Author Topic: Motus merged threadfest (Read 180728 times)

Gary · « **Reply #390 on:** October 07, 2013, 08:37:20 AM »

Here is a link to a video of 3 Motus motorcycles undergoing road testing in Utah.

http://canadamotoguide.com/2013/10/07/video-motus-tests-utah/

Lannis · « **Reply #391 on:** October 07, 2013, 08:42:08 AM »

Quote from: Gary on October 07, 2013, 08:37:20 AM

Here is a link to a video of 3 Motus motorcycles undergoing road testing in Utah.

http://canadamotoguide.com/2013/10/07/video-motus-tests-utah/

Been a year since we've heard a peep out of them, I figured them to be stillborn for 2012. Can't look at the video from here, but is this really a 2013 test or something from the archives?

I like the concept, just not much hope.

Lannis

wittangamo · « **Reply #392 on:** October 07, 2013, 10:03:54 AM »

The article is dated today and the video is of 2014 models.

Quote

Video: Motus tests in Utah

By Zac Kurylyk On October 7, 2013

Motus hasn’t made much news lately, but the upstart made-in-America manufacturer is still working on bringing their cycles to market in 2014.

The V4-powered bikes won’t feature gasoline direct injection, as originally planned, but they are still building them around a motor that’s based on a Chevy small-block V8. However, unlike other bikes that were built around car motors simply for bragging rights (cough cough, Boss Hoss, cough cough), the Motus machines are designed with actual sporty performance in mind.

You can see the Motus MST and MST-R undergoing road testing in Utah in the YouTube clip below.

Direct link to video: http://youtu.be/1OnJnuW_550 Lovely scenery and nice-looking bikes.

EldoMike · « **Reply #393 on:** October 07, 2013, 10:24:50 AM »

I like this one....

http://canadamotoguide.com/2011/04/26/motus-releases-mst-track-day-video/

jas67 · « **Reply #394 on:** October 07, 2013, 10:45:38 AM »

With the longitudinally mounted engine, one would think that shaft drive wouldn't been the natural way to go for final drive.

There is a lot to like about the Motus, but the price point certainly places it out of reach for most. I think $20k would've been a lot better price point for this bike.
I wish them well, and maybe with higher volume, the price can come down.

Guzzi-Guy · « **Reply #395 on:** October 07, 2013, 11:31:44 AM »

Maybe they are hanging on until Polaris buys them out!

youcanrunnaked · « **Reply #396 on:** October 07, 2013, 01:08:37 PM »

Quote from: Guzzi-Guy on October 07, 2013, 11:31:44 AM

Maybe they are hanging on until Polaris buys them out!

LOL.

I can't imagine this effort being successful. The Honda VFR 1200 is a similar bike, with a large V-4 engine and similar mission, and it was a failure in the marketplace because most potential buyers were turned off by the price ($16K base; around $20K with full touring accessories) and its neither fish-nor-fowl nature. (It's neither a great sport bike nor a great touring bike.) The Motus will be significantly more expensive than the Viffer, and while it might perform better and be more exclusive, it won't have Honda's reputation for reliability or its dealer network.

The Motus engine's exhaust note is glorious, though.

jas67 · « **Reply #397 on:** October 07, 2013, 03:28:29 PM »

Quote from: youcanrunnaked on October 07, 2013, 01:08:37 PM

LOL.

I can't imagine this effort being successful. The Honda VFR 1200 is a similar bike, with a large V-4 engine and similar mission, and it was a failure in the marketplace because most potential buyers were turned off by the price ($16K base; around $20K with full touring accessories) and its neither fish-nor-fowl nature. (It's neither a great sport bike nor a great touring bike.) The Motus will be significantly more expensive than the Viffer, and while it might perform better and be more exclusive, it won't have Honda's reputation for reliability or its dealer network.

The Motus engine's exhaust note is glorious, though.

Sadly, Honda no longer sells the VFR800 here, even though they still make it and sell it elsewhere.

molly · « **Reply #398 on:** October 08, 2013, 10:43:12 AM »

I like sport touring bikes my BMW R1100s was an excellent bike so it's good to see a American non v-twin motorcyle. It is similar to look at to the Honda VFR1200 which got bad press in the U.K. for it's limited range and was introduced when the whole adventure bike thing took off.
Sport tourers aren't the flavour of the month right now so sales may be limited which is a shame if it's any good.

Montana via Mandello · « **Reply #399 on:** October 08, 2013, 11:38:29 AM »

Rumors are floating around the motorcycle web sites that some versions will soon be back to compete against the new Yamaha Triples.

WFORIDER · « **Reply #400 on:** January 10, 2014, 12:53:58 AM »

http://motusmotorcycles.com

Murray · « **Reply #401 on:** January 10, 2014, 01:45:56 AM »

Quote from: WFORIDER on January 10, 2014, 12:53:58 AM

http://motusmotorcycles.com

Two things Motus isn't at the price point of Guzzi well unless you are talking MGS-01 territory, Motus biggest market will be the USA with a buy local thing, Guzzi's biggest market is Germany basically I'm saying I don't see the two as direct competitors. Unless you are alluding to the engine configuration will make them competitors where Motus has a lot more in common with the Honda ST series than Guzzi.

I am one of the people who look forward to a modern motor from Guzzi with some modern performance but I doubt Piaggio and the guys and girls who are running Guzzi will give a dead rats whatsit what Motus is doing.

ridingron · « **Reply #402 on:** January 10, 2014, 11:20:39 AM »

I would rather have a drive shaft than a chain drive. The chain give more options for the bike owner to change the final ratio to something that suits their use.

I would guess the cost of a transmission and the extra length to the wheel base was a consideration. The gearbox on a Honda ST1100 (V4/shaft drive) is about 9". Not a big deal on a sport Touring bike with the emphasis on touring.

jas67 · « **Reply #403 on:** January 11, 2014, 09:50:52 AM »

I'm not big on white, but, I think that these look stunning in black and white.

I hope they sell well enough to allow Motus to develop some higher volume models. I'd love to see a 75-90 HP 400-450 lbs light SPORT tourer; something to compete against the BMW F800GT and F800ST.

If they could sell it for under $14k, I'd definitely be in the market for it. I really want to buy an American-made motorcycle, but the cruiser-style V-twins being made here, though beautiful to look at, and excellent motorcycles for their intended market, are not what I'm after. It could be a V4 or V-twin (smooth 90 degree please), it really doesn't matter. I suspect the twin is much more likely to hit the cost goals. Also, please make it shaft or belt drive, and if a belt, not a $400 one like the BMW F800.

With all the other American manufactures all pretty much making the same style bikes, it is great to see one go after a different part of the market. I wish them well!

Lannis · « **Reply #404 on:** February 04, 2015, 09:04:50 AM »

Anyone heard from "Motus" lately?

Their website is still active, you can order a motor from them, they list upcoming dealers, and the concept seems reasonable (although we're all prepped to hear $30,000+ MSRP).

But it's 2015 and I haven't seen or heard of any actually being in production and sold through a dealer to a regular guy who says "Hey, look at my new Motus, it's great!"

Has anyone, yet?

Lannis

Cheese · « **Reply #405 on:** February 04, 2015, 09:08:48 AM »

Saw a brief write-up this month in..can't remember the mag, but they liked it. Even though it didn't have all the electronic "technology" of it's competition.

Joe A. · « **Reply #406 on:** February 04, 2015, 09:08:56 AM »

Except for the cover of Motorcyclist this month, I've not heard a peep. Not on my radar anyway.

Cheese · « **Reply #407 on:** February 04, 2015, 09:12:37 AM »

Quote from: Joe A. on February 04, 2015, 09:08:56 AM

Except for the cover of Motorcyclist this month, I've not heard a peep. Not on my radar anyway.

Saw a brief write-up this month in Motorcyclist they liked it. Even though it didn't have all the electronic "technology" of it's competition.

Peter

blackcat · « **Reply #408 on:** February 04, 2015, 09:33:28 AM »

I have heard that they are having some technical problems, something about eating up flywheels. Delivery has been pushed back a bit.

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #409 on:** February 04, 2015, 09:47:07 AM »

$30,975 165HP,123lb ft torq, Ohlins fork, 585#wet.. Motus MST.. Motorcyclist says available now and at the rear wheel-140hp/105 torq.
it has a fairing and hard bags it doesn't call out to me at all.. looks like a BMW.

Lannis · « **Reply #410 on:** February 04, 2015, 09:58:22 AM »

Quote from: fotoguzzi on February 04, 2015, 09:47:07 AM

$30,975 165HP,123lb ft torq, Ohlins fork, 585#wet.. Motus MST.. Motorcyclist says available now and at the rear wheel-140hp/105 torq.
it has a fairing and hard bags it doesn't call out to me at all.. looks like a BMW.

I can understand the appearance thing, some, but it DOES speak to me.

I just wonder whether cash flow is going to kill them a-borning... they've had to pay for all the facilities, all the material, all the labor, all the publiciity, all the engineering, all the testing, and it's been years and they've got nothing coming in, unless it's very bold investor money.

I'd have to have some sort of windfall in my pocket to pay the price, though; but if I had it I think I'd sign up.

Lannis

Dean Rose · « **Reply #411 on:** February 04, 2015, 10:12:49 AM »

REDLINE PERFORMANCE MOTORSPORTS
7331 George Washington Memorial Parkway
Yorktown, VA 23692
757-989-5000

Dean

Gliderjohn · « **Reply #412 on:** February 04, 2015, 10:14:35 AM »

I like the look and would love to hear one. Price is a bit on the steep side however!
GliderJohn

blackcat · « **Reply #413 on:** February 04, 2015, 10:19:32 AM »

I wish them luck, personally I wouldn't buy a new out of the box bike from a new company until it has been around a few years. JMO.

LowRyter · « **Reply #414 on:** February 04, 2015, 10:31:08 AM »

Quote from: Lannis on February 04, 2015, 09:04:50 AM

Anyone heard from "Motus" lately?

Their website is still active, you can order a motor from them, they list upcoming dealers, and the concept seems reasonable (although we're all prepped to hear $30,000+ MSRP).

But it's 2015 and I haven't seen or heard of any actually being in production and sold through a dealer to a regular guy who says "Hey, look at my new Motus, it's great!"

Has anyone, yet?

Lannis

$30k? Well my brother bought a Beemer 1600 GTL loaded, so I guess there are buyers out there. A certain kind of buyer for sure.

(I was able to explain to him how to roll the bike on the center stand. He was able to do it on the 2nd try. I guess that's what older brothers are for.)

Triple Jim · « **Reply #415 on:** February 04, 2015, 10:34:15 AM »

Anyone else disappointed that they chose to put the bevel gears in the transmission and use a chain final drive? The article implied they did that for cost savings, citing the added specialized castings that would be needed.

Cheese · « **Reply #416 on:** February 04, 2015, 11:08:10 AM »

Quote from: Triple Jim on February 04, 2015, 10:34:15 AM

Anyone else disappointed that they chose to put the bevel gears in the transmission and use a chain final drive? The article implied they did that for cost savings, citing the added specialized castings that would be needed.

Yeah, I was wondering if the "flywheel" issues are related to the bevel gear deal..

blackcat · « **Reply #417 on:** February 04, 2015, 11:18:44 AM »

Quote from: Cheese on February 04, 2015, 11:08:10 AM

Yeah, I was wondering if the "flywheel" issues are related to the bevel gear deal..

They are talking about installing some sort of cush drive to eliminate the current problem.

kirby1923 · « **Reply #418 on:** February 04, 2015, 11:26:22 AM »

Modern chains are a marvel, light cost effective very little maintenance easy to change. Don't want to start a fight here, just my experience with both types of drives.

IMO

mike :-)

Cheese · « **Reply #419 on:** February 04, 2015, 11:28:34 AM »

Really. Is the flywheel bolted to the end of the crankshaft, or attached to the shaft spun by the bevel?

News:

Author Topic: Motus merged threadfest (Read 180728 times)

Gary

Montana via Mandello

WFORIDER

ridingron

Cheese

Joe A.

Cheese

Cheese

kirby1923

Cheese