Thank you for the review, Jon. I am fortunate to own a 2018 MST-R. They are wonderful bikes to tour on. I rode mine 300 miles the day after I bought it! The mufflers are very easy to remove, and the sound from that V-4 is off the charts. Like a highly crammed V-8. You definitely have to get to Barber’s. You will return after your first trip/time. Best to come in October, during the Vintage Festival. You’ll see thousands of classic bikes being ridden all throughout the area. I live in Montgomery, AL. Come see us, sir!
Thoughtful and Insightful review of my MST-R, so many thanks to Jon for featuring it on his channel. Motus produced the first American four-cylinder motorcycle engine since the 1942 Indian Four, and it was a shame to lose it. Astounding (to me) that even today neither HD or Indian will build a four. The two guys behind Motus poured lots of passion into the bike, and it was a big blow that the company could not continue.
Well said Bill, and I couldn't agree more. Motus showed that Americans could think outside the V-twin box and that we could produce a fun, capable and unique sport-touring motorcycle. It was a pleasure to review your MSTR - thanks again!
I know nothing of this bike, but you had me at V-4 Engine. I have owned 3 Honda 1100 cc V-4 Honda's and they are smooth as butter , good power and great torque, but the specs on this engine is next level for sure. Closest thing to this kind of power i have ridden, is a Honda Blackbird, and it was a little unnerving . With the power of this bike , i would either be in jail, or dead :)
The Motus is one bike that I'd love to spend more time on. It is truly unique in my riding experience. It's like a Triumph Rocket 3 that handles great, rides great, has great brakes, weighs 1/3 less and doesn't run wide if you dial in throttle on a corner exit!
I have a 2015 MST Motus. I've been told that a total of 200 machines were produced. The Barber Museum in Alabama has two machines: the first and the last ones off the line. The bikes were built in what had been the Barber Museum in downtown Birmingham, before Mr. Barber built the new museum and racetrack in nearby Leeds AL. Brian Case, Motus co-founder and designer of the Motus, currently works for the Barber museum and heads their Advanced Design Center.
Thanks for the history Corey. I'm glad Brian is still involved in motorsports. I need to get down to Barber and check another item off the bucket list.
Great video/review of an awesome machine! I’ve never had the privilege of seeing one in person, but from what I can tell it’s a blast to throw a leg over! Keep the classic/rare bike videos coming!
Did a short 150 mile ride this morning on my MST R (there is a small riding window at the end of summer here in West Texas where you will not melt into the pavement). This bike is an absolute gem to drive. It feels as if you could ride it all day long with no problems. It is super powerful and super comfortable at the same time; not an easy feat in motorcycle engineering. Looking forward to the cooler months of Autumn.
The Motus is certainly a bike that I would love to do a long-term test on. On the ride that I did, I didn't scratch the surface of the performance on tap and it was still a blast to ride! 3,000 rpm corner exits were amazing fun!
Very cool, up until about 3 weeks ago I had never heard of Motus, until one parked next to me at a dealership in New Hampshire. The owner was kind enough to chat with me and I then did some research when I got home. Great to see you review one!
Great review! thank you I pick up a leftover 2017 MSTR back in 2020 with 1 mile on it. It's my Sunday fair weather bike so its only for 3000 miles on it now. I agree with everything you said. Also on the highway, she can eat up miles like so easily.
I never like to see any bike mfg. fail, especially one in the USA. Seems to have been a great 1st attempt with top notch parts. Way too much $$$$$ for me to consider though.
They seem to be fairly reasonably priced on the used market but I'm not sure about parts support. I'm sure there's a good community of Motus owners and many parts are available through the original suppliers.
i bet that wasnt a cheap original cost bike.being as refined as such took some engineering.i figured being an ohv it would be a low to midrange screamer.too bad the company failed.its a tough market nowdays with everything being so specialized.
So many great motorcycles use the V-4 engine configuration. I love the simplicity of the inline four but a V-4 is soulful in sound, very smooth, and still delivers great power. I agree that it's a shame we don't see more V-4s in cars! Cheers
If I had money to burn and if MOTUS was still in business I would have loved to engine swap this mini "LS" into a compact or subcompact car. Linear power and torque, reliable pushrod technology, naturally aspirated,revs to 7780 RPM between 165 to 180 HP . Pretty much any automotive transmission could handle the REVs . Put it into a Suzuki SX4 AWD and have a rally car .
Motus was such an interesting company. I loved their bikes but could never even dream about buying one due to their prices. Too bad they went out of business so quickly.
I agree. It was a real treat to get to experience this bike. It was so well-sorted and sneaky fast. It didn't feel like the absolute beast that the numbers suggest. It was very intuitive and easy to drive. It's a shame about their demise.
On paper, yes. But the Motus V-4 motor doesn't feel like an inline-4. It makes it's power in a much shorter rev-range and because the maximum rpm is significantly lower, it never has the screaming top-end rush of the ZZR1400. But, 3000 rpm corner exists are awesome because of the smooth rush of massive torque. In comfort, ride, brakes, and handling, the edge goes to the Motus.
3000 rpm at 70 mph in 6th gear. The owner tells me that gas mileage suffers noticeably when riding aggressively, but I don't have exact figures here. 🙂
People said they are out of business because their products were expensive but confederate motorcycles are more expensive and they are still selling motorcycles
Thank you for the review, Jon. I am fortunate to own a 2018 MST-R. They are wonderful bikes to tour on. I rode mine 300 miles the day after I bought it!
The mufflers are very easy to remove, and the sound from that V-4 is off the charts. Like a highly crammed V-8.
You definitely have to get to Barber’s. You will return after your first trip/time.
Best to come in October, during the Vintage Festival. You’ll see thousands of classic bikes being ridden all throughout the area. I live in Montgomery, AL. Come see us, sir!
You're welcome Bryan! I've got some family in AL. I will try to get down to the Barber Vintage Festival this year. It looks amazing!
Thoughtful and Insightful review of my MST-R, so many thanks to Jon for featuring it on his channel. Motus produced the first American four-cylinder motorcycle engine since the 1942 Indian Four, and it was a shame to lose it. Astounding (to me) that even today neither HD or Indian will build a four. The two guys behind Motus poured lots of passion into the bike, and it was a big blow that the company could not continue.
Well said Bill, and I couldn't agree more. Motus showed that Americans could think outside the V-twin box and that we could produce a fun, capable and unique sport-touring motorcycle. It was a pleasure to review your MSTR - thanks again!
I watched for mirror vibration and they looked smooth. Nice! Send me one of those bikes for Christmas.😎
It will be under the tree right next to your Rolex.🎅
I was following the development of this thing years ago on ADV Rider. Such a cool engine wrapped up in a very bizarre motorcycle.
It's a wonderful riding bike.
I know nothing of this bike, but you had me at V-4 Engine. I have owned 3 Honda 1100 cc V-4 Honda's and they are smooth as butter , good power and great torque, but the specs on this engine is next level for sure. Closest thing to this kind of power i have ridden, is a Honda Blackbird, and it was a little unnerving . With the power of this bike , i would either be in jail, or dead :)
The Motus is one bike that I'd love to spend more time on. It is truly unique in my riding experience. It's like a Triumph Rocket 3 that handles great, rides great, has great brakes, weighs 1/3 less and doesn't run wide if you dial in throttle on a corner exit!
I have a 2015 MST Motus. I've been told that a total of 200 machines were produced. The Barber Museum in Alabama has two machines: the first and the last ones off the line. The bikes were built in what had been the Barber Museum in downtown Birmingham, before Mr. Barber built the new museum and racetrack in nearby Leeds AL. Brian Case, Motus co-founder and designer of the Motus, currently works for the Barber museum and heads their Advanced Design Center.
Thanks for the history Corey. I'm glad Brian is still involved in motorsports. I need to get down to Barber and check another item off the bucket list.
Brian Case is designer of confederate motorcycles
@@luismancilla7815 he was many years ago...
Great video/review of an awesome machine! I’ve never had the privilege of seeing one in person, but from what I can tell it’s a blast to throw a leg over! Keep the classic/rare bike videos coming!
Right on, thanks Michael!
Did a short 150 mile ride this morning on my MST R (there is a small riding window at the end of summer here in West Texas where you will not melt into the pavement). This bike is an absolute gem to drive. It feels as if you could ride it all day long with no problems. It is super powerful and super comfortable at the same time; not an easy feat in motorcycle engineering. Looking forward to the cooler months of Autumn.
Awesome Dennis! I would love to do an extended drive on a Motus. Driving it while reviewing it was a treat but having to bring it back was torture!
I've never seen/ nor heard of such a motorcycle. WOW, that's all I can say!
The Motus is certainly a bike that I would love to do a long-term test on. On the ride that I did, I didn't scratch the surface of the performance on tap and it was still a blast to ride! 3,000 rpm corner exits were amazing fun!
Very cool, up until about 3 weeks ago I had never heard of Motus, until one parked next to me at a dealership in New Hampshire. The owner was kind enough to chat with me and I then did some research when I got home. Great to see you review one!
Thanks, it really was a treat!
The number of production units is closer to 200 total. An exceptionally, rare, unique, and cool motorcycle!
Right on!
The most beautiful engine ever!!!
Right on!
Great review! thank you
I pick up a leftover 2017 MSTR back in 2020 with 1 mile on it. It's my Sunday fair weather bike so its only for 3000 miles on it now. I agree with everything you said. Also on the highway, she can eat up miles like so easily.
Thanks Sean. I would love to do a trip on one. They seem like ane awesome sport-tourer!
You’re lucky to have one. I would have tried to buy if they stayed in business
Hi John, It was a friend's bike but he was kind enough to let me review it. It was a fun review!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I always wanted one of those. He’s lucky.
@@HarryNoze I agree.
I never like to see any bike mfg. fail, especially one in the USA. Seems to have been a great 1st attempt with top notch parts. Way too much $$$$$ for me to consider though.
They seem to be fairly reasonably priced on the used market but I'm not sure about parts support. I'm sure there's a good community of Motus owners and many parts are available through the original suppliers.
Never heard of Motus. I bet it's fun to ride. I like big torque.
Truly a fun ride!
What a cool machine 👍
Right on!
i bet that wasnt a cheap original cost bike.being as refined as such took some engineering.i figured being an ohv it would be a low to midrange screamer.too bad the company failed.its a tough market nowdays with everything being so specialized.
The MSTR version was $36k retail when new!
There were a few v 4 cars made some years ago ,pity they stopped making them
So many great motorcycles use the V-4 engine configuration. I love the simplicity of the inline four but a V-4 is soulful in sound, very smooth, and still delivers great power. I agree that it's a shame we don't see more V-4s in cars! Cheers
If I had money to burn and if MOTUS was still in business I would have loved to engine swap this mini "LS" into a compact or subcompact car. Linear power and torque, reliable pushrod technology, naturally aspirated,revs to 7780 RPM between 165 to 180 HP . Pretty much any automotive transmission could handle the REVs . Put it into a Suzuki SX4 AWD and have a rally car .
It's really fun in a bike!
here today ....gone tomorrow..............................unlike the old zeds gd vid tho. jon.
Thanks David.
Motus was such an interesting company. I loved their bikes but could never even dream about buying one due to their prices. Too bad they went out of business so quickly.
I agree. It was a real treat to get to experience this bike. It was so well-sorted and sneaky fast. It didn't feel like the absolute beast that the numbers suggest. It was very intuitive and easy to drive. It's a shame about their demise.
It's quite similar to the zzr1400, just not as long and wide
On paper, yes. But the Motus V-4 motor doesn't feel like an inline-4. It makes it's power in a much shorter rev-range and because the maximum rpm is significantly lower, it never has the screaming top-end rush of the ZZR1400. But, 3000 rpm corner exists are awesome because of the smooth rush of massive torque. In comfort, ride, brakes, and handling, the edge goes to the Motus.
Wow, I'd like to know how much gas , does it hold, and what is the gas mileage? What RPM's are you turning, at what speed?
3000 rpm at 70 mph in 6th gear. The owner tells me that gas mileage suffers noticeably when riding aggressively, but I don't have exact figures here. 🙂
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Wow, very incredible. So, what did it cost brand new? Did he say? Heck, 1650 it's like a VW motor!
@@29madmangaud29 Motus MST/MST-R
Base Price: $30,975/$36,975
@@captaincammy1 incredible
This company had so much potential. It met a sad fate.
Agreed!
People said they are out of business because their products were expensive but confederate motorcycles are more expensive and they are still selling motorcycles
Pulls like a freight train!
Right on!
American made motorcycles that desapeard 😢😢
It was an awesome first effort and sad to see Motus go.