Motus Motorcycles

[Kyle401]

I'm going to put this on my short list for my next bike... at least until I see the price.  

[Snowbird]

At the end of the video, the head light you see.... does it look like this one?

I think it does.



http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/02/buell-are-the-worst-of-times-also-the-best-of-times/

[Kyle401]

The headlight does look similar, but there are a lot of bikes with stacked headlights now.  It would make sense if EBR and Motus got together to share engineering, manufacturing, and R&D costs.  They could build a pretty full line based around the EBR 1190 v-twin and Motus' V4.  They would probably also need a smaller displacement engine eventually to break into the entry level market.

[Snowbird]

The headlight does look similar, but there are a lot of bikes with stacked headlights now.  It would make sense if EBR and Motus got together to share engineering, manufacturing, and R&D costs.  They could build a pretty full line based around the EBR 1190 v-twin and Motus' V4.  They would probably also need a smaller displacement engine eventually to break into the entry level market.

Ok, but my guess is that Motus is the new Buell.  

It is what we've been waiting for.  

Screw the entry level market. High dollar bikes are where the profits are, all except for a few well established HUGE manufacturers.

[falconati]

That engine sounds glorious.

[Kootenanny]

It is what we've been waiting for.  

Really?  Guess I didn't get that memo...

[Schneegz]

Both Motus and Buell are going to build low-volume, very expensive bikes at first.  Hopefully in five to ten years they'll have built up enough manufacturing capacity to increase volume, lower costs and make bikes that are more accessible to the average rider.

[Rincewind]

Those are some tall risers.   Put a low handlebar on that bike and keep it naked: the next American streetfighter.  

[Snowbird]

Both Motus and Buell are going to build low-volume, very expensive bikes at first.  

Yeah, especially so if it turns out they really are the same company.  

[Rincewind]

It could be suggested that Motus and Confederate are the same company, but Buell?  I see no plausible connection.











Pics from http://www.motoblog.it/post/28276/motus-mst-01-lamericana-motorizzata-chevrolet-v4#continua

[MK96xj]

WOW!!

I am surprised to see the insider photos that motoblog was able to get. I have quite a few I took the other week but can not share. Sorry guys. I will let Lee and Brian do that as I am sure they have a plan on the roll out.

I will say that this bike is indeed stout and coming together VERY nicely. The amount of excitement this thing generates amongst the group is intoxicating. I am looking forward to seeing the final iteration and throwing a leg over one. It should be a real rip to ride.

[Rincewind]

I'm envious that you have had an inside-scoop, MK!    Any idea on when they will announce the bike?

Outside shot from the Kneeslider

[Snowbird]

It could be suggested that Motus and Confederate are the same company, but Buell?  I see no plausible connection.

Nice pics. THX.



Buell connection? Just a wild ass guess based on the pic and the fact that Buell's non-compete agreement is about to expire.

[Snowbird]

WOW!!

I am surprised to see the insider photos that motoblog was able to get. I have quite a few I took the other week but can not share. Sorry guys. I will let Lee and Brian do that as I am sure they have a plan on the roll out.

I will say that this bike is indeed stout and coming together VERY nicely. The amount of excitement this thing generates amongst the group is intoxicating. I am looking forward to seeing the final iteration and throwing a leg over one. It should be a real rip to ride.

So, where is MOTUS located?

[Rincewind]

Buell connection? Just a wild ass guess based on the pic and the fact that Buell's non-compete agreement is about to expire.

Motus has been working on this design since long before Erik got his Dear John letter from HD.  They were founded out of Confederate Motorcycles in the South, and employ some of their (former?) designers.

[Tyrroneous]

So, where is MOTUS located?

I'm pretty sure they are based out of Birmingham, AL.

[Schneegz]

From The Kneeslider:

Motus MST Rolls Out from Behind the Curtains
by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 3/4/2011



Pencil sketches are good, CAD drawings an important step and 3D renders show what a project should look like, but there's nothing like throwing your leg over a real motorcycle to see if all of the talk has amounted to anything, and that's exactly what I had the chance to do yesterday as Motus rolled out their all new Motus MST at Pratt and Miller Engineering giving the world its first look at what Lee Conn and Brian Case are bringing to life.

....



The KMV4 is very impressive up close. When people think half of a V8 they envision a cut down Chevy small block, however, this engine is compact, it's a V4 that's small and light, the engine itself weighs only 130 pounds and with the transmission attached not far over 200 pounds. Lee told me there has been a lot of interest from many quarters outside of motorcycling as potential applications for this little bruiser keep popping up in everyone's mind. There have been a few comments about pushrods being old and low tech, a comment that's particularly interesting when you see the bike surrounded by the winning Corvettes of Pratt and Miller Engineering that soundly thrashed some of those high tech engine designs from around the world at places like LeMans.

Remember when naysayers claimed a small, independent manufacturer coulnd't do this?

[Hickey]

That is so cool!

[UFO]

That's great for Motus!  Looks like a cool bike, want to see video of it in action.

Remember when naysayers claimed a small, independent manufacturer coulnd't do this?

I think most people were making that comment referring to competing in the market and producing bikes in HVM (or even LVM).  I hope they can find a niche market to begin with and make it.  That would be great for us, the enthusiasts.

[Squidbuzz]

Woohoo, hopefully we can see these in person soon!  If nothing else, I just want to hear the engine.