I bought a Halcyon 450 primarily for the unique styling. Like you, I don't want a mass-produced bike and gravitate towards less common bikes/designs. I've been very pleased with the performance of the bike, even taking it on a 1,150 mile ride to Mexico and back. I also have a Ural Gear Up and my Halcyon draws much more attention and admiration than the Ural. And I'm ok with that. Thanks for the updated review.

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

I've wanted to check out a Ural in person for years but no one has them around me. Between those and the Husqvarna 401's

@steveh7108

Жыл бұрын

​@@FoxParasytewhere are you located ?

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

@@steveh7108 Michigan

@htschmerdtz4465

9 ай бұрын

That 450 engine is as mass produced as it gets.

@danmanthe9335

9 ай бұрын

It's impressive that it draws more attention than a Ural.

I enjoyed hearing your reviews of the Janus bikes. Both the ones before and this follow up review of the 450 and 250. I think they were thoughtful, measured and an overall contribution to my decision making when I started looking at seriously buying a Halcyon. When I’m making a big purchase, I always try to hear the knock on the product I’m buying. I think this is the case for many others as well. I want to know what people do not like and weigh their cons with my pros, especially when I’m already heavily leaning towards a purchase, which I was when I came across your previous reviews. I ultimately did decide to purchase my Halcyon 250 and my only regret is not doing it sooner. It’s been a pure joy to own. Many of those joys are simply riding a motorcycle again after almost 30 years. But most of those joys are specific to being a Janus owner. They are not for everyone, but they are certainly for me. As a company I couldn’t be prouder to be “an uncompensated brand ambassador” (something every Janus owner becomes the moment you pull into a parking space or try to leave one everywhere you go). I followed the company’s story from the time I first saw them online nearly 8 years ago. And for me, the purchase of my own Janus was also a purchase of a small piece of that story and the conscious decision to support a company and really local economy that represents what I want to see more of in the world. I didn’t have a lot of motorcycle experience to begin with and none for almost 30 years, so I wasn’t as interested in comparisons to other bikes. Honestly if it wasn’t a Janus it wasn’t likely to be another bike. The fact that you were willing to put a fresh review on Janus speaks to your thoughtfulness. Honestly it’s what we need more of in this world. Thank you again for the review.

@jimidaye6666

Жыл бұрын

I’ve had my Halcyon 250 for a year now. What color did you get?

@xchalibur77

9 ай бұрын

If I was living in US I sure buy one. When you own one you feel like you own it, instead seems like renting on all other bikes. Unless of course you are a very good mechanic and can work on anything.

I want one for three main reasons. The looks. The simplicity. And it is something that I will keep for the rest of my life. To me that is worth the price tag, when it is a lifelong purchase that I will easily be able to maintenance and cherish, it is well worth the price.

@izaicslinux6961

Жыл бұрын

Exactly. The fact that Janus encourages you to repair them is a big seller! I contacted them, and they told me that they *give* you a service manual with the bike and will ship parts under warranty to any repair shop you want (And they'll pay the shop to do the work under warranty too!). Not just that, but they make videos on how to repair the bike! There are also performance parts you can get from a small shop here in the US, which greatly improves the top speed, slightly increases fuel efficiency, and greatly improves the acceleration! I'll probably stick to stock for at least two years to ride out the warranty though... If you mod it with the full-performance kit you obviously lose that warranty! (That goes for anything though)... I also contacted Royal Enfield to ask about servicing and parts for the Classic 350... The Indian guy I got on the phone was giving me a tude, and told me that you have to email Royal Enfield to request a service manual... Which to me doesn't sound like you are guaranteed to get one! Not just that, but you have to go through the dealership for parts, and I've heard the dealerships have had issues supplying parts or put you on waitlists with no communication. I've also seen reports that dealerships are charging $600 for the break-in servicing you have to do 300 miles after you get a classic. I'm not super sold on the hard-tail of the 250, but at the same time the fact that it gets a kick starter is a plus in my mind, and it's also more fuel efficient than the 450 and costs a few grand less... So I think I'll start with the Halcyon 250 and move up to a 450 after using it for a few years and saving up. Maybe to help absorb some of the bumps in the road I might get mother customs to refurbish my leather seat with a shock-absorbing gel... Unless perhaps I could just request Janus to do that at the factory? Might be something to look at.

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

They did find a shop for me in case I needed it, but for the last two years I've done all my own maintenance and repairs. Everything is very accessible and the company is transparent. I also thought that this would be a bike I would keep for as long as possible.

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

I should add that I wanted something social, that would spark conversations with strangers in a friendly was--and it does!

I would totally get one soon! I've been thinking about getting one for like 6 months now and as soon as I save up enough, I'll order it. Great video!

Rather pricey, but what a cool bike. Love the classic styling and simplicity. Rather in the same idea as Royal Enfield but the plus of manufacture in the USA (although a few bits..like the engines..made offshore). If I were to get back into street motorcycling I would seriously consider Janus. My last bike was a Yamaha XS1100G then I quit riding bikes on the street. Now in my 'senior years' a Janus Halycon 250 would be the perfect cool little motorcycle to bop around town on. After all, my bicycle is a Schwinn Sting Ray.

I actually had the opportunity to look at one of these bikes at a gas station. They definitely did a great job with the retro look. It's a great bike for riding around locally and it's probably great on gas. They are good looking bikes.

@theheresiarch3740

8 ай бұрын

Gas mileage is somewhere around 80MPG on the 250.

It' s really cool to see such a beautiful and stylish bike as these ones, other than these modern motorcycles that resembles a Transformer nowadays. It's just like opening a large window in a perfect springtime day and taking a deep breath of pure and fresh air. Greetings from Brazil.

@FoxParasyte

6 ай бұрын

Thats the comment i have with the KTM duke and even my kawasaki versys. The styling is very transformer or robocop. I love my Kawasaki don't get me wrong but too many bikes look like it.

@alvaroalves9608

6 ай бұрын

@@FoxParasyte yeah that's the problem, too many bikes looks like this hahaha, and don't get me wrong either, there's nothing wrong with your bike if you enjoy it, but I prefer to stick to the old school style. And thanks to comment.

Good review, I love the look and ethos of Janus Motorcycles and have been eyeing a Halcyon for awhile now, they're just beautiful bikes.

In the early 70s, I was a motorcycle mechanic. Frames and suspension were nothing like what it is today. One of my jobs was going out and diagnosing wobbles, tank slappers, and Shimmy's, whatever you want to call them. I contribute to a substantial amount of my hair loss to those days .

@FoxParasyte

9 ай бұрын

I would love nothing more but to hear some of your stories about that. I've only had 1 serious slapper and it scared the piss out of me. I can only imagine what your experience must have been like

Wow, that was exciting! Better than going to Disneyland. I'm not kidding. It was a thrill ride. Thank you so much.

I very much appreciate the details you provided based on your wide range of experience. I currently have a Halcyon 250 and just bought at 450, awaiting delivery. SInce I have only ridden the 250 I will say your review in pretty much on point.

In the future I would love to see a Halcyon with a vintage styled yet modern V Twin engine. It would give it a great exhaust note and the looks of an old board track racer.

@tommyblackwell3760

9 ай бұрын

My thoughts exactly.

@danmanthe9335

9 ай бұрын

Just gotta figure out how to get a 270⁰ crank in that Chinese engine!

@mikeb1039

9 ай бұрын

for the price, that seems the ticket.

I believe that feeling that you could not explain with the small displacement bikes is the same that you would get from those under powered go karts at the local Fun Center. The performance is up to you and your skill. Trying to get the maximum out of it depends on how quick you shift how much you lean every little shift of weight and everything you do makes a difference. It challenges you to improve the performance. You're not only riding on a bike you are a part of it. Overpowered large bikes you just ride on top of it and hang on for dear life. Even though you can perform better on the big modern bikes you are just not as in tune with the road and the bike is you are with a small bike.

@mikeb1039

9 ай бұрын

the old proviso: it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than it is a fast bike slow.

Excellent review!! Love these motorcycles!

Definitely a cool bike. Great review. I love the 450 in white.

You did an excellent job with this video, imo. Thank you.

I experienced the same twitching sensation on my Honda XL600R years ago. Whenever I reached freeway speeds, the handlebar would slightly shake from side to side, just like in your video. I determined that it was due to the wide handlebars and the wind hitting my splayed out upper arms. The problem always disappeared whenever I tucked my arms close to my body, or whenever I tucked in my right arm and took my left arm off the grip and tucked it in, too. Try it and see if that works. Let me know. If that turns out to be the cause, narrower bars might cure the twitching. Good luck.

Love the 450, makes my T120 black look futuristic 😂! I like the companies ethos of making as much as they can locally (similar to CCM over here in the U.K.). Very cool bikes 👍👍

I have plenty of experience with small displacement motorcycles and would agree they are as fun as a barrel of monkeys and think it's cool they've made a resurgence in recent years. I have fond memories of beating on a 1974 Honda CL200 I had in my youth. That bike had a rough life, but just kept on going. My current sled is a 2005 Suzuki S-40 I bought new, then turned into a chopper after paying it off. While only having 33 horsepower, it only weighs 300 lbs. I think it's time for a performance cam, carb and maybe a big bore kit/increased compression.

I’ve got the Halcyon 250 in blue and gold. They are worth the extra dough. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Now thats what we needed to see and know. I to thought about price but i also know the expense of labor and materials when it comes to anything nowadays is just pathetic but it is where we are now. Thanks so much for your time and video it definitely was a great one. I am all about honest reveiws and actual facts. Just absolutely wonderful to watch and hear someone else who actually laughs and smiles when riding what im sure now, is an absolutely amazing bike to ride. Im pretty much sold at this point. I have a kawasaki drifter along with dozens of different bikes but the drifter is just so much fun! Just to throw that out there because it is one of my favorites. Again thanks for the vid and stay safe. Will be going to Goshen soon. Not soon enough but definitely going.

@FoxParasyte

4 ай бұрын

Tell them i sent you, im sure they love hearing stuff like that. Take care bud!

I have a 450 Halcyon. I bought it, never having test ridden it.. it's not like there are dealers everywhere. It is certainly an eye catching machine. It makes you grin when you ride it. I agree, it is remarkably comfortable. I agree, the exhaust note does not sound the way the bike looks.. It should go....Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The engine also feels very anachronistically modern. It hates running less than 3,000 RPM. It has a sharp power curve and winds up to 6,000 RPM then starts to sound desperate. The Halcyon needs a 6th gear or taller final drive.. Personally, I prefer the engine note and power curve of my Royal Enfield 500.. thump thump thump...wheeze. I have accidentally started out in 3rd gear on that tractor, but the 500 vibrates punitively over 55mph and the Halcyon is very smooth at 70. I found the Halcyon's clutch quite heavy and neutral hard to find. It's a conversation starter and fun to ride.

I would love to see these art crafts here in Brazil. Super cool design, simple and direct. And the kind of bike to ride on beach side avenues under the sun. Very good, greetings to all.

I have every confidence in small engines from China, they’ve paid their dues far as I’m concerned and have earned my respect. Thing with the Chinese is, you get what you pay for with them. On the one hand, they make all the dollar store junk in the world; and on the other they’re manufacturing products for some of the finest brands in the world from Apple to BMW to Prada. In fact, a new Harley may very well have more Chinese components than a Janus!

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

In the 2 years I've owned a Halcyon, I've come to respect this engine, which I push very hard.

Great review. I have always loved the idea of having a Janus bike. I live in the capital of small displacement motorcycles, Manila Philippines. I would love to bring Janus to this market ;)

I think that those twitchy movements can be related to aerodinamic forces at the curved wheel fender that acts like a wing. Try the same ride with no fender instaled and then tellme. A simple solution could be a large longer towards front fender that reduce the angle of atack into the wind .

I love old bikes but don’t like their old world nature. What wonderful bike this is!

@steveh7108

Жыл бұрын

Exactly my thoughts. I always wanted an old 1920s or 30s Indian or any old American bike like that. But the reality is, they are very expensive and not something you could casually jump on and ride. In many cases you got to hand pump the oil regularly and deal with fouling plugs and constant maintenance. This appears to be the best of both worlds. And the price is not a big deal if it's something that you plan on keeping for a long time. I plan on buying one and keeping it for the rest of my life. I'm betting it will stay running longer than I will.

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

I've done all the maintenance myself on my 250 for the last two years. Interesting and not really difficult. Of all the bikes I've owned, this is the most fun to ride, though I also use it to commute, so it is practical too, at least for me.

Leaking Oil adds that vintage authenticity!

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

I've had my 250 for 2 years and no oil leaks, I can report.

I just realized we were apparently the same path. I started looking at the Janus months ago and couldn't justify the cost, then came Royal Enfield... We both ended up with exactly the same bike. You are a bit ahead of me but my "performance" parts are on order so I'll be caught up in a week or two.

@FoxParasyte

9 ай бұрын

I love my RE, it's quirky and goofy at times but it makes me smile every time. Those parts definitely helped the bike wake up.

I presume the people who won't buy 'em because the motors are Chinese would have no problem with buying a Honda XR? They obviously have no idea where Honda were getting their motors from for a long time. Here in Australia we have Sol Invictus, who make bikes with the same engines. I was looking at a 650 Mars and wondered if I could drop a Honda XR650 engine into it. That got me looking at XR engine history which was when I found out that Honda had been outsourcing the engines in China for quite a while. After reading that I figured there wasn't much point in doing the swap.

If I lived in town with short hops I would need one of these.

Very good review. I am always amazed at how good some of you guys are in doing these reviews. One of the best reviews I've seen 👍 maybe the steering head is too small and that is why it gets twitchy. Or maybe it's too loose. Or maybe the wheelbase is too short, or the rake is too small. My only real concern is weatherproofing for the case where they don't have a garage and are left in the elements year round. I wish they would put boots over the shocks, for one. I don't think price is a factor. You'll save 1000s in maintenance costs.

@FoxParasyte

4 ай бұрын

I would hope and imagine that if someone is spending that kind of money on a Janus that they would have at the bare minimum a good quality bike cover if a shed or garage is not available. I appreciate your very kind comments. I'm still very very new to motorcycle review style videos and don't really have a team to help film so i do what i can :)

Riding a 250 Janus is like riding on a flying carpet: it just disappears underneath you.

A Griffin with the 450 would be neat.....thx for sharing

@louisbabycos106

11 ай бұрын

Add an ecotron fuel injection kit and an ecotron motorcycle turbocharger kit

How much is it the 450 and the 250

What could Indian do building a classic looking entry level bike like this with a single cylinder version of the Scout engine, modern suspension and wheels. It would weigh more but not by much

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

Indian and Harley for that matter i don't think want anything to do with low displacement bikes. Annoying little story about a run in at a Harley Dealership in Indiana. I was one of the very few who loved the Harley Streets but the vast majority of Harley die hards hated them. I remember going into a dealership years ago trying to get my hands on a floor model Harley street 500 in burgundy red and the guy flat out refused to sell it to me "because you wont be happy with the bike" tried to get me on a Dyna which i wanted nothing to do with. The more i pressed how much i wanted the 500 the salesman turned aggressive saying it was a chick bike and I would be laughed at. Didn't care that i already had 2 much faster bigger bikes. He couldn't fathom why i wanted a small bike. Left and bought a Kawasaki versys that very same day as it was my number 2 choice.

I love the Janus bikes. I prefer old school.. just enjoying the ride. I dont need or want computers or anti lock brakes or different ride modes. No fuel injection. Just me and the bike. I would love one one day. I would prefer they manufacture the engine themselves but that takes a fortune in engineering and machinery

@FoxParasyte

9 ай бұрын

Yeah i agree i would love in the future if the engine was either Janus made or even just a direct Japanese engine but without tons of money it's not happening anytime soon. I do wonder if Janus could possibly crowdfund so that they could afford a license deal with honda. But i have no idea how much money that would cost or the associated fee's and or royalties involved.

It would be interesting if Janus could get their hands on DR650 engines or XR650 engines and install those instead of the 400cc. I know the old XR400 engines ran great, but the 650 is at another level.

Ì got myself a Griffon 250 od green with yellow primary and ack secondary paints. It's probably the best little bike I've ever ridden. It's a total blast to ride. The ole ride a slow bike fast idiom really works for this bike. No regrets and I highly reccomend the investment if you're out to ride for the sheer joy of riding and not out for high power/high speed thrills.

Nice looking bikes. However I just build choppers and bobbers when I want something different.

The main problem with designing a bike is always the more factor. I sold big screens back in the early days and once you put a particular size on the floor, the customer wants something bigger, almost immediately. The 250 and its speed issue is because any bike at that size is not meant to be used in that manner, but of course people do. They take a small displacement putz around town bike and want it to go 80mph without any vibration or wobble. People misuse products all the time. I would either lower the price on the 250 or turn the 450 into a bit more dual sport like they did with the Griffin, change the tires, up the exhaust location with a bash plate underneath. This would cover all bases as people do want to go across country and being able to hit a dirt trail on a 450 is much more appealing. Trust me, when you travel, you will find a place to go which doesn't have pavement. I would wait for the 450 Griffin model.

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

I commute on my 250. There are owners who have modified the engine, but after break-in, I found it more than adequate for most of my daily riding. I also added a windshield with a deflector on top as well as deflectors on the engine bars, all to create downforce so that at higher speeds the bike still handles well. Though I wouldn't cross the country on it, there are owners who have, including one who made a round trip of 16,000 miles, which still amazes me. As far as the suspension goes, the front IKON shocks are great, and I have gotten used to the hardtail configuration of springs under the seat, even on our rough roads where I live. Others have had similar experiences.

Thanks for the video. Please tell Janus the cause of the wiggle is visible. The construction of the forks makes them much more heavy to the rear causing a tail wagging effect (the wiggle). Keep it retro, but use forks of a different type with more even front end balance. That and I believe the handling would improve with a slightly longer rake forward as it is too steep. I love the look, but let's avoid things that are obsolete because they are dangerous. alternatives are available. Thank you.

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

I can speak only about my 2021 Halcyon 250. It is very steady, at least as I drive it. I also added a windshield with a deflector, as well as side deflectors on the engine bars, to add downforce.

The twitchy thing is the frame is not geometry is not altered for the long travel rear suspension...likely. Also, they need to go with off-road atd of larger rim in front, smaller at the rear. No brainer for the enduro/motocross format.

Both the exhaust and the gas tank designs have a very interesting history. Ask Richard!

Quick question...if you pause the video at 26:07...are those welds under the gas cap or just reflections messing with my eyes? If they're welds they are absolutely disgusting and I'm shocked they passed any kind of quality control.

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

No that's just the lighting playing tricks but I totally see what you are talking about.

Janus reminds me of “vintage” bike styles which I would take nothing else. My Aprilia SportCity 250 2008 bought new, goes 90 with 280lbs rider. Tho a step thru scooter, I keep miles low now near 8k. Commute but also drove it just over 600 mile trip. Already had the 10k mile services as it is a baby! Lol I kept up with crotch rockets on the “Tail of the Dragon “ road in GA. Worth the ride,try that road! After USA goes gold backed currency (should be by Oct 10th), product repricing, I may look at Janus high end bikes. Honda in 1982 I think, came out with sky blue gas tank. Shocked….. I love that color on a bike. Scared of Chinese motors though… If I could I would change out motor for older Honda motor on that frame. You think it might work?

@FoxParasyte

9 ай бұрын

From experience with bikes with Chinese motors. The Janus bikes just from the time spent riding for this video, they seem pretty damn solid. Now i doubt they're going to be as reliable as the engines they're emulating. But they are miles better than a vast majority of the bikes I've been on that utilize Chinese engines. Richard flat out told me that these engines like to be pushed & pushed hard. So that makes me believe that the engine can withstand plenty of abuse. I've yet to hear anyone ever come across one of these bikes with reliability problems with it's engine. Where as I constantly hear people make jabs at Harley for reliability issues.

Yeah I'm not sure why I said gallivanting. I meant to say grandstanding. I blame dyslexia

@fermenteddough3815

Жыл бұрын

sorry 😒

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

All good, not sure why your original comment got removed? I saw it and then it disappeared

@JonathanODonnellSays

Жыл бұрын

Foxxy what is your inseam height? There are none around for me to sit on. I have a 28” inseam so not sure if seat height for the 450 at 30” is too tall. Thanks.

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

@@JonathanODonnellSays I'm a 30" it's definitely a perfect height for me but even someone shorter or taller shoudn't have much of a problem unless they're on the extreme side

@JonathanODonnellSays

Жыл бұрын

Great thanks and good video.

Thanks for the review, very informative and well done. I have the same reservations as you expressed in your comments, I just can't go along with the idea of spending that kind of money on a 450cc bike. Make it at least a 750 (900 even better), and make that tank a couple of inches wider and taller (shoot for another half gallon at least) and I'd be interested. I do love the styling, I just can't deal with the small engine size. Imagine pulling into a parking lot at a local biker destination full of Harley's and Indians, I just couldn't do it, i'd have to park down the road somewhere and walk. Make it something that I could boldly pull in amongst the Harley's and you have my full attention.

@mikeb1039

9 ай бұрын

Some bikes (Harley) are built for that. Some bike require you to provide your own testes'.

@hasserl

9 ай бұрын

@@mikeb1039 LO! Yeah, right. Takes a lot of testes to handle all that 450 cc's of power, hahahahahaha!

@mikeb1039

9 ай бұрын

@@hasserl as opposed to thinking your motorcycles hp equates ;)

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

I've pulled my Halcyon 250 beside Harleys several times--the Harley owners usually want to know about it (two days ago, a Harley rider pulled alongside on the road, gave me a thumbs-up on the bike, and asked what year it was). Very few have been dismissive, though for the openly-unpleasant ones I have reminded them that my bike has more US-made parts than theirs. However, for the most part this is a bike you can take anywhere.

@mikeb1039

8 ай бұрын

@@jeffkaron5311 Hell they wouldn't accept the best bike Harley every built because it's motor was different . Motor size is everything to those guys.

Love the review on janus I would have to agree with the price it is steep they are beautiful motorcycles to look at but for me the price is a issue I can get a royal enfield for 5k and it's been around for years with a proven track record. I guess it comes down to a individuals choice on what they want and how much they want to spend.

@FoxParasyte

10 ай бұрын

Royal Enfield and Janus are both weird breeds. Janus definitely knows they fit a ridiculously niche market in which they are perfectly happy with. Royal Enfield based off my experiences with the owners at the rallies and events... more often than not they are kinda oddballs. Black Sheep in the motorcycle world at least here in the Midwest. Janus owners are kind of the same, very interesting people but again kinda shrouded into obscurity. They're also fiercely loyal to the brand, almost like a protective mother over their first born baby. I'll tell you this though (as an owner of a classic 350) the Royals DEFINITELY do not have the best track record with reliability. They're very much mass produced so quality control tends to slip far easier. If you look into the Himalayan's first couple years since launch, that bike in particular had quite a few issues. One of which was catastrophic. Now the Royals are significantly better than they ever were with reliability but i think it took them a swift kick in the balls to get their quality control department in better shape. Probably helping that their sales have been skyrocketing worldwide the past i think 5 years or so. Like you said it for sure comes down to individual choice.

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

I've had my Halcyon 250 for 2 years, a bike I ride most days rain or shine. The company has been transparent in helping me do all my own mechanical work (not required, but doing so has helped me become a better biker). The bike runs strong. As far as price goes, I just inquired about a Royal Enfield 350 at a local dealership. The "sale" price was around $4,300. If I added some accessories, with all the add-on fees, the quoted price came to about $7,600. When you buy a Janus, the price is just the price. Adding any options is clear and easy--and one can order them later (for example, I bought the saddlebags after the bike arrived). So I'm not sure that I agree any longer that it is a particularly expensive bike since it really is handmade and hand-painted. But that's just my view.

@FoxParasyte

8 ай бұрын

@@jeffkaron5311 If you are talking of a dealership that's near Janus that sells Royal Enfield. They charge nearly 1.25k for "Freight & set up fees" Even with a used bike they charge a base additional $750 bucks because it's used and their techs had to take time to make sure it's "road ready" even if it's a simple matter of changing the oil.

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

I live in a different state, but the "fees" completely change the "out-the-door" price (without accessories, the final price was 150% of the so-called sale price, and with accessories 170% of the original). Of course, all this is how a dealership can make money, and I am aware that their margins are thin. Still, not seeing a realistic price in advance at a dealership is one reason why buying directly from a manufacturer was very pleasant.

Just for reference…how tall are you? Inseam?

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

5”11 on a good day. 32 inseam

Love the styling and the small displacement is fine and a very nice trend to USEABLE power. But for $14k gotta be at least a twin with a seductive, expensive sound and more hp. A 450cc single, old tech, frumpy sound? eh

What in the world is this???? 😲😲😲 Why have i never heard of this motorcycle company??? And why do they have a vintage motorcycle styling with a newer motor??? What is happening??

@billallen4793

Жыл бұрын

I like small company motorcycles, Ural, Janus, Cagiva, and other's. These are gorgeous bike's, I just wish I could get one..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 👋🤠

@steveh7108

Жыл бұрын

The Janus company has a lot of videos online that takes you through their growth process and you will better understand how it got to be what it is. My impression was that they didn't set out to make a retro looking bike. They just set out to make a fun small displacement motorcycle. But when they realized they could get most of the parts they needed made locally with all the Amish Fabricators and suppliers for the RV industry in the area, it just kind of happened that way. Much like the original motorcycles of the early 1900's, they were mostly bicycle builders that designed and built their own bikes from scratch and many of them had similar home-crafted designs in the 1920s. That's kind of what happened here. You had a couple of guys that had the desire to make their own bike and handcraft it and it just ended up looking very retro and they rolled with it.

@hatchetjack1031

10 ай бұрын

Chinese engine and carb, bad brakes, poor handling, slow, no dealer network, no after market ...for the price of 3, low milage, custom 1200 Sportsters. After 20 years in the motorcycle industry I have to 😅 laugh. A 350 Enfield at least sounds good.

fast on a slow bike...I've done >150 on a GSX-R, armored up and it had the visceral sensation of being in a video game and that was it. I honestly remember having more fun/adrenaline going down a long, steep hill as a boy on a 10 speed. All 5 senses screaming.

@FoxParasyte

6 ай бұрын

Same buzz. I did somewhere around 135 on a vmax. Full gear (no armor cause i was stupid back then) was exhilarating. But i cant say it was more fun than the time my buddy let me ride his goofy heavily modded Honda Grom that went 80 miles an hour. Was the sketchiest ride of my life and i couldnt stop laughing in enjoyment

Around 25:33... I absolutely disagree because the 250 has a kick start option and the 450 doesn't. Because of this the 250 is far more appealing. When a motorcycle doesn't have a kick start option, I don't give it a second look. I can't tell for sure... but it looks like these bikes don't have a fuel petcock with a reserve setting, and that is another deal breaker for me. The one thing those bikes do appear to have is access for adjusting the valves. Those 3 things are extremely important to me, and every bike being made these days that I know of definitely "miss the mark". Because of that, it's no wonder why bikes from the '70s and before are now worth as much or more than a brand new bike.

💯💯

Good review but I'd like to see more of the bike not just the riders view. Show the overall view of the bike by panning around it while talking about it.

if i had some money i dont care to spend them at something not usefull this 450 will be my first choice i dig the style

That steering wobble has me particularly perplexed. It looks like it could be a problem with the whole geometry of the frame and fork set up. It shouldn't be happening and needs to be sorted out.

@FoxParasyte

9 ай бұрын

What threw me off is how the first time i road a Griffin going 50+Mph i did not have that problem. I almost thought maybe it has something to do with the head bearing

rode a phoenix 250 that was for sale locally and noticed the exact same thing you mention at 20:40 twitching and wobbling all over the place; must be related to the double sprung suspension? either way it was a huge turn-off for me and the main reason i didn't buy the hard-to-find model.

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

When I rode that bike years ago I never had that issue just the Griffin for me. Interesting though

@phelpsholloway6054

9 ай бұрын

Just the thought of the speed wobble turns me away. I'm hoping that the 450 doesn't have it, but also wondering about rake and trail etc. Did the BMWs with Earls Forks have problems?

@madogblue

8 ай бұрын

I have a Halcyon 250 and never felt any sort of wobble

The 250cc bike should last forever due to its legendary Honda clone engine, OHV GL125 derivative. I should know as I rode one in 70s for more than 10 years with only an annual oil change and chain adjustment, period. Then I gave it away to my younger brother to trash around for another decade before he gave it away to someone else. Lifan engine (Honda clone) is industrustible as well, but forget about performance. It is an old tech built to last.

I keep flip flopping on them... just knowing that some things are out of reach, like a touring tank or an exhaust note that matches the good looks. Also Janus is completely missing the opportunity to sell sidecar bikes like no one's business. A Halcyon 450 with a sidecar is getting into Ural Gear Up pricing (but without the 2WD). Then, suddenly, maybe it's not so crazy expensive.

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

The exhaust is a big one for me (as stupid as it might seem) It isn't impressive at all... would it keep me from buying a bike? Not really, i think i could possibly get a custom one installed but it's definitely a missed opportunity for Janus by not having options for louder exhausts. Side cars i'll absolutely agree with. I want to see a Ural here where i live, literally none are around my area. I've heard a ton of negative about that brand but i'd rather go into their bikes with an open mind.

@steveh7108

Жыл бұрын

Simply carrying auxiliary tank like they would have in the 20s. There's actually manufacturers that make auxiliary tanks you could slip into your panners or even ones that bolt on with a single twist lock in the center of them. Just one extra gallon is going to make a huge difference. And it's not like you would need it all the time just when you know you are going into rural areas or on a long-distance ride.

@louisbabycos106

11 ай бұрын

@@FoxParasyte How much would a custom exhaust cost you ? How much of a difference would a custom exhaust make ?

I do not like EFI engines or digital display tho my current scooter has it. I travel state hwys or back roads as interstates are not scenic. It is always the journey for me.

@FoxParasyte

9 ай бұрын

See i'm a huge EFI guy, BUT that might be because i'm biased since my Vmax was the most F'ing annoying bike to work on with carbs. I vowed to not ever deal with a carb bike since then. The digital display......... yeaaaah i can see why that might be a turn off for a vintage bike. But i can be ok with it, it's not like bikes i've been on in the past that have a full digital display similar to a tablet or smartphone... i strongly dislike that.

The cost of these bikes is miraculous considering they're handmade in the US.

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

You are one of the few people to say that online--and I agree. Some people in person who see my bike and ask about the price say the same thing.

@georgekrpan3181

8 ай бұрын

@@jeffkaron5311 Cheers Jeff!

I wonder how they are with a 6' 2" rider weighing 230 pounds.

@FoxParasyte

11 ай бұрын

Can't imagine much difference. Richard who is co founder (the one riding with) is well over 6 feet tall and I'm sure around 200ish

I stopped by their facility a few months back, totally think they are worth the money after you see what goes into making them.

A beautiful bike! But WHY did they have to use anything from China, let alone the engine? A potential purchase destroyed by use of Chinese engines. Thank you for the great, honest review. 👍

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

Well as i've said many times before. Even American motorcycle companies use parts from china or overseas in general. Janus i highly doubt if given the opportunity would say no to the real Honda engine that the bike emulates. It is impossible to be a small scale motorcycle company and develop a engine themselves. Not only that but also getting the rights to utilize a engine from Honda would probably put Janus in a state of financial problems. It would turn into a case of these bikes costing thousands more and then you would hear people further complain about the cost of the bikes. It's a no win situation. Janus i believe has sold under 3500 units combined across all models. Maybe in the future when they have the funds they could figure out an alternative engine if they decide on doing that. As it sits these are Chinese engines sure, but modified by Janus with their own manufactured parts/Internals. They're not uncrating the engines and slapping them on the bikes like I initially thought. I don't doubt their reliability at the end of the day. After all if the engines were truly a disaster we would have heard about it by now, Janus is putting their life on the line. They cant afford them not to be reliable.

I love the look of these bikes, but the bars look like they would snap and spear you in a crash.

@jeffkaron5311

8 ай бұрын

In 2 years of ownership, I have found the bike to be very tough.

these chinese engines are bulletproof if you make sure theyre put together right. the same people that hate on them hate on japanese bikes. i love a good reliable japanese or even chinese bike. super cheap and easy to work on, and simple.

@FoxParasyte

Ай бұрын

Tbh, a lot of the people who ride American bikes (and cars) don't even realize where components of their own bike comes from. Hell my Chevy and VW were both made/manufactured in Mexico of all places.

Too rich for my blood but very cool bikes none the less

I'm a serious rider.... at least 10,000 miles per year. I need a motorcycle that is fast, comfortable, nimble, and reliable. Why on earth would I ever want one of these?

@FoxParasyte

6 ай бұрын

I guess that depends on your situation. With 4 bikes myself i love the option of variety. The 450 the only thing that i guess it doesn't have going for it, is the speed thing. Reliability is subject to too many things to tell 100%. Where I live and my travel/commute, my 300cc can do just about everything my old souped up Vmax could do..... just obviously not as insanely quick.

I can but twi Royal Enfield Interceptor 650'for $15000.Or a Interceptor 650 a Hunter 350 and a classic 350.

The price is way too high for what it is. At a third of its price u can buy a Shinray 450 retro bike with the same engine.

You say the Janus has a very nich market. And yes your right but you may also be forgetting about people who Never wanted a Bike untill Janus came out with there models. I am one of those. I dont like Any bikes out there on the market and would Never by one. If I had my wish I would want a Board Tack Racer, take a Bicycle and slap an engine on it. Every modern bike out there is To Big, To Flashy, To Clicky, just To Much, and im 6'4' ~200lb. Janus is the first Bike company who scratches that itch. So yes it a very nich market but its a market that has been ignored for decades, so you could say janus is expanding the coustomer base of motercycle riders who never wanted a bike in the first place.

$15K for a semi-custom bike. Yeah, the Halcyon is beautiful, pure, and simple, but man that’s a steep price for a 450cc single with limited range. I’ll stick with my Ural Gear Up when I want to scratch my classic bike itch. Or snag a Royal Enfield for 1/3 to 1/2 the cost. Wish Janus well.

@john1911ccw

9 ай бұрын

If the Halcyon 450 was $10,000 , I ‘d order one tomorrow! Got 2 Harleys and a Honda CRF300L

KTMs also have Chinese made engines, reliability ? just asks a KTM owner .............

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

I hear about KTM bikes being unreliable but usually it comes down to how much more difficult or time consuming it is to maintain those bikes compared to most other brands. Still want to check out that funny KTM Duke 200.

@mattyb7736

8 ай бұрын

Yep owned one, wont own another.....ever. biggest money pit after a Break My Wallet

Let's face it. They are beautiful but AT LEAST the 450 needs to have double the power. I own a car [92 hp Nissan] that goes 0-60 in 11 seconds and it is enough for me. But it goes up to 75mph cruising speed WITH THE ENGINE SLEEPING. Cruising is meant to be ridin softly and gentle. If you want to cruise at 75, with a person behind, and maybe two bags for a little trip and be "calm and gentle" than you need TORQUE. And counting average 80kg for both it means that you have to have AT LEAST 50hp with less that 230kg to move properly and not stand in the way of other vehicles.

@amraceway

9 ай бұрын

They are not built for 75 mph cruising and shouldn't be. Grand Prix bikes of the 50s had 50 hp.

@Mister_Anders0n

9 ай бұрын

@@amraceway yeah, and you had to pull the neck out of them. Riding is freedom: if I cannot take mountain roads because the bike cannot handle it then it is a limitation, hence it loses the purpose and the soul of motorcycle riding. If you want to ride in the city then a scooter is a better choice. For a stroll on town roads, small trips, you have to consider car speed because cars are the most. Immagine a 20 km road between two towns, curves and straights, and a pack of cars behind who cannot overtake you since you're too slow for them. Now call that a pleasant and relaxing drive...I've owned a 8hp and a 39 hp bike: never again so slow.

@amraceway

9 ай бұрын

@@Mister_Anders0n You obviously don't enjoy the joy of measured living. Fortunately i live in a state where the maximum speed on country roads is less than 60mph. 80mph is an insane speed to travel long distances at.I like to enjoy the scenery and at 80mph that is impossible.

@Mister_Anders0n

9 ай бұрын

@@amraceway quite the opposite, in fact. I love slow riding but with the bike that is not struggling. It means that I can go cruising 40/50 mph with the bike sleeping, and if I ever made a slow corner I just open the throttle wide and it's all fixed. For that you need a POWERFUL bike. Otherwise, you end up stirring the engine every time, taking the corners at full throttle because otherwise the engine takes ages to go again at speed. I live in a huge town surrounded by mountains and If I want to go for a stroll around I have to rely on somewhat powerful enough bike to take me and my girlfriend uphill. With a bike like that I would not enjoy the ride because I' d worry every time for the cars behind me to honk and beg me for leaving them go at a relatively slow pace , whereas I'm struggling in first and second gear. If I want to go back home from work at 70mph I want to be able to do that.

@amraceway

9 ай бұрын

@@Mister_Anders0n You miss the point entirely. This bike is not made to be a 70 mph cruiser. Horses for courses. Buy a big Jap 4 cylinder that will do 150 mph.These guys state quite clearly they like building small LWT bikes and good on them for turning their back on the lard arse ugly rocketships everyone else makes. By the way most of Asia who ride more bikes than anyone else are happy on tiddlers and carry enormous loads on them without bitching about a lack of power.

I don't think these bikes are allowed in the european market. No ABS, Euro 5 emission norm.... A shame because the design is great. Harley Davidson or Indian (polaris) should consider buying this company They could extend there sales in Europe and other parts of the world.

Cute bikes, not my style, but the real stopper is the engine's pirated technology. We all know these Chinese engine builders aren't paying Honda any licensing fees and I can't be a part of intellectual property theft. The reason I'm not comfortable with that kind of low ethical standard is because, if Janus cuts corners and saves money buying Honda engine clones, where else are they taking shortcuts?

@death99ification

3 ай бұрын

Mate. If it's a Honda CG motor, the patent on it ran out quite a long time ago so its become free game.

@htschmerdtz4465

3 ай бұрын

@@death99ification Is there also an expiration date on ethics, mate?

@FoxParasyte

3 ай бұрын

what is the alternative engine?

@death99ification

3 ай бұрын

@@FoxParasyte probably some engine made with chinese parts but that isn't assembled in china.

@death99ification

3 ай бұрын

@@htschmerdtz4465 what ethical issue do you have with using a copy of a highly reliable engine platform?

I have the Halcyon 250. Very disappointed. Horrible suspension. Doesn't go over 50mph. Dangerously slow in most situations. But that might not be bad considering you'd fly off the bike if you hit a pothole at speed. Gets around 50mpg. Very small gas tank. On the plus side, it looks good, and gets lots of compliments. And it handles very well. Unfortunately, it's a nightmare to own. One breakdown and repair after another. I see that the BBB gives the company an "F" rating. Do your homework before you buy. Lots of better bikes for half the price. I bought a Royal Enfield 350 that has never given me any trouble. The Janus 250 appeals to elderly riders who can no longer ride bigger bikes, but who are very handy around motorcycles. Everyone else should look elsewhere for a more reliable bike.

My two issues with these bikes are the use of Chinese engines and obvious overpricing. At the price of these bike they should have better engines , not short-lived Chinese junk . Otherwise they look unique and interesting

You had me with the simplicity and styling , but lost me with the chinese engines ...swing and a miss ...

I won’t pay $14,000 for a 250cc bike.

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

I would never buy a ev mini Cooper that has only 115 mile range for over 30k. Even if it came with a back alley Tunisian knife fighter as my body guard... But people are buying them.

Get rid of the peace of frame behind the seat and its a good looking bike. Electronic feull injection you cant fix it if ye break down. Carbs you can work on

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

piece of frame? the concept luggage rack? it’s an option, you dont have to have it? i’ve never once had an issue with EFI. Carbs on the other hand i’ve had my fair share of dealing with.

Get real for such a price you should have a 500 c.c. pushrod single engine without the buzz of that chinese engine.

Pretty expensive for small limited motorcycle . There’s better choices

@FoxParasyte

4 ай бұрын

What's the alternative? I'm not aware of other brands making bikes like Janus. I'd be more than willing to check them out. Please don't say Cleveland cyclewerks I'll kick you square in the crotch if you do.

@grandrapids57

19 күн бұрын

Once you've learned about the materials and methods of construction for the Janus, everything else seems like a plastic toss away object: its like comparing an old phone that would work for 40 years versus a cell phone that's used up and unwanted after 4-5 years.

Chinese engine kills it for me.

Just roll with the styling. This whole ‘Yea, it’s made of Chinese parts but it’s assembled by the Amish” is just sad.

There prices are to high for a simple motorcycle peace out world

@maczuka

Жыл бұрын

it's hipster AF....but...I feel a little hipster in me awaken..I do like 'em..just not in my price

@steveh7108

Жыл бұрын

Personally I plan on getting one and keeping it for the rest of my life and it'll likely keep running long after I quit running. So on that note the price is not bad at all. I cannot think of too many bikes that I know I would want to keep for the rest of my life. My point is: most road bikes you pay 12,000 to $19,000 for and you ride them for 3 or 5 years and sell them for 4 or $5,000. The Janus motorcycle does not depreciate but one or two thousand dollars in 4 or 5 years. And if you plan on keeping it like I do then there's no concern about the loss of depreciation. If you're just looking for a bargain bike then there is no beating some of the great Japanese bikes out there. This is just a totally different animal.

not made in the usa make them bring engine production to the states

Cool bike for $5k...but $15k for a Chinese engine? I see bankruptcy in their future.

Not worth $16k in my opinion

I love the looks of the bike but then I looked at the price and 4 / $13,000 I could buy another twin cam 1550 full dressed bagger and FXR and top it all off with a sporty Evo head. Your price is out of line and you just lost a sale. Thank you for your videos that wasted my time

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

My price? What do you mean? I'm not affiliated with Janus whatsoever. I also listed in the chapters about the controversial price point and even the title of the video suggests that they are expensive. No one lists a video saying "are they worth the price" if it's like 3k.

Engine honda copy, made in China .

@FoxParasyte

9 ай бұрын

11:30 it's brought up.

great concept.... execution with Chinese engine.... i will pass

And overpriced expensive motorcycle with quality components built around a cheap Chinese engine. Why didn't they go to S&S it got a nice American-made motor instead of a chinese-made motor. The bike cost as much as a brand new BMW r9t scrambler. It is an expensive toy.

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

S&S wouldn't partner with Janus. They have zero reason to. Besides even if they did the cost of the motorcycle would skyrocket since s&s engines are wicked expensive. The cheapest available one on their website is over 5k. R9T is virtually a completely different style of bike. That's equivalent to arguing why would you ever buy a brand new Honda Grom when you could buy a used 1st Gen VMAX for the same price or less.

@steveh7108

Жыл бұрын

You can't hardly name an engine out there that isn't Chinese. I would be willing to bet many of the components of an S&S is Chinese as well. So let's not go there. He explained the lineage of this motor. Chinese is only part of the story behind the motor. If SNS would design a smaller displacement motor that would work in a bike of this size it would be cool, but I feel they would have to put in a very large order for them to even be interested at all.

@Chasefromjanus

Жыл бұрын

If you want an S&S engine expect to pay 30k+, look at how much an Arch cost for reference.

@frankmarkovcijr5459

Жыл бұрын

@@steveh7108 they could have bought a good quality motor from anyone of the Japanese manufacturers. They could have used a Buell blast style motor in that certainly would not have been too expensive.

@FoxParasyte

Жыл бұрын

That's not how it works, for Janus to "buy" an engine from another company they would have to go into some sort of contract with them. Shelling out money for each engine as well as a percentage or a royalty for each bike sold that is utilizing their engine. IF say Suzuki was selling their motors to anyone and everyone then yes Janus would not have to pay extra or go into any sort of contract, but to my knowledge none of Japanese companies are doing that.

the ugly motor though...... can't get over it

Overpriced, under performing bling. 👎

They should stop using cheap chinese engines, otherwise the royal enfield 350 classic is the better choice!

@FoxParasyte

4 ай бұрын

There is no alternative unfortunately. American's do not make a small bike engine and there's a incredibly low possibility of licensing with a Japanese company.

It’s the price for me, that’s why I’m leaning towards a RE 350 Classic

@FoxParasyte

3 ай бұрын

I have a classic 350 and i do love every bit of it. Though i can't help but still want a Janus... I can't help it lol

THE MOTOR DOESNT MATCH THE BIKE IM REALLY STARTING TO HATE RETRO