The V-REX first existed only in a 3D rendering authored by noted mechanical futurist Tim Cameron, then called Dream Bike. Cameron’s ultra-adventurous design caught the eye of Christian Travert, one of the crew at MTT which built the jet-copter-motored Y2K mentioned above. Travert became instantly obsessed with Cameron’s design, so much so that he decided to turn the concept into reality.

This proved to be easier said than done. Cameron, working in the digital realm, wasn’t constrained by bothersome details like actual engineering principles. So it was up to Travert to envision a three-dimensional structure that remained true to Cameron’s art project while not collapsing from the stresses of an elongated 79.2-inch wheelbase. Consider the Star Raider, one of the longest bikes MO has ever tested, whose wheelbase is almost 9 inches shorter.

came up with a unique cast-aluminum frame structure that doubles as the fuel tank. A framework of steel tubes stretch over the engine to create the steering-head section and use the V-Rod’s Revolution motor as a stressed member. The company claims a 670-lb dry weight.

Massive aluminum castings make up the V-REX’s swingarm front suspension that is damped by an adjustable shock mounted vertically behind the front wheel.

The front end is perhaps the bike’s defining feature. No typical telescopic fork here. The unique double-forked swingarm of the concept drawing was inspiration for yet another clever piece of engineering. The super-stout swingarm holds the wheel at one end and pivots from a gusseted vertical component, damped by a fully adjustable shock made in collaboration with EMC.

front suspension is comparable to a modern street motorcycle back swingarm/monoshock arrangement installed at the front of the motorcycle and pivoting on a neck axis . This design eliminates all the flex of a long classic front fork and also is what gives the incomparable stability plus ease to the V-REX at low and high speed, and it also eliminates nose dive under braking.”

And what powers such a futuristic contraption? Hydrogen? Dilithium crystals? Nope, just a good old Porsche design in the form of a Harley-Davidson Revolution motor. The liquid-cooled, DOHC V-Rod engine is used as a structural element, and Travert wisely chose to keep the entire Harley powertrain intact, including its fuel-injection system and electronics. A belt drive spins a meaty 280/35-18 Metzeler ME880 tire out back, mounted on a single-sided aluminum swingarm.

as a giant v-shaped aluminum handlebar stretches back across the fuel tank integrated into the main aluminum frame rail. A flush-mount fuel cap that pivots inside its housing to allow a twist-off action is smart enough to be patented. On of our favorite bits on the bike are turnsignal indicators cleverly integrated into the handlebar ends

Short folks will love that their butts will be just 26 inches off the pavement when sitting in a seat that feels like former MO editor Sean Alexander cupping your ass (don’t ask us how we know). Meanwhile, switchgear, instruments and controls are familiar to anyone with seat time on a late-model Harley. Thumbing the H-D starter button ignites the 1250cc V-Twin, and the resulting bark out the bespoke chrome exhaust system is much blattier than allowed from any stock Hog.

Two aspects become immediately noticeable: First, that front end is way up there somewhere near the next zip code; second, the funky front end of the V-REX offers a surprisingly light feeling at low or no speed.

Once rolling, the V-REX’s straight-line behavior is about what you’d expect from a 9-foot long, fat-tired cruiser: comfortable and resistant to leaning. The front Metzeler 140/70-18 is as fat as the rear tire of a 1990’s FZR600, but steering response isn’t any worse than some choppers I’ve tested. Meanwhile, the Revolution powerplant and transmission operate just as they do in a V-Rod, albeit with slightly fluffier throttle response.
Suspension compliance from the unique front swingarm is decently damped by a single adjustable shock, while bumps out back are felt more directly though the minimal travel offered by the twin shocks mounted horizontally under the engine. Travert underlined that the shocks also fit Harley’s Softail series and are the only adjustable dampers for that application.

The V-REX offers another odd sensation is felt while braking, as the front end rises when the binder is applied aggressively (as opposed to diving) due to the front swingarm’s geometry. Incidentally, that rim-mount front brake rotor and its six-piston caliper are borrowed from a Buell sportbike.
the V-REX price: $43,990 , On the other hand, there’s no shortage of $40,000 choppers out there that, aside from paint, look a lot like other $40,000 choppers. Speaking of paint, the V-REX can be ordered in one of 11 different colors.

The V-REX proudly and defiantly thumbs its nose at the status quo, and in doing so, it challenges the two-wheel establishment to think outside the box and explore what is possible. And for those who want something sportier, you’ll want to wait for the VR-2, the next production model from Travertson.

Travert designed a cast-aluminum frame structure that doubles as the fuel tank. There is also a framework of steel tubes which stretch over the engine. The wheelbase is of the V-Rex is over nine feet long. “It’s easy to handle,” said Travert. “It feels like you are sitting on a moped. The center of gravity was designed so that it is stable at low and high speeds.”

The V-REX has a chassis and shape unique to anything else on the road, with A-list celebrity looks it is in a class of its own. “We just filmed a pilot series on the History Channel,” said Travert. “The show is all about motorcycle technology.

Some of the Travertson V-REX Specifications are:

Seat Height 26 in
Wheelbase 79.2 in
Fuel Capacity 4.8 gal
Oil Capacity 4.5 qts
Dry Weight 670 lbs

Engine Genuine HD V-Rod Engine 120 Hp Revolution
Displacement 1250cc
Bore x Stroke 3.94 in X 2.84 in
Torque 74.0 ft. lbs @ 7000 rpm
Fuel System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection

Suspension
Front: Aluminum twin swing arm and fully adjustable hydraulic mono shock
Back: Aluminum single sided swing arm and adjustable hydraulic dual shocks

Filters: K&N high flow air E-1150 and oil KN-174C filters

Brakes Front: 6 piston inverted caliper /floating disc
Rear: 2 piston caliper/ floating disc

The V-REX was launched in Daytona during Bike Week and won in its category. The V-REX will be on display the rest of this year and in 2009 at various shows around the country.

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

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