Seems to be progressing nicely:

[stryder]

Sounds like a beast!

YouTube - Motus MST Test Bike on the Dyno

YouTube - Motus MST Test Bike on the Dyno

[chitownson]

Let's hope they have better luck with their financial backers than Eric Buell.....

[Motard-Menace]

I saw that video the other day (got the email link) and was thinking the same thing. They look to be going at this from the right approach with no big rush to get it to market before it is ready. I to am very interested in this bike, can't wait to see the finished product and here is hoping that it comes in at a price a regular joe can afford.

[stryder]

Originally Posted by Motard-Menace

...can't wait to see the finished product and here is hoping that it comes in at a price a regular joe can afford.

From what I can see from the "napkin sketches", the design seems to be on the right track for a paved road dedicated ST, with no controversial body panels/lines/scoops/beaks etc. As for price, I figure no way it won't be a "premium" figure for an exclusive bike but hope it's not too crazy. Maybe 28-32K? The thing is, they hope to be able to market that engine to other maufacturers, like automobile racing applications as that industry struggles with trying to go green, ie smaller displacement engines burning less fuel, so I hope that helps lower the price tag for this "regular joe" just in case Ducati's still "wanking" when I ready for my next bike. (did you notice the Ducati content in that video?)

[tonered]

That engine with that torque would be perfect in a small RWD car. Motus does note that there will be an MST-R with a turbo. So, that would be even better in a cage application. GM / Ford (GM most likely) ARE you LISTENING? =P BTW, make that a small RWD wagon with a manual, paalease.

The VP at Motus has a Monster. It seems they took a lot of good elements of great bikes, with a good shot of their own twists and turns, to make a very intriguing machine. We'll see.

Have a good one.

[SE84]

Something about 'Merican sport bikes that just doesn't sit right. Wasn't much a fan of Buell's efforts either.

Mission R...well, it's the exception that proves the rule.

Still, good to see any active development in the ST world. I just think the motor on this thing screams redneck.

A 750W alternator and cam driven fuel pump?!?! Extra weight and harder to service parts. And pushrods. And, AND, an underslung rear brake (watch it when the heim joints loosen on that stay-rod, ask a SS rider about what happens next).

To me it seems that they took the easy (lazy) engineering path on every decision. That also doesn't sit right. When it finally launches, then we can see what Frankenstein has wrought.

[il_randy]

I dunno but to me it has all the markings of an underfunded effort. I mean lets stop the marketing hype and get the darn thing out there - even if it is just a prototype. I'm tired of hearing about the engine, there is a lot more to a bike than the engine - I want to see the bike complete with fairing out on a test track and have invited media to get their reaction.

Until I see this it just is not real

[stryder]

Originally Posted by SE84

Something about 'Merican sport bikes that just doesn't sit right. Wasn't much a fan of Buell's efforts either.

Mission R...well, it's the exception that proves the rule.

Still, good to see any active development in the ST world. I just think the motor on this thing screams redneck.

A 750W alternator and cam driven fuel pump?!?! Extra weight and harder to service parts. And pushrods. And, AND, an underslung rear brake (watch it when the heim joints loosen on that stay-rod, ask a SS rider about what happens next).

To me it seems that they took the easy (lazy) engineering path on every decision. That also doesn't sit right. When it finally launches, then we can see what Frankenstein has wrought.

Hmm, I don't know that developing a new engine from scratch is the lazy way. Aren't trellis frame more labour intensive? How about the direct injection 1st for motorcycles?

If this bike is red neck, then it's as red neck as a Shelby Cobra, and I can live with that. I wonder if there was any targeting of HD cross overs?

I too look forward to the final package and more than appreciate that of all the platforms Motus could have started with, they chose to develop a brand new, from the ground up *proper ST* bike which is a vote of confidence for us ST lovers IMO. More than I can say for Ducati who left us out in the lurch, sniff, tear...

[SE84]

Originally Posted by stryder

Hmm, I don't know that developing a new engine from scratch is the lazy way. Aren't trellis frame more labour intensive? How about the direct injection 1st for motorcycles?

They may have developed the engine, but it borrows HEAVILY from existing designs (not their own), a recurrent theme I might add. I seem to remember info that parts would be interchangeable with other Detroit motors. Not sure if this is actually the case, but it all seems like poorly executed Copy-Pasta to me.

Originally Posted by stryder

If this bike is red neck, then it's as red neck as a Shelby Cobra, and I can live with that. I wonder if there was any targeting of HD cross overs?

Bad analogy. The Cobra was AC (British) on the outside, and gorgeous. This thing is all 'Merican and that doesn't bode well. If it was like a De Tomaso, I would be more forgiving, but it's more like a bulbous 1974 Plymouth Satellite than a sexy Italian half-breed in my mind. Redneck Nouveau.

Originally Posted by stryder

I too look forward to the final package and more than appreciate that of all the platforms Motus could have started with, they chose to develop a brand new, from the ground up *proper ST* bike which is a vote of confidence for us ST lovers IMO. More than I can say for Ducati who left us out in the lurch, sniff, tear...

We can agree on this.

[Motard-Menace]

Originally Posted by stryder

(did you notice the Ducati content in that video?)

Of course.......shirt on the test pilot.....