Start-up American bike manufacturer Motus Motorcycles recently unveiled details pertaining to the two models it has slated for production later this year.

Company higher-ups revealed that they’ve been negotiating with the city of Birmingham, Alabama to establish a suitable site for its headquarters and manufacturing facility. Motus’ President Lee Conn stated that the company hopes to start manufacturing the bikes this fall with a 15-man production crew.

Motus was created in 2008 when Conn and Design Director Brian Case decided there was a need for an American designed and built sport-touring motorcycle. Two prototype motorcycles were built and apparently have already been given a 35,000 km shakedown run. “The bikes performed great,” Conn told the Birmingham News. “They’re a blast to ride and they’re comfortable and durable.”

At a recent bike unveiling held during Daytona Bike Week, Motus announced pricing and distribution details for their machines. Neither of the sport-touring models, which bear a resemblance to the Moto Guzzi Norge, can be described as inexpensive; however, they are reasonably priced for a boutique build. Central to both bikes is a proprietary 1,650 cc, liquid-cooled, V4 engine rated at 165 horsepower. The base MST will start at $30,975 (USD), while the higher-spec MST-R, which features an upgraded suspension, Brembo M4 Monobloc brake calipers and forged wheels, has a $36,975 (USD) MSRP.

The company’s initial plans call for a 20 dealer network that will carry Motus motorcycles before year’s end. The good news, according to Motus, is that initial orders for its motorcycles have already outstripped this year’s production capacity. The company is currently looking toward 2013 as a part of its goal to produce up to 30 machines per month.