The legendary T-Rex is a unique car-motorcycle hybrid manufactured by the Canadian Campagna Motors. This machine looks like a reverse trike but features two automotive-like bucket seats, a regular steering wheel, and a 208 HP Kawasaki motorcycle engine. The biggest competitor of this vehicle is the far more affordable Polaris Slingshot.
If you want to find out more about this unique machine, you’ve come to the right place.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this detailed Campagna T-Rex review!
Campagna T-Rex Review
The T-Rex RR (commonly known as “T-Rex”) is a three-wheeled powersport vehicle manufactured by Campagna Motors.
This vehicle is a rigid (non-leaning) reverse trike width some 3-wheeled car DNA. It features two wheels on the front and one on the rear, mounted in a lightweight tubular chassis.
Inside the cockpit, you can find two bucket seats, a steering wheel, and control pedals. Due to its design, the T-Rex offers a thrilling race car-like driving experience.
It’s extremely powerful, offers a ton of fun, catches every eye, and comes with a hefty price tag.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about its features in detail!
Campagna T-Rex Engine
Over the years the T-Rex has been manufactured with various motorcycle engines including the BMW K1600, Suzuki GSX-R1100, Kawasaki ZX-12R, and ZX-11 engines.
Today, the Campagna T-Rex is powered by a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R motorcycle engine. The key features of this power mill are as follows:
- Manufactured by Kawasaki
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Displacement: 1441cc
- Cooling: Watercooled
- Cam: DOHC
- Four valves per cylinder
- Max power: 208 HP @ 10,000 rpm
- Max torque: 116.5 lb-ft of torque @ 7,500 rpm
- Compression ratio: 12.3:1
- CARB + EPA certified
- Transmission: 6-speed sequential manual
The T-Rex borrowed its power source from the high-performance Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R supersport motorcycle. Thanks to its large displacement, this engine produces plenty of torque even at low engine RMPs.
The claimed peak power of this Japanese power mill is 208 HP at 10,000 rpm, while its peak torque is 116.5 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm.
This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission with a fast-shifting sequential pattern.
Engine power is transmitted to the single rear wheel via a chain-driven final drive. This motorcycle-like final drive system ensures a great response with minimal loss of power.
Unlike its 2-wheeled counterparts, the T-Rex comes with a reverse gear designed by the Canadian manufacturer. But unlike standard “electric” motorcycle reverses, this system allows you to back up the T-Rex by using engine power.
This amazing engine and drivetrain ensure a race car-like experience while the mufflers produce screaming exhaust sounds.
Despite its outstanding performance, the exhaust system of the T-Rex meets every environmental standard in the US and Canada.
Keeping safety in mind the T-Rex comes with traction control, which can be adjusted to road conditions. The three driving models include the Smooth for slippery roads, the Sport for the best overall experience, and the Off for full control.
Campagna T-Rex Chassis
The engine of the T-Rex is nestled in a special tubular steel frame that works as a rigid frame as well as a roll-cage.
This enclosed cage offers more protection than the roadster-like chassis of competitor models.
The frame is wrapped with muscular carbon fiber and fiberglass fairings that enclose the lights, turn signals, and mirrors.
Compared to its predecessor, the latest T-Rex RR got a far more modern and aggressive design, which emphasizes its sporty attitude. It’s also wider, which translates to extended legroom.
The platform of the T-Rex measures 135 inches in length, 78 inches in width, and 42 inches in height. Its wheelbase is 90 inches while the turning radius is 36.9 feet.
Inside the open cockpit, you can find two marine-grade waterproof bucket seats mounted in a side-by-side configuration. They ensure a leaned, F1-like driving position and are connected to the frame with suspensions for maximum comfort. Passengers will also appreciate the fully-adjustable footrest.
The seats come standard with 3-point safety belts, but if you want to take the T-Rex for track days you can also find mounting points on the chassis for 4-point racing seat belts.
Although the machine is designed with a small smoked wind deflector, full-sized T-Rex windshields are also available in the aftermarket.
Regarding controls, the T-Rex comes with a D-shaped SparcoTM racing steering wheel and adjustable car-like control pedals.
The dashboard features a digital instrument panel, housing a race-inspired yellow tachometer with the RR logo.
Campagna T-Rex Suspensions and Wheels
The fully adjustable suspensions of the T-Rex allow you to tailor the suspension settings based on the load and road conditions.
You can find a dual wishbone suspension on the front paired with custom coil-cover shocks.
The bronze-color, aluminum alloy rims feature a V-shaped 10-spoke race design.
They measure 16 x 7 inches on the front and 18 x 10.5 inches on the rear and come with 205/45ZR16W and 295/40ZR18W high-performance tires.
You can slow down the machine with vented disc brakes that are mounted on all 3 wheels.
Campagna T-Rex Features and Options
The standard features of the T-Rex includes but are not limited to:
- In-dash computer display with multi-controller
- In-display menus for the sound system, ride selection, info, and more
- Traction control
- SparcoTM racing steering wheel
- Marine-grade waterproof seats
- Adjustable pedals assembly for driver adaptability
- Bluetooth headset connection
- USB & Line-in connection
- 12V integrated in dash accessory plug
- Audio system
- 9 color options
There are many great options with which you can customize your T-Rex, but the best ones are arguably as follows:
- Performance brake system with Red Wilwood 4-piston calipers and stainless steel brake lines.
- Custom upholstery
- Outdoor and indoor covers
- Travel package with side boxes (total capacity: 24 gal.)
- Additional cargo space under the hood
- Open glove compartment recessed in dash
- Smoked wind deflector
- Passenger footrest
- Carbon protection kit
T-Rex Prices and Availability
To the greatest regret of many performacne-minded riders, the price of the T-Rex RR starts at $65,999.
This amazing vehicle can be purchased through a network of authorized dealerships. You can find the official list of the Campagna T-Rex dealerships here.
Campagna T-Rex RR Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the Campagna T-Rex specifications into these charts:
Campagna T-Rex Engine Specs
| T-Rex RR | Engine Specs |
| Displacement | 1441cc |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Valves | 16 |
| Cam | DOHC |
| Max Power | 208 HP |
| Max Torque | 116.5 lb-ft |
| Max Hp RPM | 10,000 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential manual |
| Lubrication | Dry sump |
Campagna T-Rex Dimensions
| T-Rex RR | Dimensions and Weight |
| Overall Length | 135 in. |
| Wheelbase | 90 in. |
| Width | 78 in. |
| Height | 42 in. |
| Turning Radius | 36.9 ft. |
| Front rim size | 16 x 7 in. |
| Front tire size | 205/45ZR16W |
| Rear rim size | 18 x 10.5 |
| Rear tire size | 295/40ZR18W |
| Dry Weight (lbs) | 998 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.8 US gal. |
Disclaimer: These charts are for informational purposes only! For more information, please check the official factory manuals.
Takeaways – FAQs About the T-Rex
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the T-Rex!
What is a T-Rex?
The T-Rex RR (a.k.a. T-Rex) is a unique 3-wheeled powersport vehicle. It’s an exciting blend of a rigid reverse trike and a sports car, featuring two wheels on the front and one on the rear, mounted to a special tubular frame.
Who makes the T-Rex motorcycle?
The T-Rex motorcycle is manufactured and marketed by the Canadian Campagna Motors.
Do they still make T-Rex Motorcycles?
Contrary to popular belief, Campagna hasn’t left the market and T-Rex motorcycles are still in production. As reported by rideapart.com, the manufacturer almost went into bankruptcy in 2019 but some new investors eventually revived the company.
Where is the Campagna T-Rex manufactured?
Campagna T-Rex is manufactured in Boucherville, Quebec, Canada.
What year did the T-Rex motorcycle come out?
The T-Rex motorcycle was revealed in 1988 and has undergone many changes since then.
Is Campagna T-Rex street legal?
Yes, T-Rex is a street-legal vehicle, meaning that it can be used on any public road where street vehicles are allowed.
Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a T-Rex?
The licensing requirements of the T-Rex motorcycle are state-dependent. In most states, you only need a standard driver’s license to drive a T-Rex, while a few states may require a motorcycle license.
You can find more information about the T-Rex licensing requirements here.
Do you need a helmet to ride a T-Rex?
Like the licensing requirements, helmet regulations for Campagna T-Rex are also state-dependent. Therefore, you have to check local laws to stay legal before you hit the road.
But even if your state doesn’t require it, it’s highly recommended that you wear a full-face helmet and full motorcycle gear when driving a T-Rex.
Where can you buy a Campagna T-Rex?
T-Rex motorcycles are marketed by the manufacturer through an authorized dealer network.
Is a T-Rex electric?
At this point, the T-Rex is commercially only available with a Kawasaki internal-combustion engine. However, the company has revealed its first electric prototype, featuring a fully-electric 140 HP (104kW) engine and a double battery with a total capacity of 26 kWh.
The claimed top speed of the electric T-Rex is 112 mph and it can do the 0-60 mph run in 3.2 seconds.
This innovative vehicle offers a mixed cruising range of 140 miles that climbs up to 185 miles in the city. Charging time varies between 2 and 9 hours depending on the type of the charger being used.
What type of engine does a T-Rex have?
The Campagna T-Rex RR has a 1441cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder Kawasaki motorcycle engine inherited from the popular Ninja ZX-14R.
How much HP does the T-Rex have?
The Campagna T-Rex RR offers208 HP at 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 116.5 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm.
Are T-Rexs easy to ride?
Due to its manual transmission and high-performance, T-Rexs are not as easy to ride as regular cars with an automatic transmission. It’s definitely not recommended for beginner drivers!
How fast does a T-Rex go?
The claimed top speed of the electric T-Rex is about 112 mph while its gas-powered brother, the T-Rex RR can hit 125 mph.
It can also take up to a whopping 1.3 G lateral acceleration when cornering.
How fast does a T-Rex accelerate?
The electric T-Rex accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds whereas gas-powered models can do the same run in about 3.9-4.1 seconds.
Do all T-Rexs have reverse?
Yes, each Campagna T-Rex model comes with mechanical reverse as standard.
Does a T-Rex lean?
No, the T-Rex features the same wheel configuration as rigid (non-leaning) reversed trikes. You can find similar architecture in the Polaris Slingshot and Can-Am Spyder/Ryker models.
Do you have to break in a T-Rex?
Yes, the engine of powersport vehicles requires a “break-in procedure”, and the T-Rex is no exception.
Do they make an automatic T-Rex?
No, the T-Rex is exclusively manufactured with a 6-speed, sequential, manual gearbox.
Is the T-Rex fuel injected?
Yes, the T-Rex is powered by a fuel-injected Kawasaki engine.
How do you steer a T-Rex?
The T-Rex can be steered by an automotive steering wheel.
Can you have a passenger on a T-Rex?
Yes, the Campagna T-Rex is rated for a driver and a passenger, and comes with two seats as standard.
Can you test drive a T-Rex?
Yes, demo T-Rex motorcycles are available at authorized dealerships.
Can you fit in a Campagna T-Rex?
As reported by the manufacturer, you can fit in a T-Rex if you’re no taller than 6’4”.
How much does a T-Rex weigh?
The dry weight of the T-Rex is only 998 pounds.
What are the dimensions of the T-Rex?
The T-Rex measures 135 inches in length 78 inches in width, and 42 inches in height, while its wheelbase is 90 inches.
How much fuel can the T-Rex carry?
The fuel capacity of the T-Rex is 5.8 US gallons.
Can a T-Rex do a wheelie?
Due to its design, the T-Rex can’t do wheelies or stoppies.
How much does a T-Rex cost?
The starting price of a T-Rex is a whopping $65,999!
References:
