Motus’ new V4 is going to be quite the engine and anyone wondering if Made in the USA means anything anymore, you might consider, as Brian Case told me, this V4 is:
the first V4 made in America for a production vehicle, the first gDI production motorcycle engine, and even the first gDI V4 for that matter.
GDI (gasoline direct injection) shoots gasoline directly into the combustion chamber after air intake is complete, mitigating most of the issues of upstream injection. Kevin Cameron details those issues in an article Cycle World just released.
The engine is designed by Katech in the state of Michigan, a tier one supplier to GM and supplier of the engines for the Pratt and Miller Corvettes.
When I look at this engine, especially the exploded view above, it reminds me of days long ago, when I was elbows deep in the innards of of a small block V8. The layout is the same, cam in the valley of the Vee and 2 valve heads, water pump up front, it’s the rest of the technology that leaps ahead of those days gone by. Sweet.
You know, the more I hear about Motus, the more I like it. Go get ’em, guys!
UPDATE: 2 more images added to the group below including a side profile concept drawing of MST-01
More images below:
Link: Motus
Link: Katech
Link: Cycle World
Photo credits Marc Bonderenko
Related: Motus partners with Pratt and Miller
Related: Motus Breaks Cover
Greg says
Paul, thanks for the update on this. The KMV4 looks freakin wicked and this is a HUGE deal for the boring state of the industry overall. Can you imagine how this is gonna sound at about 7000 rpm? I am sort of scratching my head and wondering how a start-up from Alabama has pulled this off, but if they play their cards right, this could be the future of American motorcycling. If it performs as well as it looks, Motus has something brilliantly simple and unique. If the MST looks as cool as the engine, there are a lot of us that may be interested. The reliability and performance of a pushrod V, with DI for efficiency! That last pic looks like the “off limits” area of the Barber museum so they must be involved somehow with Motus. Keep us informed!
pabsy says
I think this all looks really nice engineering with a nice sense of style
Not to pour cold water on the project however but what is the point
By that I mean whats the difference between this and other bikes that have better economics through volume production and distribution, is it because its the only V4 made for a bike in America, ? who cares, certainly not enough folks to make a viable company or pay a premium
And is that point of difference enough to make a commercially viable enteprise
Much as I like it I have to say this will be a commercial failure
Curmudgeon hat wearing pabs
coho says
Wow. Go Motus!
That is one dead-sexy motor.
kneeslider says
@pabsy: “is it because its the only V4 made for a bike in America, ? who cares”
A lot of people care, probably far more than you realize and the GDI technology is a huge plus. I’m guessing you are not in the target market, because the whole idea of the project and the technology doesn’t excite you. They are not trying to be Honda or Harley, they’re Motus. The potential customer is looking for something different, classy, with some good old American technology with Made in the USA appeal. I really like the whole concept.
American bikes don’t have to be a V-Twin in a cruiser frame. This is all new from the ground up, it’s new everything. It’s not partially sourced from some other motorcycle company or some other country, it comes from Michigan and Alabama. Yes, that gets me excited. Will it be enough to sway the choice of some potential buyers from a BMW, for instance? You betcha! Will it be enough to make it a success? If the whole package measures up, maybe, but, only time will tell.
Tin Man 2 says
I sure hope this Engine actaully gets built. The V design has been proven, very hard to beat,and the Hi Tech Fuel system is a bonus, I just hope there is enough funding to really build this Bad Boy. What will the costs be to bring this to production? And who will finance this start up? Big Big money is pretty hard to come by out in the world.
secret asian man says
It needs four more cylinders!
john bonanno says
I looks like a SCAT V4 engine from a midget sprint car…there was a gent that made a v-8 using the cylinders and heads from a GSXR1100, keep his production cost down by using existing componets…pistons, rods, valves, etc,etc, I love engines so keep up the great work. USA USA USA!
Paulinator says
How about 2 more cylinders, 30 degrees less V angle and about double the displacement? Trenton produced V6 engines with push-rod 2-valve and “cammer” 4-valve heads, in iron and aluminum, with matching bore-spacings, for almost a 1/4 century. I’m not 100% sure, but I think the aluminum block could be built up with the narrow 2 valve heads.
I like what Motus is doing, but I’d love to see what kind of street machine could be built around said little V6. OK, I’d already sketched things out before ever hearing about Motus (they’re in a drawer in my bed-side table).
todd says
This thing should sound awesome on throttle. Not for me but I’m interested in seeing this whole thing play out.
-todd
David/cigarrz says
I don’t understand people whose imagination doesn’t run wild when they contemplate an engine like this in a scooter. I don’t give a damn if something else will do the same thing yadda yadda blah blah. If I had the beans I would be trying to figure out how to build all kinds of scoots with this powerplant.
Lewellyn says
It looks like America is going to build a real motorcycle. Not another “bike”.
lawrence1 says
If Buell had this motor things may have been different.
Simon says
A very interesting concept, I think, and I do believe I would consider one if it was at all within the realm of affordability (read: priced similarly to a Harley). I am 100% behind the idea of “Made in America,” and we need more people trying this sort of thing, instead of outsourcing everything to China. (Harley leathers made in Pakistan?) This looks like an American Moto Guzzi on steroids. Yes, I’d like one.
Brian Zooom says
my immediate thoughts are , a GM manufacturer took what they knew, a basic V8 layout they’ve been making for years apon years. They implemented some updated technology to the motor(common rail injection or also know as FSi= Fuel Straight injection and manufacture) and made, what to me resembles, a baby Boss Hoss meets a MotoGuzzi. Will the American market eat it up? Potentially, yes. Do I have high hopes for real perfomance out of it? As a streetbike, to me, you need really no more than 100hp, and I think it’ll live up to that level for sure. Beyond that as far as capabilities, I am VERY skeptical. I also assume that based on this layout, the innefficientcy will be quickly revealed, despite the implementation of modern injection systems to atomize and burn the fuel better. There is still the remainder of the bike to be designedand/or revealed. The transmission and output, as well as the other external componentry, like the radiator and placement of electronics.
It is nice to see someone deviate from the “norms” of engine layout for streetbikes, and it will be nice to see a completed bike to see how everything will settle in the chassis and design aspects of the project. I personally do not feel, as of this moment, that this will turn into anything that I’d spend my money on, but I am interested to see how the end product comes out.
B*A*M*F says
@ Cigarrz:
I’m all about scoots with funky powerplants, but this would make for a seriously big scooter. It would probably sound pretty cool though.
As cool as this engine is, I can’t help but think a narrow angle version like a Lancia Fulvia V4 would make more sense from a compactness standpoint. VW was inspired by this engine when making the extremely compact VR6 engine.
Bob Jones says
I’m trying to figure out if the exploded view has any accuracy to it. Judging by the camshaft it looks like the artist got bored about halfway through. 🙂
Also, I don’t get the 270º (or 90º?) crank. Honda uses 180º in the street engines for reduced secondary imbalance, and 360º for the race engines.
todd says
“Artist”? That looks like a fully engineered 3D model to me. The camshaft looks fine too – maybe they didn’t bother rendering the threads where the sprocket bolts on…
Why is everyone calling this a “scooter”? I doubt Motus is going after the Burgman demographic.
-todd
iliveforcurves says
I like everything I’ve seen so far with the exception of the chain final drive. Anything other than shaft drive could be a deal breaker for a lot of serious long distance riders.
I hope the “styling” of the finished bike looks good. They have a clean sheet to start with and don’t have to adhere to any existing family resemblance requirements.
pabsy says
Paul I love most any technology and especially a V4 and even better a V6 in this layout. I think what they have so far is gorgeous and going to an experienced motor developer is smart, however that doesn’t change the fact that they are not commercially viable imo, and unfortunately I’ll no doubt be proved right. I’m also not a fan from a business perspective of companies broadcasting every little unfinished step, better to spend their limited free P.R. capital when they are approaching a point where they can take orders Motoczysz comes to mind as an example of wasted good will. As an enthusiast I love seeing what others are doing but it doesn’t help commercially.
David/cigarrz says
For me scoot, scooter, bike, are all terms of endearment. Love to see more on the tranny, for long distance touring give me a belt or a shaft. The chain is a concession to the sport aspect of the bike. This engine could be the basis of all kinds of bikes, cruisers,touring, sport, its an inspiration to American hotroders or at least this one. It would be great to have an engine that’s American, not a Harley clone and a stud to build bikes around. If they are talking 140 hp wouldn’t it be nice to have a real American touring bike for American highways in the 140 to 200 HP range that wasn’t based on a Harley or clone. I have had to carefully modify my Harley Roadglide to get 100 plus horsepower and still be bullet proof so the wife and I can do 500 miles or more a day and pass at will whether in the mountains or flats. I’d buy a crate motor in a heartbeat if it were available, I’m to old for “sport touring” but the old woman and I are up for a ride with anybody on our big old American bike.
PeteP says
I wish them luck, but not my cup of tea.
How about this:
http://www.rallytwin.com
For less than $60K?
OK?
David/cigarrz says
@PeteP the Weber twin is very cool and probably an easier marketing challenge. With production of a rolling frame kit it’s a success waiting to happen. Let the customer install their own motor and fiddly bits. Thanks for pointing out the website.
hoyt says
premium price? Wasn’t it mentioned in a previous post that price would be targeted around a BMW? Yes, that is premium but within reason, unlike Confederate, Ecosse, etc.
Chains have advanced over the years, just like anything worthwhile. Chains offer light-weight wheel options which are a big plus. It is not easy to find light weight wheels for a shaft-drive in N. America, especially for Guzzis.
Bob Jones says
todd: the rear half of the shaft’s lobes are all the same. No matter how much overlap you have, I think there has to be some difference in exhaust and intake timing. 🙂
I, too, don’t get the chain drive (I’d read it in a magazine but forgotten about that). If you’re building a distance bike people are going to want a shaft on it, and giving it a torque-sapping 90º gear to put a chain on it seems doubly backwards.
Paulinator says
The cam lobes are running in unison but the cylinders are 90 degrees out. (?)
I looked at a WWII German DB 601 inverted V12. It has a single overhead cam in each head actuating 4 valves per cylinder. The intake and exhaust followers both run on common lobes!!! (Try to design that!!! – valve angle, lifter ratio, dwell, intake and exhaust timing…everything coupled).
Duke says
Motus,
I’d love for a viable BMW alternative. Please make your bike confortable and adjustable. Stay away from that goofy Victory funny boy bike styling and don’t try to make it look like a horse a la HD. That HD roadracer from a few years back looked great. Also the defunct Britten had a great look.
K. Beckman says
The AMC M422 Mighty Mite Jeep certainly was in production with a V4 engine.
Gary Perry says
Seems to me to be kinda like running Windows 3.1 on a quad core mother board. Or, putting a KR motor in a MotoGP chassis. Or claiming that a split-single two-stroke is the next great motivator.
hoyt says
hey Bob Jones –
90-degree directional change must happen with shaft-drive at the wheel, too. It may not sap as much power as the directional change in the transmission but, from the saddle, what would create the larger material difference in power (if any):
a 90 degree gear-change in the transmission (makes lighter wheels available)
or
a 90 degree shaft drive?
Keep in mind, the targeted torque figures amount to more power than many riders can fully exploit on the street. Lighter wheels improve not just forward speed.
Would a difference in Power between the 2 setups even be noticeable while riding?
The bigger difference to be had would probably be in handling due to lighter wheels.
DucatiGuy says
Pardon my ignorance, but I don’t get it.
It’s got pushrods, so it’s not going to produce sports-bike type power. On the other hand, there’s nothing to indicate it’s going to produce exceptional torque either (although GDI should make it smooth at the low end).
And it’s not a V twin so there goes the cruiser market.
Putting the V at 90 deg means it’s bulkier than it needs to be. Means those tappet covers are going to be in your face (and they’re not exactly beautiful).
Running the crank longitudinally and using chain drive means the overheads (weight, power loss) of bevel drive, and some system to counteract the torque reaction.
I like innovation, and I understand how badly most of you want to see new products that are made in the USA, but this seems to be the answer to a question that nobody asked.
FREEMAN says
It’s definitely an interesting concept and a cool motor. It’s not my demographic, however. I like the chain drive and think it just fits the image with this motor. My only concern is where the exhaust passes right by the oil filter and close by on both sides of the pan.
Nicolas says
Very cool looking engine, indeed.
Now, quick question : the V4 of the new Vmax also cubes 1600cc, but pulls out much more HP and torque, and yamaha V4s have a good reputation for reliability, so it’s not like their engines are tuned up at their extreme.
So, knowing that the Motus V4 is a brand new engine design, supported by a high performance racing engineering company, isn’t there some opportunity missed in the developpment of this engine ?
(It’s not that the current figures of power/torque aren’t enough, don’t misunderstand me, that would be more than enough for it’s target use, and way much more than I’d personally be able to exploit at it’s full potential … )
Or is it to keep some room for a “R” version coming later ?
Cole says
DucatiGuy – Moto Guzzi’s motor is 90-degrees and the valve covers are not in your face. This engine configuration makes a lot of sense and it looks like nothing else when the accompanying bodywork is done right.
RJ says
Honda released their V-4 sport touring ST1100 in 1990 – 20 years ago! How is Motus going to improve upon a solid design from a huge manufacturer like Honda and then compete with BMW? Gasoline direct injection? OK, what else – styling? The concept sketch above has poor proportions. Made in America is a great notion, but the finished motorcycle must be competitive, with ABS, traction control, styling, comfort, handling and fit and finish if Motus wants to compete with the high end sport tourers of the big OEMs….
Chris says
Chain drive is a bad idea. Remember the Yamaha GTS1000? Innovative front end design, great looking machine, all the right moves for a sport-touring bike, except… chain final drive. Buyers stayed away in droves. Note to Motus: go belt or shaft.
todd says
How about hydrostatic drive? No (additional) transmission would be required, and the final drive would be by hoses instead of belts, shafts, or chains. The rider could dial in as much power as he wished while engaging the drive and the engine can be designed to run at an optimal RPM for increased efficiencies. No more shifting either. This would be a huge differentiator among the crowded competition.
I don’t get the argument about lighter wheels available on a chain vs. shaft bike. As far as I’ve seen you just bolt on the drive spline in place of a chain ring, maybe make an adapter plate if the two bolt patterns don’t match up.
-todd
Paulinator says
Todd, you’ve described a very effective drive that has been used for decades on implements such as riding mowers and skid-steers. Hydraulic wheel-motors are common in industry…but they’re HEAVY. Even if the motor can deliver the appropriate hp, what torque can it produce at stall? (you don’t benefit from the torque multiplier gearing of a transmission) Also, your going to loose over 20 points in system efficiency. You will need a dedicated oil radiator for the heat losses (A HUGE radiator for 140 hp).
That said, the concept has been featured on Kneeslider.
hoyt says
todd –
There is no easier way to improve performance than using light wheels (on any bike).
It is a 3-for-1 improvement: acceleration, stopping, and handling. In addition, one does not have to mess with the engineers’ factory power curve by not having to part out the motor in an effort to “improve” performance. Many people have spent thousand$ trying to improve their performance in the engine, only to end up with other things they don’t now like about the performance. (yes, it can be done if you know what you are doing with many topics inside the engine).
how many lighter than stock shaft-driven wheels are available? how many lighter than stock chain-driven wheels are available?
todd says
Hoyt, I understand the performance benefit of lighter wheels. My question focused more on; “what’s the difference between a shaft drive wheel and and chain drive wheel?” On the wheels I’ve seen the drive splines are bolted or riveted on in the same place a sprocket or sprocket carrier would be bolted on. Some don’t even require cush drives in the hub. I haven’t seen every variation of shaft drive wheel so maybe you have something different.
-todd
Dan says
We have a little scooter someone gave to my kids, we can’t get it to start. It has single cylinder it has GDI 43 cc’s. Need information on it ! Appreciate it. Dan
AlBrit says
V4 engines have been around for ears guys, find yourself a 1960s Ford V4 from the UK or German cars of that era……much less work to just rebuild one of these…..why buy a “New” V4 ? In the UK there are still plenty of these engines still around today {2010}
tim says
I just hope thier idea of sport tourer is not the same dirt bike ergronomics that everyone else has went to. I’m curious as to how bulky the 6 gallon fuel tank will be?
I have always said that if some one makes a bike in the USA that performs as well and is as comfortable as my 97 yzf1000 for 16 grand I would buy it right now. Hopefully they give me the chance.
FlyinDeath says
This might be the first GDI motorcycle engine made in US, but it’s rather late compare to the rest of the world. In Taiwan, the law enforces that all newly produced motorcycles after 2008 must equip GDI engine.