Campagna T-Rex--D&M Motorsports Video Test Drive and Review 2012 Chris Moran
Another amazing T-Rex from D&M Motorsports. Presented by Chris Moran.
"What is that thing?!" is the most common question you'll get when tearing around town in a T-Rex 1400R. And after spending a solid week in and out of this $52,000 3-wheeled crossbreed, I've come to the conclusion that it is one part car, one part bike, and the answer to your innermost desire for something wildly unconventional.
You might recall the early days of the T-Rex's existence—perhaps during its few rap-music video appearances in the 1990s—but since Canadian company Campagna Motors acquired the rights to manufacture it as of September 2008, the T-Rex 1400R looks to hit the street scene again with new improvements and intentions.
The 1400 in the T-Rex name, as one would correctly assume, follows the usual motorcycle nomenclature and is indicative of the engine's displacement in cubic centimeters. The 1.4-liter inline-4 is borrowed from a Kawasaki ZX-14 Supersport bike, as is much of the hardware including its sequential gearbox, gauges and ancillary controls. Don't let the diminutive size of this naturally aspirated engine fool you, it cranks out an impressive 197 bhp and 114 lb.-ft. of torque as it screams towards an exospheric redline at 11,500 rpm. The engine's peak torque occurs at 7500 rpm, which delivers a mid-range power punch much like a 2-stroke, but with far greater driveability. The engine is mounted mid-ship between the main body and rear swing arm, favoring weight balance to the front by 6 percent. The purpose built tube-chassis is covered with a fiberglass body that incorporates a roof with an integrated ram-air intake scoop, side ducting to a central radiator and, of course, the T-Rex's somewhat prehistoric-era visage.
Ingress/egress is not for the impatient or non-athletic, meaning if you have issues getting into a Lotus Elise, you probably won't be too fond of this thing either. It's best to remove the steering wheel first (as in an open-wheel car) which releases from its hub via an NRG twist-lock connector. The seats and pedal cluster have slide bars with lock pins that make them manually adjustable, but will require you to hop in and out a few times to get them exactly right.
Once you're situated and strapped in with the traditional 3-point belt, the engine is brought to life as it would be in a motorcycle—turn the key, flip the ignition switch and push the starter. Start up is surprisingly mellow and neighborhood friendly, as the dual-can Exhausts actually do what they're supposed to. The driving controls are primarily car, meaning there's three pedals, a gear shift, a steering wheel linked to a non-assisted rack and pinion and no need for prior motorcycle experience (or a license for that matter) to operate it. Lane-change signals and horn control is retained on the motorcycle stalks while reverse is the only real oddity, handled with a lever beside your left thigh that mechanically switches the direction the gears spin.
On the road, you sit eye-to-bumper with most cars, which is good for stability, but presents a challenge for visibility (a whiptail might make for a nice add-on). At 1130 lb. (fully fueled), the T-Rex has a power-to-weight ratio that provides a rate of acceleration that virtually stops time. This is your single greatest defense against becoming a sitting duck in a sea of treacherous traffic that will either be oblivious to your existence or gravitate uncomfortably close for a better look. The tiny motorcycle side mirrors provide some form of rear view while the roof-mounted mirror provides an excellent view of the ram-air intake tubes. This makes lane changes a precarious affair, and those last-minutes checks for Johnny Law on the open highway are somewhat difficult. When not subjected to the crowded highways, the T-Rex is about as close as you can come to the therapeutic, open-air experience of a motorcycle—less any talent required for balancing on two wheels.
Unknown Choppers- Frantom-E and Frantom-R enclosed motorcycle concepts.
Unknown Choppers, Inc. is proud to introduce their "Frantom-E" and "Frantom-R" enclosed motorcycle and enclosed motorcycle trike concept designs.
The Frantom-E is the two wheel version and the Frantom-R is the trike version. Unknown Choppers' vision for an aggressive looking and sounding enclosed motorcycle will provide a driving experience like no other!
Frantom-E and Frantom-R Concept Technology
"Our Frantom-E and Frantom-R concepts blur the line between a motorcycle and a car by offering technology not offered on a traditional motorcycle," said Ronnie Frantom, vice president, Unknown Choppers. "Features like a full roll cage and seat belt, touch screen radio and GPS navigation, and a rear view camera and screen."
Frantom-E and Frantom-R Concept Exterior
Unknown Choppers started by changing the configuration of the motorcycle. By placing the motor behind the rider instead of under it allows the rider to sit lower and lowers the center of gravity. The first proto-types are planned to feature a loud, high horse power American V-Twin motor. There is a scoop on top of the cab that drives air over the motor for cooling. "With how modern the design is most expect it to be quiet, but this is what an enclosed motorcycle looks and sounds like when it's designed by a chopper shop," said Eddie Frantom, president, Unknown Choppers. Unknown Choppers isn't limiting the motor selection though and has plans for other models that will utilize other motors and styling options.
Frantom-E and Frantom-R Concept Interior
The interior will feel like sitting in a dragster more than anything else, but a lot more comfortable. The steering is a cross between a steering wheel and motorcycle handle bars with the throttle on the bars. The doors open on each side suicide style, but rather than opening outward parallel to the ground, they open upward 90 degrees.
For more information on the Frantom-E and Frantom-R concept motorcycles, contact Unknown Choppers, Inc., 701 Shepherd Dr. #108, Garland, Texas, 75042 USA, Phone: 469-274-1802, E-mail: sales@unknownchoppers.com , Website: www.unknownchoppers.com .
RYNO Motors Full Story
This is a great story on the early days of RYNO Motors. See our latest creation pre-production show bike at our web-site and don't forget to buy a Tee Shirt: http://rynomotors.com/ryno-tee-shirts/
Neon Green T-Rex R at the drag strip NHDRO
Neon Green T-Rex R at Lucas Oil Raceway drag strip during the NHDRO Round 4 Summer Celebration event! More videos of this cool machine on my channel take a look:
http://www.youtube.com/wyldfnatasiesraw
Hayabusa Custom Bike - Turbo Motorcycle at NC Bikefest
Hayabusa turbo charged with Nitrous 24" single sided swing arm, cyco racing wheels, custom one off rear rotor, tricky custom remote air ride system full auto meter gauges and power commander, real alligator and elephat hide seat, and so much more
X-Tracer: A ride through the Sierra Nevada
Roger Weichert of Mediafusion GmbH, Neuheim Switzerland made this fabulous HD movie in early November 2010 when Roger Riedener drove the X PRIZE winning all electric X-Tracer to the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas from Los Angeles. Jim Lorimer accompanied in the White MonoTracer. The running gag is that they paid the Venice beach musician $5 to record his song, and the E-Tracer used the equivalent of $5 of electricity for the 625 mile roundtrip through the desert.
http://peraves.wordpress.com/2010/11/28/x-tracer-a-ride-through-the-sierra-nevada/
