
Travertson V-Rex
Story and Photos by J. Joshua Placa
What happens when you drop a 1250cc, liquid cooled V-Rod drive train into a crazy, dual-swingarm, steel tubing and cast aluminum chassis, then wrap it in revolutionary bodywork? You get the wildest head-turner you are likely ever to ride.
The futuristic solo-seater looks like it’s been personally built for George Jetson. The brainchild of engineer Christian Travert and designer Tim Cameron, the Travertson V-Rex delivers unprecedented high style in a production bike (yes, production). Grabbing attention as if by an invisible force field, the bike draws a crowd, instantly. So if you are the loner, brooding biker type who doesn’t like answering a lot of fuzzy questions that usually begin with, “Wow, that’s beautiful, what the hell is it?” then this bike is not for you.
The Travertson V-Rex also utilizes a Harley speedo, tranny, handgrips, switches and wiring harness. It’s hard to tell if the stock H-D handlebar controls and speedo were meant to give the bike some Milwaukee visual cues, or if they just came packaged with the V-Rod motor. Either way, a slicker setup was expected.
The V-Rod engine pulls with predictable authority, although the V-Rex’s 280 rear tire makes right angle turns more a matter of navigation than actual steering. The hubs fore and aft were meant to contain hydraulic drive, an innovation that is still sitting on the drawing board. A chain final drive is used instead. The swingarm/massive mono-shock front end offers adequate travel and virtually no dive.
The six-piston inverted caliper/floating disk up front and the two-piston caliper/floating disk brakes haul in the 670-lb. (dry) V-Rex nicely. The 26-inch seat height allows most riders to plant their big black boots flatly on the pavement, which provides the leverage needed to tame this wild thing for parking maneuvers. As sporty as the V-Rex appears, ground clearance hugs the pavement. This enhances the bike’s long and low profile, which is rightly cool, but makes even speed bumps an adventure.
A notable omission on this sexy beast is the passenger pillion, nor could one be custom fitted. The V-Rex is strictly a solo ride, which must be frustrating to all those who would like to make new friends while dominating Main Street.
The V-Rex’s alien profile, mammoth rear tire and responsive motor take a little getting used to, but the more I rode it the less I wanted to give it back. Very special thanks go to Jack Reynolds of WeRentMotorcycles.com for trusting us with his own Travertson V-Rex. WeRentMotorcycles.com offers GPS-guided, one-way or roundtrip rentals. Tour guides are also available. In U.S./Canada, call 888-849-4098; International, 949-579-9422).
Travertson Motorcycles are primarily available through Harley dealers, as well as select custom shops nationwide. For more information, contact Travertson Motorcycles, 380 Destination Daytona Ln., Ormond Beach, FL 32714; call 386-676-7602; email: sales@travertson.com; www.travertson.com
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