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[Midnight Rider]

I read about these when they were in the conceptual stage a few years ago.  I went for a ride yesterday and stopped by what used to be 29 Dreams ( a local motorcycle resort that closed down, but is about to re-open under a new name), and low and behold, one of the prototypes pulled up.  I didn't know what the hell it was until I saw the name on the valve covers...it sounds like two Ducati's running at the same time.  Great exhaust note.  They rode a couple of them out to California this year, and are about to head to the Northeast on another tour, testing durability, gathering data from on-board systems, etc.  Basically a Chevy small block engine design...push rods.  If you've ever heard a Ducati dry clutch, that's what it sounds like at idle...lot's of valve train and associated noise.  160HP and 120TQ.  Brembo brakes, Ohlin suspension, Givi produced panniers and topcase, trellis type frame, fat rear tire.  A sport touring bike.  Here's a link to their site.  Impressive machine, and it's built right here in Birmingham, Alabama.  AMERICAN MADE.  Production is expected to begin in 2012.  There are plans for other models.

http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/index.html

And here's a video, if I can get it to post right.  Well, doing something wrong, but here's the link:

[Buy early]

Interesting looking bike! Thanks for sharing.

[SBB]

I have been following development of these bikes from the beginning.
They will be an exceptionally fine and fun motorcycle.
If pricing is 1/2 way reasonable there will be one in my bike garage.

SBB

[Midnight Rider]

I have been following development of these bikes from the beginning.
They will be an exceptionally fine and fun motorcycle.
If pricing is 1/2 way reasonable there will be one in my bike garage.

SBB

Chip...seeing one in person, they have really done a fine job with this bike.  Lot's of R&D and on road testing.  I think the guy who was riding it was part of the "team"...he had sensors on the bike to collect data from suspension, brakes, and of course, the engine.  The trellis frame was a thing of beauty in design...looks like the engine is a structural component of the frame, much like a Ducati.  A few Carbon Fiber bits and pieces here and there...the bike was Silver.  In talking with the guy, it's real torquey, but linear in power to the ground, unlike some of the other bikes of it's design out there.  Not a terribly high seat at 31.5", and the nose of the seat is very narrow to allow shorter riders to reach the ground more easily.  As configured, this bike weighed only 550lbs wet, so they've done their homework.  Chain drive, but a very wide chain, and one of the new X types that is self lubricating.  Couldn't do belt drive because of gearing, and they didn't want the added weight of a shaft.  Gearing is designed around a 30-90mph range, though it is capable of MUCH higher speeds.  Very impressive exhaust note...unlike anything I've heard before, but a nice sound.  Would remind one of a Corvette...

[JR]

Chip...seeing one in person, they have really done a fine job with this bike.  Lot's of R&D and on road testing.  I think the guy who was riding it was part of the "team"...he had sensors on the bike to collect data from suspension, brakes, and of course, the engine.  The trellis frame was a thing of beauty in design...looks like the engine is a structural component of the frame, much like a Ducati.  A few Carbon Fiber bits and pieces here and there...the bike was Silver.  In talking with the guy, it's real torquey, but linear in power to the ground, unlike some of the other bikes of it's design out there.  Not a terribly high seat at 31.5", and the nose of the seat is very narrow to allow shorter riders to reach the ground more easily.  As configured, this bike weighed only 550lbs wet, so they've done their homework.  Chain drive, but a very wide chain, and one of the new X types that is self lubricating.  Couldn't do belt drive because of gearing, and they didn't want the added weight of a shaft.  Gearing is designed around a 30-90mph range, though it is capable of MUCH higher speeds.  Very impressive exhaust note...unlike anything I've heard before, but a nice sound.  Would remind one of a Corvette...

Sure wasn't what I was expecting to sound like! That sounds wicked  :2vrolijk_21:awesome!

[Twolanerider]

Relative notions of course.  But, to my eye, sure wish the rest of the bike had the same aesthetic as the engine.

[cvobiker]

Interesting.... I like it.. i just wonder what 1/2 way reasonable will be   

[SBB]

Interesting.... I like it.. i just wonder what 1/2 way reasonable will be   

When I don't balk at the price of a 11 SEUC at $36,500.00 or a 12 SEUC at $37,249.00 I'm not sure I'm even qualified to recognize what a 1/2 way reasonable price is.
But I sure do like that motor.

 

SBB

[SBB]

Our bud Puzzled posted this picture Feb of last year.
Wonder if there is a connection?

 

SBB

[SG Racer]

Very interesting. I would really like to see one. Thanks for sharing.

[CVOThunder]

Certainly has peeked my interest. I'll have to watch the videos later on but these should be a hit.

[Midnight Rider]

Relative notions of course.  But, to my eye, sure wish the rest of the bike had the same aesthetic as the engine.

For what it is, it's competitive in looks when you see it in person.  In talking with the guy, there's a method to their madness, in that they are going after a niche market first, which is those people who want the best of two worlds...an american made sport bike, and a sport touring bike.  They will pull some of the BMW riders away with this bike, I think, as well as a few of the Japanese buyers.  The guy told me there was no way they were going to go after the "cruiser" market at this point in time, but a true touring bike might be down the road a bit.  That would directly compete with the Beemer, Wing, and for some, HD.  It will be interesting to see over the next few years.

[SBB]

Chip...seeing one in person, they have really done a fine job with this bike.  Lot's of R&D and on road testing.  I think the guy who was riding it was part of the "team"...he had sensors on the bike to collect data from suspension, brakes, and of course, the engine.  The trellis frame was a thing of beauty in design...looks like the engine is a structural component of the frame, much like a Ducati.  A few Carbon Fiber bits and pieces here and there...the bike was Silver.  In talking with the guy, it's real torquey, but linear in power to the ground, unlike some of the other bikes of it's design out there.  Not a terribly high seat at 31.5", and the nose of the seat is very narrow to allow shorter riders to reach the ground more easily.  As configured, this bike weighed only 550lbs wet, so they've done their homework.  Chain drive, but a very wide chain, and one of the new X types that is self lubricating.  Couldn't do belt drive because of gearing, and they didn't want the added weight of a shaft.  Gearing is designed around a 30-90mph range, though it is capable of MUCH higher speeds.  Very impressive exhaust note...unlike anything I've heard before, but a nice sound.  Would remind one of a Corvette...

Terry

I contacted them. Am hoping a stop or slow down as they come through Charlotte is possible.
Maybe.

 

SBB

[Midnight Rider]

They are sponsering a big "Bike Night" Saturday from 6-10PM in an eclectic part of B'ham (Lakeview District) with free bike parking, local food/drink, and live music to kick off the Northeast Tour.  We may attend.  If so, I'll try and get a few pics of the bike and a bit more information about production plans, if possible.

[Hank Hankerson]

Superb bike.  Most recent article I've read is in Motorcyclist October 2011 issue.  It's a great read.