It’s not the first, and definitely not the last time when you read about the sizzling hot Motus MST bikes on autoevolution. This time we have racing news form Motus, as the Alabama-made bikes have recently set new land speed records at the AMA-sanctioned 2014 Bonneville Speed Trials, obviously on Utah’s salt-covered plains.
Photo: Motus
Motus MST-R bikes in stock trim were present in Bonneville and it became the fastest American production motorcycle with a pushrod engine. Motus took part in the P-PP (Production Pushrod) and P-PG (Production Pushrod Gas) classes and set the new official records at 165.813 mph (266.793 km/h) and 163.982 mph (263.847 km/h), respectively. The top speed the Motus machinery reached was 168.69 mph (271.42 km/h) but it was not homologated.
Both record-setting bikes had their mirrors, turn signals and license plates removed and racing number decals installed, and this was pretty much all the “preparation” they received. Motus say that the high altitude (4,200 ft or 1,280 m) and the extra friction the salt layer exerts against the tires usually lower the top speed by 20 to 30 mph (32-48 km/h) so we might expect to see the MST-R doing much better at the Texas Mile or other similar venues.
The Motus MST and MST-R bikes are powered by the same 1,650cc liquid-cooled V4 engine with a 75-degree crankpin offset. The EFI mill produces 165 hp at 7,500 revs and 123 lb-ft (167 Nm) of torque at a very useable 5,000 rpm. The dual-overdrive manual 6-speed gearbox is suitable for both crawling uphill and blazing highway hauls, while the RBW and cruise control adds to the overall precise feel and convenience.
Motus was not at all shy to load premium parts on the MST-family bikes, with a TFT dashboard, Ohlins NIX30 adjustable forks, adjustable rear damper, Brembo calipers, forged aluminium Oz wheels and more. The bikes come with a rather steep price which starts just under the $31,000 mark for the basic version of the MST, and under $37,000 for the MST-R version, with optional equipment also available. Still, after the production increases, we might get to see the prices go down a bit, like it happened with Erik Buell Racing’s machines.
Both record-setting bikes had their mirrors, turn signals and license plates removed and racing number decals installed, and this was pretty much all the “preparation” they received. Motus say that the high altitude (4,200 ft or 1,280 m) and the extra friction the salt layer exerts against the tires usually lower the top speed by 20 to 30 mph (32-48 km/h) so we might expect to see the MST-R doing much better at the Texas Mile or other similar venues.
V4 power
The Motus MST and MST-R bikes are powered by the same 1,650cc liquid-cooled V4 engine with a 75-degree crankpin offset. The EFI mill produces 165 hp at 7,500 revs and 123 lb-ft (167 Nm) of torque at a very useable 5,000 rpm. The dual-overdrive manual 6-speed gearbox is suitable for both crawling uphill and blazing highway hauls, while the RBW and cruise control adds to the overall precise feel and convenience.
Motus was not at all shy to load premium parts on the MST-family bikes, with a TFT dashboard, Ohlins NIX30 adjustable forks, adjustable rear damper, Brembo calipers, forged aluminium Oz wheels and more. The bikes come with a rather steep price which starts just under the $31,000 mark for the basic version of the MST, and under $37,000 for the MST-R version, with optional equipment also available. Still, after the production increases, we might get to see the prices go down a bit, like it happened with Erik Buell Racing’s machines.
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