A new brand of American-made motorcycles is now available in Dolores.
Motus motorcycles, based in Birmingham, Alabama, offers high-end sport-touring models that combine performance with user-friendly maintenance.
The bike’s versatility and unique engine caught the eye of Sam Manganaro, who recently added the Four Corners Motus dealership to his Vincent Works motorcycle shop located on the hill west of Dolores.
“Motus is designed by riders, built by riders, for riders,” he said. “The are hand-built, not mass-produced.”
Inspired by the American auto industry, Motus’ “Baby Block” V4 engine generates up to 180 horsepower and is built like a small-block Chevy cut in half.
Other engine components come from Cadillac and Corvette, and parts, including alternators and oil filters, can be replaced at your local auto parts store. The Motus design is by Pratt and Miller of Michigan.
“They built it with proven parts you can buy off the shelf, so it is really reliable,” Manganaro said. “It’s made for riders who maintain their own bikes. Any bike shop can work on it.”
While Motus targets a “deep pocket” market, buyers get a lot of value, he said.
The Motus MSTR (1650cc, 180 horsepower) is priced at $36,975, and the Motus MST (1650cc, 165 horsepower) is priced at $30,975.
The all-in-one bike offers comfortable touring and high-performance sport and race riding, a rare combination, Manganaro said.
“The torque is instant, they’re a comfortable ride and quick. For touring, they are mile eaters, going 700 miles in one day easily.”
Motus’ high torque, impressive horsepower and relative lightweight design make them sought after by experienced riders and collectors, including Jay Leno who featured them on his program “Jay’s Garage.”
After years of research and development, Motus hit the market in 2012. In 2014, the stock production bike broke two land speed records at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, hitting 165 mph.
There are only about 100 Motus motorcycles on the road, but the American brand is gaining in popularity, said Nancy Bruns, who helps manage Motus Four Corners with Manganaro.
“American-made is part of the appeal, and that they can buy one bike that does it all,” she said. “There is a buzz about them because they are hard to find, so we are getting people visiting from all over, most recently Albuquerque and Alaska.”
Motus, which stands for Motors U.S., joins the American-made market associated with Indian and Harley Davidson.
Manganaro is planning an open house to showcase the Motus motorcycles, which are lined up across from classic British made Vincents on the showroom floor.
“When the Vincents first came out they broke records, just like Motus is doing today, so a shop with both is a good fit,” he said.
Vincent Works and Four Corners Motus can be reached at 505-514-1013. It’s located at 28101 Road T.5, Dolores.
