Motus Builds Direct Injection V4 Engine

Currently undergoing durability testing, the new engine, dubbed the KMV4, will be the heart of Motus upcoming sport tourer, the MST-01.

To create the ultimate sport tourer, we had to either work around the shortcomings of available engines or develop a purpose built engine for our application says Brian Case, vice president and design director at Motus. The domestic motorcycle market is dominated by air-cooled v-twins, but to be successful in the long term, the MST has to present clear improvements over existing technology and not be another me too product.

Direct injection applies fuel directly into the combustion chamber instead of through intake ports. According to Motus, the KMV4 uses digital fuel atomizers capable of operating up to 2,000 psi. The atomized fuel provides a cooling effect, allowing for increased compression which improves power and efficiency. Motus claims direct injected engines can increase power and torque by 10% while producing up to 25% fewer emissions.

Case says the liquid-cooled 1,650cc 90 degree KMV4 will give the MST plenty of torque over a wide rev range. According to Motus, the KMV4 produces 140 bhp at 7,800 rpm and 119.5 ft-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm.

"We didn't focus on maximum horsepower; we focused on heightening the rider experience. To us, that means tons of torque over a wide RPM range, low vibes, high efficiency and bulletproof durability. Enter the KMV4, a liquid cooled V4 with DI," said Case.

To develop the engine, Motus worked with Michigan-based Katech Engines. Katech has an extensive history developing engines for Trans-Am, NASCAR and American LeMans racing.

Katech is thrilled to finally announce our involvement with Motus, says Fritz Kayl, co-founder of Katech. The KMV4 is an exciting project that fits well within our capabilities and experience. We incorporated technology from our race programs to increase durability, performance, and efficiency. We are ahead of schedule and are refining the KMV4 into the most reliable motorcycle engine made.

If all goes according to plan, Motus Motorcycles is preparing to launch the MST-01 as a 2011 model.