Janus should have put more focus on making DIY kits and selling core parts so enthusiasts can support them without taking out a small loan to do so. Like bro... let me by a frame kit, engine kit, and accessory kits where I can save a few thousand, and enjoy building it myself over time between pay checks.
This is a classy response. And one of the various reasons I will be buying a Janus Motorcycle next year. It's going to be my birthday present to myself. Happy 40th.
I purchased the Janus Halcyon 250 last August. I never owned a motorcycle prior to this bike, my only experience of riding had been on a 150cc scooter. Wherever I go on my Janus, I can be sure it will attract one or more admiring spectators. Even people that do not have an interest in motorcycles will make positive comments about the bike. Where I use the bike is on roadways that have a speed limit of 50mph, the rest of my riding is on back country winding roads. No highways. So far, the first 2000 miles have been a blast. No regrets.
@@HarrisonFjord-n3v Yes, yes you are. smh. And, I'm not just saying this out of the blue. I know you personally Jerry. One of the saddest basement dwellers I've ever encountered. Like your mom keeps telling you, you're 43, still sponging off your mom, you gotta get your own place and car! I mean this from a place of love. Your life is more than half over- especially considering your weight and general fitness. It's not too late to salvage some of it. I love you kid! Take care. -Uncle Bovus
I think your viewpoint is crucial to think the Janus is a worthwhile bike. 250s can for sure be fun. I have a GZ250 that weighs 230 lbs (less than a Janus) which I bought last year for $1500 (significantly less than a Janus!), and I surprised myself to realize I choose that one more than I take out my 1050cc Speed Triple. But the price you pay is for looks and to get the attention of people who don't know what they're looking at, two things that I have zero interest in. If you stick to motorcycles and try just about anything else, you will have regrets that you wasted time on trying to look good. As it stands now, you don't have enough experience to know how much more fulfilling other bikes can be.
I wouldn’t call them a flop. For a custom bike builder, they seem to be doing well. I love anything with two wheels and a motor and I’m happy that they’re doing what they’re doing.
I gotta be honest - I love that primitive bike style. They are one of the few doing it. The engine and transmission is an utter steaming pile of okapi manure garnished with bat piss. But the bikes themselves are visually, and by all accounts, dynamically, stunning. If Janus could crack a better engine deal and get something that suits these bikes, they'd probably own the retro scene as a niche of their own.
@@tedecker3792 Enfields look old, yes, but not pre-war old. Don't get me wrong - I have a 2019 GT650 in the ice queen colourway, and it's probably the 7th or 8th most gorgeous motorcycle I've ever clapped eyes on. It's easily one of the greatest bikes of all time, in my book. It is literally a 1960s classic British cafe racer, that's been made liveable for day to day life. That makes it objectively better than an original, much as I love the old bikes, and subjectively better than most other modern bikes, because it looks great and feels like it has a soul. I love it to bits, and wouldn't trade it in that easily. However, enfield's bikes don't quite scratch that pre-war itch, and I don't think anyone really does except for perhaps Janus. Again, better engines, and they'd own that scene - a scene which I believe is quite an unexplored market.
These bikes are a walk back into history. Very cool bikes and really nice people. I visited the Janus shop after this video. Truthfully, I'm in love with their 450
@@ezragonzalez8936 U're a clone!! I will have a comment was I have miles. The craftsmanship is as U say... This is what I wanted... Americans not a factory assembled mass produced. Go ride your $3500 Enfield made in China
I have a 2022 halcyon 250 and love it. 3500 miles later no problems and its easy to work on. Janus encourages its owners to work on their own bikes. How many companies honor warranties if you do your own maintenance. They do, unless you screw it up, of course . Let's be thankful we have choices to suit our DIFFERENT tastes. If it's not for you, buy something else. The other day, while getting gas a guy asked me questions about it. After a negative comment about the motor ( which for me has been super reliable) besides being cheap to replace if need be, he said " your crazy, i would never pay that much for a 250". I pointed to his 15 dollar pack of cigarettes and said " don't you think those are expensive ?"to which he replied " yes, but i enjoy them". I rest my case.
June 2023. In Harrahs Casino in Atlantic City last weekend, cigarettes are $17.94!!! I quit in April 2019 and in November of 2019 I bought a used Yamaha TW200 in like new condition and not smoking (2 packs a day) paid for it and then some!!
Janus encourages owners to work on their own bikes because it's nearly impossible to find a mechanic who will work on them. Janus doesn't publish any service manual, so no one wants to take a chance. Sending the bike to Janus for repair will cost about $1,800 back and forth. I have about 1,000 miles on my Halcyon 250, and I have had one breakdown after another. Very disappointed with it.
@@forrestbedford5603If you're from the US. East Asia? Europe? Those engines are based on the Honda 250cc engine and more than enough mechanics to work on it.
Yam missed the point. It is the experience. I have a 450, a Scout and a GSXS1000F and 1986 Yamaha. They All ride differently. The 450 has a 1930's race suspension with Brough Superior in front and Vincent Black Shadow in the back. Amazing corning at speed and far quicker than expected and it will do almost 100mph. Let's remember why we ride. It's the experience!
I have to ask, since I'd love to have a 450 (or larger) Janus. How many miles have you put on it and how is the motor holding up? Anything you notice positive or negative with the rest of the bike?
@Lurch the engine they use is a copy of a Honda design-but with some notable improvements over the original Honda. They are used by the millions all over the Far East and have a reputation of being virtually indestructible. They tried to use a U.S. built engine, but they literally don’t exist.
Ive ridden a Janis - Phoenix their cafe racer type thing with 250cc, it was an absolutely well crafted bike built in the USA with a ride feel similar to that of a 70's BMW, it was completely enjoyable in every way for what it was, bringing motorcycling back to something more tame that we all vibe with and love. It was about joy, pure and simple without TECH, without weight, without fairings, without NAV, without without without headache...........i am 6'1'' and it was fine to ride for the 2 hour ride to my buddies house......100% pure fun on back roads. - i mainly ride a 2018 Harley Road Glide........with just about to hit 120k on it :) mileage means alot to me, but Janis is a fantastic second motorcycle for enthusiasts and cruisers who just want to enjoy a sport thats gotten COMPLETELY out of hand.....
Cheap chinese engine for the prive of the bims is whats out of hand. Im willing to pay for a 10k 250 butnits gotta be the sickest 250 and i like.the made in usa parts I dont like the cheap chinese engine. The engine is so critical its like a backburner item to them
@@TheAnnoyingBossthose old Honda engines where bullet proof though. Just because it's a Chinese clone doesn't mean it's cheap Chinese garbage. There are good manufacturers in China, it's not all garbage. Janus has put a lot of time and research into their suppliers and their capabilities of producing quality with consistency and meeting their tolerances.
And back to that engine: It's based on the original Honda CG250 (well, that was CG125 originally, but it gets complicated). There just isn't a US small displacement engine that is practical for this purpose. The engine really is bulletproof, which is no idle boast. And whatever naysayers may think, lots of riders and mechanics have commented to me that it even looks good. But it definitely is easy to maintain.
A different engine would certainly add to the already off-putting (for many) price, but I wonder how a Yamaha 250cc V-twin engine would look in that frame. Regardless, I am not offended by the Chinese clone of a Honda engine that was developed to be very reliable and easy to work on.
@LurchAs many owners will be glad to tell you (one went 16,000 mile round trip from Arizona to Alaska!), this one is too. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to clarify.
@@lurch789is it really a cheap clone if the base 125 I'd actually still mass produced in places like Pakistan? Shit's make money along with the 70cc engine there.
@@lurch789well even in my country the venerable 125cc-155cc 4 speed OHV Honda TMX are phased out and replaced by Honda China sourced 150cc OHC and 125cc OHV, that for a third worlder cannot last longer and abused like the Old Honda 1980's to 2010's 125/155cc, even the other market that got 150cc OHC are considered reliable too, but they never received the 155 OHV.
**Guys and Gals! Please don't take this video seriously. Yam has no experience with these bikes. I added a Janus Halcyon 450 to my bike collection earlier this year, and it is now my favorite bike to ride of all. My Halcyon now gets more miles driven than any other bike, probably by a factor of 50 to 1. Finding excuses to go ride it is all I ever think about. No other bike has ever made me think like that this much. On a side note, the frame on the Halcyon 450 is actually quite beefy, and I'm shocked the bike only weighs 360 pounds just by looking at it.
And why would your opinion as a soy loving hipster be valid? YN rides a multitude of bikes. And he is right. The guys who buy these are like the owners of Janus, hipster conformists. It is a look at how trendy I am endeavor.
@@yesihavebedbugs2786 Lol! I'm far from a hipster. I actually have one, unlike yam (or you), so my opinion is based on reality. An opinion without experience shows a lack of intellect.
@@yesihavebedbugs2786 LOL look at you trying so hard to compensate, who do you think you're impressing? More CC's, bells and whistles doesn't make you more manly, it just makes you look more insecure, like all the millions of other over-the-hill weekend warrior easy riders who fancy themselves "rebels" by ironically riding the same mass-manufactured bikes as all the other sheep. An American hand crafted bike that thoughtfully embraces motorcycle heritage and a philosophy centered around the simple joys of riding isn't "conformist" it's actually pretty damn unique, sure ain't gonna hurt you none buttercup unless doing their own thing offends your delicate sensibilities. ❄
@@justinbevier8231 I have never had gay sex. I can know I am not missing out on getting poked in the backdoor. Did you watch the video? Hipsters selling overpriced fashion accessories to other hipsters. Does not make it a good product.
I have a Hawk 250 with the same 229 cc china motor as many Janus. And I have abused that bike and motor for 26,000 miles and 7 year with ZERO problems. Just fuel, oil changes, tires, chain, sprockets, grips, and tires. No issues just maintenance! I even geared it up to run 70 and I routinely run it on 4 lane highways and even the interstate; wide open for hours! I can't say enough about it, they are not fast but damn reliable.
Man these things are built down the road from me, and i think they're pretty damn sweet. Not every motorcycle needs to be a complex race machine. And justa heads up, its pronounced Go-shen🤘
If money was no object for me, I'd love to sit down and order one. Yeah, the Chinese engine seems out of place, but the style and craftsmanship otherwise is definitely admirable. Certainly a small American made engine would be more desireable, but I would venture a guess that they already went searching down that road to find it was cost prohibitive. They may never get rich selling these, but as long as their bills are paid by them, I bet they are content. I Call it a success.
@@PineyRider Rotax is Austrian. There's S&S but they're large displacement. There's Brigg's & Stratton but that wouldn't have much appeal. The problem is that, even if there was an American-made, small displacement engine that could work, it would almost certainly boost the price of the Halcyon, and the current price is a deal-breaker for many potential buyers.
@kurtjens Yeah, a Big S&S would certainly be interesting, to say the least. Big S&S probably twist the frame!! I think Lycoming is traditionally an aircraft engine built in Pennsylvania maybe? But even if there was a way to adapt a small Lycoming, it would likely be very expensive compared to mass produced Chinese Honda clones. They probably didn't have much choice but to go the Chinese route. As long as they stand behind their bikes, which I believe they do. Gotta give them credit for what they have accomplished. (Everything I said is just from my memory of what I believe I've read or seen in the past. Definitely subject to being corrected!!😁)
I think it is sad that small businesses such as this have to pay so much more to get parts. Places like Honda can pump out larger bikes for way cheaper. I think these guys are super cool for trying to make something different. I’m sure if they could get the same deals as the big boys with the same factories then the bike would be dirt cheap. Ow well I talk of big game but there is no way I’m trading my Kawasaki for one of these.
@@joeq.public281 Richard Worsham, one of the founders, is 6'4" (not portly, but the Janus owners come in all sizes). The bikes work for tall and shorter riders. I'm just under 6', but there are much shorter riders who like the ease of reaching the ground. As far as weight, I've seen self-reports of owners much heavier than I am who have no trouble on the bike.
The shame is all that craftsmanship kinda goes to waste without a proper motor to bring it all together ...I cant think of a single modern engine that would provide the right look. I mean NO ONE is goning to buy these because they ride like a modern MC so in that regard even these chinese honda clones are far superior to the retro chassis and wheels ....ironically it is the motor that ruins it ...IMHO ...but hey if someone else loves it the way it is? Who cares what anyone says right?
My first bike was a Honda CB 550 (four pipes that twisted into one--I wish I still had that bike!). I basically like many types of motorcycles, but the Janus company's utter transparency has been great. One can see on the company website exactly how many and which parts are made in what countries. (For example, the front shock is ICON, which is Australian--great progressive spring shock that can be rebuilt if needed. It has performed very well.)
It's a LOT cheaper to make parts in huge quantities which is why companies like Honda buy them so much cheaper. I worked for a company who made car pars. We sold to BMW considerably cheaper than we sold to Lotus yet still made more of a profit margin selling to BMW
I mostly agree with you on the Janus bikes but there’s still room for them in a tiny slice of the motorcycle market. On the tire thing though. Those are not bicycle tires. There was a time not that long ago when all bikes didn’t come with 190 section tires on them you know.
gotta say, watching this video I 100% felt like he made the opinion before really looking into the bikes, then justified his stance later while researching for the video. He but as much effort into understanding the bikes as he put into getting the towns name right, very little.
Land O' Goshen! Well, they are what they are. Apparently, they're managing to sell hundreds of them. That's not a lot, but Janus bikes are, well, what they are. I'm an old fart just shy of 78 years. Having owned a couple of bikes that date back into the 1930s, I get what Janus is trying to do. At the same time I owned those, I also owned a 1963 Yamaha YDS-2, which was pretty much cutting edge at the time. I liked both. The historical feel of my Excelsior 125 was one thing. Whizzing along on the first stock 2-stroke 250 cc that made 100 HP/Liter was something else again. Both things were worthwhile to me. Would I buy a Janus? Not now, I wouldn't. I don't ride any longer. Do I like the concept of them? Yes. They're a lot cheaper than fully restored bikes of the period they are hinting at. It would be fun to ride around on.
I’m a Bemmer fan and I would definitely purchase the Janus 450. Considering how difficult and expensive it is to build a startup manufacturing shop in today's America, Janus’ prices are not unwarranted; they have to make a profit.
As a business owner, I thought these bikes were gonna be 20-30k. It cost so much to be in business nowadays. If money was not an issue I would buy one of these.
I tailor bespoke menus and historical suits as a semi-professional hobby - they start at $6,000. Thats $1000 for the materials and $20 an hour for the 250 hours it takes to make it. I dont actually do it for the money, but I dont undercut the people who are paying rent and feeding babies of their labour - anyway my point it, I thought they would be $25K Its really expensive to hand make things...
As a 72 year old, lifelong motorcyclist who cut his teeth in the 60's on Brit 650cc, parallel twins with 4 speed gearboxes. As a distance rider (iron butt) I moved onto BMW boxers, culminating with the 900cc (R90S) and 1,000cc (R100S) boxers (superb machines). After a bad car accident and open heart surgery I wanted to continue riding but required a smaller bike. First, I bought the Janus Halcyon 250 and found it underpowered. I recently picked up a Janus Halcyon 450 and enjoy riding it - a lot! Based on the Honda 400cc single, this is a good little thumper. The counterbalance works well (vibrates less than the Brit 650 twins). It handles exceptionally well. The 7,000 rpm redline makes for decent acceleration (doesn't like below 3,500rpm and the sweet spot is 5,000 - 6,500 rpms). The 5 speed make it a fun cruiser at 60-65 mph. We're going to fabricate a header exhaust and open up the air box to coax more HP. Maybe a Mikini carb. The styling is fun. Fit and finish are excellent. And important to me, is it's made in the USA.
Hi Yammie- All good points. I've ridden a lot of different bikes and I've ridden the Janus at one of their discovery days and I have to say, there's something different about these bikes. If you get a chance take a ride on one, I'd recommend taking the time.
I actually think that 450 looked cool af. Don’t think I’d fork out 15k for one but I really like the style they’re going for here. I have a Royal Enfield and a Triumph and I would definitely own one of these.
I traded my Kawasaki W650 to the owner for an RD350 few years ago. Drove from Michigan to Goshen (Goe-shen) . Good dude who loves all motorcycles doing what he could. Saw at least half a dozen Janus’ buzzing around town on my trip in and out. I get it they aren’t for everyone. Neither was the aforementioned Royal Enfield when they begin importing them into the US again in the late 90s…. I think it’s incredible it’s even a conversation some hipsters in Indiana can do in a decade what RE has been “perfecting” for 100 years selling 500k bikes a year
This is the only way to own a retro bike of this specific style, short of buying a restored original. I watched a TH-cam video from JANUS discussing why they used this Chinese engine, and it makes total sense. It's really the only one they can source. No manufacturer wants to sell them an engine that fits the bill. It takes tens of millions of dollars to design your own engine and have it manufactured to spec. A good example of how crippling the cost is to look at Indian's "Coke Bottle" engine, Manufacturing that engine almost sank the brand again. Prior to that I think they were using S&S, which basically made it a Harley clone. Mass producing a new motorcycle takes serious investors, and years of loses (look at Excelsior Henderson's reboot failure). These guys are not going to get rich selling these. I personally appreciate the effort and would love to a chance to ride/own one.
Hey yammie, I would definitely like to see you ride a couple of different models of theirs and even a trip to their manufacturing plant would be quite cool. Especially from your point of view.
I just toured their facility for the second time (first time was 5 years ago). Highly recommend seeing it! Very small operation, but extremely nice and well organized. I love the people who work there too. I first met one of them back round 2012 on their 50cc model. Left a lasting impression!
A very poor, ill-informed review of a very good bike. Perhaps when the Yam gets a little more time, experience and wisdom under his very young belt, he'll be able to comprehend the value in these bikes that today, utterly escapes him. Having never ridden a single mile on one, I'm at a loss to understand how he thinks he's qualified to criticize. Of course, there's a sponsor paycheck involved, so that might explain the shilling. I have over 7000 miles on my Halycon, and I still wouldn't trade it for any overpowered, plastic-coated, one-of-ten thousand clones with a built-in umbilical cord straight back to an expensive dealer service department. Simplicity, easy to maintain on your own, bullet-proof, adaptable, style and smiles for miles, and a true, original, motorcycle experience. I'll have a second in the 450 version too, please.
Love my halcyon 250. Piece of cake to maintain, looks awesome, the ride is full of character … and upgrades with motocult rocks … power to weight makes for loads of fun. I don’t need 70mph. It’s solid at 55 mph
Last I checked, Morgan is still selling every retro 30's sports car it can build, and at considerable prices. For some people, it's the handmade nature and owning a unique, driveable vehicle that stands out wherever it goes. Would I buy either? No. But I like that Morgan and Janus exist.
Yes, Yammie - I think it might be an interesting endeavor for you to go up and check out the manufacturer and their bikes in depth. At least 2 (so far) in the comments here actually own the bikes, and were surprisingly positive in their ownership experience. As long as the owners are aware that you'll be fair but painfully honest in your reporting, it might end up being good publicity for them and interesting content for the rest of us. I guarantee it's a unique angle of motorcycle-dom that the plethora of other motorcycle channels are not pursuing. Your writing and presentation skills would make it fun!
Agree, reviewing a motorcycle without actually riding it is pretty disingenuous and even more so when you more than once recommend to buy from your sponsor instead. Also, the 450 engine is actually Italian - not Chinese. It does have components manufactured in China though. EDIT: As a Hoosier myself, it pained me the way he mispronounced Goshen throughout the video.
As a person living within 20 miles of Goshen it's pronounced go-shin. This was really hard to watch without screaming at my phone 😂 they're kind of a collector's piece. Something you take out to just enjoy riding on a Sunday maybe. They're almost deliberately underpowered. Kind of cool nugget, a lot of the metal work is done by the Amish in the area
underpowered on purpose? was taking the easy road and going with chinese, ugly motor also on purpose. i don't mind paying extra for styling but with this bike, you're getting only looks. no one would say they love the cool slowness for $10k if it looked boring
The 450 is great! They made a retro modern bike that connects rider to machine as they stated!!! Super comfortable and they really stand behind their product and provide great support!! Hats off to Janus!!! Big thank you
These motorcycles are conversation pieces. It's something for enthusiasts to own that can afford a small, slow, expensive, and exclusive bike to take out twice a year, look at, talk about, and enjoy while you discuss heritage style footwear, hand made leather leg gaiters, bespoke wool hand sewn flat caps, and small batch artisanal mustache wax. Basically a bike for a not quite steam punk motorcycle enthusiast to take to the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride . It's a very narrow niche and Janus is filling it.
Some of us ride all the time. I commute on mine nearly every day through heat and rain, whatever. And once broken in, it isn't slow at all. Sure, on a highway where cars are moving at 85+ mph, it won't keep up (at least my 250 won't), but in my mostly in-city driving, I can out maneuver many vehicles. On longer country drives, I'm not trying to outrun anyone.
@@jeffkaron5311 Well I don't really have much room to talk since my Indian Vintage is just a much bigger retro/throwback bike. Mostly I was just making a joke.
They aint building 30s throwbacks because they can't afford to build modern bikes, they're doing it because they want to. Give them a million dollars and they'd just do more of the same.
If i had a few bikes in the garage one of them would be a Halcyon 450. I like the retro look. As for the Chinese motor Janus is upfront about it. They describe it as bulletproof.
I saw these first at the mid Ohio raceway during the vintage days meet. Now I own 78 bikes. So I have some experience.. janus are great and I would gladly add one to my collection
Featherbed,.... not feather head i.e. the chassis designed by the McCandless brothers, when compared to the frames Norton was using at the time, was as comfortable as a feather filled mattress. So anybody claiming they've got a Norton Featherbed inspired chassis but rigid is talking out of their arse as they've missed the point completely
@@domitype An awful lot of Norvins and Tritons were made for cafe racing out of Norton featherbed frames and Vincent or Triumph engines. Yes, Norton Featherbed frames were comfy, but they were also "Rigid: Not unsuspended, resistant to flexing. Regards.
If you don't get the Janus, that's fine. A Royal Enfield is an attractive bike, but the Janus is on another level of retro. If I was in the US and not the UK I would already have a Janus; sure it's not a bike for everyday commuting, but for a weekend fun-machine skinny tyres and a hard-tail take some beating. I'll not be selling my 1922 ABC anytime soon, but it might just get supplemented by a Halcyon 250 one day...
Janus CEO reading all the comments should be proud! Everyone in support of Janus and what they are doing. True american start up making a quality product.
Janus with a hard J (like Jack) and a long A (like bAy or cAke). Janus was the Roman god of gateways and transitions (and related concepts) and had two faces, one facing forwards the other backwards. The first month of the year, January, is named after him, because in January you can look back to the old year just finished, or forwards to the new year just beginning. So Janus motorcycles are looking forward (in terms of the engine, manufacturing techniques, safety) but backwards (in terms of styling).
When you think about it, 15 grand is kinda cheap for a rolling art piece. If I had a different wife, and a bigger garage, I'd own a Janus, and I'd feel like it was a bargain. I've owned many bikes in my 50+ years of motorcycling, and still my favorite had only 200cc's. I have a bike for "sport." I'd like one just far "the ride." These guys are making a living doing what they love for people who love what they're doing. Give 'em a break.
Not everyone wants to drive a model T because they lack the speed and comfort of a modern car. But if you are not in a hurry and want the experience of what it was like to travel back in the early 1900's then it is perfect. I see these motorcycles in the same way. They give you a felling of another time when traveling was about the trip not just the destination. No you wouldn't want to ride this bike 1,000 miles in 2 days but it is built to experience a time when most people didn't travel more than 20 miles from their home. When roads were dirt and major highways were far in the future. If you like sporty comfortable motorcycles then it's not for you. With this bike you are paying for the experience not just a peace of metal. Just like paying a ridiculous price for mediocre tasting food at a fancy restaurant. You are paying for the experience. I personally think the bikes are gorgeous but that is my personal opinion. They're not for everyone but I am glad to see they are there for people who want them. Too many times we have to buy what is popular because mass production is cheaper but it is great to see a company cater to a more select percentage of the population. I hadn't seen or heard of this company before but I applaud them for promoting what they love. Slow down and smell your surroundings. Look around at more than just the road and billboards and make travel a more enjoyable experience again.
I live in the area, practically lived in Goshen for several years, and am still down there regularly for work. In the time since Janus has opened, I think I have seen them on the roads around here 5 times. Ans it’s possible two or three of those were the same person/bike. They are just too expensive, even for those that like the styling. Elkhart Indian Motorcycle in the next town over is a Royal Enfield dealer, and the best dealership I’ve ever done business with. In that kind of environment Janus is a real hard sell. Still, I wish them the best. So far there has been a niche market for their product.
Seeing a Royal Enfield Continental GT650 at that exact dealership in Elkhart is what made me not buy it. Went there to sign the papers, but seeing how bad the quality of the Royal Enfield was in person, especially the paint, made me back out. The sales guy was cool though, so I felt kinda bad... Saw the Janus bikes in person that same day... Janus wins in the quality department, hands down.
There are Janus owners who also have a RE. The ones I've read or talked to like both, but find them extremely different bikes. I would get a RE as a second bike, but the majority opinion seems to be that the Janus produces the most fun. The RE, especially one that is substantially more powerful, is useful for faster highways.
There’s different kinds of motorcyclists who appreciate different kinds of motorcycles. Yammie obviously doesn’t understand the appeal of a hand built, pre-war styled bikes with reliable, easy to maintain components. It sucks to see big TH-cam channels crap on small time moto companies that have their own take on biking and are just trying to make it in a world of mass produced, non-risky designed motorcycles. People mod their bikes to be unique all the time, they mod them for aesthetics and sacrifice comfort in doing so. With Janus, you can buy a unique, useable art piece, customized to your liking without having to turn a wrench yourself for less than 10k. I’m team Janus with this one and a bit frustrated Yammie did a 15 minute video dissing the philosophy of an entire genre of motorcycling without even seeing one in person or test riding. Way to flex your media power against Midwestern anabaptists lol
It is a crap bike that is 3 times the cost it should be. This is 2 hipsters selling to other hipsters who cannot afford an Arch. This is look at me accessories. For 15k. You can buy a vintage bike that is actually done right.
Was enamored by the concept, look and a chance to own a 1930's style bike that comes with a warranty, is more reliable and won't leak on my garage floor. After a visit to Granger and a test ride on the 250 and 450 Halcyon, this is what this 67 year old (on my 52nd year of continuous ; read 35+ motorbikes owned over those years) thinks. The 250 was fun until I crossed into the 50+mph world of road cycling, way buzzy and the fatigue factor was creeping in. The rigid rear suspension was ok (read bouncy spring seat) until the road had any pothole repairs, read, moderately painful. The 450 was Lexus plush like after the 250 and felt like a motorcycle (read 250=scooter like) and was a good time all the way to 65 mph. After that, it was straining to me to push it much faster. PRICE?? $11,000 (250) and $15,500 (450) seemed like a high price point for these unique cycles. Dollar value felt more like maybe $6000 (250) and $10k (450) for a reality check. Get the price down, increase the volume, then improve the offerings and jack the price......... just my $ 0.02 worth and a sunny afternoon not wasted, but the picture a bit more clear on Granger Indiana Motorcycle company Janus...
This is my shit right here. I love small displacement engine bikes and I love the early era of motorcycles. This is the first I've heard of Janus. Thanks for the video.
Janus is an interesting name tho for their philosophy. Janus is not just the god of doors only, he is the Roman god of transitions, and therefore represents the liek fulcrum point between major points in life and history- life and death, the beginning and end, war and peace..and more importantly young and old. His two faces look towards the future and into the past. Which reflects that they are making an old design with modern engineering and components. I like the looks and philosophy, but they are insanely underpowered and expensive. Sad they can't survive.
I would definitely buy a Janus Halcyon 450... if I had a damn nice house, a couple of nice cars, three or four motorcycles off my Motorcycle Wishlist, and I had plenty of disposable income.
Here you go: Janus, hand built in the US by people who love classic original concepts, for people who want something unique and rather beautiful. Royal Enfield: Mass produced garbage for the local Indian market to pop to the local shit market. Now being flogged to the rest of the world as a 'retro' bike.
I've owned two rather unusual bikes. The first was a WWII vintage belt drive Whizzer, which my brother and I found at the dump minus engine. We equipped it with a lawnmower engine, added a roller that pressed on the belt as a clutch, and were off- at least until our funsucking nextdoor neighbor called the cops on us. The next was a circa 1965 Marusho, a Japanese copy of a BMW 500. Alternator didn't work, had to charge the battery at home. So I have a foible for old fashioned designs. And Janus is doing a wonderful job at handcrafting a bike that is definitely not for everyone, but fits a niche no one else does today. I too would wish for a locally made engine, but I understand the cost problems. Beautiful work and obviously a very ethical business. Bravo to Janus.
I've seen these bikes at Americade, the fit & finish is outstanding. As a hand made custom for that much money, I guess it should be!...bless their hearts.
if you haven't ridden on one of these things, what they lack in modern performance they make up for in sheer fun. Thing is, you could probably build your own bike for far cheaper than these while still maintaining the aesthetic
That's the thing about these bikes. And given the hand-made nature of the bikes they can't do all *that* much about the price. One of the biggest upsides with those chinese crate engines is that they're *cheap* in the fiscal sense even if sometimes in every sense. Blow an engine? new one is like $400 shipped. If you know what you're doing and break them in they last a decent while. Small tires are pretty affordable too. Buuuuut the whole bike already costs you like $8k, so the hand-made aesthetic really better appeal to you....
It all depends on what you want from a motorcycle. In the summer I bought a retro-styled bike, a Kawasaki Z900RS SE and it is exactly what I want. It has great power and handling and looks great. I'm not a squid and am way past 20, so I am not concerned with high redlines and ultra handling with sticky tires. I like to go on on relaxing rides on a twisty road, and the Z900RS checks all my boxes. The Janus line of motorcycles isn't what I am looking for, but I hope they continue building bikes for their niche market.
At 80+ years old I have been riding twice as long as you have been alive, I own, and have paid cash for Janus 450 #64 and have ZERO interest in track racers, or heavy metal cruisers. I like the throwback design and hate the look of the modern foiled and naked bikes. And if price is a major ingredient in your purchase decision I am sorry for you. pricing is in fact a good way to separate one from the uneducated masses! Oh yea, when I got the Janus I did NOT sell my beloved Honda Monkey!
So you bought over priced junk and that is a recommendation for your opinion? I am like you. Much older than most on here. Actually ridden bikes that were made when this was the style, which unlike Yammie says is not from the 30's. Go back about 20 years further. I own a 1942 and newer bikes now. If the owners forums were not full of complaints. You may have been able to make a case for it. But with the numbers they have sold. And number of complaints on owners forums. Other than you like modern hipsters just wanted to feel special. You could have bought a vintage bike that is a much better machine for the money.
I actually like the Janus aesthetic but I'll never get one if for no other reason than the cheap, Chinese engines. Want to impress me? Build your own engine like they did in 1919. Now that would be cool.
When I worked at a Harley-Davidson dealership I floated an idea to make small retro bikes like this with the Street power plant. I even made a few sketches that looked pretty cool.
@@JoeBManco When I saw my first Indian Scout and Harley WL I knew it could be something. These were small bikes with a great look. Harley will not build them because they can't sell them for a premium. Harley is not Japan. They don't do volume.
@@JR-bj3uf That's too bad, because I believe there would be an instant market for such a Harley or Indian product. I've even thought about buying a crate motor and building my own.
Interesting to see coverage of the Janus line. To me, you had some hits and some misses and were too harsh in some areas. While the wheel size isn't mentioned, we had many lightweight, quality motorcycles in the late '50s onward that had 2.75" to 3.00" tires which aren't bicycle sizes but were on machines that could easily cruise at 50mph and could hit 80mph with no handling issues. Honda Cubs had 2.50" tires as well and could carry two people decently. The 450 twin seems about the right weight for its size class through the years. Thing that gets my attention most is the construction of the "earles type" forks and whether they have good, lasting bearings at the pivot points. The price tags surprises me, completely pushes me away considering one of these could be fun to own and use. I have little qualm with the engine choices as they seem to be holding up well enough - my daughter still riding a 230cc Hawk she purchased in 2018, note here these are pushrod engines, not OHC.
As badly as I want to love the hand-built properties and the custom paint work on each bike, the price hurts a LOT. I can't help but wish for them to offer new tanks, windscreens, and headlights for newer bikes as well as offering up these art pieces. A honda super cub 125, though not nearly as "faithful" to the vintage super cub, is also a modern honda. So you get on it, press the start button, and ride all day, no problem. I'd love to see all their expertise and work with custom fabrication and painting to offer color variations or new accessories and styles that honda just can't make themselves due to being too low volume and niche. Or maybe some "vintage leather" saddlebags and handpainted tanks for bonnevilles or the kawasaki W800. I deeply admire their work, but almost 10k for a 250 that is not much faster, or perhaps even slower, than the new 5-speed grom? Can't justify it.
Yamm is the kind of person who was most definitely picked on at school😂 Of course he’s not wrong with some of his thoughts, except the digs on Janus’s craftsmanship. Yes the engine sucks but the rest of the bike is built well. That said I wouldn’t buy one but for someone looking for a bike with those particular looks of that era and they have cash to burn.. well more power to them.
As primitive as they are, They nail the nostalgic look for sure. I think they design and make them for the typical Notre Dame professor. I'll keep my Royal Enfield but I'd love to test-ride one for sure. Yammie, take the trip and visit the factory. Forget all the marketing mumbo jumbo and price and give us some honest feedback on the ride and experience.
Halcyon 250 owner here! I think Yammie missed the point entirely on Janus motorcycles; they're not high performance machines and aren't certainly advertised as such. Janus motorcycles aren't for everyone and that's okay. Just like the Busa isn't for everyone, not everyone will see the appeal of the bike one way or another. As for the price, well, you get what you pay for and you're basically riding a functional conversation piece. And for the love of Pete, it's pronounced Gō-shen
I have 8 bikes. They are all much more functional conversation pieces. Including one that is from 1942. It is faster. More comfortable, looks better. And will hold it's value. In fact it likely will only ever go up at this point. Unlike Janus which I doubt one could sell used at half the price. No one missed the point. He was being nice. Not pointing out it the company's target audience is hipsters who cannot afford an Arch.
@@yesihavebedbugs2786 Hurray for you on your investment, I guess? Not in the business of motorcycle speculation, nor did I purchase my Janus as some sort of future collectable. I bought my Janus because it looked fun (and it is) and I like supporting local business as an Indiana native. So, you have fun (and subsequently repairing and maintaining) on your 42 whatever, and I'll putt-putt around on my Janus having my fun while my five other bikes sit in my garage. Cheers
@FOXSTONE87 I ride the 42 regularly. It is actually safe at highway speeds. Unlike a Janus. I buy bikes to ride. Not to complete a hipster facade at the poetry slam at the coffee shop. And for the price, you could have bought from the same manufacturer Piaggo uses in India. And the owners forums would not be full of guys talking about the cheap parts and issues on their expensive lawn ornament.
Yamm, you have convinced me , I am ordering a Janus 450 tomorrow. I will park it between my KTM and Royal Enfield or maybe between the R1200GS and Victory Vagas. Or I might park it under that overhead rack of racing bicycles. You know the ones with the 3000 dollar rims. Lollollol. I have owned several Euro bikes , they require a lot of wrench time . Ducati, BSA, Triumph. All passed along to new potential mechanics.
Tell me you don't understand Janus without telling me you don't understand Janus. Comparing a Janus Halcyon 450 to an MT-10? WTF? Totally different bikes. And riding a Royal Enfield Classic 350 and a Halcyon 450 are completely different experiences. The Halcyon is much lighter, more tossable, and handles much better. Mass produced versus bespoke built. Yes, the appeal of a Janus is laser focused to a small audience, but that audience is there and Janus is catering to them. I haven't bought mine yet, but I will.
It's a nice bike,it's actually beautiful. These bikes are handmade and are hand painted. They are for people who like classic style, and enjoy actually riding,and not passing everything at a hundred miles a minute. While you are correct this bike is not everyones cup of coffee, the same can be said about those plastic sport bikes like the bussa bikes,which are a big L for a lot of us riders. FYI it's the same engine the Honda single piston dirt bike use to use. Same speck just made in China now. I'm not crazy about that,but I guess I can live with it.
While I prefer preformance and comfort I do love the stripped down look maybe I'd get one if I find a used one for a good price for riding around town but I'd prefer a big dog chopper for that kind of look
Because they are so lightweight, even with the relatively low HP, the power to weight ratio is such that they really move very well. Some owners have modified the engine to increase HP, but I have kept mine stock. After the break-in period (for me that was 1,200 miles, approximately), I can drive the Halcyon more like a cafe racer (Janus used to make the Phoenix, which was a cafe-style bike).
Just ordered a Halcyon 250. I’ve had sport bikes and Harley’s. OTD it was about 2k more than a Royal Enfield. I wanted a bike like the bikes I used to ride as a kid . I’m excited for my purchase.
While I agree with most of this, there is the principle of hand made in America that really doesn't exist anymore. I plan on getting a royal enfield, but only because it's what I can afford, I'd rather have made in America simply because it is something to be proud of, though yes the Chinese engine does sour that quite a bit.
Yesterday, I watched a video on TH-cam about Janus produced by a guy who had great praise for the company, although he did cite them as being pricey, without saying just how much they cost. I think I'll make my next new bike a Royal Enfield. Nothing against Indiana or anything, but dang! The price! Thanks, Mr. Noob.
You guys are artists and I truly appreciate the beauty of your motorcycles. I am sure that it makes people smile faster than any crotch rocket. Good Luck !!
Janus motorcycles a marvel. Thank goodness this outfit exists. It is the pure essence of motorcycling. There is a devoted following for these bikes. Take your snobbery elsewhere
Norton "Featherhead"? uh, yeah. Sure. At the age of 71 and having owned many different motorcycles, my '21 Halcyon tickles me in ways that few other bikes have. I don't want to put up with the reliability issues and parts scarcity of a vintage motorcycle but having a bike whose design is inspired by bikes of a century or so ago works for me. I can easily afford virtually any other bike but, since I'm no longer interested in elevated speeds or lean angles, this bike takes me on leisurely rides on local two lane rides and is a delight to look at when not riding. The other retro bikes mentioned reflected the designs of the '50s, not the mid-20's. In my mind, I think the automotive equivalent would be a modern Morgan 3 wheeler: a design from another era with more modern parts, and, like the Janus, comparing it to other vehicles for the same price misses the point. Is it pricy compared to a mass produced 250? Oh, hell yes. But find another bike built essentially by hand and do that comparison. The Chinese engine bothers me not a bit other than wishing that it was vertical in the frame rather than angled slightly forward. Many old bike manufacturers used engines not built in house. As you said, if it doesn't make sense for you, move on. For me, it is a complete treat and I am so appreciative of the guys at Janus for making it.
@@yesihavebedbugs2786 describing my lifestyle as "alternative" would be difficult: solidly middle-class, married to the same woman for 40 years. But I think we're veering off topic.
@Kurt Jensen hipster is an alternative lifestyle. You bought crap. And like many, the cold hard facts are a slap in the face you wish to avoid. I have been to owners forums for Janus customers. I wanted to buy one you see. They have lots to say. Too a man think it looks great, people stop, etcetera. But the cheap parts and constant issues make it a nightmare. And It is not one or two people. Several forums with what is obvious a large portion of the customer base. I have seen comparisons to the $400.00 Chinese made scooters. Perhaps a thousand miles in and issues start. Some sooner than that. But most noted after break in issues would arise. Since many posted pictures on the forums with their bikes. And in soma cases the broken bits. I would have to assume they were being honest. For if they loved them. And thought they were the greatest since sliced bread. They would not have been online complaining. There is no reason they could not have sourced better parts at the premium they are charging. Piaggio buys engines from India. And Piaggio are noted for great running small displacement motors. India has over 200 scooter manufacturers. Including the likes of Honda and Yamaha. So the fact they went with the cheapest route on a premium priced product is evident of their business model. Attention seeking accessory for people, namely hipsters who will never really ride them. You know like the 2 owners happen to be. And they are not like Dale Walksler, an actual aficionado of vintage motorcycles. On TH-cam you can seen Dale on a 1913 Thor. Which is the basic design Janus uses. As well as other vintage bikes. Sadly that is the only way you can see him now. But his museum is still open. And they have a restoration shop on site.
![PASULOL รามเกียรติ์ ตอนที่ 4 นนทกพบรัก [Ramakien Ep.4: Nonthok in love]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tMUQgmZzf_A/mqdefault.jpg)
Big thanks to rideeurocycle.com for the support--check them out today!
Review one.
Id rather support a local business
Like Janus
While we're at it with high priced art bikes, What are the odds of a review of the Curtiss One?
Janus should have put more focus on making DIY kits and selling core parts so enthusiasts can support them without taking out a small loan to do so. Like bro... let me by a frame kit, engine kit, and accessory kits where I can save a few thousand, and enjoy building it myself over time between pay checks.
Hey Yammie, come on up for a visit--tour the shop, take some of our models out for a ramble. We've got loaner Amish hats ;) The offer is open...
Richard you the man😀
Richard, you're a class act!
This is a classy response. And one of the various reasons I will be buying a Janus Motorcycle next year. It's going to be my birthday present to myself. Happy 40th.
Love that you guys got blasted and then 9 months later released the Ramblers Companion. Great book!
Your reaching out to the man that road an RnineT for an entire review video on rain mode… whilst griping about its anemic performance… not with it.
I purchased the Janus Halcyon 250 last August. I never owned a motorcycle prior to this bike, my only experience of riding had been on a 150cc scooter. Wherever I go on my Janus, I can be sure it will attract one or more admiring spectators. Even people that do not have an interest in motorcycles will make positive comments about the bike. Where I use the bike is on roadways that have a speed limit of 50mph, the rest of my riding is on back country winding roads. No highways. So far, the first 2000 miles have been a blast. No regrets.
I received mine a month after you in September. No regrets, such fun to ride.
@@HarrisonFjord-n3v Yes, yes you are. smh. And, I'm not just saying this out of the blue. I know you personally Jerry. One of the saddest basement dwellers I've ever encountered. Like your mom keeps telling you, you're 43, still sponging off your mom, you gotta get your own place and car! I mean this from a place of love. Your life is more than half over- especially considering your weight and general fitness. It's not too late to salvage some of it. I love you kid! Take care. -Uncle Bovus
I think your viewpoint is crucial to think the Janus is a worthwhile bike. 250s can for sure be fun. I have a GZ250 that weighs 230 lbs (less than a Janus) which I bought last year for $1500 (significantly less than a Janus!), and I surprised myself to realize I choose that one more than I take out my 1050cc Speed Triple. But the price you pay is for looks and to get the attention of people who don't know what they're looking at, two things that I have zero interest in.
If you stick to motorcycles and try just about anything else, you will have regrets that you wasted time on trying to look good. As it stands now, you don't have enough experience to know how much more fulfilling other bikes can be.
I wouldn’t call them a flop. For a custom bike builder, they seem to be doing well. I love anything with two wheels and a motor and I’m happy that they’re doing what they’re doing.
I gotta be honest - I love that primitive bike style. They are one of the few doing it. The engine and transmission is an utter steaming pile of okapi manure garnished with bat piss. But the bikes themselves are visually, and by all accounts, dynamically, stunning.
If Janus could crack a better engine deal and get something that suits these bikes, they'd probably own the retro scene as a niche of their own.
Jay Leno actually interviewed them on his show.
Since the engine/transmission is a Honda clone, makes it ripe for a straight swap. Possibility exists for custom cans for a more retro look as well.
Just wait for the chinese knockoff that is 5K out the box
Royal Enfield??
@@tedecker3792 Enfields look old, yes, but not pre-war old. Don't get me wrong - I have a 2019 GT650 in the ice queen colourway, and it's probably the 7th or 8th most gorgeous motorcycle I've ever clapped eyes on. It's easily one of the greatest bikes of all time, in my book. It is literally a 1960s classic British cafe racer, that's been made liveable for day to day life. That makes it objectively better than an original, much as I love the old bikes, and subjectively better than most other modern bikes, because it looks great and feels like it has a soul. I love it to bits, and wouldn't trade it in that easily.
However, enfield's bikes don't quite scratch that pre-war itch, and I don't think anyone really does except for perhaps Janus. Again, better engines, and they'd own that scene - a scene which I believe is quite an unexplored market.
These bikes are a walk back into history. Very cool bikes and really nice people. I visited the Janus shop after this video. Truthfully, I'm in love with their 450
go buy it.
until you see the modern motor....
a $300 chinese clone engine on a $10K bike hell no!
@@ezragonzalez8936 U're a clone!! I will have a comment was I have miles. The craftsmanship is as U say... This is what I wanted... Americans not a factory assembled mass produced. Go ride your $3500 Enfield made in China
Apparently, U still haven't read Zen and The Art of Motorcycle!! U can read as fast as U talk😂
I have a 2022 halcyon 250 and love it. 3500 miles later no problems and its easy to work on. Janus encourages its owners to work on their own bikes. How many companies honor warranties if you do your own maintenance. They do, unless you screw it up, of course . Let's be thankful we have choices to suit our DIFFERENT tastes. If it's not for you, buy something else. The other day, while getting gas a guy asked me questions about it. After a negative comment about the motor ( which for me has been super reliable) besides being cheap to replace if need be, he said " your crazy, i would never pay that much for a 250". I pointed to his 15 dollar pack of cigarettes and said " don't you think those are expensive ?"to which he replied " yes, but i enjoy them". I rest my case.
I agree--I have a 2021 Halcyon. I understand a lot more about this bike than I did any of my previous ones.
June 2023. In Harrahs Casino in Atlantic City last weekend, cigarettes are $17.94!!! I quit in April 2019 and in November of 2019 I bought a used Yamaha TW200 in like new condition and not smoking (2 packs a day) paid for it and then some!!
Im not payi g for cigs and im not paying 10k 15k for a chinese engine
Janus encourages owners to work on their own bikes because it's nearly impossible to find a mechanic who will work on them. Janus doesn't publish any service manual, so no one wants to take a chance. Sending the bike to Janus for repair will cost about $1,800 back and forth. I have about 1,000 miles on my Halcyon 250, and I have had one breakdown after another. Very disappointed with it.
@@forrestbedford5603If you're from the US. East Asia? Europe? Those engines are based on the Honda 250cc engine and more than enough mechanics to work on it.
Yam missed the point. It is the experience. I have a 450, a Scout and a GSXS1000F and 1986 Yamaha. They All ride differently. The 450 has a 1930's race suspension with Brough Superior in front and Vincent Black Shadow in the back. Amazing corning at speed and far quicker than expected and it will do almost 100mph. Let's remember why we ride. It's the experience!
I have to ask, since I'd love to have a 450 (or larger) Janus. How many miles have you put on it and how is the motor holding up? Anything you notice positive or negative with the rest of the bike?
No for that price it’s no where near worth buying
@Lurch the engine they use is a copy of a Honda design-but with some notable improvements over the original Honda. They are used by the millions all over the Far East and have a reputation of being virtually indestructible. They tried to use a U.S. built engine, but they literally don’t exist.
Well said 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Yam misses a lot of points. You know from all the head trauma.
7000 miles on mine. 2019. No problems. Had the tires replaced last year. Oddly, I couldn't find them at a bicycle shop.
Ive ridden a Janis - Phoenix their cafe racer type thing with 250cc, it was an absolutely well crafted bike built in the USA with a ride feel similar to that of a 70's BMW, it was completely enjoyable in every way for what it was, bringing motorcycling back to something more tame that we all vibe with and love. It was about joy, pure and simple without TECH, without weight, without fairings, without NAV, without without without headache...........i am 6'1'' and it was fine to ride for the 2 hour ride to my buddies house......100% pure fun on back roads. - i mainly ride a 2018 Harley Road Glide........with just about to hit 120k on it :) mileage means alot to me, but Janis is a fantastic second motorcycle for enthusiasts and cruisers who just want to enjoy a sport thats gotten COMPLETELY out of hand.....
I have a Grom, it is simple and it is fun.
Cheap chinese engine for the prive of the bims is whats out of hand. Im willing to pay for a 10k 250 butnits gotta be the sickest 250 and i like.the made in usa parts I dont like the cheap chinese engine. The engine is so critical its like a backburner item to them
@@TheAnnoyingBossthose old Honda engines where bullet proof though. Just because it's a Chinese clone doesn't mean it's cheap Chinese garbage. There are good manufacturers in China, it's not all garbage. Janus has put a lot of time and research into their suppliers and their capabilities of producing quality with consistency and meeting their tolerances.
And back to that engine: It's based on the original Honda CG250 (well, that was CG125 originally, but it gets complicated). There just isn't a US small displacement engine that is practical for this purpose. The engine really is bulletproof, which is no idle boast. And whatever naysayers may think, lots of riders and mechanics have commented to me that it even looks good. But it definitely is easy to maintain.
A different engine would certainly add to the already off-putting (for many) price, but I wonder how a Yamaha 250cc V-twin engine would look in that frame. Regardless, I am not offended by the Chinese clone of a Honda engine that was developed to be very reliable and easy to work on.
@LurchAs many owners will be glad to tell you (one went 16,000 mile round trip from Arizona to Alaska!), this one is too. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to clarify.
@@lurch789is it really a cheap clone if the base 125 I'd actually still mass produced in places like Pakistan? Shit's make money along with the 70cc engine there.
@@nebunezz_r yes. Pakistan is hardly the place that inspires confidence. Even small displacement engines these days have modern refinement.
@@lurch789well even in my country the venerable 125cc-155cc 4 speed OHV Honda TMX are phased out and replaced by Honda China sourced 150cc OHC and 125cc OHV, that for a third worlder cannot last longer and abused like the Old Honda 1980's to 2010's 125/155cc, even the other market that got 150cc OHC are considered reliable too, but they never received the 155 OHV.
**Guys and Gals! Please don't take this video seriously. Yam has no experience with these bikes. I added a Janus Halcyon 450 to my bike collection earlier this year, and it is now my favorite bike to ride of all. My Halcyon now gets more miles driven than any other bike, probably by a factor of 50 to 1. Finding excuses to go ride it is all I ever think about. No other bike has ever made me think like that this much. On a side note, the frame on the Halcyon 450 is actually quite beefy, and I'm shocked the bike only weighs 360 pounds just by looking at it.
And why would your opinion as a soy loving hipster be valid? YN rides a multitude of bikes. And he is right. The guys who buy these are like the owners of Janus, hipster conformists. It is a look at how trendy I am endeavor.
@@yesihavebedbugs2786 Lol! I'm far from a hipster. I actually have one, unlike yam (or you), so my opinion is based on reality. An opinion without experience shows a lack of intellect.
@@yesihavebedbugs2786 LOL look at you trying so hard to compensate, who do you think you're impressing? More CC's, bells and whistles doesn't make you more manly, it just makes you look more insecure, like all the millions of other over-the-hill weekend warrior easy riders who fancy themselves "rebels" by ironically riding the same mass-manufactured bikes as all the other sheep. An American hand crafted bike that thoughtfully embraces motorcycle heritage and a philosophy centered around the simple joys of riding isn't "conformist" it's actually pretty damn unique, sure ain't gonna hurt you none buttercup unless doing their own thing offends your delicate sensibilities. ❄
@@yesihavebedbugs2786because he owns one and YN hasn't even ridden one.
@@justinbevier8231 I have never had gay sex. I can know I am not missing out on getting poked in the backdoor.
Did you watch the video? Hipsters selling overpriced fashion accessories to other hipsters. Does not make it a good product.
I have a Hawk 250 with the same 229 cc china motor as many Janus. And I have abused that bike and motor for 26,000 miles and 7 year with ZERO problems. Just fuel, oil changes, tires, chain, sprockets, grips, and tires. No issues just maintenance! I even geared it up to run 70 and I routinely run it on 4 lane highways and even the interstate; wide open for hours! I can't say enough about it, they are not fast but damn reliable.
Man these things are built down the road from me, and i think they're pretty damn sweet. Not every motorcycle needs to be a complex race machine. And justa heads up, its pronounced Go-shen🤘
But yeah man the price on em's a bit steep no doubt
And id definitely recommend a horse and buggy ride out here to check em out lol
Yup... Go-shen, 😂😂😂
If money was no object for me, I'd love to sit down and order one. Yeah, the Chinese engine seems out of place, but the style and craftsmanship otherwise is definitely admirable. Certainly a small American made engine would be more desireable, but I would venture a guess that they already went searching down that road to find it was cost prohibitive. They may never get rich selling these, but as long as their bills are paid by them, I bet they are content. I Call it a success.
Which "small American made engine" are you referring to?
@@kurtjens I'm not too well informed what small American engines are out there. Lycoming? Is Rotax American? Gotta be some out there.
@@PineyRider Rotax is Austrian. There's S&S but they're large displacement. There's Brigg's & Stratton but that wouldn't have much appeal. The problem is that, even if there was an American-made, small displacement engine that could work, it would almost certainly boost the price of the Halcyon, and the current price is a deal-breaker for many potential buyers.
@kurtjens Yeah, a Big S&S would certainly be interesting, to say the least. Big S&S probably twist the frame!! I think Lycoming is traditionally an aircraft engine built in Pennsylvania maybe? But even if there was a way to adapt a small Lycoming, it would likely be very expensive compared to mass produced Chinese Honda clones. They probably didn't have much choice but to go the Chinese route. As long as they stand behind their bikes, which I believe they do. Gotta give them credit for what they have accomplished. (Everything I said is just from my memory of what I believe I've read or seen in the past. Definitely subject to being corrected!!😁)
@Lurch well, if you can do that, why not show us?
I think it is sad that small businesses such as this have to pay so much more to get parts. Places like Honda can pump out larger bikes for way cheaper. I think these guys are super cool for trying to make something different. I’m sure if they could get the same deals as the big boys with the same factories then the bike would be dirt cheap. Ow well I talk of big game but there is no way I’m trading my Kawasaki for one of these.
Americans are far too portly to ride one of these smaller bikes that the rest of the world are capable of riding
@@joeq.public281 Richard Worsham, one of the founders, is 6'4" (not portly, but the Janus owners come in all sizes). The bikes work for tall and shorter riders. I'm just under 6', but there are much shorter riders who like the ease of reaching the ground. As far as weight, I've seen self-reports of owners much heavier than I am who have no trouble on the bike.
The shame is all that craftsmanship kinda goes to waste without a proper motor to bring it all together ...I cant think of a single modern engine that would provide the right look. I mean NO ONE is goning to buy these because they ride like a modern MC so in that regard even these chinese honda clones are far superior to the retro chassis and wheels ....ironically it is the motor that ruins it ...IMHO ...but hey if someone else loves it the way it is? Who cares what anyone says right?
My first bike was a Honda CB 550 (four pipes that twisted into one--I wish I still had that bike!). I basically like many types of motorcycles, but the Janus company's utter transparency has been great. One can see on the company website exactly how many and which parts are made in what countries. (For example, the front shock is ICON, which is Australian--great progressive spring shock that can be rebuilt if needed. It has performed very well.)
It's a LOT cheaper to make parts in huge quantities which is why companies like Honda buy them so much cheaper.
I worked for a company who made car pars. We sold to BMW considerably cheaper than we sold to Lotus yet still made more of a profit margin selling to BMW
I mostly agree with you on the Janus bikes but there’s still room for them in a tiny slice of the motorcycle market. On the tire thing though. Those are not bicycle tires. There was a time not that long ago when all bikes didn’t come with 190 section tires on them you know.
those tyres just look like normal tyres on small displacement bikes. Very common here in Singapore
gotta say, watching this video I 100% felt like he made the opinion before really looking into the bikes, then justified his stance later while researching for the video. He but as much effort into understanding the bikes as he put into getting the towns name right, very little.
@@ICGravityPacific1146 You have that correct! Amen!
Land O' Goshen! Well, they are what they are. Apparently, they're managing to sell hundreds of them. That's not a lot, but Janus bikes are, well, what they are. I'm an old fart just shy of 78 years. Having owned a couple of bikes that date back into the 1930s, I get what Janus is trying to do. At the same time I owned those, I also owned a 1963 Yamaha YDS-2, which was pretty much cutting edge at the time. I liked both. The historical feel of my Excelsior 125 was one thing. Whizzing along on the first stock 2-stroke 250 cc that made 100 HP/Liter was something else again. Both things were worthwhile to me.
Would I buy a Janus? Not now, I wouldn't. I don't ride any longer. Do I like the concept of them? Yes. They're a lot cheaper than fully restored bikes of the period they are hinting at. It would be fun to ride around on.
@Lurch That Magna is not at all similar to the Janus. It's not about just having a motorcycle, really. The Janus is a different sort of thing.
I’m a Bemmer fan and I would definitely purchase the Janus 450. Considering how difficult and expensive it is to build a startup manufacturing shop in today's America, Janus’ prices are not unwarranted; they have to make a profit.
As a business owner, I thought these bikes were gonna be 20-30k. It cost so much to be in business nowadays. If money was not an issue I would buy one of these.
I tailor bespoke menus and historical suits as a semi-professional hobby - they start at $6,000. Thats $1000 for the materials and $20 an hour for the 250 hours it takes to make it.
I dont actually do it for the money, but I dont undercut the people who are paying rent and feeding babies of their labour - anyway my point it, I thought they would be $25K
Its really expensive to hand make things...
As a 72 year old, lifelong motorcyclist who cut his teeth in the 60's on Brit 650cc, parallel twins with 4 speed gearboxes. As a distance rider (iron butt) I moved onto BMW boxers, culminating with the 900cc (R90S) and 1,000cc (R100S) boxers (superb machines). After a bad car accident and open heart surgery I wanted to continue riding but required a smaller bike. First, I bought the Janus Halcyon 250 and found it underpowered. I recently picked up a Janus Halcyon 450 and enjoy riding it - a lot! Based on the Honda 400cc single, this is a good little thumper. The counterbalance works well (vibrates less than the Brit 650 twins). It handles exceptionally well. The 7,000 rpm redline makes for decent acceleration (doesn't like below 3,500rpm and the sweet spot is 5,000 - 6,500 rpms). The 5 speed make it a fun cruiser at 60-65 mph. We're going to fabricate a header exhaust and open up the air box to coax more HP. Maybe a Mikini carb. The styling is fun. Fit and finish are excellent. And important to me, is it's made in the USA.
of excellent Japanese design that vibrates far less than the Brit and Indian parallell twinshas v@@HarrisonFjord-n3v
Hi Yammie- All good points. I've ridden a lot of different bikes and I've ridden the Janus at one of their discovery days and I have to say, there's something different about these bikes. If you get a chance take a ride on one, I'd recommend taking the time.
I took you seriously, up until you referred to arguably the the most famous frame design in history as a "Norton Featherhead".
I actually think that 450 looked cool af. Don’t think I’d fork out 15k for one but I really like the style they’re going for here.
I have a Royal Enfield and a Triumph and I would definitely own one of these.
I traded my Kawasaki W650 to the owner for an RD350 few years ago. Drove from Michigan to Goshen (Goe-shen) . Good dude who loves all motorcycles doing what he could. Saw at least half a dozen Janus’ buzzing around town on my trip in and out. I get it they aren’t for everyone. Neither was the aforementioned Royal Enfield when they begin importing them into the US again in the late 90s…. I think it’s incredible it’s even a conversation some hipsters in Indiana can do in a decade what RE has been “perfecting” for 100 years selling 500k bikes a year
This is the only way to own a retro bike of this specific style, short of buying a restored original. I watched a TH-cam video from JANUS discussing why they used this Chinese engine, and it makes total sense. It's really the only one they can source. No manufacturer wants to sell them an engine that fits the bill. It takes tens of millions of dollars to design your own engine and have it manufactured to spec. A good example of how crippling the cost is to look at Indian's "Coke Bottle" engine, Manufacturing that engine almost sank the brand again. Prior to that I think they were using S&S, which basically made it a Harley clone. Mass producing a new motorcycle takes serious investors, and years of loses (look at Excelsior Henderson's reboot failure).
These guys are not going to get rich selling these. I personally appreciate the effort and would love to a chance to ride/own one.
true but also a deal breaker for a lot of folks
Being from Goshen IN where these are built, I have never talked to a single owner who didn't love their Janus bike.
Hey yammie, I would definitely like to see you ride a couple of different models of theirs and even a trip to their manufacturing plant would be quite cool. Especially from your point of view.
I just toured their facility for the second time (first time was 5 years ago). Highly recommend seeing it! Very small operation, but extremely nice and well organized. I love the people who work there too.
I first met one of them back round 2012 on their 50cc model. Left a lasting impression!
A very poor, ill-informed review of a very good bike. Perhaps when the Yam gets a little more time, experience and wisdom under his very young belt, he'll be able to comprehend the value in these bikes that today, utterly escapes him. Having never ridden a single mile on one, I'm at a loss to understand how he thinks he's qualified to criticize. Of course, there's a sponsor paycheck involved, so that might explain the shilling. I have over 7000 miles on my Halycon, and I still wouldn't trade it for any overpowered, plastic-coated, one-of-ten thousand clones with a built-in umbilical cord straight back to an expensive dealer service department. Simplicity, easy to maintain on your own, bullet-proof, adaptable, style and smiles for miles, and a true, original, motorcycle experience. I'll have a second in the 450 version too, please.
Love my halcyon 250. Piece of cake to maintain, looks awesome, the ride is full of character … and upgrades with motocult rocks … power to weight makes for loads of fun. I don’t need 70mph. It’s solid at 55 mph
Ditto, my Halcyon 250 is a blast to ride, wouldn't have it any other way
Last I checked, Morgan is still selling every retro 30's sports car it can build, and at considerable prices.
For some people, it's the handmade nature and owning a unique, driveable vehicle that stands out wherever it goes.
Would I buy either? No. But I like that Morgan and Janus exist.
Yes, Yammie - I think it might be an interesting endeavor for you to go up and check out the manufacturer and their bikes in depth. At least 2 (so far) in the comments here actually own the bikes, and were surprisingly positive in their ownership experience. As long as the owners are aware that you'll be fair but painfully honest in your reporting, it might end up being good publicity for them and interesting content for the rest of us.
I guarantee it's a unique angle of motorcycle-dom that the plethora of other motorcycle channels are not pursuing. Your writing and presentation skills would make it fun!
Yes - check it out for sure!
Agree, reviewing a motorcycle without actually riding it is pretty disingenuous and even more so when you more than once recommend to buy from your sponsor instead. Also, the 450 engine is actually Italian - not Chinese. It does have components manufactured in China though.
EDIT: As a Hoosier myself, it pained me the way he mispronounced Goshen throughout the video.
That's for sure. Should spend more time on research and less on all the .....doodles and cartoons. @@timduncan6750
*Kinda sounds like yammy got his feelings hurt by Janus and he wanted to retaliate with this video….*
Yammy keeps taking down posts to support Janus by going to their website… post one for yourself and see what happens… shame on Yammy
@@viscose808 TH-cam bots often assume posts with links to external sites are spam and take them down.
As a person living within 20 miles of Goshen it's pronounced go-shin. This was really hard to watch without screaming at my phone 😂 they're kind of a collector's piece. Something you take out to just enjoy riding on a Sunday maybe. They're almost deliberately underpowered. Kind of cool nugget, a lot of the metal work is done by the Amish in the area
Ya, it's not that difficult to pronounce.
I live out by the airport.
Janus is a great bike. The company and it's owners are great people.
underpowered on purpose? was taking the easy road and going with chinese, ugly motor also on purpose. i don't mind paying extra for styling but with this bike, you're getting only looks. no one would say they love the cool slowness for $10k if it looked boring
@@theuserthatishere ya, well, they are sold out a year in advance.
Don't buy one if you don't like it.
I think this is the best marketing that Janus could have asked for
folks dogging the bike for being pricey and funky motor?
Everyone trying to avoid making a _Hugh Janus_ joke 😂
Janus leakage must be truly embarrassing.
😂
Just give in it’s ok
@@janusmotorcycles haha you guys are being a good sport, much respect 😄 beautiful bikes btw!
And you made it. Do you feel all better now?
The 450 is great! They made a retro modern bike that connects rider to machine as they stated!!! Super comfortable and they really stand behind their product and provide great support!! Hats off to Janus!!! Big thank you
These motorcycles are conversation pieces. It's something for enthusiasts to own that can afford a small, slow, expensive, and exclusive bike to take out twice a year, look at, talk about, and enjoy while you discuss heritage style footwear, hand made leather leg gaiters, bespoke wool hand sewn flat caps, and small batch artisanal mustache wax. Basically a bike for a not quite steam punk motorcycle enthusiast to take to the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride . It's a very narrow niche and Janus is filling it.
Some of us ride all the time. I commute on mine nearly every day through heat and rain, whatever. And once broken in, it isn't slow at all. Sure, on a highway where cars are moving at 85+ mph, it won't keep up (at least my 250 won't), but in my mostly in-city driving, I can out maneuver many vehicles. On longer country drives, I'm not trying to outrun anyone.
@@jeffkaron5311 Well I don't really have much room to talk since my Indian Vintage is just a much bigger retro/throwback bike. Mostly I was just making a joke.
I bet its pronounced, "Go Shun..." well Im happy they are employing a few folks, very cool!!
They aint building 30s throwbacks because they can't afford to build modern bikes, they're doing it because they want to. Give them a million dollars and they'd just do more of the same.
We had the Knucklehead in the 30's. This is pre WW1 design.
If i had a few bikes in the garage one of them would be a Halcyon 450. I like the retro look. As for the Chinese motor Janus is upfront about it. They describe it as bulletproof.
Right on !
Yes, you should definitely take a trip up to Indiana to visit the HQ, meet the team, and ride the bikes.
Or, just saying or, ride a Chinese 50cc scooter for the same experience. He can do that locally.
I saw these first at the mid Ohio raceway during the vintage days meet. Now I own 78 bikes. So I have some experience.. janus are great and I would gladly add one to my collection
Now you know what must replace the boom BD250.
Get a Janus and have them custom engrave the YN logo onto the gas cap, they offer that apparently.
I second that
@@bulthaosen1169 i 3rd that 😁
Was just on a the Gentleman’s ride in Omaha and there was a Halcyon 450 that showed up. Coolest bike there.
Its Go-Shen Indiana lmao. Also, it may have been a joke, but steampunk influence is indiana in a nut shell.
Yammie bashing a small American company while he's sponsored by Ride "Euro" Cycle... lol! Gotta do what your sponsors want you to do, huh...
The key here is to keep the tank clean at all times, and not let the J become obscured with mud. The halcyon is a unique thing of retro beauty.
Featherbed,.... not feather head i.e. the chassis designed by the McCandless brothers, when compared to the frames Norton was using at the time, was as comfortable as a feather filled mattress.
So anybody claiming they've got a Norton Featherbed inspired chassis but rigid is talking out of their arse as they've missed the point completely
They were very rigid in comparison with other frames of the day. Many racing bikes copied the design back then.
@@domitype An awful lot of Norvins and Tritons were made for cafe racing out of Norton featherbed frames and Vincent or Triumph engines. Yes, Norton Featherbed frames were comfy, but they were also "Rigid: Not unsuspended, resistant to flexing. Regards.
If you don't get the Janus, that's fine. A Royal Enfield is an attractive bike, but the Janus is on another level of retro. If I was in the US and not the UK I would already have a Janus; sure it's not a bike for everyday commuting, but for a weekend fun-machine skinny tyres and a hard-tail take some beating. I'll not be selling my 1922 ABC anytime soon, but it might just get supplemented by a Halcyon 250 one day...
Janus CEO reading all the comments should be proud! Everyone in support of Janus and what they are doing. True american start up making a quality product.
Janus with a hard J (like Jack) and a long A (like bAy or cAke). Janus was the Roman god of gateways and transitions (and related concepts) and had two faces, one facing forwards the other backwards. The first month of the year, January, is named after him, because in January you can look back to the old year just finished, or forwards to the new year just beginning. So Janus motorcycles are looking forward (in terms of the engine, manufacturing techniques, safety) but backwards (in terms of styling).
When you think about it, 15 grand is kinda cheap for a rolling art piece. If I had a different wife, and a bigger garage, I'd own a Janus, and I'd feel like it was a bargain. I've owned many bikes in my 50+ years of motorcycling, and still my favorite had only 200cc's. I have a bike for "sport." I'd like one just far "the ride." These guys are making a living doing what they love for people who love what they're doing. Give 'em a break.
Not everyone wants to drive a model T because they lack the speed and comfort of a modern car. But if you are not in a hurry and want the experience of what it was like to travel back in the early 1900's then it is perfect. I see these motorcycles in the same way. They give you a felling of another time when traveling was about the trip not just the destination. No you wouldn't want to ride this bike 1,000 miles in 2 days but it is built to experience a time when most people didn't travel more than 20 miles from their home. When roads were dirt and major highways were far in the future. If you like sporty comfortable motorcycles then it's not for you. With this bike you are paying for the experience not just a peace of metal. Just like paying a ridiculous price for mediocre tasting food at a fancy restaurant. You are paying for the experience. I personally think the bikes are gorgeous but that is my personal opinion. They're not for everyone but I am glad to see they are there for people who want them. Too many times we have to buy what is popular because mass production is cheaper but it is great to see a company cater to a more select percentage of the population. I hadn't seen or heard of this company before but I applaud them for promoting what they love. Slow down and smell your surroundings. Look around at more than just the road and billboards and make travel a more enjoyable experience again.
I live in the area, practically lived in Goshen for several years, and am still down there regularly for work. In the time since Janus has opened, I think I have seen them on the roads around here 5 times. Ans it’s possible two or three of those were the same person/bike. They are just too expensive, even for those that like the styling. Elkhart Indian Motorcycle in the next town over is a Royal Enfield dealer, and the best dealership I’ve ever done business with. In that kind of environment Janus is a real hard sell. Still, I wish them the best. So far there has been a niche market for their product.
Seeing a Royal Enfield Continental GT650 at that exact dealership in Elkhart is what made me not buy it. Went there to sign the papers, but seeing how bad the quality of the Royal Enfield was in person, especially the paint, made me back out. The sales guy was cool though, so I felt kinda bad... Saw the Janus bikes in person that same day... Janus wins in the quality department, hands down.
There are Janus owners who also have a RE. The ones I've read or talked to like both, but find them extremely different bikes. I would get a RE as a second bike, but the majority opinion seems to be that the Janus produces the most fun. The RE, especially one that is substantially more powerful, is useful for faster highways.
There’s different kinds of motorcyclists who appreciate different kinds of motorcycles. Yammie obviously doesn’t understand the appeal of a hand built, pre-war styled bikes with reliable, easy to maintain components. It sucks to see big TH-cam channels crap on small time moto companies that have their own take on biking and are just trying to make it in a world of mass produced, non-risky designed motorcycles. People mod their bikes to be unique all the time, they mod them for aesthetics and sacrifice comfort in doing so. With Janus, you can buy a unique, useable art piece, customized to your liking without having to turn a wrench yourself for less than 10k. I’m team Janus with this one and a bit frustrated Yammie did a 15 minute video dissing the philosophy of an entire genre of motorcycling without even seeing one in person or test riding. Way to flex your media power against Midwestern anabaptists lol
It is a crap bike that is 3 times the cost it should be. This is 2 hipsters selling to other hipsters who cannot afford an Arch. This is look at me accessories. For 15k. You can buy a vintage bike that is actually done right.
Was enamored by the concept, look and a chance to own a 1930's style bike that comes with a warranty, is more reliable and won't leak on my garage floor. After a visit to Granger and a test ride on the 250 and 450 Halcyon, this is what this 67 year old (on my 52nd year of continuous ; read 35+ motorbikes owned over those years) thinks. The 250 was fun until I crossed into the 50+mph world of road cycling, way buzzy and the fatigue factor was creeping in. The rigid rear suspension was ok (read bouncy spring seat) until the road had any pothole repairs, read, moderately painful. The 450 was Lexus plush like after the 250 and felt like a motorcycle (read 250=scooter like) and was a good time all the way to 65 mph. After that, it was straining to me to push it much faster. PRICE?? $11,000 (250) and $15,500 (450) seemed like a high price point for these unique cycles. Dollar value felt more like maybe $6000 (250) and $10k (450) for a reality check. Get the price down, increase the volume, then improve the offerings and jack the price......... just my $ 0.02 worth and a sunny afternoon not wasted, but the picture a bit more clear on Granger Indiana Motorcycle company Janus...
If yo have 15k you could buy an enfield classic 350 and do all the basic mods to get more power out of it and have money left over to buy two more.
This is my shit right here. I love small displacement engine bikes and I love the early era of motorcycles. This is the first I've heard of Janus. Thanks for the video.
Janus is an interesting name tho for their philosophy. Janus is not just the god of doors only, he is the Roman god of transitions, and therefore represents the liek fulcrum point between major points in life and history- life and death, the beginning and end, war and peace..and more importantly young and old. His two faces look towards the future and into the past. Which reflects that they are making an old design with modern engineering and components. I like the looks and philosophy, but they are insanely underpowered and expensive. Sad they can't survive.
I would definitely buy a Janus Halcyon 450... if I had a damn nice house, a couple of nice cars, three or four motorcycles off my Motorcycle Wishlist, and I had plenty of disposable income.
People that I know that own a Janus: My dentist, whom has all of those other things. Checks out
I think a comparison video between a Royal Enfield and a Janus could be quite fun!
I think it's not present RE.
but RE during 1910 to 1930s.
@@Persian-Immortal a 1930's R E 1000cc V twin....
@christopher brown I think if RE makes a classic bullet 900cc with 80 horses, it would definitely be popular.
The eras in which these machines are trying to replicate are separated by 40 or 50 years. It's not exactly a fair comparison technologically speaking.
Here you go:
Janus, hand built in the US by people who love classic original concepts, for people who want something unique and rather beautiful.
Royal Enfield: Mass produced garbage for the local Indian market to pop to the local shit market. Now being flogged to the rest of the world as a 'retro' bike.
I've owned two rather unusual bikes. The first was a WWII vintage belt drive Whizzer, which my brother and I found at the dump minus engine. We equipped it with a lawnmower engine, added a roller that pressed on the belt as a clutch, and were off- at least until our funsucking nextdoor neighbor called the cops on us. The next was a circa 1965 Marusho, a Japanese copy of a BMW 500. Alternator didn't work, had to charge the battery at home.
So I have a foible for old fashioned designs. And Janus is doing a wonderful job at handcrafting a bike that is definitely not for everyone, but fits a niche no one else does today. I too would wish for a locally made engine, but I understand the cost problems. Beautiful work and obviously a very ethical business. Bravo to Janus.
I've seen these bikes at Americade, the fit & finish is outstanding. As a hand made custom for that much money, I guess it should be!...bless their hearts.
if you haven't ridden on one of these things, what they lack in modern performance they make up for in sheer fun. Thing is, you could probably build your own bike for far cheaper than these while still maintaining the aesthetic
That's the thing about these bikes. And given the hand-made nature of the bikes they can't do all *that* much about the price.
One of the biggest upsides with those chinese crate engines is that they're *cheap* in the fiscal sense even if sometimes in every sense. Blow an engine? new one is like $400 shipped. If you know what you're doing and break them in they last a decent while. Small tires are pretty affordable too. Buuuuut the whole bike already costs you like $8k, so the hand-made aesthetic really better appeal to you....
It all depends on what you want from a motorcycle. In the summer I bought a retro-styled bike, a Kawasaki Z900RS SE and it is exactly what I want. It has great power and handling and looks great. I'm not a squid and am way past 20, so I am not concerned with high redlines and ultra handling with sticky tires. I like to go on on relaxing rides on a twisty road, and the Z900RS checks all my boxes. The Janus line of motorcycles isn't what I am looking for, but I hope they continue building bikes for their niche market.
I was really hoping you were going to ride one of theses bikes and tell us about it.
I agree on the price, if in the 3 or maybe 4 thousand dollars, I would like to own one. But the price for what they are offering. I am good
I want the old school look that Janus has. The Royal Enfield is not of the same vintage. RE is post WW2, Janus has the Pre World war look.
At 80+ years old I have been riding twice as long as you have been alive, I own, and have paid cash for Janus 450 #64 and have ZERO interest in track racers, or heavy metal cruisers.
I like the throwback design and hate the look of the modern foiled and naked bikes. And if price is a major ingredient in your purchase decision I am sorry for you. pricing is in fact a good way to separate one from the uneducated masses! Oh yea, when I got the Janus I did NOT sell my beloved Honda Monkey!
So you bought over priced junk and that is a recommendation for your opinion? I am like you. Much older than most on here. Actually ridden bikes that were made when this was the style, which unlike Yammie says is not from the 30's. Go back about 20 years further. I own a 1942 and newer bikes now. If the owners forums were not full of complaints. You may have been able to make a case for it. But with the numbers they have sold. And number of complaints on owners forums. Other than you like modern hipsters just wanted to feel special. You could have bought a vintage bike that is a much better machine for the money.
I just like the 1920s and 1940s - 50s look
Can't get over how he says "goshen" 🤣
I actually like the Janus aesthetic but I'll never get one if for no other reason than the cheap, Chinese engines. Want to impress me? Build your own engine like they did in 1919. Now that would be cool.
When I worked at a Harley-Davidson dealership I floated an idea to make small retro bikes like this with the Street power plant. I even made a few sketches that looked pretty cool.
If Harley ever did a retro 1911 7D, it would be a hot seller.
@@JoeBManco When I saw my first Indian Scout and Harley WL I knew it could be something. These were small bikes with a great look. Harley will not build them because they can't sell them for a premium. Harley is not Japan. They don't do volume.
@@JR-bj3uf That's too bad, because I believe there would be an instant market for such a Harley or Indian product. I've even thought about buying a crate motor and building my own.
Everyone understands the difference between a Ducati and a Janus, I don't understand why you made this video!
Interesting to see coverage of the Janus line. To me, you had some hits and some misses and were too harsh in some areas. While the wheel size isn't mentioned, we had many lightweight, quality motorcycles in the late '50s onward that had 2.75" to 3.00" tires which aren't bicycle sizes but were on machines that could easily cruise at 50mph and could hit 80mph with no handling issues. Honda Cubs had 2.50" tires as well and could carry two people decently. The 450 twin seems about the right weight for its size class through the years.
Thing that gets my attention most is the construction of the "earles type" forks and whether they have good, lasting bearings at the pivot points. The price tags surprises me, completely pushes me away considering one of these could be fun to own and use. I have little qualm with the engine choices as they seem to be holding up well enough - my daughter still riding a 230cc Hawk she purchased in 2018, note here these are pushrod engines, not OHC.
As badly as I want to love the hand-built properties and the custom paint work on each bike, the price hurts a LOT. I can't help but wish for them to offer new tanks, windscreens, and headlights for newer bikes as well as offering up these art pieces. A honda super cub 125, though not nearly as "faithful" to the vintage super cub, is also a modern honda. So you get on it, press the start button, and ride all day, no problem. I'd love to see all their expertise and work with custom fabrication and painting to offer color variations or new accessories and styles that honda just can't make themselves due to being too low volume and niche. Or maybe some "vintage leather" saddlebags and handpainted tanks for bonnevilles or the kawasaki W800.
I deeply admire their work, but almost 10k for a 250 that is not much faster, or perhaps even slower, than the new 5-speed grom? Can't justify it.
Yeah that'd be pretty cool make some accessories for the bikes with way bigger market share
Yamm is the kind of person who was most definitely picked on at school😂 Of course he’s not wrong with some of his thoughts, except the digs on Janus’s craftsmanship. Yes the engine sucks but the rest of the bike is built well. That said I wouldn’t buy one but for someone looking for a bike with those particular looks of that era and they have cash to burn.. well more power to them.
I can only say that I and the other owners don' think that the engine "sucks." It's been really great--and it even looks good.
As primitive as they are, They nail the nostalgic look for sure. I think they design and make them for the typical Notre Dame professor. I'll keep my Royal Enfield but I'd love to test-ride one for sure. Yammie, take the trip and visit the factory. Forget all the marketing mumbo jumbo and price and give us some honest feedback on the ride and experience.
Halcyon 250 owner here! I think Yammie missed the point entirely on Janus motorcycles; they're not high performance machines and aren't certainly advertised as such. Janus motorcycles aren't for everyone and that's okay. Just like the Busa isn't for everyone, not everyone will see the appeal of the bike one way or another. As for the price, well, you get what you pay for and you're basically riding a functional conversation piece.
And for the love of Pete, it's pronounced Gō-shen
I have 8 bikes. They are all much more functional conversation pieces. Including one that is from 1942. It is faster. More comfortable, looks better. And will hold it's value. In fact it likely will only ever go up at this point. Unlike Janus which I doubt one could sell used at half the price.
No one missed the point. He was being nice. Not pointing out it the company's target audience is hipsters who cannot afford an Arch.
@@yesihavebedbugs2786 Hurray for you on your investment, I guess? Not in the business of motorcycle speculation, nor did I purchase my Janus as some sort of future collectable. I bought my Janus because it looked fun (and it is) and I like supporting local business as an Indiana native.
So, you have fun (and subsequently repairing and maintaining) on your 42 whatever, and I'll putt-putt around on my Janus having my fun while my five other bikes sit in my garage.
Cheers
@FOXSTONE87 I ride the 42 regularly. It is actually safe at highway speeds. Unlike a Janus. I buy bikes to ride. Not to complete a hipster facade at the poetry slam at the coffee shop.
And for the price, you could have bought from the same manufacturer Piaggo uses in India. And the owners forums would not be full of guys talking about the cheap parts and issues on their expensive lawn ornament.
Not everyone cares about 1000+cc, doing 80mph in first gear, etc. some enjoy the slow experience and looking at the scenery as it goes by.
I could imagine if a company made the same style of bikes for around 4k they would sell like hot cakes
They are in China
That would mean building them in asia.
that's basically royal enfield, and they do
good luck doing that in America
Yamm, you have convinced me , I am ordering a Janus 450 tomorrow. I will park it between my KTM and Royal Enfield or maybe between the R1200GS and Victory Vagas. Or I might park it under that overhead rack of racing bicycles. You know the ones with the 3000 dollar rims.
Lollollol. I have owned several Euro bikes , they require a lot of wrench time . Ducati, BSA, Triumph. All passed along to new potential mechanics.
Tell me you don't understand Janus without telling me you don't understand Janus. Comparing a Janus Halcyon 450 to an MT-10? WTF? Totally different bikes. And riding a Royal Enfield Classic 350 and a Halcyon 450 are completely different experiences. The Halcyon is much lighter, more tossable, and handles much better. Mass produced versus bespoke built. Yes, the appeal of a Janus is laser focused to a small audience, but that audience is there and Janus is catering to them. I haven't bought mine yet, but I will.
Come ride one. While it's obvious you wont buy one it would still be great if you came to check them out and take them for a rip.
Imagine all of the janus youtube fans hating on yammie. That would be like 30 people.
Make that 31
Did you not hear when he said they sold over 900 units on the one model alone? Pay attention grasshopper 🦗
It's a nice bike,it's actually beautiful. These bikes are handmade and are hand painted. They are for people who like classic style, and enjoy actually riding,and not passing everything at a hundred miles a minute. While you are correct this bike is not everyones cup of coffee, the same can be said about those plastic sport bikes like the bussa bikes,which are a big L for a lot of us riders. FYI it's the same engine the Honda single piston dirt bike use to use. Same speck just made in China now. I'm not crazy about that,but I guess I can live with it.
While I prefer preformance and comfort I do love the stripped down look maybe I'd get one if I find a used one for a good price for riding around town but I'd prefer a big dog chopper for that kind of look
Featherbed bro.
Because they are so lightweight, even with the relatively low HP, the power to weight ratio is such that they really move very well. Some owners have modified the engine to increase HP, but I have kept mine stock. After the break-in period (for me that was 1,200 miles, approximately), I can drive the Halcyon more like a cafe racer (Janus used to make the Phoenix, which was a cafe-style bike).
Just ordered a Halcyon 250. I’ve had sport bikes and Harley’s. OTD it was about 2k more than a Royal Enfield. I wanted a bike like the bikes I used to ride as a kid . I’m excited for my purchase.
Just ride their 450 please sir. Take a quick trip to IN and see their place.
That'd be Snowflake, not Sir.
Go-shen not Ga-shin... You should stop by and interview them before passing judgement.
While I agree with most of this, there is the principle of hand made in America that really doesn't exist anymore. I plan on getting a royal enfield, but only because it's what I can afford, I'd rather have made in America simply because it is something to be proud of, though yes the Chinese engine does sour that quite a bit.
The 450 is an Italian engine I believe
For $15k you could absolutely build a cool bike with quite a bit of work from a shop.
You nailed it, it’s a novelty
Yesterday, I watched a video on TH-cam about Janus produced by a guy who had great praise for the company, although he did cite them as being pricey, without saying just how much they cost. I think I'll make my next new bike a Royal Enfield. Nothing against Indiana or anything, but dang! The price! Thanks, Mr. Noob.
Come visit!
You guys are artists and I truly appreciate the beauty of your motorcycles. I am sure that it makes people smile faster than any crotch rocket. Good Luck !!
@@ronhayes6131 Thanks Ron!
Shouldn't you be on some of the owners groups addressing issues?
In the end it seems you just don't get it. That probably says more about you than about the Janus motorcycles... So be it
Go ride one
Janus motorcycles a marvel. Thank goodness this outfit exists. It is the pure essence of motorcycling. There is a devoted following for these bikes. Take your snobbery elsewhere
Norton "Featherhead"? uh, yeah. Sure.
At the age of 71 and having owned many different motorcycles, my '21 Halcyon tickles me in ways that few other bikes have. I don't want to put up with the reliability issues and parts scarcity of a vintage motorcycle but having a bike whose design is inspired by bikes of a century or so ago works for me. I can easily afford virtually any other bike but, since I'm no longer interested in elevated speeds or lean angles, this bike takes me on leisurely rides on local two lane rides and is a delight to look at when not riding. The other retro bikes mentioned reflected the designs of the '50s, not the mid-20's. In my mind, I think the automotive equivalent would be a modern Morgan 3 wheeler: a design from another era with more modern parts, and, like the Janus, comparing it to other vehicles for the same price misses the point. Is it pricy compared to a mass produced 250? Oh, hell yes. But find another bike built essentially by hand and do that comparison. The Chinese engine bothers me not a bit other than wishing that it was vertical in the frame rather than angled slightly forward. Many old bike manufacturers used engines not built in house.
As you said, if it doesn't make sense for you, move on. For me, it is a complete treat and I am so appreciative of the guys at Janus for making it.
Hahahaha, guessing what tickles you is not what tickles most men.
@@yesihavebedbugs2786 , that is an accurate assessment.
@@kurtjens and that is okay. Alternative lifestyles are more accepting these days.
@@yesihavebedbugs2786 describing my lifestyle as "alternative" would be difficult: solidly middle-class, married to the same woman for 40 years. But I think we're veering off topic.
@Kurt Jensen hipster is an alternative lifestyle. You bought crap. And like many, the cold hard facts are a slap in the face you wish to avoid. I have been to owners forums for Janus customers. I wanted to buy one you see. They have lots to say. Too a man think it looks great, people stop, etcetera. But the cheap parts and constant issues make it a nightmare. And It is not one or two people. Several forums with what is obvious a large portion of the customer base. I have seen comparisons to the $400.00 Chinese made scooters. Perhaps a thousand miles in and issues start. Some sooner than that. But most noted after break in issues would arise. Since many posted pictures on the forums with their bikes. And in soma cases the broken bits. I would have to assume they were being honest. For if they loved them. And thought they were the greatest since sliced bread. They would not have been online complaining. There is no reason they could not have sourced better parts at the premium they are charging. Piaggio buys engines from India. And Piaggio are noted for great running small displacement motors. India has over 200 scooter manufacturers. Including the likes of Honda and Yamaha. So the fact they went with the cheapest route on a premium priced product is evident of their business model. Attention seeking accessory for people, namely hipsters who will never really ride them. You know like the 2 owners happen to be. And they are not like Dale Walksler, an actual aficionado of vintage motorcycles. On TH-cam you can seen Dale on a 1913 Thor. Which is the basic design Janus uses. As well as other vintage bikes. Sadly that is the only way you can see him now. But his museum is still open. And they have a restoration shop on site.