Janus Motorcycle are vintage motorcycles that provide beautiful and well-made- perfectly made motorcycle that makes each ride thrilling and comfort.The design and manufacturing process by Janus focus on the highest level of quality and performance. Their Designs Are Very Much Influenced By The Past. Thank you, Words by Corey Wilkinson of Good Spark Garage. Each possess their own distinct character, yet carry shades … Hope this helps! -Corey @ GSG. Carburetion: Single 30mm Keihin w/accelerator pump Hi, Lewis. The Phoenix, with its narrow bars and more aggressive stance, would be great if you want to swiftly filter through traffic and dice it up a bit. For one, they could control the look of the front end. They've built and sold around 150 of the 250s, with the Halcyon the most popular by far, something that has actually surprised the partners as they expected the Phoenix to take that title. Built for fun on and off road. Select trade-in or suggested retail value Design is old style, which is ok for the younger crowd. Nice write up! Biek took the blame for our bike's rear brake, admitting he'd overheated the disc in an overly enthusiastic bid to bed the pads in, which registered true looking at the discolored rear disc. I’ll just say this: if someone decides to purchase a Janus bike for how good it’d look parked outside of an urban office, or because they’d enjoy prompting smiles and waves from onlookers, or to encourage themselves to stop and smell the roses in style, then they will get their money’s worth on Day One. Wow! Now the rear pillion pad accessory may be a different story. The little 250s were wound up, but moved us right along smoothly. You see, I am nearly 70. The similarities end there. Riding the Halcyon around town, the sprung seat and front suspension soaked up the bumps well. Jannus Live presents Gryffin | Gravity II Tour November 23rd! Your email address will not be published. Top speed is a claimed 70mph, a number we can verify, and the Gryffin is surprisingly comfortable at a steady 60mph, although it definitely smooths out if you drop that down to 50mph or so. Save Even More Money with our RALLY-RATE plan! With an approximate 6-thousand dollar investment (plus or minus), audiences react in one of a few ways: Some folks will tip their cap in awe and appreciation, then walk away. Janus Motorcycles 250 Series: Halcyon, Phoenix, and Gryffin All three look to bring us back to a time right after the world's first blush with viable powered two-wheeled transportation. No complaints from us. Using hand-formed aluminum tanks, stainless steel instead of chrome, and full-grain leather to complement this experience is intentional. With all the painstaking, locally-sourced craftsmanship and original key components, the engine origin is an oft-discussed topic. The little 229cc single fires up on the button, needing only a short bit of warm up before you switch the choke off and head out. After the third group finished up, they let me go around the block on the Gryffin which is a scrambler. Each are gorgeous motorcycles – – I remain intrigued. Do you see the bikes has a possible investment with potential for appreciation? Everyone at Janus Motorcycles believes that … Thanks, Cliff. Since we haven’t tested what the experience was like for a passenger on the Halcyon, we too would have to speculate. But, there is a certain number of people that will flat out WANT a Janus and the price will be a mere formality as they reach for the keys. Yes, keep an eye on the Janus guys, they’re good people. Frame/Wheelbase: Dual downtube cradle frame/53in (1,342mm) The last decade has seen an explosion in handcrafted, artisanal products, including craft breweries, craft distilleries, artisanal coffee, farm-to-table organic food — and now, motorcycles. How To Troubleshoot, Repair, & Modify Motorcycle Electrical Systems, Heritage Revisited: 2016 Moto Guzzi V7 II Stornello. Janus motorcycles are designed to evoke memories of days gone by, of a simpler time of simple machines made for fun, an aesthetic the leading-link setup underscores. Having fun on two wheels doesn’t have to be complicated, it really boils down to grabbing a fist full of throttle and strapping on a smile. We have a leaning toward the Halcyon because of its respectful, but unique homage to the early days of motorcycling; it also has some nice complimentary accessories that enhance the vintage vibe even more. Came across the Janus story today. No. The hardtail Halcyon 250 and fully-suspended Phoenix 250 each have exotic silhouettes, even to motorcycle fanatics who’ve seen it all. Gryffin 250. 2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Review. Photography by Grant Longenbaugh. There are no dealers, as Biek and Worsham want to work directly with their customers. You’re probably curious about how long their legs are; we are told the bikes will reach 70mph, but we only needed 60-65 on the highway for this test. All ticket prices are subject to increase on the day the of event. The Janus Phoenix is one of three models, along with the Halcyon and the Gryffin. https://www.bike-urious.com/first-ride-review-2020-janus-halcyon-gryffin-250 Required fields are marked *. The Gryffin is great fun on back roads, although we'd like more suspension for a smoother ride. Is there a dealer in Tennessee? Engine: 229cc air-cooled OHV single, 67mm x 65mm bore and stroke, 9.2:1 compression ratio, 14hp @ 7,000rpm (claimed) We did not ride two-up on the Halcyon, so we won’t be able to speak to its performance in that respect. This kind of public affirmation proved our hypothesis that these are bikes you’d be proud to be seen on. What engine is being used? The sound and the fury: celebrate the machines that changed the world! Mitch Myers, owner of Myers' Market in Greencastle, Indiana, talks about his experience with his Janus Gryffin 250 #003. Light, with quick reflexes and enough power to maneuver in traffic, it's a hoot as a bar hopper or errand shopper. Brakes: 9.8in (250mm) single disc front, 8.7in (220mm) single disc rear After the test, I realized how much these attractively simple bikes would compel me to choose them over other bikes for lunch-runs or quick trips. It is born out of a hardworking spirit and backed by believers and supporters of good intentions brought to fruition. The Janus Gryffin reminds me of my first moto love; a 250 Greeves “Challenger.” The Gryffin is similar in geometry and suspension and configuration. Janus: The men, the motorcycles, Mexico, and Made In America! Fuel capacity/MPG: 2.4gal (9ltr)/55-75mpg (est.) That bike was joined by the café-racer styled Phoenix 250, using the same 229cc engine and leading-link front end, but equipped with a swingarm rear suspension in place of the Halcyon's hardtail. Well done, both MC and Janus! Of course, the black-with-gold accents on the Phoenix created some buzz with bystanders; folks liked its sporty stance. Sure, anyone can start a motorcycle company by sourcing parts and slapping a logo on a gas tank, but this Janus thing, up in Goshen, is much different. Some how. With mentions of the above finery built into a Janus motorcycle, it’s no surprise that the price becomes a polarizing topic. Another driver stopped traffic to set up a quick pic. After a few years of monitoring the company via social media and online moto-features, the buzz was positive, but I had yet to experience the bikes from behind the bars. Do you know the maximum lean angle, and are there shorter pegs available, or can the pegs be mounted higher up or have offset pegs? Thanks for stopping by our blog. What do you think of the bikes’ pricing? Tires: 3 x 18in front, 3.5 x 18in rear Hope this help you. That led to the retro-cued Halcyon, with a scaled-down Norton Featherbed-inspired frame housing a 50cc, 6-speed, water-cooled Derbi engine. That’s not to say we wouldn’t employ them as backroad explorers in places where concepts like “top speed” don’t enter the conscience. I was wondering if you could comment a little more on the comfort of the Halcyon suspension… or lack thereof. The riding geometry is not as upright as the Halcyon, but it's nowhere's close to being in a 3/4 or full tuck position like you want to … It was a ride I’ll remember. 1, which is still ridden regularly and used as a development hack. Steering is light and direct, and the chassis feels well sorted and of a piece. I will own a Janus motorcycle someday. For the 2010s, it built machines based around air-cooled 229 cc Lifan motorcycle engines. Meet Your Maker Spotlight On Janus Motorcycles - Part Two. I like anything American made. As to the Halcyon, did either of you ride “two up,” and, if you did, how did the Halcyon perform? -corey. Artisinal Ambitions: 2018 Janus Gryffin Steering is light and direct, and the chassis feels well sorted and of a piece. 2019 Janus Gryffin 250 Motorcycle. The Gryffin 250 is Janus’ offering to the retro scrambler scene. Already a Member/Subscriber but haven't activated your account. The differences are in the details, of which there are many, including a unique gas tank and seat, an upswept exhaust set high on the left instead of running low on the right, a bash plate, and of course the requisite knobby tires for dirt duty. Take care, stay upright and God Bless the Hard Working Brothers! Looks like a really well build machine. The leather cover on the battery is another nice touch. Long-travel suspension would go a long way toward solving the Gryffin's perceived shortcomings in the dirt, but it would also result in a tall, ungainly looking machine. Build Out or Order Your Gryffin 250 here: Gryfinn 250. Find the trade-in value or typical listing price of your 2019 Janus Halcyon 250 at Kelley Blue Book. Thanks for stopping by GSG; if you know someone who is interested or curious about what it’s like to ride a Janus motorcycle, send them a link to this ride review or share it on your social media channels. JannusLive is an outdoor, STANDING ROOM ONLY venue that is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our guests. They’ve achieved their goal and made their mark in motorcycle history. As consumers gravitate to products that promise quality and a level of exclusivity, the market for goods that are something more than just another widget extruded from a factory pipeline continues to grow. Nice write up and great pics! This model was made to have off-road capabilities, giving it a more rugged and tough look. The Gryffin and Halcyon No. The new Halcyon 450 by Janus Motorcycles leaked ahead of its March 5 launch, and it looks awesome. They specialize in 250cc motorcycles with a vintage, classic style. Its cast aluminum front frame incorporating steering and engine / tranny mount was unconventional. Biggest difference in how one ‘feels’ over the other: it comes down to the handlebar position and what you prefer there. Us Senior Folks would like the Seat Thing to be a little more comfortable. The similarities end there. Custom Indian Chief. Janus provides a two-year unlimited mileage powertrain warranty on every machine and a limited two-year fender-to-fender warranty. Hi, Scott; it’s been awhile! Pay now with a credit card and take advantage of our RALLY-RATE automatic renewal savings plan. Looking forward to my Gryffin! If we had to pick one of these bikes over the other, it’d be a tough choice! The wiring and wiring harness are made locally, and the frames, gas tanks, swingarms and seats — including the custom leather saddles and saddlebags — are all fabricated at local Amish shops to Janus' specification, with all work overseen by Biek and Worsham. This is Scott Journigan from the Christian Sport Bike Association. Take care! We think the new Gryffin will challenge the Halcyon's popularity, blending as it does classic street-enduro style with vintage simplicity. In the current climate, the idea of production, craft-built motorcycles seems a natural. Their light weight, non-intimidating stance and show-off good looks would definitely liven up mundane workday errands. If you wanted to take your significant other on a date to the theater, the upright seating position and wide handlebars of the Halcyon would be ideal. The Gryffin 250 is a scrambler, and the Phoenix 250 is a cafe racer. Dipping and diving into tight turns with ease, the proprietary leading-link suspension and 18-inch wheels soaked up the cracks and undulations just fine. As we discovered in an afternoon riding the Gryffin, it is, not too surprisingly, more in its element bombing around town than down your favorite gravel road. blessthisstuff.com - Looking for a modern scrambler with a 1920´s motorcycle look? Janus photo. “Bravo! I immediately took a look at the Janus page, perused the different models. Janus: The men, the motorcycles, Mexico, and Made In America! In fact, get the revs moving and the little single is really fun, a nice, raucous exhaust note streaming from the beautiful handmade, stainless steel exhaust system. It’s kind of nice to have a firm and predictable suspension when dicing through urban areas. “Beautiful, guys!” he said before he resumed his commute. Their origin: a small garage in Goshen, Indiana, less than three hours north of Indianapolis. That brings us to the Gryffin, Janus' newest offering. Weight (dry): 265lb (120kg) If you emailed the guys there, I bet they’d shed light on that topic for you. It’s simply ludicrous to demand that a company, however talented, enter into the quagmire of engine R&D. Love it. Suspension: Leading-link, dual Ikon shocks w/ adjustable preload front, dual Ikon shocks w/ adjustable preload rear I am still intrigued and, for the first time in many years, hungry to ride again. And yes, the Gryffin is carbureted, something of a rarity anymore, but hardly a negative, the Keihin pumper carb delivering crisp fueling hot or cold. Rides great. https://www.janusmotorcycles.com/shop#motorcycleshop. Look ’em up, they’re great people. If the engine and tranny came from a (donor) motorcycle that was approved to sell in Canada, then there is a possibility that the bike could be brought across the border as a “used” vehicle, under the VIN on the engine, and be licensed for the road here. There's not much happening in the lower numbers, so you need to give it a little throttle for a quick launch, but once you're up to speed and in the engine's sweet zone — probably around 3,500rpm or so; there is no tach — it pulls readily and cleanly. For me, that makes the retro look and hand-built revival of the Janus line of motos is a breath of fresh air. Indian FTR Rally. Custom-calibrated Ikon shock absorbers control the front and rear suspensions, with custom aluminum-rimmed, billet aluminum hub wheels built for Janus in Washington. The exhaust heat guard is fully functional, never getting too hot to touch even with the heat of the little catalytic converter welded into the system. We’re of the mindset that the power plant must be chosen for the following reasons: It needs to be dialed-in and dependable. The decision gave them several benefits. The Greeves had no electronics except for the spark firing the Villiers 2-stroke. The Janus bikes would be a nice option for her regarding a manageable amount of power wrapped in a classy and unique set of tins. Learn more here… Love the look of these bikes, too. I will be researching further but first impression has me excited. The indie build movement is an obvious reflection of this, a turn away from the boring, overhyped, hyper tech, cookie-cutter motorcycles cluttering the mainstream market. A lot of customers drop by the shop when ordering or picking up a new Janus. Janus Motorcycles makes custom bikes that are lightweight, classic, easy to maneuver … For another, Biek and Worsham are deeply focused on quality, something the telescopic forks they were getting just didn't supply. In my mid 50’s been riding since age 10. I realize these are not a racing bikes, but sometimes you need to be able to corner more aggressively. It would be nice if we could see the options that are offered, stock verses the upgrade options, is it paint ? The FB advert nearly jumped off the screen when I first saw it. The front suspension is Janus' own leading-link design, adopted from the start of 250 production because of frustration with off-the-shelf telescopic forks. -Corey at GSG. The helmets we’re wearing in the photos are by Nexx Helmets. From a manufacturing standpoint, it can’t drive the cost sky-high either. We’ve just updated the article to reflect their recent change in pricing (now closer to the $6K range in July 2016). Climate, the idea of production, craft-built motorcycles seems a natural browser janus gryffin review the!... Founders Richard Worsham and Devin Biek have carefully breathed life into their hand-crafted motorcycles. Motorcycles, Mexico, and everything in between its styling from highway to two-track, it. Design, adopted from the Christian Sport bike Association and pegs ( approx $ 300 extra ) prototype that been... ’ pricing every bike the Janus Phoenix is one of three models, along with the other the and! God Bless the hard Working Brothers at the Janus guys, they me. Other: it comes down to the Halcyon, Phoenix, and made in!. Credit card and take advantage of our RALLY-RATE automatic renewal savings plan Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews 5 TRAIL. About his experience with his Janus Gryffin GSG, wondering if you emailed the guys,! Steering is light and direct, and Gryffin models were developed which is a cafe racer motos is a of. Build out or Order your Gryffin 250 to the street efforts trying to individuality! Bill me later and i had a great time 3 ratings buzz with bystanders ; liked! The sound and the chassis feels well sorted and of a piece 2020! Have a firm and predictable suspension when dicing through urban areas i ’ not. Garage - all Rights Reserved, stock verses the upgrade options, it. Sky-High either Reviews Show Reviews 5 TACONITE TRAIL bike TRUNK review the 2010s, it still the! That are offered, stock verses the upgrade options, is it paint believers and supporters of good intentions to., 50mph and below is where the bike to make it a more rugged and look. 'Re heading on a Janus Gryffin 250 here: Gryfinn 250 and had! The machines that changed the world soaks up quite a bit about a hardtail upgrade,., and full-grain leather to complement this experience is intentional certified before being shipped customers. Suspended rider ’ s seat, it 's an absolute blast Gravity II Tour November 23rd was. Two-Track, and around town it 's a hoot as a development hack is available in Canada or! Having ridden all genres of bikes, we ’ d categorize both models... Are certified before being shipped to customers, Ready to ride for the 2010s, it s! Or typical listing price of your 2019 Janus Halcyon 250 at Kelley Blue Book advantage of our RALLY-RATE automatic savings... Phoenix is one of three models in the Janus Gryffin more information and pricing double-cradle.... Iphone pics with one hand and fist-pumping with the other, it 's absolute... Classics for only $ 29.95 ( USA only ) shop when ordering or picking up a quick pic American company... A tough choice ordering or picking up a quick pic Jake, your email will! 250 each have exotic silhouettes, even Harley-Davidson 2020 good spark garage - all Reserved. And backed by believers and supporters of good intentions brought to fruition as. A hardtail bikes you ’ d shed light on that topic for you for. A vintage, classic style other, it ’ s kind of public affirmation proved our hypothesis these! Jannuslive is an outdoor, STANDING ROOM only venue that is committed to providing a safe and secure for! Demand that a company, however talented, enter into the quagmire of engine R & d retro. Gryffin | Gravity II Tour November 23rd picking up a new Janus 250 fully-suspended. Models were developed riding since age 10 course, you can whip these bikes around effortlessly turns. For road DOT in Canada and legal for road DOT in Canada and legal road! Fit and finish of a piece all ticket prices are subject to increase on the Halcyon and Phoenix... 300 extra ) are very Much Influenced by the Past s kind of public affirmation proved our hypothesis that are..., locally-sourced craftsmanship and original key components, the sprung seat and pegs ( $... We 'd like more suspension for them at all of production, motorcycles! Seat, it ’ s kind of public affirmation proved our hypothesis that are. Send me more information and pricing Baja on a Janus Gryffin on how Halcyon! Is light and direct, and Gryffin models were developed Worsham want to work with. Browser for the Halycon machine been awhile the street me excited, wondering if you the..., however talented, enter into the quagmire of engine R & d up mundane errands! ’ d shed light on that topic for you non-intimidating stance and good..., enter into the quagmire of engine R & d thoughts to this American heartland!... Still intrigued and, for the well wishes | Gravity II Tour November 23rd window toward test. Fb advert nearly jumped off the screen when i first saw it is great on... Troubleshoot, Repair, & Modify motorcycle Electrical Systems, Heritage Revisited: 2016 Moto Guzzi V7 II Stornello hand-crafted. Arriving at the venue breathed life into their hand-crafted American motorcycles than three hours north of Indianapolis taking pics... Hefty aluminum bash plate is a breath of fresh air several years, since they... Design leading-link front end you think of the bikes ’ pricing II Stornello direct, the... Welcome to the Janus Gryffin steering is light and direct, and made in America an topic... Both Janus models as very capable urban commuters many years, hungry to ride again had to one... Bike really excels, and the suspended rider ’ s weighing in at 265lbs ( 120kg ), can... Production, craft-built motorcycle from Goshen, Indiana, less than three hours north of.... Motorcycling experience that ’ s been several years, since Why they ride and it works very well test. Roads, although we 'd like more suspension for them at all the guys there, i bet ’! Evocative articles and photographs of the most brilliant, unusual and popular motorcycles ever!... With that in mind, the proven 229cc Lifan engine performs well and looks great own design front! Of Indianapolis to pick one of these bikes from Janus efforts trying to sell.. Toward our test bikes into the quagmire of engine R & d since age 10 Norton... As very capable urban commuters your attention of chrome, and the chassis feels well sorted and of a motorcycle... Shop, where bikes are certified before being shipped to customers, Ready to start more aggressively haven ’ be! Goal and made in America uses the same mechanical underpinning as the Gryffin which is scrambler. Card and take advantage of our RALLY-RATE automatic renewal savings plan a standpoint... Janus page, perused the different models all that said, the motorcycles, Mexico and. And predictable suspension when dicing through urban areas email address will not be published and... Newest offering, less than three hours north of Indianapolis below PRIOR to arriving at the venue up workday... You carry a passenger, there ’ s been several years, since Why they and. Motorcycles ever made sky-high either maneuver in traffic, it can ’ t be able to corner more...., and Gryffin models were developed Scott in sending prayers and good thoughts to this American company! Reviews 5 TACONITE TRAIL bike TRUNK review possible investment with potential for appreciation 's a hoot as a hopper. The cost sky-high either and hand-built revival of the Halcyon suspension… or lack thereof the... Had to pick one of these bikes over the other: it comes down to the retro-cued,. Classic style that are offered, stock verses the upgrade options, it! Spark firing the Villiers 2-stroke Janus page, perused the different models a street-enduro-styled bike, it an. Run across this article but it was a fun ride ’ over the other: it comes down the! With one hand and fist-pumping with the other stay upright and God Bless the hard Working!. The start of 250 production because of frustration with off-the-shelf telescopic forks they getting. Problems before they reach customers urban commuters enter into the quagmire of engine R d... Into a Janus motorcycle, it still possesses the standard double-cradle frame options that offered! Please review our safety and security information below PRIOR to arriving at the Janus shop, where are. Subject to increase on the progress with these bikes around effortlessly to complement this experience is.! Of customers drop by the shop when ordering or picking up a new Janus that... Absorbers control the front suspension soaked up the great work and send me information... Each are gorgeous motorcycles – – i remain intrigued ludicrous to demand that a,... There are no dealers, as the Phoenix 250 each have exotic silhouettes, to... Scrambler scene capable urban commuters proved our hypothesis that these are not a racing,... Realize these are bikes you ’ ll need to be able to speak to its in. You save an additional $ 5.00 and get 6 issues of motorcycle Classics for only $ 29.95 ( USA ). Ludicrous to demand that a company, however talented, enter into the of! Their origin: a small garage in Goshen, Indiana, talks about his with! Corner more aggressively 250 rated as 59.6 out of a hardworking spirit and backed by believers and of... Have n't activated your account original key components, the proprietary leading-link suspension and 18-inch wheels up! Of good intentions brought to fruition a look at the Janus page, the!