The New Manufacturer making 100-year-old Motorcycles
Check out Janus!
janusmotorcycles.com/
This is the story of a new American manufacturer making some of the most unique retro motorcycles in the world
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They built what they loved. Best approach to anything in life.
This video really makes me want to own a JANUS. There is one for sale 20 minutes away, but way out of my price range. Such cool, beautiful, HONEST bikes.
For 15 grand, I want a Japanese engine.
Chinese engine im not a fan of. "Basically a honda" ive heard that lie before. They need to stop pussyfooting and make a good engine that fits the vibe
Taiwan made Honda engines for a long time.
Taiwanese made fine. Chinese, no way.
At least a Rotax engines...I would never pay that money for a chinese engines...what they do well with their hands they put It down with their feet.
I don't trust Chinese motors.Japan,yes. Japanese workers are proud of their jobs. Chinese workers are forced to do their jobs.Pride= great products.
I can attest from personal experience that their Halcyon 450 model is the most comfortable, and fun, motorcycle that I've ever ridden. My brother and I just took our Halcyon 450's on a 1,500 mile trip all through Michigan along the coastline, and into Canada around Lake Huron, in a little over 4 days. The motorcycles performed absolutely flawlessly, and we were very comfortable the entire way. Lots of attention every time we stopped, and we got to meet a lot of great people along the way!
What's their comfortable cruising speed? Are they suitable for the interstate?
@@mose717We went 60-65 mph for most of the trip, sometimes up to 70+, no problem, plenty of throttle left still.
What's the range? Don't they use the same small gas tank as the 250?
@@mbj1163 A visit to their website would answer these and any other questions you might have.
@@mbj1163 Yes, same size tank as the 250, 2 gallon. On our trip, we'd stop every 65-70 miles, and found ourselves adding about a gallon each time. (In Canada, we'd stop every 115-120 km, and add about 4 litres.)
As a scooter rider myself, I say hats off to them for making a bike that stands out from the crowd. You've got to admire anyone that can take an idea and make it work.
Scooters RULE !!!! I own two big bikes, one 1300cc and one 1500cc and my 250cc Honda Elite Scooter gets 75% of riding time grocery getting.
I have been following Janus since they debuted over 10 years ago, not because I have a high desire for the machines (I admit to have some desire) but for who they are and what they represent. I wish this team the greatest success - which is to say just enough success. I would hate to see them grow so large that they lose their way or change what makes them so unique in this day and age. Here's to just makin' it.
Well said.
Basically it's for people who want an affordable vintage bike, without the vintage purchase/repair bill and expensive (or non existent) parts problem. I love what Janus are doing. Compared to the real thing they are a bargain, just hope they keep an eye on Chinese quality control.
Lol gay.
i have an older friend who is a retired cook and he loves his alot for these reasons.@@brokeandtired
garbage chinese engines on a $12K bike what a fn joke!
Ive been riding over 50 years and have had stupid fast bikes ( H2) and several others. Got hit by a car several years ago and swore off bikes. Saw a used Janus 250 Halcyon and got the bug again and decided it was time to get back on the horse. Cant recommend them enough really a nice backroad cruiser.
I got you beat on the yrs with the license. 52 yrs ago and I’m an old lady. I also hit a car 52 yrs ago. I torn up my right knee and ankle and hip on the other side. As I sat in the road the first thing I said to everybody was I broke my fingernails. I had a red bike, red jacket and was a Barrie biker. Also I road for about two hrs after. Boy did that hurt and I never went to the doctors cause I didn’t want my parents to know. So injuries come back to haunt you. Good luck.
@@Murphis55 I started riding in 1964 never hit a car, got run off the road once and chased him down, never been down on the road though! Motocross, flat track, off road and jumping that's another story, my last intentional jump broke my frame and I had some minor injuries but I have never been injured other than that and I took a lot of risks and went down a few times on the dirt!
I will join you. have been riding since 1949 first bike excelsior. then a James Comet =the seat was missing on that one so I nicked one of moms cushions, tied it on with binder twine. country lane boys. lots of fun. had many bikes in my time. would love a new Retro bike. safe riding Bud. Briddy UK.
get a second hand model 3 for cheap bro
As a person from the UK who is into classic/retro looking motorcycles these things look amazing and I can tell you we have nothing that looks as cool as these do (in my opinion) in the uk. Hopefully Janus plan at some point to bring these motorcycles overseas. Great review Bart. Safe riding to all you motorcyclists out there.
Then you know nothing about bikes mate especially British vintage bikes or new handbuilt the list is endless idiot try J hull for a start but the list goes on and on Mr bike enthusiast.
Why not just set yourself up for this business...Call them talk it over...😎 Have them shipped over and Bob's your Uncle... AIN'T IT JUST AIN'T IT 😜 lols
Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer?
plenty of Royal Enfield 350cc machines in the UK, a much better bike for half the price of this Chinese parts bin.
Look at Herald and CCM. I really like what they are doing.
I never thought I'd ever hear the phrase "an Amish-built motorcycle". I've owned many bikes, including a Marusho 500. But my favorite was still my 1968 Benelli 125 with the horizontal cylinder. Couldn't do more than about 80 mph, but the light weight and very low center of gravity made it incredibly nimble and saved my ass several times when I cornered too fast. A wonderfully quixotic story. Thanks again, Bart. Cheers from rainy Vienna, Scott
I'm impressed you managed 80 on a 125!
@@davidellis7081 To be honest, the 80 mph was probably with a tailwind. But it could do an honest 70 mph under most conditions. Supposedly had 15 hp.
The magic word of the day shall be "nimble".
If you’re from the Midwest, you KNOW about Janus. They’re highly collectible despite the technology being fifty years old or more. Its the type of bike you ride on a Sunday and put it away for a week to ride again.
Well, I ride mine nearly every day, including commuting to work, rain or shine. After thousands of miles--without using much gas!--still going strong. Easy to work on myself, and the company is completely transparent about how to make a repair if an owner doesn't want to take it to a mechanic. For the last two years, I'm the only one who has worked on it. I don't know of any other company that would act this well.
@@jeffkaron2962 Jeff, thanks for sharing the good word on Janus in Florida! We appreciate having you as a rider!
@@jeffkaron2962yeah I don't get that whole "ride on sunday" idea. I daily my TC90 and... it needs a rebuild but damn if it ain't running anyway!
@@russetwolf13 I get that. All my bikes, and the old classic sports cars, were daily drivers. I don't, unfortunately, have a garage for my bike, just a shelter I built. But I keep it clean enough with road dirt.
Never heard of it
Their Paragon moped looks really good with its clean, uncluttered lines and minimalism all around.
cheeky bastards
I love the idea behind their designs. It’s based on machines that were imperfect and changeable, so it’s not so much trying to recreate those bikes. It’s more like building something to match the memory of those bikes. Modern small engines mostly aren’t that different than they were decades ago. Alterations add complexity to chase smaller gains over time, and it’s smart to design not to what’s possible, but more to what’s enough. When I think about riding a motorcycle, I don’t picture myself on the highway, so why get something built for that? Get something that feels like great for what I actually want to use it for.
It's air cooled, not water cooled like it says in the vid
My father who's in his late 80s has a Halcyon 250 JM-142. He loves riding it. He has collected a lot of motorcycles over the years, but I think the Janus is the one he rides the most.
I could see doing that now at 69. Dad having fun , priceless!
Beautifully done video. Being the Old Goat that I am, with a deep appreciation for antique and "old school" designs and craftsmanship, I really love the looks of these bikes. The philosophy of Janus' business model and use of skilled craftspeople gets my attention as well. I would dearly love (and be very proud) to ride one of these machines, if only I could afford one.
And to the question everyone has: Halcyon 450 = 15'000$ Halcyon 250 = 8'800$ Scrambler 250 = 9'200$ 900$ delivery to the continental US. Whether they ship internationally is uncertain (you have to contact them) Honestly, for a boutique, handbuilt bike in the US, it's less expensive than I thought it would be. I guessed they would charge around 24k for the 450. If I were in the US and wanted a no-frills "motorcycle that is as a motorcycle should be" I'd consider it. Even without a dealer network, it seems like one of the bikes you keep for a lifetime.
@@doughoffman9463 Yes, EFI is nice and ABS is a requirement for me since I ride through the winter but if that is your argument you are missing the point of this bike.
Shut up and take my money!
I have no desire to spend $12,000 on a bike at the heart of the bike manufactured in China no thank you
Definitely a decent price for a collectable machine
@@doughoffman9463 trust me, you missed the point.
Great video. Life time motorcycle rider here (51 years). I grew up in Southern Indiana and in case you didn’t know it, Indiana is stuck in sort of a pseudo-time-warp. I love how your footage highlights the simple, innocent, & beautiful Americana scenery that is (most of) Indiana. Best of luck to Janus Motorcycles.👍
It's a shit time warp, we only got the bad parts
I purchased Janus Halcyon 914 as shown in your wonderful video. In my 70’s now, this motorcycle is simply outstanding from many perspectives: build quality is top notch, despite the hard tail, it has a very comfortable ride and my Thumper receives many admiring looks and questions about Janus. Not very fast - but fast enough about town, super economical and as purty a gal as any motorcycle, anywhere!
they're over $10,000 for a 250cc Chinese motor saying they're "not for everyone" is an understatement.
Aside from the fact their "250" engines are less than 230 CC. 4X more than than a bike with the same engine from Amazon.
This guy Bart get's it! Having put over 14,000 miles on my Halcyon 250, after owning 40 motorcycles in my 50 plus years of riding, this is a very fair review. No they're not for everyone, but I'll tell ya, more riders out there would enjoy one of thee more than they know. Excellent review! Well done! Tom
I'm 72 and on bike #31. I ride 2 hours a day for 100 mile a day commute almost every working day of the year. I have considered one, and have been watching them for a while.
Wow. That is a lot of miles on one of those 250's . I have also had many many bikes. I just acquired a used one. I love it but do find the hardtail, well hard at times. Any tips on riding a hardtail?
@@madogblue Sorry just getting to this, but here's my best Jnaus hardtail advice. #1 seat back on the seat. If you sit forward you are the seat's hinge, not its springs. #2, they offer a wide line seat. I don't know if your Halcyon came with one, but I recommend it, it is more comfortable. #3, you can lower the tire pressures a pound, especially the front which I think they have you set at 36, and the can be 33 no problem. Last, you can contact Ikon USA and speak with Rodger, the offer a softer front spring which helps overall ride quality for you Halcyon 250. Good luck!
@LiveAnArtfulLife Thanks for the tips. I am only 165 lbs. I will start paying attention to my position on the seat and also watch how much the front suspension is working. If it looks really stiff I will talk to them about possibly changing the front springs. Did the vibration in the bars smooth out any as thr bike was broken in? I am no young man myself and enjoy the Halcyon for local riding. I have to ask since you are a mature and experienced rider. Why choose a hardtail later in life with all the softer options out there?
@@madogblue If you choose to buy the spring, again call IkonUSA. Yes, the 250 engine gets smoother , at about 1500 miles. It also helps to move from the stock 47 tooth rear sprocket to a 45 tooth rear. I actually run a 47 T. I choose the Halcyon because it's simple and light. I have JM1000 on the way!
I've been riding for over 40 years...I've had the 170mph bikes, the Bandit 1200 (2), V Fours, V Twin thous, and many others...but I think these little bikes are actually quite cool!
It's nice to hear about a new business especially making some quality and unique products using local labor in their area. Go Janus!
I love these bikes, esp the 450. They look fantastic. I really like the old school looks.
Kudos to Bart for doing his homework on this story! I’m from the Goshen area and this has been the most accurate and informative review of this company and these motorcycles I have seen yet. (Most people don’t even pronounce Goshen correctly when they review Janus) No they are not trying to keep up with Royal Enfield or Triumph, but they are making a handmade product for people that have the money to enjoy such fun things. Great video!
How does someone mis-pronounce a simple phonetic name o0f a city? lol
@@striker1553 Yammie pronounced it like "Gosh-en", as in, "oh my gosh"
@@aridragonbeard745 Oh my gosh it's Oshkonoggen! Sorry planes trains and automobiles crept in. Yammie noob is an idiot.
I imagine many more folks mispronounce the name "JANUS"...rhymes with, uhhh...
I think it's super cool Janus flew you over to HQ to check out thier stuff. Even though it may not be my choice of motorcycle, I do think thier product is really cool in every aspect, especially the craftsmen construction and private ownership.
And paid him to do a commercial
Thanks for this review; so interesting! I wish them all the best. I live in a southern French city where about a dozen bikes of this size will pass by my place in the next four minutes, not counting the 19 that I see parked. This bike is ideal for this market. If I were a younger man, I would fight to get the first Janus dealership in the south of France. Definitely a classic little bike built with classic American entrepreneurial spirit. Bravo!
I had a Kreidler with 50 ccm and 6,25 PS in 1976. It had a high speed of 85 km/h and sometimes more when I was laying flat on it. I have great memories.
This was a beautiful little video, and I'm proud of Janus and their work!
Nothing beats the feel and sound of an English 500cc One Lunger thumping along with a glorious engine sound! I have two BSA's - one 1953 650cc 2-cylinder Golden Flash with the plunger frame rear as well as a 1956 500cc 2-cylinder Shooting Star with the same type of frame. Included in my motorcycle collection is a 1965 Honda 450 cc CRR twin racing motorcycle that requires earplugs and a helmet if you want to keep your eardrums intact! I purchased it from a HONDA racing team in 1971, in Japan. It was built by the HONDA RACING DIVISION and is one of 10 built.
Quite a collection "sound s " awesome!
you might be sitting on your retirement with that Honda race bike. to someone that knows what that is. or the Honda people.
Very well done video. Your comments are 100% spot on with what I as an old guy agree with. I`ve owned many bikes since `69. If I could get the money I would get the 250.
Designing a motor is hell, even just refining an engine is hellish, so i applaud Janus for using a common platform, which helps with sourcing parts
Just wish the motor was not in black ,, ugly .
@@wminer6567and made in china
If china can do it so can we and we couldve done it better
@@wminer6567 i have seen this motors on cheap motorcycle here at the Philippines and mechanics here love it. Because of the it just a copy of a honda motor and that engine design as bulletproof as hell seen it lugging 5 people in a dirt road climbing just jugging along.
I know someone who has a Halcyon 250 and he loves it. They build these things a couple of hours up the road from us btw which makes owning one not so far fetched. And yeah, Amish craftsmen build a ton of stuff around here including almost every motor home and camper sold in the US. If you have a Coachmen, Jayco, Shasta, Forest River or any other of a rather large number of RV manufacturers it was built by the Amish. They also build all sorts of barns, do tack and harness work, build horse drawn vehicles of all sorts and operate the coolest grocery stores and hardware stores to shop in.
I want one. I have a sport bike and sometimes I wish I had something just a bit more relaxed to ramble around on the weekends. Just a great American motorcycle story. I see an enduring collaboration between you and Janus.
Janus is making really beautiful looking motorcycles. I can't wait to ride one.
To scratch 60% of this itch and for way less money I’d get a Suzuki TU250X, Yamaha SR400, or RE Classic 350 but Janus motorcycles are truly on another level and absolutely gorgeous. Great video.
My wife just got a TU250X and it really is a fun bike. The Janus just looks so cool. I would love to demo one here in the mountains.
love my sr400
It would be fun to take one of these on a coast to coast backroads trip across the states. I think it would be a blast!
What a great story. Thank you Janus and KZhead. Absolutely beautiful craftsmanship and finished product!!!! ♥
"Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Riding"
Great to see the rebirth of trad bikes, often low HP, built for the fun of riding. I subscribe to Classic Bike magazine and love the pre WW2 style of British bikes.
Bikes and cars have got to the end point of performance. The limiting factor now is its very unpleasant to do 0-60 in 2.5 seconds in a car, its not fun, any car can make 500bhp now, I cant imagine what its like to be on a modern sports bike. After the novelty wears off it must be horrible. Lots of people are looking for FUN things and that means lof HP and low weight.
@@piccalillipit9211lmao
@@piccalillipit9211 In my opinion your, not a true biker if you don't appreciate all motorcycles. Where i came from young kids around my area brought old Honda c 90's and Tomas mopeds and puch mopeds etc etc at the age of around 12 and 13 and took them off-road, from there we moved up to mx bikes etc etc. I will always have very fond memories of those old mopeds and the Honda c 90 is one of my favorite bikes of all time they're so much fun to ride even today.
@@subconscious.com_usa6691 - I used to have a Honda C90 for the quarries at the back of us when I was about 13 LOL
@@piccalillipit9211 Low HP and small bike / weight is only suitable for local riding short distances, distance requires size and comfort. Theres a very good reason the US market demanded 750+ bikes.
I love this Company! I hope in the future they build a 500 or 650 Twin . The old Triumphs are my favorite bikes, I have had a bunch over the years. I am 61 and always road motorcycles since I was 16. Well, keep up the good work!
Me too, should be just 18 thousand out the door, What a Savings.
This is amazing, great to see handmade bikes are still being made.
I feel spoiled that I'm regularly only about 30 minutes from this place. Freaking awesome bikes and I can't wait until I finally decide which one I want.
Decide already, Chris, you're holding up the line! Haha...joking!
Thank you for succinctly expressing the spirit behind Janus motorcycles, a wonderful video you have here. My Halcyon 250 will be in my stable until you pry it's keys from my cold dead hands.
The first Paragon had a Puch motorengine. The same, I grew up with in the netherlands in the 80’s-90’s.
Great idea. I hope the public is as interested as the company thinks they'll be. If the company fails, these bikes themselves will be a collectible.
That seems like a very cool bike for a fair price. That 450 looks great.
Great report. Fantastic looking bikes and what a great story. Would love the 450cc, but my RE 350 Classic is a keeper!
You have an MZ RE ??
I'm always looking to demo different bikes when available. Have never been on a Janus, but was pleasantly surprised by another retro-themed bike from Indian. I'm talking about their Scout model. Priced just below the Janus 450, the Indian Scout has a much bigger engine (1130 cc) and weighs more (540 lbs.) I found it to be a blast to ride. The handling of this bike makes it feel much lighter than it actually is. It also has available ABS and EFI - not very retro, I know, but much appreciated as someone who has dealt with marginal braking and finicky fuel systems. If I was going to drop $15K on a new (old) bike, it would be for a Scout - and I don't even like most V-Twin bikes! ;-) Thanks for the review.
As an 80-year-old sidecar guy I want to be younger for these two wheels. These are great.
I'm a 57yo classic motorcycle rider and I just love these bikes I hope they really do well as I'm sure they will sell a lot of these beautiful bikes great work Janus motorcycle company
I've had my Halcyon 250 for just over a year and it's still just stupid fun to ride.
But it's no more fun then a 1980s 250cc cruiser with the same tech.
It should be more reliable than the 40 year old bike, if they've built it properly@@infesting
@@infesting but like, if you want a pre-war looking motorcycle why something from the 1980s be fun? Would you tell someone who’s really hungry and eating a burger they could get so much more food if they spent the same amount of money and bought 15 bags of oyster crackers? Yeah you technically might be right, but that’s not what the person wants.
@@infesting I love 250cc bikes
@@RWBHere40 years ago the now 40 year old bikes were reliable.
I had seen these a couple of years ago when I was getting a bike after 40 years of not having one. I think they have their place in anyone's stable and it might just be in mine someday. I went for a new T-100 and just recently got an RE350 in Halcion Grey. This would fill out the list quite nicely as I am a traditional rider when it comes to putting my money down. I love the American story of the company and these look like a great ride. Thanks for the great video!
I've followed this company since their web presence began on their site with their 250's. They are beautiful machines. Though I don't currently ride, I know that my favorite bikes were my 1970 Triumph 250 single and 1983 Honda Passport C70 Cub 72cc- for all the reasons you illuminate in your video. They are lightweight, nimble, fun, and basic, you push them to their limits, and they are utilitarian. I would get either of them again.
Hats off to the team at Janus. Not a scooter rider, I am a "Jeep with the doors off" kind of guy. I like the products they produce and wish them and their customers well.
I seriously considered the Halcyon 250, and even came up with a way to pay for it. But in the end, that Chinese engine made me decide against it. I'll just keep riding my customized 2016 Honda Rebel 250 for now. It is a very small, lightweight bike, at least for me. I'm 6' 240, and it feels like a bicycle. But not only is it fun around town, it will cruise at 70-80 mph for as long as you want, with no worries about it breaking down.
Live your dream.
Ya I like my 2004 rebel 250, has that classic look, I put 10,000 miles on it, ride in the winter, summer, on some trails, mountain roads, that bike can do it all, I even ramped it a couple times lol, I got a video of that haha
My brakes went on at the Chinese engine too. I love the rest of the bike.
Same. Four year warranty or no. Having shopped at Harbor Freight I'm no fan of what the chinese produce, and having been around during the cold war I'm certainly no fan of communism....nor of man made viruses that screw the entire world and kill millions. It's a moot point I guess, almost every American name brand is made offshore anyway. Bower/BCA and Timken bearings, Bendix etc etc... My 40 year old 4x4 now has a chinese master cylinder on the brakes, I suspect it will dump me over a cliff one day.
Japans about equal now both suc
They command a high price for a motorcycle with a Chinese power plant. Based out of Goshen, Indiana, Janus builds retro-style motorcycles with Chinese engines-for the past few years, the company has used an air-cooled 229 cc Lifan engine Shinray has built the 450. You are absolutely correct that they are not for everyone! I bought an 1955 Eenfield 500 bullet for a retro bike because I was missing the old days and in 6 months I remembered all too well why something more modern was what I needed. I kept my first Harley, a 1963 Harley Sportster and still have it and it is all the aggravation that I need. 😂 Good honest video, thanks for a fair assessment!!
The vintage colors and paint looks nice.
I love them. Thanks for the great show. As was said build what you like and others may be of like interest. These are not built to compete with anything. They are what they are. Unique with character and a super cool, local vibe. Must be fun to have one and have someone ask what is that ?
I have a mash tt40. 400cc Chinese build cafe racer. Simple & fun just like you say. The Janus has the same engine but bored up. A clone of the Honda xr400. So parts can be upgraded easely. Love the simple spartan way of riding and in the Netherlands a big fast bike is just a fast way of losing your license.
How's that engine holding up?
@@PrimoStracciatella No problems so far. Give it it's services & it keeps riding. Saw one on internet with 10.000+ km. Also had no problems. It's a bit sensitive for corrosion. But hey! It's cheap.
@@SkinPeeleR 10.000 km I do in one year, every engine should hold up. Haven't seen a long-term test of a Chinese bike yet.
@@PrimoStracciatella Ain't that many yet. Chinese motorcycles are just starting to get into Europe. CFMoto etc. Maybe search Asian sites. I bought it to have a cafe racer project. Might the engine seize up i'll search for a Honda engine.
Long time rider. Rode Nortons in the 70's now a Harley. These bikes are way cool. Glad they are doing such quality work and making a super product!
I’ve been admiring these bikes for years. Thanks to this look at them, I’ll seriously consider purchasing one.
A wonderful tribute to a motorcycle company that is so different but yet so cool! Just the idea a company would venture down a road like this is refreshing. Great Video!
This is awesome. I wish more manufacturers did this. I also like the leading link front suspension, reminds me of the ural
As an old UK rider, I have become very attached to my 750 Ural Retro with lightweight sidecar, I have been all over on it. Four years ago, as arthritis began to bite I bought a Chinese lightweight for daily use and customised it to suit my riding. I now find that these two machines cover all my motorcycling needs very well.
Manufacturer doing this get slammed out of Europe. Even Japanese Big Four bend over.
I've been sold on these ever since i saw my first. I love the styling so much. This video showing how they are a down home small company of entrepreneurs makes me want one more.
Cool company.I have had every type of bike, my last three have been dualsports. I love the simplicity of maintaining , repairing and riding and being able to ride almost anywhere you see. The dirt model of Janus looks really cool and being so light makes it something to look at closer.
I think the 450 engine is from Shineray, a chinese motorcycle manufacturer that once manufactured the Honda CB400SS. I got one of their bikes with the same engine and it really shares the same engine parts with the CB400SS and XR400
The 450 motors are from SWM out of Italy, but you're right about it being basically an XR400
@@acm153 Shineray has acquired rights for the SWM brand as an expansion for the western markets. They also bought a factory in Varese, Italy which i believe where the engine was made based on what you said.
Can you make a Video about the german Simson Moped
I have 3 of them, largely to support what I think is a great company. The Halcyon gets the most attention; it is beautiful. It attracted me to Janus as I always wondered about hardtail bikes, and is my favorite The Gryffin is the ugly duckling, and the most versatile while the Phoenix is the best handling and the one I let the son in law ride.
janus needs to figure how to get a good looking motor, deal breaker for some. they are just getting parts all around and slapping a bike together, they need to reform an actual motorcycle company and build the bike to look right
I’m actually ordering 450 next week. Flying in from Cali to place an order in person. SO stoked!!!
I get everything you're saying about Janus. The idea of having a beautiful, hand-built and truly retro machine is very appealing. Too expensive for me, unfortunately, and as far as I can tell, almost impossible to get one in the UK. The Janus has been one of my 'if only' bikes for a while now. My current bike, while on the surface as far from a Janus as you can get, actually has a lot in common. The Fantic Caballero has a 450cc single engine, and weighs about 330lbs dry, or just under 360lbs ready to ride. The only rider aid is the ABS (compulsory in the UK, and you can switch it off). The looks are only vaguely retro and it owes very little to its 1970s namesake. I've found it a fun, punchy, pretty machine that fills the spec of being 'more fun to ride a slow bike fast'.
Photo of your Fantic, please!
I love the vintage style, and the whole spirit and history of the little company. However, I wish they offered a front drum brake model (for more of a vintage look). I know the disc is more reliable, but it is the one item that really clashes with the vintage lines. In my opinion.
janus needs to figure how to get a good looking motor, deal breaker for some. they are just getting parts all around and slapping a bike together, they need to reform an actual motorcycle company and build the bike to look right
wow! As an artist I find what they do to be visionary and creative, and for a price you can be interactive with one of their sculptures in a moving (literally) way. I ride a big 'ol Goldwing (almost a thousand pounds dry and 1800 ccs) and I would LOVE to have one of these little beauties right in the garage next to her.
Simple, straightforward & you can work on them yourself... sounds wonderful...
The RE 350 has some things that add weight, like ABS, and other required equipment, so not an entirely fair comparison. What's the weight of the 450? Is it any heavier than the 250? Great coverage BTW. 👍
I believe 450 is ~100lb over a 250 (260 lbs) so about 360lbs.
Bart said the 450 comes in just over 50 lbs lighter than the RE350 classic, so somewhere close to 350 lbs dry would seem about right
@@ludditeneaderthal so, if you add ABS, and other bits, it would come close to the RE 350. Most likely the RE Hunter 350 would be closer in weight.
@@terrycavender the hunter is still a 400 lb (wet), 20 hp bike. That's honda rebel 250 class riding. If it's the ride you like, fine, all good. But it's certainly not in any way superior, though quite a bit cheaper. But there's a basket load of "same same" level of comfort and performance out there, at about the same price point.
@@ludditeneaderthal I'm just comparing the weights, and the reason for the difference. I had a RE 350 in Thailand, and it definitely needed to weigh less, or have more power. And, of course, the quality is nowhere near that of a bike that's hand built to order. That said, it's one of the more retro feeling bikes on the market. Currently, I'm riding a 2023 Himalayan, which has its own retro quality that I enjoy.
I have a Suzuki DR200. It does everything the Halcyon 250 does except look good. Nothing beats an ultra light bike. Ive had a couple now. Loved my KTM RC390 but the range was horrible. Trust me, I got some very strange looks when I traded my RC390 for a DR200. But my primary consideration at that time was light weight. I also carry it on the front of my truck. Light bikes give me the same feeling as they did in the 60s when I learned to ride. It would be great to have the same fun without the condescending looks from people on "real bikes"
Wow! These are some seriously cool bikes. Absolutely stunning. So incredibly beautiful. Love them!
This is what America and Americans need to get back to; small local manufacturing, skills, innovation and business. Great video! Thank you!
I am an Indian and I will be the first to admit that poor weight to style ratio is why I cannot recommend Royal Enfield 350s over Triumph 400s. It's also the reason I have been craving Honda Supercub 125 since 2018 which unfortunately for me might never be released in India. New Supercubs are retro done right. It should only look and feel retro but without Retro hassles. Royal Enfield has the opportunity to relaunch their Pegasus/Flea range as sub 250 light weight scrambler/Trials bike. with an all-new frame. Not just overall weight but the weight distribution is also a problem with Enfields. Even their relatively lighter bikes feel less nimble than heavier bikes of other brands.
Are you talking about the new Triumph 400s? As in the ones that aren't even out yet? You know those aren't actually Triumphs right? They are Indian made and not worth the asking price, they lost me when they lied about the fuel mileage...if you have to lie about fuel mileage right before your model is released, you lost me
Weight to style ratio? Bro, what are you talking about?..
@motoboyarin. I thought that was a pretty good phrase he coined there. He’s saying that beautiful retro styling is let down by the heavy weight of the new Royal Enfield range.
@@longjonwhite heavy is good. RE has never been light
Damn! I wish there was a moped gang around when I had a moped. 😢
Start one. I'm dead serious too. My mom made the Washington Post in the 80s for riding her moped everywhere for everything including terrifying me who sat side saddle on the rack behind the seat. Put herself through night school and bought a 190E with cash just 6 years later. RIP mom.
The only true old-style bike manufacturer I known so far was a Ural. Thanks for discovering for me a new kid on the block!
Well and thats why mopeds are great!
21 minute commercial.
I would love to see them being imported in Europe so that i can get my hands on a 450 model , its got the looks !!! (for me) !
Ever since i came across Janus motorcycles in an add I've wanted one, never wanted to own a motorcycle before that. I've ridden motorcycles in the past, but I've never owned one. Love everything about these bikes and how their built and the idea behind them in my 50s. Now, someday, i will own one, and it will bring a happy tear to the eyes. Love one your doing guys. Brian.
This Honda 250 engine (designed somewhere in the sixties/seventies if I'm not mistaken) has been (sometimes not) licensed build in many countries. From China to India, Pakistan etc. The important issue is the build quality which can vary quite a lot. Industrial made engines from China will be very reliable because they are made in an mechanised process with adequate quality control and logistics support. For example the little bike engines that power the gazillion small bikes around the world are all made at the same place in China. It's all about the power of large scale manufacturing when you can make good quality at an effordable price in a highly efficient build process/logistics support. That's why VW in Germany currently closed their German EV car factory and will import their VW EV cars from their VW plant in China (costs in China about 16000 euro, costs in Germany about 32000 euro). Unlike what many people believe the wages in China are NOT the main reason for this move. The same 250 engine however can also be build in some less developed countries (eg Pakistan) in rural shops with hardly any material/quality control.
"the little bike engines that power the gazillion small bikes around the world are all made at the same place in China" ... If you've been to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines or Malaysia, you would know that all those little 110 to 150cc bikes are Japanese, assembled in Thailand, mostly. I"ve owned one Chinese made bike, it was crap. Friends had the same experience. I rather buy a used Honda for the same price as a cheap Chinese knock-off anytime.
@@PrimoStracciatella It's quite possible you had "bad apples“ out of China because there are still some small rural factories producing low quality at rock bottom prices. It's important to know from WHICH factory your engine/bike is coming from. There's a reason even Japanese companies rely on certain Chinese firms to build engines for their (Japanese) small bikes because they can't build that quality for that pricetag. It's like with all those microwaves internals for ALL Japanese/US/European brands which are ALL made in ONE factory (Meidea) in China.
@@johnsamu "ALL Japanese/US/European brands which are ALL made in ONE factory (Meidea) in China" - Foreign brands are not MADE IN CHINA, their quality products are assembled in China, big difference.
@@PrimoStracciatella There has been a consumer market test of microwaves from various Japanese/US/European brands to measure efficiency, power consumption etc. To their surprise the results were very similar. After disassembly they found the INTERNAL parts all the SAME coming from ONE giant Chinese (Meidea) factory. Some people in the West are still believing in a (racial) technological superiority which isn't true anymore. I've worked for a very big Japanese multi national company for decades and I've seen the Chinese competition improving all the time and at this moment even overtaking us. I also visit China often so I can really say I KNOW what I'm talking about.
I first heard of Janus in one of the 2 big magazines. I liked the concept and glad they are still going forward. The pricing and Chinese engines kind of put me off but I like a variety of bikes in my stable. Pretty cool to see them making it work!
Yes Janus buys Chinese built engines. However Janus is in that factory doing their own quality control. They are far superior to other Chinese engines.
Agree, for that kind of money I expect a CB300 motor. Would be better for reliability and resale value. It could then also be sold in Europe.
These bikes are so beautiful and weirdly nostalgia-dream-inducing. Like they're from an alternate history parallel universe. And they're surely the ultimate hipster tool. I hope Janus continues to achieve success.
You doing this video is one of the first steps toward Janus's legacy being built and properly kept
I tried to find the British retro antique motorcycle to which you referred, because of course I did. A quick lazy search came up with the Black Douglas Sterling motorcycle. Next, I'll try to look for a review here on KZhead. I'm impressed with the Janus now that I've seen this video of yours. I was first exposed to the Janus when it kept popping up in my Facebook feed. Seeing it on Facebook made Janus suspect to me. I suspected it was just a thrown-together bunch of Chinese parts--in other words what you described the British retro antique motorcycle to be. Your review disabused me of that notion, however, and I remain impressed with the Janus.
Are you sure that's the UK company referred to in the video? I'm not seeing anything particularly negative written about them, but i haven't spent too much time looking into it.
There are a bunch of companies selling rebranded Chinese motorcycles, all selling slightly different versions of the same bike. Cleveland Cycle Works comes to mind, but it think he's referring to Mash Motorcycles. I think the bikes are rebranded ChangJiang.
It could also be Brixton. Same bikes, almost, as the Janus.
@@ianmacfarlane1241 No, I'm not sure that's the UK company referred to in the video. In fact, searching for Black Douglas Sterling motorcycle on KZhead brought up reviews from many years ago, and good reviews at that. So, I'm pretty sure that is not the crappy company mentioned in bart's video on the Janus. Now, I'm hoping someone will set me straight on what the company in the video is (actually that's not even very important either, come to think of it).
Thanks, @@werepat
These bikes are beautiful! I spend waaaaaay too much time on their website building bikes lol
Are you kidding???
@@Baldo600 ?? To each his own
I've owned mine for nearly two years and thousands of miles. I began by configuring it, talking with the company, and then having it delivered across the country. Putting aside its aesthetics (which still draws people to ask questions nearly every day that I ride), it is really fun to ride. Once broken in (I thought mine was broken in at around 1,200 miles), you can push it hard--it won't blow up.
From what I gathered, it's a small piece of art you can use. Like when I was in the mountains again, slinging my HD Road King. I was reminded how much riding a lightweight bike in comparison to said trip would be better.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 cost around $4800 in the USA. You'll get spare parts across the globe too.
I'm not sure. I like the idea, but the execution seems a little unrefined. The modern parts really poke you in the eye and to me, the styling is a little clumsy.
They should try different motors. Not a fan of the looks of the Chinees engine. A little v twin would be cool. Can you do a video on the Oldfield moto cycle company. they made some cool bikes with industrial Coaler v twins . I dont think they are in buisness any more.
I bought a BSA 250C-15 for $500 delivered to my house. Matching numbers and only 6,000 original miles. Plus an alloy tank to boot.
This was a excellent review, kept me interested, I first road a BSA in the 1950s, these bikes look great fun, they really capture the vintage style.
Are you trying to sell me a bike or legitimate your purchase for your self?
Pronounced "Jay-Anus" 😂
I would feel honoured to own such a beautiful machine.
I love the look of the janus 450 and seriously considered getting one. But for the price I just bought another ural. Still hats off to these guys for making a truly unique bike.
The problem with true retro motorcycle is we invent tech pack for good reason lol. Fkin carbs. But good on Janus for keeping the spirit alive.
Just the word "carbs" is enough to make me foam at the mouth.
I agree, it's like those "cooking like the 1800's" videos. Yeah I guess it's a neat idea historically but I'm not gonna go out and soak some oats in suet for 30 hours and eat it with weevil infested hardtack.
What is wrong with carburetors? Simple, easy to tune, don't require electricity to function, makes a 1 wire magneto ignition possible. Can't get more simple than that.
@@thejunkman cold start, cold start, cold start, cleaning, cleaning, cold start, inconsistent flow, cold start, cleaning... Carbs is good if you like to dismantle your bike. Not so much for people who just want to ride and not touch the engine ever. Chain cleaning and valve check at most. And EFI tuning is dirt easy if you have the computer, so it is both more nerdy and more refined.
@@victoriazero8869 I have EFI bikes too, but carbs are just fine if you like to ride your bike a lot and don't let it sit. I have had too many problems with cars and electric fuel pumps and such. You can't really fix them on the side of the road. I guess growing up with cars, trucks and motorcyces from the 60's and 70's, I don't think much about changing points or tuning a carburetor once in a while. It is like second nature.
Them china engines in those bikes are top of the line. My old china dual sport has the same engine (229cc in reality) well over 35k miles with poor maintenance, like oil every 5k to 10k miles and minimal valve adjustments. They are built to run and made to work on. Fantastic engine, china knows how to copy
the bulletproof cg250
The proven engine design copied and mass produced in China is a key component of these bikes. Would be funny if Honda targeted them for patent infringement.
Yes the 250 version uses a Chinese made, up sized clone of a Honda CG125 engine. I had the 200cc version of that engine on my trusty Lifan Enduro bike. I rode it 53,000 trouble free miles.
Yes I like them but some of the small Italian light weight motorcycles, Moto Morini Corsaro 125 for example have the same appeal, varies between 9 and 12 BHP
What a cool story and great review of the company. I highly relate to these type of riding and building.