The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Motus on the Road in Daytona

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Motus on the road in Florida
Motus on the road in Florida

Turn it up, Baby! Listen, enjoy. Now THAT’s what a motorcycle should sound like! A good old American hot rod. Makes you wonder how many horses are hiding in there and how long it will take someone to find out. Just think about all of the other places that V4 would fit.

For those of us of a certain age, that bike will sell on sound alone.

UPDATE: We’ve got some new photos from Florida and a new video. The photo below gives you a better look at the MST-R.

Motus MST-R and MST on the beach
Motus MST-R (foreground) and MST on the beach

Photos: Neale Bayly

Videos below:

Comments

  2. Anyone beside’s me notice that the bike lost its fairing and exchanged mirrors during the ride?

  3. Soooooo sweet but I’m afraid I can just as soon afford a house like that as a bike like that

  5. Sounds like a nicely tuned VMAX. I like it. I got hooked on V4’s after 10 years on an inline 4. Love to see a V4 in a sport tourer type that is American made. Now, if we can just fast forward 10 years where i can pick one up used that will fit my budget…

    • Thats where I am too, no position to be buying a new bike that costs as much as a few good used cars would.

      Plus, I dont borrow money, so I would have to pay cash, and that isnt the budget right now.

  6. To quote the Myth Busters….. “now THAT’S what I’m talkin’ about!” I WANT one of those motors. And yes, it was interesting to see how the bike disrobed during the ride.
    Nekkid, yesss……… !

    Mike

  7. Love it without the fairings! Hope they are successful, if so, I could see myself riding a naked one (I personally don’t like fairings on anything for any reason. One of the most beautiful things about motorbikes is that all the working components are in view.)

  8. In addition to sound and nakedness, the video prompts some discussion about longitudinal crankshaft vs. transverse crankshaft orientation….

    The directional change seems very effortless, similar to my Guzzi. I know there is more to it than just the crankshaft orientation, but I’m starting to think bikes with longitudinal cranks change direction easier than transverse cranks. (other factors include engine weight & location of that mass, chassis stiffness, etc.).

    The mass of parts rotating around is on the same roll axis with leaning to change direction. You might think one directional change is more difficult with a longitudinal crank, but it is not noticeable from the saddle (at least I can’t tell that much).

    Another way I’ve thought about it is… a body in motion wants to stay in motion, so in a transverse crank, the mass of parts are rotating in a perpendicular motion to the axis that the wheels are on, making the bike more resistant to make quick directional changes…is that partially right?

    A friend of mine (who has an R1) experienced the same thing when we switched bikes.

    • I had a Guzzi V7 Sport in the late ’80’s and the torque reaction from the lengthwise crank did require a different approach to left and right turns, like flying a single-engine prop plane. Also, when it wheelied in 2nd, it would lean to one side, or try to turn left. I learned to compensate for it, but the guy I bouight it from (for $300!) didn’t, and the bike had broken both his and his brother’s legs. They didn’t even know about the longitudal crank positioning. I’m sure that, unless there’s a counterbalancer, the Motus torques over, too. With only 65 or 70 HP, it wasn’t bad, but the V4 looks like it’s at least 125 to 150 hp easliy.
      I like the naked bike, but with a tiny XLCR, Ducati 900 SS, or Ness bikini fairing, The engine looks like the back half of an LS chevy V8, sorta. Looks and sounds really hot.

  11. Beautiful sound. Can’t ever afford it,so in the meantime, I’ll make do with the baffles out of the megaphones on my CBX.
    Too bad that you’re hit with that blast of BS at the end of the video.
    rr

  12. You know, take as much off as possible and see how low they can drive the price. The Cafe racer/street tracker/ pro sport cruiser adaptations are popular now. Get some version down near $20K and this could get interesting.

  13. It is naked because it is the “R” version that was spoken of but never given much press time.

  14. Just a few honest observations.

    The opening scene is a big mansion and Tchaikovsky music.
    This evokes a theme of rich European “old money”, and indicates a target meeting these criteria. A bike for “the rich”.
    I think this evocation of these themes is not in the interest of the company.

    This is an American company, with an American made product.
    I would suggest that an American theme music genre, such as Jazz, which is well accepted in the demographics that this bike will be targeted at, would be much more appropriate.
    And a more “normal” American home would be appropriate, so as not to alienate customers who get the impression that they would need to be Rockefeller to afford this bike.
    I think the image they presented works against them, unless this truly is going to be a $50k bike that practically nobody will be able to afford.

    That being said, I think the engine sounds great!
    Really cool motor music.

    I realize that this is an early video clip, and there is plenty of time to refine the marketing image.
    So kudos for the video, and I enjoyed watching and hearing what this bike does.
    Looking forward to more.

    • Tom – look at the materials the bike is made of and the small numbers that will be made, this is a bike for rich riders or at least those willing to sink most of their disposable income into a motorcycle. There is no park a $20K Harley in front of a ratty trailer, out in the desert, faux rugged individualist. Its all about engendering you’re worth it vibes in the top 5% of income group. Hey ride the Motus when the Ferrari doesn’t provide enough thrills.

      • The price is not yet final, but when talking to Lee at the Pratt and Miller intro, he specifically said this was NOT going to be aimed at movie stars or CEOs like another limited production manufacturer tends to be. This bike will be affordable for those who might be looking at other well equipped top of the line bikes. Priced a full dress Harley with all of the bells and whistles lately? How about a BMW? No, not everyone will be able to buy a Motus, but that applies to many motorcycles on the market.

      • Hi Jim,
        I am hoping for a “BMW or big Harley” type of price range for this bike, because I think that is about the max for any kind of volume selling.

        I hope I didn’t sound negative in my post, because I’m excited about the bike.
        All I wanted to do was make some suggestions about the image in the video, so that they don’t scare people with high price expectations, if the bike is going to be somewhat affordable.
        These subliminal messages in advertising do come across, and it requires care to not send a wrong message.
        My comments were aimed to be constructive, and helpful for their efforts.

    • No, actually, it was some dude just leaving his doctor / girlfriend’s house, before her hedge fund manager husband gets home.. I bet there are lots of bike collectors who will grab up a low serial # asap Motus, and never ride it. Too bad, it looks like a combination barhopper /continent crosser /daily driver to me.

  15. Just crate it up and ship it to me! That is the best-sounding engine I’ve heard in anything since I worked on a Triumph X-75 Hurricane. Fabulous!

  17. Love everything about this bike visually and aurally speaking. I was only disappointed in what appeared to be only lackluster acceleration when the rider grabbed a handful of throttle. It could be a deceiving angle but I was expecting a ferocious initial leap forward considering the weight and displacement. I will reserve my final opinion pending performance tests. A solid 10 for cosmetics and originality and with 1650cc displacement Motus can dial in whatever performance level ( ie. horsepower) they desire.

    • That probably was a top gear roll on because he didn’t downshift. I suspect a handful like that in a lower gear & things would have been different.

      • Top gear on the boulevard? I would imagine, with an engine this size, you’d be in first gear until you hit the interstate.

        I think the cranking of the wrist was playful exaggeration for the camera – the guy’s excited. If you grabbed that much throttle at 35 on a typical liter bike the front end would be reaching for the sky.

        -todd

        • Yeah, with that much torque it doesn’t really matter what gear you’re in. The Ford GT40 that raced at Le Mans could do something like 90 mph in 1st gear. He was probably doddling in a higher gear and just gave it some beans to make some noise. I do also think that the camera angle is a bit deceptive… he covers more ground than you think, but he’s coming right at us.

  18. This is great stuff .Well done Motus. The sound is amazing. I will join the other folks here and say that it looks better naked. But… They are not selling to my age group. The last fairing I liked was on a late 60’s Honda GP bike. It looks extremely well thought out. Now comes the hard part. Dealers and marketing. Good luck to you Motus…

  19. I could be wrong, but that video is a play on the differences in the Daytona area, especially during Bike Week. i.e. Big beach homes, nice, soft piano music….only to strip things off on your way to Bike Week in Daytona.

    I don’t think they were being serious about the first \scene\ being about big money.

  20. Dear Mr KneeSlider,
    It is impossible to post too much on this motorcycle. I have checked your site 8 times today. As such, I am a junky, and need my motus fix.

    i think it would be interesting to do some sort of plating finish on that engine. Not chrome or anything (my screen name does not reflect an affinity for shiny metal, but is a play on my last name), but the colors scheme they have there just makes the engine look dirty. i would be perpetually trying to clean it. Maybe chrome pipes and a partially blackout out engine? or maybe more of a gun metal or tiodize finish… nom nom nom

  21. Nice to see and hear the bike on the road. I also agree that this bike looks great without fairings and bags. I think it would look mean with a dual headlight much like that seen on a Buell Lightning. Just my own opinion. Good luck and hopefully someday I’ll see and hear them on the road around the Puget Sound area.

  22. Wow. I’d save the first five years of earnings in my first job to have a bike like that. Maybe as a second bike?

  24. Psycho sound!!! that big fat rumbling sound of a V4. it’s worthed. thank you for all the trouble making that pieces of metal in to this world

  27. No offence to Motus, but I really don’t like the sound. It sounds like there is no oil in the motor, too much engine clatter, especially for a motor of that size. I currently ride a BMW K1200S with an Akropovic exhaust and the evoluzione racing filters and the sound is loud and powerful. I have had mine dynoed and my K12S is putting 158.7 HP to the rear wheel. Not bad for 1200CC and 20K new in 2006. I can also do 800 mile rides in a day at 90 to 120 mph all day long with zero problems. I would really like more specs and info as well as price on this new american machine to make a good honest decision to purchase a new sport tourer.

    • I suspect that the engine clatter is related to the fact that this is a brand new design, and the actual harmonics haven’t been isolated out yet. Remember, all they had to go on was theoretical stuff from their base V8, so hearing what it does produce, will allow them to gradually improve it’s auditory signature over time.

      So comparison to a Bavarian inline four, with literally generations of both practical data and theory to work with, is kind of not the point. Sure the BMW is a great bike. But ultimately, it’s just another inline four. If you want smooth, build/buy an inline. If you want the smoothiest, try a new BMW inline six.

      This bike is titled: “And Now For Something Completely Different”.

  29. There may be Harleys over $30, but those are either the trikes (can’t do the bike anymore) or the shiney, shiney guys that buy the CVO’s. Neither of these groups will be interested in the Motus. I really hope it’s at least under $30.

  30. Sorry motus , after hearing the hype on the sound i thought it was meager at best.
    a vance and hines on a buell with a mikuni is ten times better. I agree with George
    to much clatter. The sound of that bike should not be a selling point for you. The m/c
    industry needs new blood, you seem to be the same old same old. Trying to sell an
    image is the old way. Try to create a need for your bikes and maybe you’ll have a shot .
    thanx for tryin still riding ……not buying eddie

    • No one seriously considering a Motus will be making their buying decision based on a youtube video.

      • I think it speaks very well for Motus being able to bring this thing to market that most of the criticism consists of “there should be a naked version” (there is) “pipes at the wrong angle, motor needs color, marketing is all wrong, they should’nt use carbon fiber, it sounds “clattery” on my $12 dollar computer speakers, etc.”
        The only thing keeping me from buying one is that there are none available to buy yet. ……And my wife of course, who simply refuses to address the benefits of me owning every motorcycle I NEED…(see)

      • Dudes…….. seriously, think about how that sound was recorded, AND………..
        the speakers you are listening to…….. c’mon, that is not a good way to judge
        the sound of that motor!

        Mike

  31. Awesome. In this world of “it makes too much of a ticking noise” or “I can FEEL the engine below me” or “it is not as smooth as a turbine” riders, this is a breath of fresh air. Finally, a MOTORcycle.

  32. Sounds great, looks bad. But then, the vast majority of \new\ bikes are, um, shall we say, aesthetically challenged IMHO. Hoping that the company gets off the ground and does well. Would seriously consider the naked version myself if it rides half as well as it sounds.

  33. I don’t get all the negativity. None of us have thrown a leg over the thing or seen it for ourselves…in any color ‘cept the one shown here.
    This bike has the potential to make its mark in the American marketplace and beyond. It speaks to the dedication and drive that it exists at all. We STILL make things in this country! Quality American products is something we used to aspire to, but the naysayers are finding reasons to dislike it without ever riding the damn thing!

    I wish the Motus boys the best of luck, this couldn’t have been easy.

  34. It appears to be 95% there! Like anything else the devil is in the details.
    The touring unit would be my choice for doing the 100 mile per day commute and great weekend get aways.
    More facts need to be revealed now that it is a working machine that holds great promise. Wheel base, rake/trail, gear ratios, fuel injection type, fuel mileage, fuel capacity, wheel sizes, weight, GVW, seat height and of course HP.
    I remember the first Victorie’s, they left something to be desired in craftmans ship alone but look at them today. I wouldn’t waste a minute getting a loan for one if they become as good as I think they will, lifes to short to cheat yourself out of a good ride.
    There are a couple of large dealers in CT and I know the one that should get some in stock once they get going.

  36. Well cool. Sports tourers are not for me, but the MST-R? That pushes my buttons. So does the sound. I’d like to see some pix of the MST-R, and specs.

    I dislike the current fad for “oddly” shaped headlights. Headlights are round. Thats just the way it is. Live with it.. If I was buying a new Speed Triple, I would be doing my darndest to retrofit last years headlights on it…. same with this. A BIG round headlight. One of those 8 inch jobs off of a mid 80’s Yamaha or something.

  37. All these type motorcycle and engine producers need to understand one thing that stands above all else. If you can’t sell it for a decent price then it becomes worthless. Who wants to ride a motorcycle 3 states away and have a problem that no one can fix or has even seen the motorcycle bofore, and if it isn’t meant for things like that and becomes a profiler motorcycle it becomes worthless. companies need to learn that when they are not really good at design or building and have to learn along the way (most companies designing a first engine or motorcycle have this problem) they can’t expect to recover all the cost on small runs. They need to look at the long haul, more numbers to get the desired return, at a price people can afford, and yes a bike like this could command $30,000. If the product is good it will sell and the return will come. Sell 500 in 5 years, it becomes a worthless motorcycle.

    • So what you’re saying is that if anything is beyond your price point to purchase, no one else will find any value in it?? There’s no value in producing anything unique that you don’t see at every friggin biker bar? Are you saying that in the sport and realm of motorcycles, that monetary return is the only viable reason for developing or trying to produce anything other than bikes that every burger-flipper can afford to ride? And that only experienced and already successful manufacturers should be considered worthy of attempting a new model?

      Whhaaat?

      Man, I am so glad I do not live in your world.

  38. One of the nicest bike I have seen in years, and I could be very intersted of buying one, but first I would like to read the test for it.
    And, would it come to Europe ? I live in Sweden, here might the market be small, but England, and France, and south Europe is big, there it wont be a problem to buy it.

    • It just has the fairings removed for show and tell. The major difference between the versions is the suspension. Paul has all of the information posted on other posts.

  40. A. I’ll take a fresh new design and innovative thinking over a cookie cutter, plug it in at the Wal Mart service center so the automotive \tech\ can tell you it has low tire pressure, any day.

    2. There is no such thing as a \worthless\ motorcycle. Shame on you!

    Next: If they only make 500 in 5 years, then I definately want one!! Cause there is always one guy out there somewhere who wants one, and can’t get one, and will pay me large amounts of cash for mine!

    D: As many have said, none of us, (except Paul, whose judgement I kind of put some value in), have seen this thing or rode it. Could be heaven or could be hell. I would really like to find out.

    • The above was in response to steve w, but didn’t post under his remark for some reason.

      • Agree with OldTimer. If Steve W is thinks that having a motorcycle that is less than mass produced is worthless, then it suggests he can’t afford anything but a mass produced motorcycle. Likewise, if he is afraid of a breakdown while riding 3 states away, perhaps he should learn to maintain and repair his own steed or simply stay close to home…which he probably does 99 percent of the time anyway.

        Quite to the contrary, having a unique machine that is beyond the grasp of others is highly desirable. Ask any Ferrari owner, to which the Motus is a valid comparison. Or ask the owner of a venerable Matchless 500 that was once a common thumper but now numbers in perhaps only dozens still on the road anywhere on the planet.

        When it comes to giving advise to a prospective new manufacturer, either mainstream or boutique, perhaps those with no relevant experience should decide to open their minds rather than openly display mindlessness.

        • A Harley is pretty much the most highly mass produced motorcycle around and apparently it is also the most popular and almost the most expensive. People eat McDonalds and drink Coca Cola, they shop at Walmart, buy Barbies for their daughters, and all watch the same TV channels. People find comfort in the gluttony of mass market hysteria and persistent media brainwashing. There’s no other excuse for it.

          The Motus isn’t for that crowd.

          -todd

    • I saw one on a trailer last week. I live in Christchurch in NZ, home of the britten, and I presume that wherever it was stored was trashed in the earthquakes. You will be pleased to know the bike was untouched.!

  44. I like the looks of the MST-R in that matte black.
    The tail section looks nice, and I couldn’t see it very well with the bags on.

    Pretty hot looking bike!

  45. This could be my bike!
    First, the sport / tour configuration looks right to me. I need those bags for my lunch box and foul weather gear. I ride 50 weeks a year 6 days a week. When I wake up each day I need a machine that will stir my soul and bring me to work inspired, (to earn the bike payment).
    Second, I only hope there is some shortcoming to be found so I can correct it myself. Only then will it truely be mine.
    Motus has produced everything required to meet my needs. Now everybody get out there and buy one so mine can find its way home in due time.

  46. I’m hoping this bike is just the beginning. While it’s a good-looking bike with a great motor, it’s not a bike for the “everyman”. It would be great if this was just a way to get Motus established so eventually they could make more affordable bikes.

    • I absolutely hate the “everyman” theme and mentality. If I wanted to ride something like the guy down the block, hell, I’d buy a Harley. A man’s desire must extend beyond the reach of “everyman” or that’s all he is. Not my inspiration to be just like joe…or jill and her camaro/mustang/geo/F150/Durango. As a biker, I want something between my legs that others want, not have.

  47. In top gear at 50 MPH, even a Hayabusa isn’t going to wheelie at a roll on. Plus, it looks a little front-heavy. But judging by the way it’s set up, putting some sort of little blower or turbo, or a piggyback belt-drive huffer from a LS9 or Shelby would be pretty simple, and should take it well past 200 hp; maybe 300 hp. I’ll give you my evo Sportster as a down payment on the R.

    • Why would you want to lug a bike in top gear at 50 mph – especially one in which the top gear is designed to reach 150+MPH? Engines are most efficient and last longer if you operate them within their intended rev range (defined by their peak torque ratings). I’m merely stating that, at 35 or so on regular surface streets, you are typically in 2nd gear (I am on my ’80s 650 Yamaha and BMW R75). Crack the throttle FOT and the bike loops out from under you (NOT on my Yamaha or BMW…).

      -todd

    • Slapping on a huffer and/or other mods seems to be part of the appeal and design concept of the Motus as an American Hot Rod. But a pressure cooker from an LS9 or Shelby would be waaayy too much for an engine this size. There are a few smaller production models out there, but more importantly is the aftermarket wizbang kits along the same theme that can be made to suit the CC’s and flow of the Motus. Even if there are few ever built, I’m certain that there will be talented machine shop/biker guys that will lop off a few inches of a 6-71 or other blade pump and make it scream louder than 200Hp.

  48. I think the naked would be a good brand ambassador for Motus, the BMW-style cruiser market is a little limited really. I’d love to see that engine showing up in customs though, does anyone know if they’ll sell the motor to bike builders?

  49. Please do not take away their “15 minutes of fame”. Daytona and a bike = cool. Daytona on the beach with a new deep snarling rocket bike = cool as an iceberg. How many of your commentators can build one of these? I am a 64 year old tool & die maker and I can’t. They have earned their fame.

  50. That nekid bike is looking good. Just remove the saddle bag brackets and it’d clean the rear end up a little bit. Does anyone know the wet weight of the MST-R?

  51. OK, I’m a Harley guy, but I’ve also owned and loved BMWs and wouldn’t mind a Guzzi in my garage if I could afford more than one bike right now. Having said that, I don’t buy a bike based on the sound. That, it seems to me, would be like trying to have a relationship based on how a woman sounds on the phone. Not a great idea….. I think it’s terrific that another American bike company is trying to get off the ground. I think it would be even more terrific if they didn’t cost as much as a Confederate Hellcat or a Harley CVO model. Even better if it wasn’t high-maintenance or difficult to work on. And bloody fantastic if it got good mileage. I don’t care how fast it is. (Harley guy, remember?) I care how well it works and how long it lasts and how well it rides. I’m pulling for these guys.

  53. It looks as though the “naked” is cleary the MST-01 with all of it’s fairings removed, it has the same headlight, the saddlebag racks are still there, even the high clip-os.
    Presumably done to showcase the cycle, but perhaps also to guage interest in a Naked or Standard model. Also, interesting how the bikes feature sports mufflers, I (and evidently, they) believe the music made by that small block will be a selling point, if not just in the USA but also the rest of the world.

    • It just has the fairings removed so you can see the bike’s mechanics. It just happens to look hella mean!

    • My thoughts too. the bars look too high and narrow to be comfortable at say 70mph, lower would be better. Plus if producing a naked, you’d need to tidy up the instrument/headlight area. I’m thinking a Buell-esque headlight fairing, or one like on an R90S (only because its the best looking fairing ever made, IMO)

      the other thing I’d like to know about is ground clearance with the pipes where they are. Say you’re on a trackday (because obviously no-one gets to deep lean angles or high speed on the road……) I doubt that you’d want a header to be the first thing to touch down.

      I’m sure they’re addressing these issues, if they even are issues.

      But it shows the depth of interest: I think the last post with this much response was either after Harley killed Buell, or when they shut down some of their plants. If it gets them one sale, that’s good, right?

  54. The most important part for Motus is to stay in business. They just need to figure out the balance of profits and sales to keep them going. If they survive, we could start to see a range of models and prices. If they go out of business, they just become an interesting footnote.

  55. These guys should get flowmaster to build them a baby flowmaster (long but skinny like sportbike mufflers) as an aftermarket accessory through them. Would sound like my Grandpa’s hot rod 🙂

    • I was thinking the same thing! make it a 2 into one and you might get a bit more rumble out of it at idle. Might save a pound or two as well!

  56. Great looking bikes! Congrats to the chaps at Motus, hope to see many on the road.

  57. According to my source (who claims to be close to Motus) that video was indeed a top gear roll on. In addition during the rides at Daytona only about 3/5ths of the aviailable revs were used. Since the motorcycle is still a prototype the silver color of the fairing was chosen to not have a lot of depth.

    Bruce

  58. I just read that Motus told a MCN reporter that there would be an optional Gel seat available as an accessory.

    NO! If anyone at Motus is reading this thread:

    DO NOT use gel for the seat! Anyone that lives where the sun ‘gets hot’ will have no end of trouble with a gel seat.

    The Triumph gel seat I had would roast the jewels for an easy ten minutes if I had neglected to park the bike in the shade, or cover it with the white baby blanket I carried in my pack.

    Save your money, and contract Sargent to build you a seat with their Atomic foam!

    Hope this helps! Trust me, no one wants a ‘toasted taint!’

  59. I was gonna say that I don’t necessarily want my bikes sounding like “A good old American hot rod”, even though I think that sounds great in some circumstances. I love the sound of a throaty triple in a bike. BUT, the Motus does sounds awesome. I think it sounds a lot like the Ford DFV grand prix engine.

  61. Well I for one love what Lee and Brian have brought about with the MST and MST-R. As much as I like the naked bike, I like to have some plastic for looks and a shield to keep the wind off me. The bags are standard fare GIVI bags. But hey, if that’s where they cut corners then fine by me. GIVI makes a nice product and it’s one less thing they have to worry about designing. At least I know those bags will close and can hold alot of gear! Don’t forget my friends that this is a SPORT TOUR motorcycle, not a full on crotch rocket or a cruiser. I for one need to store my get somewhere!!
    Two things stand out for me that are needed on this bike. It needs a center stand and some sort of a rear rack attachment. the rear rack will allow another platform to store more stuff or add a backrest for the little woman who likes to ride. These are minor quibles and can be easily rectified. For all I know they will be options on the build sheet.
    PRICE: Keep it between that 20-25K range. That seems to be where the upper limit on sport touring bikes lives. Much past that and I think you start to lose potential customers.
    First thing I would change are the cans, they have got to go. I’d find a way to retro fit a set of KRTuned pipes onto that bike, great bark….

    Lee, Brian, keep up the awsome work…….