Here at IDN we can always spot when a new model is gaining traction in a given market , or looks destined to do so , by tracking the development of aftermarket parts and accessory availability for it . Only a small percentage of the new products that we become aware of actually ever make it to the pages of an IDN edition or into a MotoWEEK newsletter , but these new risers for taller bars on BMW ’ s R nineT variants caught our eye . BMW has made no secret of its ambitions for its ‘ Boxer Cruiser ’ in America , with rumours continuing to circulate that the German manufacturer will start making selected models , including the R nineT , in the United States ( probably at its existing South Carolina based automotive plant ) in the next two to four years , if not sooner . Interesting then that American handlebar specialist Heli Modified ( Cornish , Maine ) has invested in tooling for this new special performance triple |
clamp with taller handlebar risers for the R nineT Racer . Designed to eliminate what Heli describes as “ the extreme hunched-forward stretch to the stock cockpit while maintaining the bike ’ s classic , flowing lines with a unique clip-on handlebar style ”, the company says their “ beautifully crafted replacement fork-top clamp and matching risers utilise the stock bars , but position them 3.5 inches higher and 4.25 inches rearward – transforming the Racer ’ s track-attack ergonomics , delivering more civilised everyday comfort by drastically reducing weight transferred to riders ’ hands , while also optimising wrist angles , shoulder positioning and spinal alignment to minimise muscle fatigue .” Reducing cost and complexity , Heli ’ s 6061 T-6 aluminium top clamp and risers work with the BMW ’ s original hydraulic lines and “ messy , time-consuming fluid bleeding is not required . The parts come in a tough , UVresistant |
hybrid polyester silver powder-coat finish at no extra charge . Everything is engineered to perfectly integrate with the Racer ’ s switchgear , bar-end weights , steering damper , ignition switch and fork lock . Meticulous fit testing ensures that everything steers clear of the bike ’ s lowslung windscreen ”. The kit doesn ’ t require permanent modifications . Since 1987 , HeliBars says it has custom-engineered more than 80 different applications that |
greatly improve the ergonomics on bikes of every genre : ADV , cruiser , naked , retro , sport and sport-touring , standard and touring machines . HeliBars also offers a Tour Performance product line of handlebar relocators and risers ; patented Horizon multi-axis replacement handlebars that can be finetuned to fit riders of all sizes , plus stealthy TrackStar clip-on handlebars that rise up to ease the pain of hardcore sportbikes ’ crouched riding positions . www . helibars . com |
Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle are not the only motorcycle manufacturers in the United States . In addition to the burgeoning line-up of E-Bike manufacturers ( Zero and Alta for two ), respected Birmingham , Alabama based American V-4- powered sport tourer manufacturer Motus continues to chart a steady course to growth . The company is now up to some 30 dealers nationwide for its two-model line-up , with the recent addition of Thousand Oaks , California based O ’ Gara Coach ( d / b / a Motus Westlake ), a top-end car dealership ( Rolls-Royce , Bentley , Lamborghini , Aston Martin , McClaren , Bugatti , Maserati , Alfa |
Romeo and Ducati Motorcycles ) with three Greater Los Angeles locations , including Beverley Hills . On the East coast Motus has chosen Connecticut based Remington Family Cycles ( d / b / a Brookfield Motus ), an established Indian Motorcycle authorised dealer . The Motus network is a “ carefully selected , high-calibre network of dealerships that are committed to providing an excellent customer experience with every sale .” Founded in 2008 by diehard motorcycle enthusiasts Lee Conn |
( company president ) and business partner and designer Brian Case , Motus finished testing the prototypes MST-01 and MSTR-01 in 2012 and applied what they learned from the prototypes towards building production machines and revealed full production versions of the MST and MSTR in July 2013 at the MotoGP race in Monterey , California . Motus manufactures “ sport bikes with accommodations for touring that are designed to excel in performance , comfort and range . All Motus motorcycles - the MST and premium MSTR - are powered by mighty V4 Baby Block engines , combining high performance with low maintenance and a unique character that expresses the evolving heritage of the American motoring experience ,” according to Lee Conn . “ We partner with existing , high quality dealerships known for superior service and a premium product mix . Each dealership has factory trained and certified technicians to service the full range of Motus motorcycles and American V4 Baby Block engines . “ When we began our pursuit of |
building the ultimate American sporttouring motorcycle , we quickly realised the ideal engine didn ’ t exist , so we built it . The mighty American V4 “ Baby Block ” is a pushrod powered V4 that delivers massive torque across a wide , smooth power band . It speaks with an exhaust note unlike anything before it . “ Equally important , the Motus V4 uses known technology proven to be durable and easy to maintain . It ’ s the same small block architecture found in the most reliable and competitive engines on the planet from popular American passenger cars and trucks to high performance racing vehicles . www . motusmotorcycles . com |