What would you say about an American-built motorcycle with a transverse V4 engine derived from a Chevy V8?
You’d probably figure that it was either a survival-styled rat bike designed by some crazy loon to ride to Mad Max re-enactment rallies. Or, maybe you’d think it was a massive semi-custom ride like the Boss Hoss, purchased mainly to intimidate those on lesser machines at Sturgis or Daytona.


You’d be wrong on both accounts. US-based Motus’ MST-01 sport tourer should be no dinosaur. The 1645cc KMV4 "baby block" engine will have direct gasoline injection – a motorcycle first, the company claims.
The system should provide higher performance and improved gas mileage, two features that sport touring types find quite useful. The motor only has an 8,000 rpm redline, but a six-speed gearbox should help keep the vibrations down. The manufacturer’s website claims a minimum of 140 bhp at 7800 rpm.


We’re not sure exactly when you’ll start to see the bikes for sale, but the company is aiming for a 2011 release. To keep us all happy while we wait, they uploaded a video last Friday of a prototype running a dyno test. Enjoy!

Actually it will be much harder to get parts for than most bikes sold by the long established manufacturers. The same goes for aftermarket. It doesn’t mean it uses a small block concept you can walk into CT for parts ….
Despite limitations like the 8,000 rpm redline, it’s interesting to see a bike that you could hop down to your local Canadian Tire and get engine parts for…
Gut feeling is that this is going to be $50k or more when it’s released. Sounds really cool though; may even be worth the dough to some.
“The motor only has an 8,000 rpm redline…”
That’s what you get when you use pushrods.
Please let me know when you get invited to the press launch where they have more than 3 bikes.
estimated dry weight 10000 lb