2017 Motus 1650cc MTS

Frame no. 1B9SM4161JB975025

• American-designed and made bike
• V4 engine comparable to LS V8
• Comes with side-cases

In their history, Car and Motorcycle Industry had the chance to see unsatisfied people. Indeed, if everybody had been satisfied, market would not be the same, and we probably would not have the same quality of product today. Some people are never satisfied, but luckily audacious enough to do something about it. Motus story is a great illustration of this.
Motus started with two men, Lee Conn and Brian Case, that had a passion for riding as big as their boldness. Being unable to find what they wanted on the market, they took the simplest decision about it: let's do it ourselves!
They went through the design of their own engine, found some help to build a brand new chassis, got part from the best suppliers, etc... After many adjustments, upgrades and compromises, as well as few prototypes, they then had to adapt their bikes to NHTSA and EPA rules and managed to produce their first bike in less than a decade, with final assembly and HQ located in Birmingham, Alabama.
Other than their dedication, another reason that could explain that fast-developing bike is that they already had the heart of it. In fact, Motus is primary a motor company. And if the MST or any of their bikes is full of well-made parts all around, what really makes the bikes is the engine.
The MV4 is a 90-degree V4 engine, liquid-cooled, developing 1650cc for about 165hp. Motus quickly gained that image of real American bike because of that engine. This V4, by its internal structure and external design is extremely similar to these big LS V8 engine that made American Cars' legend. Moreover, during its development, that V4 went through a company named Katech, essentially known for building crate race engine built on the LS model.
Lee Conn says it himself "When selecting parts to build the engine, we looked for parts that can do their job better than you'd expect. It turns out some automotive parts are a fantastic match for that requirement, because even average use for most automotive parts would be suitable for severe or heavy-duty usage for a motorcycle."
Overall, the two founders wanted the bike to remain simple. Or at least simple for the rider. Indeed, a Motus mixes car technology and principles with motorcycle simplicity. Everything is made so the bike is easy to be inspected / serviced.
As a not-so-behaved wild horse, the Motus does not carry ABS, traction control, or assistance of any sort. It is a 590lbs raw powered machine that surely makes heads turning.
The bike we have here is sold new by a dealership.