Ducati Monster Forum

It looks like these guys are progressing past the CAD stage.  Here is a new video of the MOTUS KMV4 engine in action.
Motus-The KMV4 GDI Engine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kooYoibfeA#normal)

Best of luck to them. I like the concept. I like the Moto Guzzi-like sideways engine. I like the American V8 technology.  I really like the Ducati-like trellis frame. I think it would make a good sport tourer like they want to build, but also makes a great naked bike.

Take a look a this video and you can really see the trellis frame and how good this bike would be as a muscled-up naked bike.
KMV4 Engine walk around (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjKiKPCd4-0&feature=related#normal)

(http://www.cycleworld.com/assets/image/2010/W3/011520101641525261.jpg)

Motus website: http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/index.html (http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/index.html)

WOW!!  Almost seems too good to be true!!   [thumbsup]   [moto]

Just me, or is that a speedy moto triple tree set up in that photo?

Nice, Nice, and Nice!!!

Push rods...not so nice, but I'd deal with it.

A good pushrod design is fine with me. Bring it on. After the death of Buell this is a most encouraging development.

120lb-ft @ 4500rpm   [evil]

Interesting....

did you hear that motor at the end of the 1st vid... wow.

Frame looks looks nice and the motor sounds like the tits. I'm interested to say the least

Oh holy hell.

The sound of that thing is amazing.


 [evil] [evil] [evil]

Reminds me of a midget or sprint cart. Good stuff.

they need to keep the price comparable or under the new MTS just to make Ducati look bad

Stuff that motor in a Confederate Wraith... [drool]

Sure is.

Good luck with that.

Thanks for keeping us updated. I am super excited about this bike. If they build it, and if they don't screw it up somehow, this bike will be in my future.

It's funny, I didn't quite get "Sport tourer" until I heard the motor.  This will be a sport tourer like the ZX-14 is a sport tourer - touring at velocities approaching the speed of sound.

That's good work so far, and I wish them best of luck with the rest of the project - hopefully, this will not turn into a MotoCyzyzizyzz situation...

I certainly hope this isn't MotoCyz repeat.  This is a sport tourer I'd love to get my hands on.   [bow_down]

I get exited by these sort of things too.  By developing a prototype engine, in my mind they now have credibility.  However, they do have a long way to go.  I mean look how hard it was for Kenny Dreer and others to get Norton off the ground and they had a big name to work with. 

A well sculpted naked version of this thing would be just sickness...  

140HP & 120 ft/lbs which (hopefully) weighs in around 400-440 would be just nasty!!!  [evil]

From this picture I can really see the potential as a naked bike.  I'd just put a sexy Monster-like tank on it and a round headlight. 
(http://www.cycleworld.com/assets/image/2010/W3/011520101641515355.jpg)

Maybe someone with some photoshop skills could play with it and see what it would look like with a headlight, tank and seat.

So is an internal combustion motored MotoCzysz out of the picture?  I searched, but could find nothing on its demise -- only info on their electric bike.

EDIT:  I see, for a few reasons their gas-powered bike has taken a back seat to the 'lectric bike.

Outstanding!!

That dyno run is now my phone ringtone  [thumbsup]

I was impressed with this project when I first read about it a few months ago.  I hope all goes well and they are able to bring this to market in some form.

Could be very cool...it'll be interesting to see what they come up with and for how much.  [thumbsup]

However, their estimated spec. sheet says a dry weight of 500 lbs. So, despite their wish list saying low unspring weight, this is shaping up to be a somewhat heavy bike. If they're shooting for 500 lbs, my guess is they'll come in 10% or so higher.  :-\ Not good.

I bet someone bought them.  With that many patents on such a cool ride someone with money swooped in.  Sucks IMO because there's no info whatsoever

I'm not a fan of American style pushrod engines and this bike just looks big, heavy, and awkward.

Not anything I'd be interested in to say the least   [coffee]




but that motor did sound cool

Interesting

Anyone else notice the name of the band at the end of the video?  [laugh]

I'm sorry to be a wet blanket at this party, but this bike seems like another over-weight piece of crap to me.  It is going to weigh a ton.  And a push-rod engine?  Why?  Another fat American bike to cruise hwy 66 and trailer to biker meets.  I believe America can build a great bike but this ain't it. 

Perhaps a bit harsh.  500 lbs. isn't extraordinary for a sport-tourer.  Frankly, I'll be shocked if it comes to market at all, and floored if it costs less that $35,000.

hwy 66?  NOT, for mountain roads instead.  I think some people are too obsessed with weight sometimes.  Balance and get-up-n-go are important also.  And most of us - riders - don't trailer shit.  :P

i think the ST2 was something like 473 dry.. i could be mistaken but it was up there

so yeah 120hp with 500lbs isn't that bad

but i am surprised by the low tech. maybe it will help keep costs down.

I'm betting it will not, but I will remain a little enthusiastic.

Let's not try it out or anything before we all hate it.

I'd love for this to become a reality.  Me likes BIG FAT CRUISERS.   [beer]

Mr.Incredible, I wish to point out that so far I am the only one expressing hate for this bike.  Please give credit where credit is do.  Everyone else is being rational, positive, or at least objective.  There is only one negative twit in the bunch and I am he.  In my defense, I can say that I am an expert.  I have read at least 1/2 of the post in this thread and I read most of the article on these bikes in Motorcyclist (or was it Cycle World).  

Is that what it takes to be an expert?  [laugh]

You did it the hard way! I just stayed at a Holiday Inn, and I'm an expert too.  [cheeky]

OMG, the sound. . .

want badly!

Actually.. .

I'd like to build a go cart with that engine [evil]

Motus Prototype being built.
(http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/images/motus_prototype01.JPG?utm_source=Motus+Updates&utm_campaign=a337076558-Motus_Updates_v51_011_24_2010&utm_medium=email)

(http://gallery.mailchimp.com/80c5f8f2088bf98bbbb1cd00b/images/motus_prototype_02.jpg?utm_source=Motus+Updates&utm_campaign=a337076558-Motus_Updates_v51_011_24_2010&utm_medium=email)

That would be a good engine to put in my 79 BMW 320i

Got the same info email from Motus this morning.
Looks promising.  I just wonder what the price will be come 2011.

WOW!
Looks promising.  [evil]

I just noticed the alternator sitting behind the engine.  It looks just like a General Motors alternator.  I hope the future road bike can find something a little lighter than a car alternator.

That's one of the things that further entices me about wanting that engine in the BMW.

I can appreciate the initiative and wish them good luck.  It does look like a powerful engine, and it sounded cool, but I'm not too psyched about it.

700w is what i think the specs say on that. Lots of power for accessories.

I'll continue to hope for them to produce something great.  We need an American bike that everone can get excited about, or at least appreciate as being well made.  I like the V-four for being different, and the Corvette does just fine with pushrods.  Low-end torque AND good horsepower would make for a great ST.  500lbs is acceptable for a sport-tourer, my VFR was nearly that and it was only 800cc. 

The car alternator is not good for a performance bike set up, but fantastic for touring.  Output at lower RPMs is much better.

I'd love to see it succeed too, but pushrods?  Really?  That's the best you can do?

No reason to do that other than attracting HD lovers.

(http://wap.ebay.ie/Pages/RbHttpHandler.ashx?width=308&height=420&fsize=999000&format=jpg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fi.ebayimg.com%2F06%2F%21Be9Cvnw%212k%7E%24%28KGrHqQH-EQErfgT%2CnKjBK%2BZcPpw6Q%7E%7E_1.JPG%3Fset_id%3D8800005007)

MV Agusta F4 alternator.

Nice!  Any more info?  How is it installed and driven?

If your only going to have a 2 valve head, pushrods make a lot of sense. There are no chains or belts to replace, or break; and they are super reliable. On a Chevy, once they are installed, you never have to mess with them again until rebuild time. As much as Ive been down on GM recently for their build quality, the small block V8 has stood the test of time as a good reliable engine.

Belt driven I think. It's been a while since I looked at one closely.

Personally I'm digging the direct injection system. And the pushrods don't turn me off as much as the rest of you...

direct injection on a bike would be amazing, the hp gains over any other system are significant.

unless its a gear drive (horrid sound) there is still the crank to cam timing chain

and

something has to be spinning that cute little waterpump so there is a chain or belt in there somewhere

Lets look at some specs:

Harley Fat Boy:
8xx pounds dry
89 pound feet
A little over 100 horse.  I think (going off what my mom told me hers does)

Triumph Rocket III
800 pounds dry
140 pound feet
140 horse (107 for the touring model)

Motus
I'll give them 550 pounds dry
140 pound feet
120 horse

Hell, even my old 88 BMW has like 50 horse pushing 500+ pounds and it's no slouch.  I'm sure she's going to do just fine.  Now cost.........

Squirrels?




 ;D

No your right. You need a cam chain or gears. You can run a water pump off an external belt that doesn't need to be timed though. If it breaks its not a catastrophy, at least not right away.


And instead of agreeing with me, why are you not helping me shovel the snow out of my driveway and fixing the 4WD on my GMC?

cuz youre on the wrong end of the state

simply move north and we'll get a proper 44 with hubs under there

problem solved




I wonder how a pair of those Motus motors hitched together would work in something with 4 wheels?

Well I bet one of them would work fine on my 320i. It only has a 4 cyl in it anyway.

Shifter Cart.   [evil]

How about one of these in a shifter cart.

(http://www.dreamgate.ne.jp/NSR/Project%20NSR/NSR500/part1_08.jpg)

I found a couple of more Motus prototype pictures.  Nice looking swingarm.  It might look good on a DSS Monster.

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2010/11/26/motus-mst-01-prototype-photos/ (http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2010/11/26/motus-mst-01-prototype-photos/)

(http://thekneeslider.com/images/2010/11/motus-prototype-2.jpg)

(http://thekneeslider.com/images/2010/11/motus-prototype-3.jpg)

(http://thekneeslider.com/images/2010/11/motus-prototype-5.jpg)

(http://thekneeslider.com/images/2010/11/motus-prototype-7.jpg)

What size is that?

I didn't read the whole thread, but maybe they should partner up with Buell.

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/facepalm/20080918_Picard_Facepalm.jpg)

What? Was it mentioned or is Buell not a good bike builder? I don't get it.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20091015/carnews/910159994 (http://www.autoweek.com/article/20091015/carnews/910159994)

how's the cave?   [evil]

http://www.erikbuellracing.com/ (http://www.erikbuellracing.com/)


how's life under the rock?  [evil]

Motus will do pretty well on their own i think, this far on a first bike from out of left field....just wait until they throw out a sportbike.

Lol. I thought he was just servicing buells not building new ones.

Can't see the link yet, but I probably needed that comeuppance.

I am in the doubter camp.  It takes 1 guy and some CAD and CNC skills and a few bucks to make a cool prototype and you tube videos, but it takes significant capital to make a real road licenses bike. So far I don't see a successful long term plan.  The way the prototype looks and the target market it will be $100k with all the high end low volume parts.  

A big thumbs up though on the creativity though.  I wonder how bad the low speed torque lean will be?

mitt

There's plenty of small bike builders that make affordable bikes. Flyright choppers comes to mind. They know dealer support is important, which is why they make their motorcycles easy to work on, catering to the do-it-yourself consumer.

As far as cost for the engine build costs.....well, I don't know how they offset the R&D on that. I imagine they already have done the cost analysis in comparison to buying a production motor from a third party manufacturer.

I hope it works out for them. [beer]
Reminds me of Tesla Motors in a small way.

Thanks Turf, ducatiz I knew Harley had left Buell standing, but he had done so much R&D on frames, a good engine builder would have been welcome. There are some of us that believed that dream, I know Erick is not down and out.

i can't see erick buell using that motor, but you never know. 

More on Motus:

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/motus-mst-dyno-video/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/motus-mst-dyno-video/)

The newest article states that one of the 2 guys that designed the Motus was also a designer for the Wraith.


I'm real interested to see how this project turns out. Can't wait to see the finished bike.

I noticed the flog-man on the dyno was wearing a Ducati jacket.

Almost looked like a Stupor Duke headlight.

Can't wait for the next installment.

Sure did.   [thumbsup]

not really digging the whole motoguzzi layout, make it more like the d16 layout and hide it a little more much nicer v4.

Wow, I am digging it.  I'm such a sucker for these kind of projects.   [clap]

New video
Motus MST Test Bike on the Dyno (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1V7CfB96Bk&feature=player_embedded#normal)

i cant decide which i think is a better sound... a triple or a v4... both just sound so amazing

If I had to chose between the two, I would say the L-twin.  ;D

v4 > I3
no doubt

Anyone see it on Kneeslider.com

Another update...completed bike  [thumbsup]

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2011/03/motus-mst-01-americas-sport-tourer/ (http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2011/03/motus-mst-01-americas-sport-tourer/)

Want Want Want

122 pound feet is creeping up into Rocket III territory, just in a bike with...you know.....functionality :)

Hell for Leather:
"Maybe it’s just the steel spaceframe and the thumping V4 engine sparking a few nearby neurons, but when seated in the high, upright saddle, the MST-01 feels most like a Ducati Monster that’s grown up and gained some responsibility; but with that responsibility came a middle management job somewhere with very ergonomically correct chairs. This bike is intended for a crowd that starting riding on knife-edged sport bikes in their youth and need to move up to something smoother, easier and far more vertical now they’ve got a gob of back pain or a beer gut but don’t want to slide into a betassled cruiser."

I like the styling.  I like the high bags.  Even though it is a bike with fairings you can still see quite a lot of good stuff (frame & engine).  

(http://motusmotorcycles.com/images/1.jpg)
(http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/images/6.jpg)
(http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/images/3.jpg)

That does look nice.  I'd love to see one in person!!

Fixed.

 [coffee]

Well, YEA!!   [cheeky]

speculation on pricing?

Considering it's the only bike from a brand new start up company who's surely in a whole shitload of debt, I'd say it's probably in the $20k's.

That being said, when they finally get their feet off the ground and start selling some units I'd probably put them on par with the mid range BMW lines. 

Looks kinda like a Guzzi, a Honda and an ST4 did too much coke and had a wild 3-way.

I totally approve.

So what you are saying is that it uses tiger blood instead of oil?  ;D

I like it, this is where the Ducati ST line should have progressed.

Yes.

Which means basic maintenance is going to be OBSCENELY expensive.

Tiny LS7ish lump, make the beast with two backs YES

functional styling....meh

i'll bet as soon as this company makes a name for itself, it will move production out of the U.S. to increase it's profit margin. it seems to be the thing to do for american companies. if i read it correctly, victory is doing that right now. no offense to other countries, by the way.

I doubt it. The company is very adament in their marketing about changing the way things are done, rebuilding the American workplace pride, etc. Watch their video.
They would KILL their marketing strategy.


*edit- just read up on the Victory info. They are not moving to Mexico. They are moving production of their motors from  WI to IA where they already produce the bike. Polaris is moving some other operations to Mexico, but not the Victory bikes.

let's hope they mean what they say. however, i feel that when enough people squawk about the price, they will consider it. "made in america" pride will be trumped by the need to turn a bigger profit sooner or later. & yes, i do understand that all businesses have to make money & be competitive, but it shouldn't be by any means necessary.

p.s. thank you for the victory clarification.

That door swings both ways, so let us also hope their future employees don't turn into entitled lazy make the beast with two backss that demand 100% paid for health insurance, 100% paid for retirement accounts, 10% raises every year then go pick their noses for four hours and turn two screws during the remaining 3.5 hours.  The last 0.5 hour they can't be found because they snuck out the back door when the supervisor wasn't looking.

That, and that they also keep the company in private hands.  Not going public, and having the associated share holders board to answer to could keep things from getting too profit focused.

Anyone notice what kind of jacket that guy was wearing while on the dyno?

Looks and sounds like a cool bike!  good luck to them

make the beast with two backs that, I hope they are profit focused.  I hope they build the best damn bike out there and charge a premium for it.

What I hope is that they don't cheap out and use sub-par methods and materials to build it.

naked MST in action

http://www.youtube.com/motusmotorcycles (http://www.youtube.com/motusmotorcycles)

front looks cool. wouldve loved to see other angles though.

You said it, it looks good naked.  And Jesus Christ it sounds mean.   [thumbsup]

good luck to them. and if this is a success. i hope they build a LGHT naked version of it.  [thumbsup]

light... doubt it... that bike doesn't have much on it and it's a 500lb bike.

They quote "550lb wet."

I'm curious what their working definition of "wet" is.

just hoping...  ;D maybe they can reconfigure it and put that engine in a lighter package.

it appears that they are calling it MST-R

First generation products always have room for improvement.

That's pretty light for that class of bike.

It is nice looking  [thumbsup]

Yep.   :D

wasn't the Old ST less than 450

ST3 was claimed as 470 dry. Add all the fluids and such and it was probably about 510-520 wet.

Triumph Sprint ST is 530 wet
VFR 800 is claimed 480 dry (520-530 wet)
VFR 1200 is 590 wet
BMW r1200RT is 570 wet
BMW K1200GT is 620 wet
Kawi ZX-14 is 555 wet

So, it's in the ballpark, middle to lower end. Depending on what they consider "wet" of course

The wet weights supplied by the manufacturers are notoriously optimistic.  For example the BMW R1200RT was weighed by Motorcycle Consumer News and it was 625 lbs, which is quite a difference from 570lbs that BMW reported. 

MCN did weigh the ST3 and it was only 518lbs making it definitely the lightest sport-tourer. [thumbsup]

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/articles/2010JanIndex.pdf (http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/articles/2010JanIndex.pdf)

Motus Daytona Street Ride (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UxLXjjGH4U&feature=related#normal)

derby - just 1 page ago  ;D

Doh!!  Didn't register to me as it wasn't embedded. 

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2012-motus-mst-preview-90542.html (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2012-motus-mst-preview-90542.html)

i take back everything, wow.. they did a NICE job.

sexually excited and ready to go

IMO they need better industrial design in the rear of the bike. I like the high bags, but the butt and tail light are too late nineties alien smooth organic. catch my drift? anyways, great looking other than that IMHO, and what a great sounding bike. They also keep showing a naked, think they'll run with it?

Wet will most likely be ready to ride but no fuel. I'm quite impressed with the engineering and have little doubt it'll be the top ST bike around.  I do have some reservations regarding its success from a business perspective.

Lots of photos of the Prototype on Asphalt and Rubber today

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/motus-mst-prototype-photos/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/motus-mst-prototype-photos/)

some angles i love it

some angles i hate it

that must mean it's good in the sack..

I love the sound of that engine on the dyno.

I saw it and sat on it at the Laguna GP race this past weekend. I was impressed. Looks very cool and felt relatively light. Seemed like it would be comfortable, although that's hard to tell by just sitting on it.

(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n258/JJGeo/Laguna%20MotoGP%20Trip%202011/IMG_0812.jpg)

kind of like a fat guzzi

isn't that redundant?

It actually feels narrow when you sit on it...and it's lighter than any Guzzi I've ridden. I can't wait to test ride one.

is it as low as it seems from that camera angle?

Compared to my SMT it is very low, but the SMT is a tall bike. I don't remember exactly, but I'd say the seat height was close to an old Monster maybe. It felt low (but I'm used to the SMT), but not unreasonably so.

IMO, that camera angle is bad for all motorcycles.

There's a cool multi-page article on the Motus V4 engine in the new issue of Hot Rod.

I'd love to have just the engine, let alone the whole bike.

Where did you get the chance to sit on one?  You owned a Griso right?  If he Motus is lighter than a Griso that's pretty good for a sport tourer.

They had a booth at the Laguna GP where you could sit on either bike. I don't know if it's lighter than the Griso...but it felt lighter picking it up from the kickstand.

On Friday I talked with both the engineer guys (they are pro Ducati BTW, and one of them has/had an ST4S). The bike in the picture above was the "short" version. the other one had full bags etc and was a taller version. Their goal is under 550 wet, the seat is AMAZINGLY narrow. Could not even get a ballpark guess out of them for a price though. The quote was, "if we knew it would be public". Really intersting couple of guys that on Friday were fielding pretty well any question you asked. I would say they are VERY pro-Americn and even talked about being in Alabama and right next to the track etc. After my Uncle sat on it he basically said this bike will replace his ST4s assuming it happens. everything about it spewed qulaity for sure, of course they are prototypes but they were using top of the line components with TONS of adjustability for them that is for sure.

I'm 75% sure I chased one of these in the twisties for about 10min last week.  Figured I was coming up to the usual slug that I'd need to get around pronto, but this thing wicked it up and I was shocked at how balanced it seemed at pace for what looked from the rear to be a touring type bike.  Definitely had some get up and go, too.  Found out later that Motus was having a demo day near there (Alices) the following day, so maybe this was a scouting trip.  Here's a crappy screen capture from the video I was rolling.  Unfortunately the only exhaust note I could make out was from my own bike.

BK

(http://i52.tinypic.com/t6dxr4.jpg)

I got a chance to see it and sit on it here in Dallas a few weeks back.  I was impressed with the design, fitment and the bike felt just right for long-haul service.  A friend who is 5'6 was flat footed on the bike.  I hope they come through and start building them in because this is a bike I WILL own.  Hearing the guy make passes on the service road was also great.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/motus-kmv4-crate-motor/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/motus-kmv4-crate-motor/)

interesting.

i wish ducati did crate motors.. :-/

Oh. My.  :o

A new project is forming in my brain.  [evil]

Both prototype bikes are titled and full roadworthy. I heard one of the Motus guys tell a guy (at the Laguna GP) that if they had the time , they'd take the bike beyond the track grounds and go for a test ride.. Cool dudes fo' sho'

If its not umpteen zillion dollars, I would definitely pull the trigger on one.


And the exhaust note is killer !

Are you thinking of sticking the Motus V4 in a modified Ducati frame.  [evil]

Basically.  [evil]

Good luck, but it is never going to work without some outside-of-the-box thinking.  Any Ducati frame is too narrow for a longitudly mounted V4.

I'm a mechanical engineer. With no current extracurricular project.  ;)

And who said anything about an OEM frame.  ;D

Awesome. Hope to see it happen. 

I'd love to build a Locost 7 around something like that.

Or a go cart.

;D

Me too.

It will depend largely on what they want for a powerplant....


Something along the lines of a Polaris RZR also comes to mind.

Yes.

That.

:D

2013 Motus MST – 165hp, $30,975, Fall Production

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2013-motus-mst-r/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2013-motus-mst-r/)

(http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/gallery/motus-mst-daytona-bike-week-launch/motus-mst-production-10.jpg)

Darn, too rich for my blood.   :(

+1, by at least $10-12k.

yep.  priced themselves out of market.

At 31k, why are heated grips and heated seat not standard?! ???

That, and think of all the money they are loosing out by not having at least one dealership in CA? 

I havn't ridden the MST, but I'd be hard pressed to think it's worth 10K above the multi 1200s.....

I was pumped up about Motus, but after seeing the prices for what you get, I've come to the realization that its made for a niche market ...a sportbike for the Boss Hoss clientele.

price seems about right IMO.  Small volume, high end parts (look at the freaking forks, calipers, and rotors).

I don't think boss hoss is the right market.  More like a sport tourer for guys who can afford a 1098R, mv agusta F4, sedeci, or more in their garage. I have a friend who I could see buying this in heartbeat for something no one else in Iowa has.

mitt

Whatevs.

30K will get you one HELLUVA well appointed bike.  A Ducati MS1200 with full Ohlins, dyno tuning, luggage, nationwide dealer network and tested engine is STILL 5-6k less than a Motus.

Yeah, I 'get' the exclusivity.  For an F4 which you might track 4-14x per year.  Or a Sedici which needs to be ridden with educated hands and an ample wallet.  But a 30k upright sportbike entered into a market that's already full of outstanding upright sportbikes isn't a winning strategy regardless of engine configuration or exclusivity.  It's also a 'first year' design meaning that the rider is a beta test site for any bugs being worked out.

KTM SM or ADV, Triumph Tiger and Explorer, Ducati MTS, BMW GS, and even the GTS, Yamaha Super Tenere are all really good bikes.  It's a crowded market, and all these have multiple dealers.

I want Motus to succeed I really do.  But this isn't a sensible way to sell bikes.  There should have been some earlier consideration on price, R&D expenses or purchasing.  Time will tell a better story.

Agreed. It's about what I expected unfortunately. Hopefully they sell enough to grow and lower the price to MTS levels. Looks like a cool bike

$25,845 for BMW K 1600 GTL
$28,499 for a Honda Goldwing

THIS is the competition, not the MTS or GS bikes.

I thing they're all the competition. I think an MTS/GS/K1600 rider is more likely to want a MOTUS than a Goldwing rider. The MOTUS is way too sport oriented for most Goldwing rider.

very cool bike.  if i weren't already spending lots of money on bikes i'd consider this one as my only bike.   

I would say there is no direct competition for this bike, closest would be a Ducati ST if they still made it or maybe a BMW GT/S 1300.  The BMW LT and Gold Wing are luxury tourers with radio, Barcalounger seat, luggage space for a month's worth of travel and more.  The Motus is compact, relatively light and has lean angle equal to sport bikes.  Would I buy one?  Not at my level in the economy, but if I was wealthy, in a heartbeat! I forget how many bikes they plan on manufacturing a year, but is few enough that, IMO, they should have no problem selling out.

After seeing it in person and sitting on it I'd consider buying one if they retailed for about $23k.  Guess I'll wait for the used market.  I was very impressed with the bike.

Hmmmm... Let me think... A Motus, or a Penigale 1199S for the weekends AND a Monster for my daily commute?  Such a tough choice  :-\ [roll]

In pricing only.
But I don't see that demographic rider choosing a smaller bike that appears to have a lot less creature comforts AND pay a higher price on an untested brand.

Based on the included creature comforts and weight, a K1300S might be a better comparison.  It might not be quite as comfortable out of the box, but MSRP is $15,555.  and the BMW has shaft drive.  and $15-20k buys a lot of accessories... like 2 monsters.

PLEASE Ducati, updated ST4S with MTS engine/suspension ASAP...

Actually I would just like an updated ST3, anyone who has ridden both for any period of time will tell you the ST3 is a better execution than the ST4. I've got 44K on my ST3 and was in the market for a MTS1200 until I tried to sit on it, while I'm flat footed on the ST3 and on the Motus for that matter I almost need a step stool to get on the MTS. Passenger comfort is also an issue as compared to the ST3 or the Motus. Right now the so called Sport Tourer's on the market need to go on a diet, only one that comes close to the ST3/4 is the Triumph ST. My GF and I really enjoy trips on the ST3 and some quick asphalt dancing out in the mountains on occasion. Sadly I've elected to not ride the ST3 as much hoping to make it last until we are not doing sport riding anymore. We have taken to riding the Victory KP more, can't afford a Motus and the MTS1200 does not fit us.  - Gene

I *think* this is the most recent/comprehensive Motus thread......

A rather stale update, but I missed it:
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/motus-mst-drops-gdi-favor-port-fuel-injection/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/motus-mst-drops-gdi-favor-port-fuel-injection/)

I'll nicely dovetail this one about Motus in there as well...

http://thekneeslider.com/is-the-motus-v4-baby-block-crate-engine-the-future-of-old-school-hot-rodding/ (http://thekneeslider.com/is-the-motus-v4-baby-block-crate-engine-the-future-of-old-school-hot-rodding/)

I love that video. The sound of that engine on the dyno gives me wood.

We have to wait until fall?   >:(
I personally agree that we strayed too far from the fundamentals, at least what appeals to me