Author Topic: Motus merged threadfest (Read 180487 times)

Cheese · « **Reply #480 on:** February 06, 2015, 08:37:50 AM »

Quote from: youcanrunnaked on February 06, 2015, 08:31:15 AM

According to the Motus spec sheet, the bikes have ride-by-wire and cruise control. My understanding is that once you have ride-by-wire, it's just a matter of adding some software and switches to get multi-map throttle modes; add ABS and some software, and you can also have traction control. So the presence of ride-by-wire technology suggests that these refinements might be coming, but it also makes their current absence particularly baffling. With all of the development time that has been put into this bike, what are they waiting for?

Geeks are expensive

ridingron · « **Reply #481 on:** February 06, 2015, 10:44:37 AM »

Quote

According to the Motus spec sheet, the bikes have ride-by-wire and cruise control. My understanding is that once you have ride-by-wire, it's just a matter of adding some software and switches to get multi-map throttle modes; add ABS and some software, and you can also have traction control. So the presence of ride-by-wire technology suggests that these refinements might be coming, but it also makes their current absence particularly baffling. With all of the development time that has been put into this bike, what are they waiting for?

Geeks are expensive

At a listed $30K price all ready, where would the price tag have ended with all the other things and the geeks added?

Cheese · « **Reply #482 on:** February 06, 2015, 10:56:11 AM »

Quote from: ridingron on February 06, 2015, 10:44:37 AM

At a listed $30K price all ready, where would the price tag have ended with all the other things and the geeks added?

Not entirely sure but at 300 units/yr I'd think it could be significant?

steven c · « **Reply #483 on:** February 06, 2015, 01:09:18 PM »

I like the bike but out of my price range! To bad hits all the right points for me. But if I hit the lottery…...

bad Chad · « **Reply #484 on:** February 06, 2015, 04:15:03 PM »

Under perfect sales conditions, we have 50 states, so Motus could move 6 bikes a year to each state?! Good luck.

But surly the other 95% of humanity might want one, so perhaps spoiled Americans only have 250 to spread around, on no we are in for a bidding war!!! :D

rboe · « **Reply #485 on:** February 06, 2015, 04:28:22 PM »

Folks that don't like to see them selves on the road (many members here feel that way; one reason they choose Moto Guzzi) will look very hard at this bike.

Exclusive because of production and price.
Everything else is "good enough".

I bet we could sell twelve in the Phoenix area alone. After all, Griso's are thicker 'n flies around here.

I think they have potential. Not that I could afford one.

jas67 · « **Reply #486 on:** May 10, 2015, 07:08:06 AM »

I friend of mine had the opportunity to test ride one at an event that was held at Battley Cycles in Gaithersburg, MD yesterday.
Does this mean they're going to be actually selling bikes soon?

Quote

Motor was impressive from 3 k rpm up. ohlins forks , WP rear...Lots of smart engineering .really not being a shaft is Maybe the only short comings as a sport tourer . Only a 9.9 mile guided test ride .So limited in getting a full feeling for it . No slab riding to get that feel either as far wind buffeting ....Prices start at $30,000. Does not open Missy's check book either. Still appreciated the opportunity for a test ride.

The only thing that I did not like was the Ducati type turning radius .steering stops could of had a few more degrees more turning . I see that being a parking lot problem .

jas67 · « **Reply #487 on:** May 10, 2015, 07:49:24 AM »

Quote from: oldbike54 on May 10, 2015, 07:21:02 AM

Jay , I have to think that at $30K , and with performance probably not equal to an FJR , the MOTUS may be irrelevant before they hit the market . That could be why it has taken so many years to get even this far along . Time will tell .

Dusty

I certainly agree. As others have stated, this is only going to sell to those who want something really unique; not to see themselves on the road.

It'll be the MV Agusta of touring bikes.

kevdog3019 · « **Reply #488 on:** May 10, 2015, 08:41:06 AM »

Quote from: oldbike54 on May 10, 2015, 07:21:02 AM

Jay , I have to think that at $30K , and with performance probably not equal to an FJR , the MOTUS may be irrelevant before they hit the market . That could be why it has taken so many years to get even this far along . Time will tell .

Dusty

:+1

LowRyter · « **Reply #489 on:** May 10, 2015, 09:51:39 AM »

Quote from: rocker59 on February 04, 2015, 12:08:25 PM

Or, you could look at it as diversification.

The engine was developed with installation in mini race cars in mind , so the motorcycle is only part of the plan.

motus vintage f1 mini race car

canuguzzi · « **Reply #490 on:** May 10, 2015, 01:57:49 PM »

For 30 grand a bike needs more than a different engine, there are already plenty of excellent engines for the sport touring genre. The in-line four in the FJR, the V4 of the Honda ST and then of course the boxer and V twins. Sure, the engine in the Motus is more powerful but how often would anyone take advantage of the additional power over a FJR or ST1300?

Anyone who has ridden an FJR or ST1300 isn't complaining about vibration or lack of power, fuel economy or reliability either.

You can only plug so many accessories into the system and with lights and many accessories having lower power requirements, a different alternator is ok but not the thrill of the day. I don't see all that many Sport Tourers lacking in accessory power these days and as far as reliability goes, for 30 grand there has to be a lot more than that.

The bike itself looks great and has a different style to it but 30 grand still goes a long way to putting style on anything.

The fairing looks too much like it came off an old Kawasaki Concours and the tank is UJM style. There is the exposed frame which is like like everyone else so it is all about then engine.

The Norge doesn't have the same power but after you've wicked open the throttle a few times, it's time to lay down miles and if that 30 grand isn't doing that better than everyone else, then you'd have to be happy with the engine as the primary focus of everything and a Sport Tourer is about the whole machine as a unit, one one individual component.

In the 16-20k range, it would make an interesting bike to have, at 30k, not so much other than bragging rights.

Chances are, when it comes to exclusivity, there might be more Motuls seen than Norges. I have yet to see another Norge on the road.

bratman2 · « **Reply #491 on:** May 10, 2015, 03:39:27 PM »

To put the 30k into perspective, a Screaming Eagle from HD can easily top that price. They do sell a few of them too! For me I am keeping my Norge, not that I have Motus money or Screaming Eagle dollars either.

Doppelgaenger · « **Reply #492 on:** May 10, 2015, 04:05:39 PM »

People pay for the screaming eagle because it's a Harley. And Harley can get away with it because they're big.

The problem is that Motus doesn't have another product with mass appeal, so if you fork over the ridiculous asking price, you're buying into a company that is probably going to go belly up within 2 years - since no one will buy one once it actually goes on sale - and be left without parts support for what is effectively a one-off engine. Kind of a Delorean moment going on here.

Still, if you buy one it might be worth twice as much in 30 years.

Arizona Wayne · « **Reply #493 on:** May 10, 2015, 05:13:58 PM »

I already ride 8 rigs that are all rare in the U.S. and none of them even cost $8,000 ea. ;D

Aaron D. · « **Reply #494 on:** May 11, 2015, 06:43:02 AM »

The styling is nice, but looks a few years old, and it is nice rather than beautiful-and I think it will have to be beautiful before it will sell at that price.

blackcat · « **Reply #495 on:** May 30, 2015, 01:30:45 PM »

I got to test ride one today and it is a fantastic bike, it handled really well,build quality is top notch, had tons of torque and the sound was amazing.

And I believe that the dealer was in the process of selling one when I left the store.

Mayor_of_BBQ · « **Reply #496 on:** May 30, 2015, 01:49:36 PM »

Quote from: blackcat on May 30, 2015, 01:30:45 PM

And I believe that the dealer was in the process of selling one when I left the store.

What was the dealer floor price?

blackcat · « **Reply #497 on:** May 30, 2015, 01:55:19 PM »

Quote from: Mayor_of_BBQ on May 30, 2015, 01:49:36 PM

What was the dealer floor price?

I think the base price bike as pictured above with bags is $31K.

leafman60 · « **Reply #498 on:** May 30, 2015, 02:31:45 PM »

I was there too and took a spirited ride on the R model.

For me, the Motus out-Guzzis the Guzzi!

The four-cylinder sounds and feels like a big V Twin instead of a four. It's like riding an 8V Guzzi on steroids. Lots of torque and amazing horsepower. Handling and braking are fantastic.

I like the basic, almost unrefined feel of the bike. There is no extra electronic BS to the bike. None of the BMW sissy stuff like automatic stop-light brakes or electronic shifting. The Motus is like a genuine Shelby AC Cobra up against the gadget-laden Mercedes Benz luxury sport touring bikes. The Motus is a throw back to what some people call REAL motorcycles.

It is nothing at all like an FJR, ST1300, or new BMW, all very sterile bikes to me (no offense to those who like them).

Motus President, 30-something (?) Lee Conn, guided the test rides and spoke passionately about the machines.

Bikes are now being shipped for sale. They start at $31,000+ and top out at about $36,000 for the carbon-wheeled R model. Fit and finish is excellent and componentry is made up of top-drawer items. Great attention has been spent on sourcing parts from high-quality sources in the US, Europe and elsewhere. Lee couldn't name a single Chinese item on the bike except for maybe some wiring items.

I expect the California cycle magazines will tear it apart with criticism for all the creature comforts it lacks. But, one thing the Motus has in spades that is increasingly being refined out of motorcycles is character. Guzzi has character but the Motus carries it several rungs higher up the ladder. If you get the chance, ride one.

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #499 on:** May 30, 2015, 02:52:02 PM »

Ohh ohh..<rummaging among the couch cushions> I'd look good on that. ;D
I'm glad to hear you guys testify. Did you know there is a Guzzi connection? Sydney Conn, Lee's dad, had the Guzzi balloon at Bonneville when we (collectively) took the land speed record with a LeMans.. ;-T
Still have the T shirt. ;)

blackcat · « **Reply #500 on:** May 30, 2015, 03:01:04 PM »

Yes, talked to Lee about his dad. Lee said he is still riding his California which has Carrillo rods,etc.etc. ;D

And we talked about his dad's land speed bike, a Guzzi engine that sounds like no other Guzzi I have ever heard and Sidney still has the bike.

bad Chad · « **Reply #501 on:** May 30, 2015, 03:17:16 PM »

Quote from: leafman60 on May 30, 2015, 02:31:45 PM

I was there too and took a spirited ride on the R model.

For me, the Motus out-Guzzis the Guzzi!

The four-cylinder sounds and feels like a big V Twin instead of a four. It's like riding an 8V Guzzi on steroids. Lots of torque and amazing horsepower. Handling and braking are fantastic.

I like the basic, almost unrefined feel of the bike. There is no extra electronic BS to the bike. None of the BMW sissy stuff like automatic stop-light brakes or electronic shifting. The Motus is like a genuine Shelby AC Cobra up against the gadget-laden Mercedes Benz luxury sport touring bikes. The Motus is a throw back to what some people call REAL motorcycles.

It is nothing at all like an FJR, ST1300, or new BMW, all very sterile bikes to me (no offense to those who like them).

Motus President, 30-something (?) Lee Conn, guided the test rides and spoke passionately about the machines.

Bikes are now being shipped for sale. They start at $31,000+ and top out at about $36,000 for the carbon-wheeled R model. Fit and finish is excellent and componentry is made up of top-drawer items. Great attention has been spent on sourcing parts from high-quality sources in the US, Europe and elsewhere. Lee couldn't name a single Chinese item on the bike except for maybe some wiring items.

I expect the California cycle magazines will tear it apart with criticism for all the creature comforts it lacks. But, one thing the Motus has in spades that is increasingly being refined out of motorcycles is character. Guzzi has character but the Motus carries it several rungs higher up the ladder. If you get the chance, ride one.

Wow twice the character of a Guzzi, and it's only twice the price!!! :D :D

Jim Rich · « **Reply #502 on:** June 01, 2015, 07:50:06 PM »

Those things look sick. I'm pretty sure I need one. The dyno video just make me laugh with pleasure. I have no business going test drive one of them. I better go test drive one. :)

Mayor_of_BBQ · « **Reply #503 on:** August 16, 2015, 12:13:45 PM »

Any WALKING DEAD fans in here?

Norman Reedus is touring WNC and ETN on a Motus,

From his Instagram last couple days....

https://instagram.com/p/6awXkyMcDb/

https://instagram.com/p/6a1ouBMcOh/

Lannis · « **Reply #504 on:** August 16, 2015, 12:45:44 PM »

Quote from: Mayor_of_BBQ on August 16, 2015, 12:13:45 PM

Any WALKING DEAD fans in here?

Norman Reedus is touring WNC and ETN on a Motus,

From his Instagram last couple days....

https://instagram.com/p/6awXkyMcDb/

https://instagram.com/p/6a1ouBMcOh/

Tried the link twice with two different browsers and it crashed both of them, so I'll have to depend on second-hand information.

Does Norman have any qualifications for letting us know about a new motorcycle other than playing a zombie on film?

Lannis

Mayor_of_BBQ · « **Reply #505 on:** August 16, 2015, 02:09:31 PM »

Quote from: Lannis on August 16, 2015, 12:45:44 PM

Tried the link twice with two different browsers and it crashed both of them, so I'll have to depend on second-hand information.

Does Norman have any qualifications for letting us know about a new motorcycle other than playing a zombie on film?

Lannis

hmmmm

maybe like this?

https://instagram.com/p/6awXkyMcDb/

https://instagram.com/p/6a1ouBMcOh/

I don't think Norman is any special authority above and beyond he's a rich enthusiast who can and does ride many many many different bikes of all makes & styles??

I guess he's at least as knowledgeable as Ewan?

Oh yeah, Norman doesn't play a zombie on film, he plays a Triumph chopper-ridin' squirrel-eatin redneck zombie killer

Lannis · « **Reply #506 on:** August 16, 2015, 04:42:59 PM »

Quote from: Mayor_of_BBQ on August 16, 2015, 02:09:31 PM

I guess he's at least as knowledgeable as Ewan?

THAT'S no comfort ... !

Lannis

sarg · « **Reply #507 on:** August 16, 2015, 07:31:45 PM »

the pre pro models from a couple years ago were much better looking. imo. with the canadian dollar so shitty there wont be any sales up here.

davevv · « **Reply #508 on:** August 16, 2015, 08:09:41 PM »

You guys really need to take a ride on one of these if you get the chance. They are outstanding bikes. Leafman60 is right on with his impressions of it. I've ridden a lot of bikes since I got my license in '61 but I've never been on another one as good as the Motus. That includes the '08 Norge that I loved until I got old enough that it caused enough neck and shoulder pain that I wasn't willing to put up with it any more on 500 mile days. Everything on the Motus is top shelf. Unlike any of the other bikes you can buy, that all benefit from changes in suspension, seats, handlebars/risers, exhaust, etc., there is nothing on the Motus that needs to be changed. If you replace/modify anything on it, you're probably going backwards.

Then think about the engine. The Chevy LS7 is still winning world class endurance races. Well, the Motus "Baby Block" KMV4 was designed by Katech, the same engineering firm responsible for the LS7. That same technology is what you get in this engine. And yes, it has the same character/feel that I love about the Guzzi engine, but "enlarged". It reminds you of an American muscle car. All of it's prodigious horsepower and torque are perfectly controlled. It will never scare you or get you in trouble unless you ask it to. It's very sedate and manageable in any situation, but with 165hp and 123lb/ft of torque available whenever you want to use it. And how much maintenance does a modern Chevy small block require? The Motus is the same. Change the oil and filter, keep the air filter clean and ride. Plus, it's diagnostic package will generally tell you which part to obtain from your neighborhood NAPA to fix it if you should ever have a problem.

Yes, it's an expensive bike, but you can spend that kind of money on a Harley or BMW as well. And you don't have to spend any extra dollars on the Motus to get it to where you want it to be. Yes, they left off all the electronic wizardry and that's a plus as far as I'm concerned. I like cruise control, which it has, and wouldn't mind ABS, which it doesn't have, but you can keep all the rest of the nanny stuff.

I didn't go to the demo event because I was in the market for a new bike. I already had a '13 Super Tenere that was a perfectly good road machine. I've been interested in Motus since they were first announced and I'd seen them a few years ago when Lee Conn and Brian Case (Motus founders) came through here on the prototypes. I just wanted a chance to ride one and see what they had come up with. After I rode it, I knew I wanted one and that I felt it was worth the price. When you look at the whole package, I don't think you can build a bike of this quality for much less. It just took me a week to decide I was actually willing to pay that much for any motorcycle. My new blue MST is supposed to be here by the middle of September.

Ride one and I'll bet it will blow you away, even if you don't agree that it's worth the price tag.

kevdog3019 · « **Reply #509 on:** August 17, 2015, 09:22:55 AM »

Good for you on this and it's good to hear from someone who has actually ridden one! I would love to hear more after you get one home.
Best!

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Author Topic: Motus merged threadfest (Read 180487 times)

Cheese

ridingron

Cheese

canuguzzi

Doppelgaenger