| Author | Message | ||
     Hughlysses |
Story from the Kneeslider: http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/04/06/motus -american-motorcycles-new-american-motorcycle-comp any-breaks-cover/ "Motus American Motorcycles". Water-cooled V-4 sport tourer. Wow. They are definitely not lacking on ambition. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
It would be interesting! Unfortunately, it takes more than a press release. | ||
| Jaimec |
Haven't they heard? Sport Tourers don't sell...  | ||
| Court |
Interesting that there is a BUELL ad running on the page. I wish them the best and hope they don't succumb to the typical downfall of forgetting to do the motorcycle . . . I always think of the Hanlon's with their mouths, leather jackets and gaggle of playmates. Bragging about the qualifications of your engineers only gets you so far. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
The engineers are "highly respected, automotive engineering partners" from the FAILING auto industry..... Maybe that V-4 will get 12 mpg... | ||
| Court |
Like I've always said . . . . "if you have a perfect motorcycle you are about 7% of the way to starting a motorcycle company". | ||
| Zane |
Ok. I'm a computer type not an engineer. Why a V4 other than more torque? I do understand that if a little torque is good, more torque is better, but what other advantages does a V4 bring to the table? Run smoother? Better reliability? Way more hp? Who can give me auto engineering 101 real fast? | ||
| Glitch |
V4s are an awesome engine. Aprillia Honda Yamaha To name a few. The Aprillia IIRC weighs less wet than the GSXR dry. I don't know why there aren't more. Maybe they just too complex and/or difficult to reproduce/manufacture. I dunno. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
you know you can put bags on anything and call it a sport tourer... Kind of reminds me of the line from Meet The Parents about milking a cat. | ||
| Swordsman |
What, not even a teaser Photoshop? I'll believe it when I see it. And maybe not even then.  I'm still waiting on Fischer to take off. ~SM | ||
| Barker |
The site is full of lots of great info! http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/ | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Motus promises to be a new force in American motorcycling. We are currently developing a lightweight, high performance sport-touring machine for enthusiasts who demand a distinctly premium riding experience. What more could ya want???? | ||
| Dhalen32 |
Zane: A V-4 is typically more narrow than an I-4 and develops comparable horsepower so it may handle a bit better and be capable of more lean angle. Like an I-4, it can usually rev higher to develop more horsepower than an identical displacement V twin. It will also not likely develop as much torque as that identical displacement V twin. Dave | ||
| Barker |
I'm interested, but it sounds expensive. Good luck on a ground-up powerplant program from a start-up. | ||
| Swordsman |
"The site is full of lots of great info! http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/" LOL, Barker, you a funny guy!  ~SM | ||
| Arcticktm |
Wolf, It's not a lack of quality engineers that let US auto down. I have friends from MI that were working full time on multiple hybrid powertrains at GM back before anyone ever knew the word Prius. This was back in the early 90's. The problems are always with the business side (strategy, marketing, financing) that kills or shelves the ideas. Cutting edge technology is just part 1. A lot can get messed up on the way to execution, and GM knows that better than anyone. Point of fuel economy fact: My parents full size 2001 Chevy Tahoe gets 18-20mpg on the highway, with a V8. I am damn lucky to get 18mpg with my mid-size V6 Honda Ridgeline. Most of the current GM cars/trucks have higher highway MPG numbers than the Honda/Toyota equivalent, as well. | ||
| Hughlysses |
+1 to that. IIRC, wasn't the lead engineer from HD who worked on the XBRR engine development a former Ford employee? Speaking of which, I'd still like to see a street version of that plant.  | ||
| Rfischer |
"....not likely to develop as much torque as an identical displacement V twin" In the words of a certain esteemed Badwebber, "that would be an inaccurate statement." Case in point: the new Aprilia RSV4 V-4 displacing 994cc. makes 85 lbs./ft. of torque [180 hp.] which is roughly the equal of a 1098 R Duc and more than the 1125 Buell. More Rocket Science. | ||
| Not_purple_s2 |
"for enthusiasts who demand a distinctly premium riding experience" If they do actually produce any bikes, how much you want to bet that they'll cost $30K+ That's probably low-balling it, I'm thinking they'll be closer to $60K (Message edited by not_purple_s2 on April 08, 2009) | ||
| 5liter |
How about this one. http://www.motoczysz.com/main.php?area=home | ||
| Rfischer |
Only $100K. Hellava' deal! | ||
| Greenlantern |
"for enthusiasts who demand a distinctly premium riding experience" What the hell does that even mean? Only $100K. Hellava' deal! I am American. I want my motorcycle fast, functional and frugal. I want it cheap and I want it now and I want it with a double bacon cheddar burger, waffle fries and a diet coke. | ||
| Rfischer |
That would, I believe, be a Buell...  | ||
| Slaughter |
We have 2 V4's in the garage, another V4 engine in a crate - along with spares. Far side is the vintage racer... right is Sunny's streetbike. 1984 bikes  Much as I LOATHE Honda of late - the VF series of Interceptors was/IS a cool set of bikes. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Anybody check the "blog" section on Motoczysz's site? This cryptic post was made on March 25: "It became very apparent to me that I was working to catch up in an era coming to an end - maybe I should set off and try to lead in an era arriving."- MC Under that it says "More details to follow very soon." Sounds like he's throwing in the towel, at least on the racebike. | ||
| Greenlantern |
That would, I believe, be a Buell... Ah, that explains it! Thank you good sir.  | ||
| Ferris_von_bueller |
If I had to guess I'd say Motoczysz is going green. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Ferris- Looks like you nailed it: http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/04/08/motoc zysz-enters-ttxgp/ | ||
| Rfischer |
Yeah, well, he was having numerous issues with his "Z" configured motor, and had run out of money on more than one occasion. He may have concluded he would have more success raising the necessary capital if he re-directed his efforts towards a sexier niche. Eco-nazis have money too.....and he's a very bright guy. | ||
| Midknyte |
more info here http://dalefranks.com/cycles/index.php/2009/09/mot us-motorcycles-takes-a-step-towards-reality/ and here http://dalefranks.com/cycles/index.php/2009/09/mot us-motorcycles-part-deux/ | ||
| Court |
>>>>He may have concluded he would have more success Do you think he'll finish any of the other products he's started? The only company where the owners mouth moves more than the vaporware products. |
