement-ripping performance. What?
You were maybe thinking fuel economy?; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
The T-Rex—half car and half motorcycle—has a zero-to-60 time of 4.1
seconds, a top speed of 140 mph, and unlimited color options. (Click image to
enlarge)
It does get good mileage, at about 37 mpg, but the power loading and chassis
specifics offer more of a clue to the T-Rex’s intent. This latest version of the
T-Rex weighs in at about 900 pounds and is propelled by a Kawasaki 1400
superbike engine of 187 hp, more power per pound than most supercars. New
projector lighting, a fresh instrument panel, and a revised chassis accompany
the new engine.
The front suspension is composed of unequal opposed triangular arms and
adjustable dampers, and the tires are Goodyear F1s, the rear being a massive
285/40/17. The chassis’ center of gravity is closer to the ground than a snake’s
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Designed and developed by Daniel Campagna and Paul Deutschman, the
T-Rex has fostered an impressive sect of loyalists since its 1990 launch. (Click
image to enlarge)
Getting into the T-Rex is not unlike hanging from the jungle gym at the local
playground. First, remove the steering wheel, grab the roll bar, and swing
yourself in. The seats are adjustable for rake, while the pedals quickly adjust
for distance to accommodate almost anyone.
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The right hand falls naturally from the small-diameter MOMO steering wheel onto
the stout shift lever for the sequential 6-speed gearbox. Push forward for lower
gears, pull for higher gears. The pedals are Wilwood racecar-type, quick-acting
and close together for heel/toe braking and shifting. (Click image to enlarge)
Once seated, it becomes obvious that this is a minimalist sports car, yet its three wheels and federal certification ensure that it is registered as a motorcycle in all 50 states. Check your local DMV for rules regarding helmets and driver’s licensing requirements for three-wheel vehicles.
Selecting neutral and thumbing the start button brings the Kawasaki 1400 to life. With the standard motorcycle mufflers, the T-Rex is quiet at idle. The throttle is direct and hyperresponsive, not unlike the hand throttle of a superbike.
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