What I want: Motus MST (MSTR)
But, hey, everyone has to start somewhere and I support an American company producing an American motorcycle that isn’t a cruiser. Don’t get me wrong, I love cruisers. I am crazy about the new Indians. have long been a fanboy of Victory and definitely wouldn’t turn my nose up at a Harley.
But I ride a Honda sport tourer and find that I quite enjoy the feel and handling of such a bike, and would certainly like to see an American-made version. Apparently I’m not the only person thinking this, because that’s what Motus is offering: an American-made sport tourer. The engines come from Texas and the whole thing is put together in Alabama.
Beyond its heritage, there are a number of things to like about a Motus: the engine is a V-4, basically a Corvette engine that’s been chopped in half. I won’t pretend to know anything about engines but apparently this one makes the bike really move (lots of bhp and lots of torque). Additionally, the engine gives the exhaust a low muscle-car-like growl that is almost certainly more pleasing to American ears.
As far as looks go, I can’t complain. I’m not too sure about the front fairing, but the rest of the machine looks solid. I don’t think anyone really creams their jeans for the look of a sport tourer, though. The point of such a bike is performance and feel.
And from what I’ve read so far it’s got that, along with an impressively tech-friendly dash.
Who will buy these?
And it’s hard to guess where the extra money for the Motus is being spent. Those cheaper bikes produced by Honda and BMW (which also come with the advantages of tested liability and extensive dealership networks) come with things like anti-lock brakes, traction control and cruise control. The Motus does not –– not even as an option.
I find it hard to fathom that a company would build a modern sport tourer without ABS.
By the standards of the three biggest American motorcycle manufacturers (i.e. Harley-Davidson, Victory and Indian), the Motus is relatively advanced (a) . but by the standards of the machines against which it would likely compete Motus is far behind the curve. Also, for me personally, that front fairing is just too ugly.
It makes the bike look several decades out of date.
So, I find myself feeling just a little bit sad when I think about Motus. I want so much for them to do well, and I would love to have an MST or MSTR to roar around on. Give me one and I’ll thank you profusely. But there’s no way I’d spend my money on one.
And I can’t help but wonder who would.
––––––––––
(a) Performance-wise. Technologically, however, all three offer models with anti-lock brakes.
- The Motus Motorcycle First Look – SmartCycleShopper.com
- 2005 MZ660 Baghira – Motorcycle USA
- MZ Tuning Specialists! – Supermoto General – Visordown
- Uncategorized ninjaturtlegreen
- Your Questions About Bsa Motorcycles Bsa Motorcycles Parts
