New 165bhp Motus V4 revealed

New American manufacturer Motus has taken the wraps off the final two versions of the Motus MST-01 V4 sport tourers which go on sale in America later this year.

The MST-01 has a 1650cc across-the-frame V4 with a claimed 165bhp for the entry-level bike and an ambitious 185bhp for the R version but the firm has decided not to fit the Gasoline Direction Injection (GDI) to the lower spec MST-01.

Just the MST-R will have the ultra-high pressure injection to boost power to 185bhp. The entry-level MST-01 will have traditional electronic fuel injection.

Motus call their V4 ‘half a V8’ and makes much of its American muscle car heritage. The engine has been developed by Katech in the USA and despite being an all-new design mixes new injection technology with old school two-valve cylinderheads and pushrods.

Motus spokesman Lee Con explained the firm had pre-sold 90 bikes out of a planned first year production run of 260. He said: “The geometry, wheelbase, rake and trail, and seat height were all set four years ago.

“The numbers we used are what makes a good touring sport bike. That type of geometry makes a very nimble 500lb (227kg) motorcycle. It undercuts others by 100lb (45kg). There’s nobody in America doing it.”

Motus has publicly stated these bikes are not targeting mainstream Japanese manufacturers. Conn added: “It’s tough to compete with the top high volume producers. We’re a low volume producer, quality over quantity.”

So far there is no word on UK dealers or delivery. The firm has eight US dealers to date with all of them multiple manufacturer dealerships with mainly European firms such as BMW, Triumph and Ducati.

The dealership in Daytona Beach where the bikes have been on display throughout the Harley-Davidson dominated Daytona Bike Week is BMW of Orlando, which also sells Ducati and Triumph. The aim is to have 20 US dealers by the time the bike goes into full production later this year before growing to 30 in total.

Conn added: “After the US, we’re looking overseas. The number one priority is getting them to American dealers.”