Among the stories of 2011, there were a few events in the motorcycle business I thought were significant. Will these continue to be big news in the future?
Motus MST first showing at Pratt and Miller Engineering
Introduction of the Motus MST
This past March, Motus introduced the MST and MST-R, the all new, from the ground up, American made “comfortable sport bike.” Partnering with Pratt and Miller Engineering, Lee Conn and Brian Case brought us their vision of a sport touring motorcycle built entirely in the USA using the brand new compact Katech V4, an engine designed specifically for this bike, but having huge potential for applications in all sorts of vehicles.
Since the intro, they’ve toured the country and shown it to dealers and riders while collecting feedback from the road, testing the bike as they rode it. Development is still underway. Everyone is watching for the next announcements from the company. Go, Motus!
Polaris Buys Indian Motorcycles
Polaris Industries buys the Indian Motorcycle company
Indian Motorcycles has come and gone quite a few times, but the last resurrection by Stellican looked like they were doing it right when the tough economy put the whole company in danger. Polaris, stepped in to give it the financial support necessary to carry it into the future, in what will hopefully be the last time it needs to be rescued and, perhaps, preserving the Indian name for good. I’m hoping, too, that once firmly reestablished, Polaris will produce some significant and distinctive Indian models worthy of the name.
2012 Erik Buell Racing 1190RS
2012 Erik Buell Racing 1190RS
After Harley Davidson put Buell to rest, Erik struck out on his own to build what he wanted to build without restrictions from anyone. Everyone waited for the first new motorcycle to emerge and the Erik Buell Racing 1190RS was the result. As noted in our article, it’s no wonder Harley had a hard time trying to fit Buell into the company fold, this doesn’t remotely resemble a Harley. More importantly, this is, quite simply, one helluva bike. Everyone who has had a chance to ride the 389 pound, 175 horsepower 1190RS has been very impressed. Work is still progressing, but now it’s up to the customers.
Enigma 1050 – all new British motorcycle powered by the Triumph 1050 triple
Enigma 1050 – Brand New British Motorcycle
In just the last few weeks we saw the emergence of the Enigma 1050, a homegrown British bike powered by the Triumph 1050 triple. Jim Lindsay and his team bring loads of experience and skill to the project and we expect to see the bike testing in the second quarter of 2012. It’s great to see this new company and perhaps we’re seeing the beginning of the reemergence of a British motorcycle industry, and wouldn’t that be a fine thing?
I’m encouraged by the work already done and, especially, by the confidence shown in each of these cases in the face of an economy that has hardly been cooperative. I wish great success for each of these endeavors and look forward to seeing big things in the future.
Klaus says
Personally I’m looking forward to the resurrection of the German Horex, their first bike featuring a 1200cc supercharged VR6, brimming with cutting-edge technology, no pushrods on this one!
By the way, am I the only one who has a problem with these silly “captchas”??
Rich says
I would add Highlands who is “back in business.” And no Klaus. You’re not the only one.
Steve says
I would love to see Polaris produce a modern viable Indian four…
Start with something along these lines:
http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/custom-indian-four.jpg
John W says
Dear Kneeslider, Motus in my opinion is NOT significant news. There are numerous motorcycles in development, most are not realized. Unless a product is available for purchase, does it really need to be promoted. By the way, did Confederate not launch a new product, do you have a bias against that company?
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Motus is significant because they went from a standing start to create a brand new company that built an entirely new motorcycle with a brand new purpose built engine. It’s quite an achievement. It still isn’t “in the wild,” but they’ve come a very long way. How they do going forward will determine the future significance of the company and the bike.
I have absolutely nothing against Confederate, any more than I have against any of the many other companies whose new models did not appear here. I do have an article in the works about the new Hellcat, but it will be something more than a rehash of company PR. You’ll have to stay tuned for that.
Jimbo says
Here here Paul,
I’m much more interested in the development cycle of an entirely new design than a new model from an existing manufacturer. I nevertheless look forward to your article on the Hellcat, keep up the good work!
John W – Given that the MST bikes are actually in the process of final testing and homologation, I’d say they have a pretty high chance of making it to production, unlike a lot of bikes in development which get no further than conceptualisation or at best a single prototype… There’s no point in jumping up and down because one bike you were expecting to see an article on wasn’t mentioned (there’s plenty of others). I think Paul does a great job of covering as much development as possible considering he is the sole writer for The Kneeslider 😉
todd says
It will be interesting to see the future direction of any or all of these companies. Though, to side with John W, I do think the Enigma is in the same vein as any Confederate bikes as they are merely custom motorcycles. I’m not in any way belittling the amount of work that Enigma has put into their bike. I would much rather own the Enigma than anything Confederate has put out but Confederate does sell motorcycles…
-todd
steve w says
I commend Paul’s effort to bring motorcycle news to us. It may or may not be earth shattering to some or what one always wants to hear about but since I don’t have a lot of time ot spend (garage rat) searching everywhere for every bit of news, I like what he puts on this site. If I don’t like a particular bike or project I don’t bother to comment. I prefer to stay positive if possible. Keep’em coming Paul and enjoy a nice Holiday.
Jim Lindsay says
We are flattered that Enigma has made it into the Kneeslider’s list of significant events. It’s positive feedback like this which micro outfits like our find so encouraging.
I would not agree with Todd that our bike i.e. merely a custom motorcycle. It is a prototype which is intended for production initially (and maybe always) on a build-to-order basis.
Anyway, thanks to everyone for the feedback and we wish you all a very happy Christmas and a recession busting new year.
Best wishes
Jim and the Enigma team.
todd says
I in no way intended to offend you or the amazing work you have done on your design. I was merely reflecting on the irony of Paul’s response about bikes on this list “with a brand new purpose built engine”.
I fully appreciate that the Brough Superior had an entirely not-new, repurposed engine. I consider bikes like your Enigma (and other, well designed makes) are no less amazing than those.
-todd
Jim Lindsay says
Forgot to add, I love the Motus. Great idea and it looks to be well executed. Hope I get to ride one in 2012.
Jim
BICHO says
Paul,what about Borile,a small italian factory that makes its singles with Ducati internals!!Borile may not be as hi tec as this beauties,but they have a 350scrambler, road legal ,weithing less than 100 kilos!! Felice anno nuovo a tutti,belli e brutti!