2013 Motus MST American tourer

It's a long time in the making but America's own sports tourer, the Motus MST, has finally been launched. American riders will be paying a princely $30,975 for the privilege of riding the 1650cc V4-engined machine, which was originally planned to have direct fuel injection.

However a last minute rethink forced the American start-up company to revert from direct injection to traditional port fuel injection, though the big 1.65-litre liquid-cooled engine still grinds out 165hp (121kW) and 165Nm and is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox with a chain final drive.

Even with the change to fuel delivery, there has been strong levels of interest - most of it the in USA - surrounding the BMW K 1600 GT rival which is fitted with adjustable Ohlins front forks, Brembo brakes, a progressive rear mono-shock with remote preload adjustment, aluminium wheels, a removable panniers made by Givi, a premium Sargent seat and a centrestand.

Featuring a 22 litre fuel tank, the Motus MST is described by its creators as "a fresh take on the American motorcycle - a comfortable sportbike designed for long distance canyon carving, solo or two-up."

For the price you'd expect things like an adjustable windscreen to be standard, but it's a cost option along with adjustable handlebars, a 30 litre top box, heated seat, heated grips and lowered seat.

And then there's the Motus MST-R, the sporty model, which adds another US$6000 taking the bike to $36,975. For the extra outlay you get a higher state of tune for the V4 engine, now 185hp (136kW), Ohlins R&T NIX forks, Ohlins TTX rear shock, forged OZ aluminium wheels and uprated Brembo M4 monoblock brake calipers.

What do you think of the Motus MST - would it be a good fit for Australian conditions? Leave your thoughts in comments section below.