BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Motus Motorcycles has been working secretly with Katech Engines to develop the world's first direct-injected V4 engine. Named the KMV4, the engine is an advanced, high performance powertrain designed for Motus MST motorcycles. Now undergoing extensive durability testing, the KMV4 is also the first American V4 ever built for a production vehicle.

Alabama-based Motus will compete with foreign manufacturers currently dominating the popular sport touring segment. Sport tourers blend the two largest motorcycle segments, sport bikes and tourers, by combining comfort and performance. To be competitive in the performance oriented world of sport touring, Motus determined that a proprietary engine would be needed.

"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," said Brian Case, Vice President / Design Director at Motus.

Domestically made street bikes are all currently powered by v-twin engines, which did not meet performance or efficiency targets for the MST concept. "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," said Case.

After a global search and lengthy discovery process, Michigan-based Katech Engines emerged as the clear choice to help Motus design and build the KMV4.

"When researching quality engine builders, Katech was identified as a powerhouse of engine durability, engineering, and manufacturing," said Lee Conn, President of Motus. "Katech has over fifty endurance racing championships, experience developing new engines for OEM's, and access to the most advanced engineering and prototyping technologies. We couldn't be happier with our decision to retain Katech for the KMV4."

"Katech is thrilled to finally announce our involvement with Motus," said 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," said Fritz Kayl.

"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.

KMV4 specs and images at http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/press/presskit/2010/2010jan.zip

About Motus Motorcycles

Motus is a privately held company developing the first V4-powered American sport touring motorcycle. MST series motorcycles, including the MST-01 and premium MST-R, are next generation sport touring motorcycles engineered for optimum rider and passenger comfort for extended, spirited journeys, and use quality components for responsive handling.

For information, please visit www.motusmotorcycles.com

About Katech, Inc.

Since 1977, Katech has been designing, developing and manufacturing engines with a focus on precision, innovation, and durability leading to over 50 championships in American Le Mans (ALMS), NASCAR®, SCCA SPEED World Challenge, and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Katech's legacy of durability has led to multiple wins in the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Katech "firsts" include: 1st ALMS Green Challenge winner, 1st E85-powered Corvette, 1st 500 ci small block without block modification, 1st LS7-powered Camaro, 1st modern GM V16, 1st V8 turbocharged win in Grand Prix Hydroplane, 1st V8 turbocharged Win In Class 1 Offshore Racing, 1st 200 MPH Truck In FIA Group II, Class 9, and now, the creation of the first direct injected (DI) V4.

For information, please visit www.katechengines.com

SOURCE Motus Motorcycles

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.motusmotorcycles.com