Living With My 2023 Rewaco PUR3GT 177hp Turbo

There are two kinds of vehicle reviews.

The first is written after a manufacturer hands over the keys for a weekend. The reviewer drives it for a few hundred kilometres, takes some glossy photographs, lists the specifications and forms an opinion before giving it back.

The second comes after years of ownership, countless weekend rides, interstate tours, unexpected breakdowns, servicing headaches, roadside conversations with complete strangers and enough kilometres to expose both the strengths and weaknesses that only time can reveal.

This is the second kind.

My 2023 Rewaco PUR3GT has become far more than another vehicle sitting in the garage. It's carried me across multiple states, through mountain roads, along endless highways and into country towns where it's attracted more attention than almost anything else I've ever owned. Along the way it's also tested my patience with a handful of mechanical issues and reminded me that owning a niche European touring trike in Australia isn't always straightforward.

Despite all of that, I can answer the biggest question immediately.

Would I buy another one?

Absolutely!

In fact, knowing everything I know now, I'd probably buy the same trike all over again.

It Was Love at First Sight

Long before I ever rode the PUR3GT, I was captivated by its appearance. I first saw a Rewaco (Previously Touroz) when my older brother purchased his 2016 model, and it blew me away! The way it sat on the road. The way it looked. The sound of the re-tuned 201hp engine as it changed through the gears.

Modern Rewacos have a distinctive European design language that's completely different from the American styling of Harley-Davidson trikes or the futuristic look of the Can-Am Spyder. The bodywork is smooth and sculptured, sitting low over the chassis, giving the impression of movement even when parked.

Mine is finished in one of the most beautiful paint colours I've ever seen on any vehicle: deep red to black. It's my understanding that it gets a black undercoat prior to applying to the red top coat.

Depending on the light, it changes personality. Under bright sunshine it's a rich metallic crimson. As the sun begins to drop it transforms into a deep burgundy before almost appearing black during the evening. Combined with the Blackline package, black wheels, black side steps and dark trim, it gives the trike an understated but premium appearance.

Even now, a few years after taking delivery, I still find myself glancing back at it after parking.

If you've ever owned a vehicle that makes you do that, you'll understand exactly what I mean.

The 177 Horsepower That Makes It Special

One of the reasons I was particularly attracted to my PUR3GT was what sat beneath the bodywork.

Mine is fitted with the now-discontinued 177-horsepower turbocharged Mitsubishi engine. Current models no longer offer this power output, making these earlier examples something of a rarity.

The numbers on paper are impressive, but they don't really tell the story.

What stands out is how responsive the engine feels. There's no lazy throttle response or noticeable hesitation before the turbo comes alive. Twist the throttle and the trike responds instantly. Overtaking slower traffic becomes effortless, climbing steep grades barely registers and joining a freeway feels remarkably quick for something designed primarily as a touring machine.

The power delivery is smooth rather than intimidating. It never feels like it's trying to catch you out. Instead, it encourages confident riding, whether you're cruising through town or chasing winding country roads.

Even after thousands of kilometres, I still smile every time I accelerate onto an open stretch of highway.

Like a Go-Kart on Steroids

When people ask me what the Rewaco is like to ride, I usually give them the same answer.

"It's like driving a go-kart on steroids."

It sounds like an exaggeration until you spend time behind the handlebars.

The steering is beautifully direct and wonderfully predictable. Once you become accustomed to steering rather than counter-steering as you would on a motorcycle, the PUR3GT begins to feel incredibly natural. The low centre of gravity and wide rear track inspire confidence, allowing you to carry impressive speed through sweeping corners without feeling like the trike is working hard.

It simply grips.

That's probably the biggest surprise.

For something weighing over half a tonne, the chassis feels remarkably agile. It changes direction eagerly, remains composed over imperfect road surfaces and never gives the impression that it's fighting against you.

The more kilometres I accumulated, the more confidence I gained, and the more enjoyable the ride became.

Today I actively seek out winding roads because that's where the PUR3GT really comes alive.

It's one of those rare vehicles that makes even familiar roads feel exciting again.

Built for Touring

As entertaining as the handling is, long-distance touring is where the PUR3GT really earns its reputation.

The ultimate test came during a ride from Newcastle in New South Wales back to Bendigo, Victoria.

Nine hundred and ninety-three kilometres.

In one day.

That's not the sort of distance you accidentally cover. It's long enough to expose every weakness in a touring machine. If the seat isn't comfortable, you'll know about it before lunch. If the riding position is awkward, your shoulders, wrists or lower back will be screaming long before the day is over.

The Rewaco passed that test with ease.

The seating position is relaxed without feeling reclined, the back support is excellent and your legs naturally fall into a comfortable position. Hours disappear surprisingly quickly because nothing feels strained or uncomfortable.

When I finally climbed off after almost one thousand kilometres, I was naturally tired, but I wasn't sore.

That, more than anything, convinced me this trike was designed by people who genuinely understand long-distance touring.

The cruise control deserves special mention as well.

I've driven plenty of vehicles where cruise control constantly hunts for speed, especially on rolling highways.

The PUR3GT simply locks onto the selected speed and stays there, usually within plus or minus one kilometre.

It's remarkably accurate and makes covering long distances far less fatiguing.

The digital dashboard is another highlight. It's clean, modern and exceptionally easy to read in all lighting conditions. The layout is logical, displaying exactly the information you need without unnecessary clutter or confusing menus.

Even the stereo exceeded my expectations.

I assumed it would become almost useless at highway speeds, overwhelmed by wind noise. Instead, I can comfortably listen to music or navigation instructions at 110 km/h without difficulty, adding another layer of enjoyment to long touring days.

Then there are the heated seats.

Before owning the Rewaco, I probably would have described heated seats as a nice luxury rather than an essential touring feature. That opinion changed quickly after a few cold Victorian mornings. Flick the switch and within minutes the seat begins to warm, taking the sting out of those chilly departures and making winter rides far more enjoyable.

My only criticism is that they're either on or off. There's no high or low setting.

Sometimes they're absolutely perfect. Other times they become warmer than necessary, leaving you wishing there was a simple two-stage adjustment. It feels like a missed opportunity because the seats themselves work brilliantly.

Storage That Just Works

Touring isn't only about comfort.

It's also about practicality.

This is another area where the PUR3GT quietly excels.

Between the rear boot and the two lockable helmet boxes, there's enough storage for extended trips without needing to strap bags all over the vehicle. Wet weather gear, tools, cameras, clothing and all the other things that somehow become essential during a tour disappear neatly into the available compartments.

Being able to securely lock away two helmets while stopping for lunch is something you quickly begin to appreciate.

Unlike many motorcycles where packing becomes a carefully choreographed exercise, the Rewaco simply swallows luggage with very little thought.

It's another reason why it has become such an easy vehicle to live with.

Owning One Means Meeting People

One thing nobody warned me about was how much attention the PUR3GT attracts.

Fuel stops are rarely just fuel stops.

Coffee breaks become conversations.

Car parks become informal displays.

I've genuinely lost count of the number of people who've wandered over simply to ask what it is.

Some think it's custom built.

Most, if not all, have never heard of Rewaco.

Children point excitedly while older riders often ask whether it's comfortable enough for touring.

Most conversations begin with exactly the same question.

"What is it?"

I actually enjoy those interactions because they introduce people to a brand that many Australians have never seen before.

Although I'll admit there are occasions when you simply want to refuel and keep riding.

The Rewaco doesn't always make that easy.

Luxury... But Missing a Few Luxuries

Here's where I think Rewaco has the biggest opportunity to improve.

The PUR3GT is marketed as a premium luxury touring trike, and in many respects it absolutely deserves that description. The comfort is exceptional, the finish is beautiful and the driving experience is genuinely first class.

At the same time, luxury in 2026 is about more than leather seats and attractive paint.

It's also about technology.

That's where I think Rewaco has fallen a little behind.

The heated seats are excellent, but they should really have adjustable heat settings.

More importantly, I think heated grips should be standard equipment on a touring trike at this price point. Cold hands are usually what end a winter ride before anything else, and heated grips have become almost expected on premium touring motorcycles.

When you start comparing the PUR3GT with a Can-Am, the differences become even more obvious.

Despite costing significantly less, the Can-Am offers features such as heated grips, sophisticated traction and stability systems, multiple riding modes and a broader suite of electronic rider aids. Those features don't necessarily make the Can-Am a better machine to ride, but they do raise the question of what buyers should reasonably expect from a premium-priced touring trike.

Ironically, I'd still choose the Rewaco.

I genuinely prefer the way it handles. I love the styling, the turbocharged performance and the overall character of the machine.

I simply think it deserves an equipment list that matches its premium positioning.

If Rewaco addressed those areas in the next generation, they'd be incredibly difficult to beat.

It's Had Its Problems

No long-term ownership review would be complete without discussing the negatives.

Fortunately, none of the issues I've experienced have involved catastrophic engine or transmission failures, but there have been a handful of frustrating component problems.

A faulty brake switch required replacement early in its life.

Later, the throttle potentiometer failed, sending the trike into limp mode until a replacement was fitted.

The most expensive issue occurred when one of the helmet box lids came unlatched while riding at highway speed in strong crosswinds. The soft rubber mounting system allowed enough flex for the latch to release, and once airflow got underneath the lid, it was torn completely from the trike.

Unfortunately, that wasn't simply a matter of replacing the lid.

The entire helmet box had to be replaced, with a new unit imported from Germany.

It wasn't cheap, and it certainly wasn't quick.

The final issue involved the rose joints supporting the clamshell body. The originals eventually snapped, so I replaced them with race-grade rose joints, which have proven considerably more robust.

None of these problems have changed my opinion of the trike, but they're worth knowing if you're considering ownership.

The Biggest Challenge Isn't the Trike

Ironically, the biggest frustration has nothing to do with the machine itself.

It's finding someone willing to service it.

The engine is Mitsubishi.

Mechanically, it shouldn't be intimidating.

Yet many workshops see the Rewaco bodywork and immediately lose interest. Even Mitsubishi dealerships won't touch it because the engine happens to be installed in a trike rather than one of their passenger vehicles.

That leaves owners searching for independent mechanics who are willing to think outside the square.

Once you find one, look after them.

They're worth their weight in gold.

Final Verdict

Looking back over the last few years I've owned this PUR3GT, it's the memories that stand out rather than the maintenance invoices.

I remember carving through winding roads with the chassis feeling glued to the bitumen.

I remember effortlessly covering almost one thousand kilometres in a single day.

I remember winter mornings made comfortable by heated seats, endless conversations with complete strangers at service stations and that familiar smile every time I walk back towards the trike in a car park.

Yes, there are things I'd change. I'd like heated grips, adjustable seat heating, stronger helmet box hardware and a broader range of modern rider technology. I'd also love to see Rewaco get a new importer and strengthen its Australian dealer and service network.

But those improvements would simply make an already excellent touring trike even better.

The fundamentals are outstanding.

The handling is exceptional.

The performance of the 177 hp turbocharged engine is addictive.

The comfort is among the best I've experienced on any touring machine.

Most importantly, it still makes me want to ride.

For me, that's the ultimate measure of any motorcycle or trike. Not how many features appear on a brochure or how impressive the specifications look on paper, but whether you find yourself inventing excuses to head out for another ride.

The Rewaco PUR3GT passes that test every single time.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

It's an outstanding touring trike that falls just short of perfection because its technology package hasn't quite kept pace with its premium price tag. Fix those few shortcomings, and I genuinely believe Rewaco would produce one of the finest touring trikes in the world.