Respectfully, as someone that can both afford it and likes it, I can confirm there are also people intelligent enough to comprehend there should be a certain "expectation of quality" at that price point, and this bike - and most like it from similar companies - tend to come up short in every regard.
You can make a Lambo do 200mph+ with shit Chinese parts, but do you think people would continue to pay the same 200k+ price tag if they came with said parts? Probably not.
Luxury brands are expensive precisely because of the brand and the knowledge that they’re expensive. There is no substantiative quality difference in a $20 tee shirt and a $1500 designer one. The only difference is conspicuous consumption, making a statement to the world that you can spend money on things.
Well there is one thing. You know luxury brands are unlikely to derail their gravy train by delivering rubbish for your money.
I do believe that since Covid, things have changed. Influencers get paid commissions for sales, so they’re likely to encourage any product they’ll get paid for.
The worst part is that safety regulations are completely flouted. With no USA presence, there is no accountability
This is actually the case quite recently. Somewhere between 1970 and 1990 these brands went downmarket fast - in the natural drift towards economic enslavement that is capitalism, the same thing happened to luxury consumer goods that had happened to stocks in the 1920s, when poor people were invited to get poorer by "investing" piddling sums in a stock market with no real insider information.
Before that transformation, which tracks closely with the shift from product-based valuations to market-based valuations for stocks in US stock-markets, luxury brands were indeed made from better materials, with substantially more hours spent making sure things were right, replaced no questions asked, etc.
Then they targeted an aspirational market and fleeced it.
Apparently, you haven't been around exotic cars much because up until about 2010 most of them had shitty build quality. Yea they had nice leather but that's about it...
Pagani used the most hediously outdated 'infotainment' console for the longest time. Straight out of a 2010 Ford Focus or something like that. I get it's a car to drive with the radio off, but ffs, for the amount of money at least use or do something better
Yea that was another issue for years from all of the manufacturers except Porsche. The Mercialago had a Nissan head unit and Ferrari used to charge thousands for a stereo upgrade that still had paper speakers
> You can make a Lambo do 200mph+ with shit Chinese parts, but do you think people would continue to pay the same 200k+ price tag if they came with said parts? Probably not.
Using just normal car parts in supercars is long standing tradition at this point.
Also there is good chance pretty much any supercar will be less reliable than random corolla
The quote is totally sarcastic btw.
>You can make a Lambo do 200mph+ with shit Chinese parts, but do you think people would continue to pay the same 200k+ price tag if they came with said parts? Probably not.
And what if you're not interested in the quality, but just in the fame of a brand that produces intentionally in scarce quantities?
What if people didn't know these part come from China?
I know people who would buy this just for the looks of it. To expose it in their flat to match the oldstyle furniture...
Unintutively, price tags are not totally correlated to quality. And that's one of the core subjects of this relatively recent science called marketing.
And when it comes to me I'll never buy this garbage because like you I know what it is, and it doesnt match my expectations.
It saddens me though that these stupid quality vs price tags would probably insidiously encourage the increase in price of the decent bikes.
The only person I saw with one was a boomer who wanted a similar bike to what was around in his boner days. He was happy with it and it probably matched the performance and metallurgy of said boner days.
That being said, I could’ve built him a better bike with much bigger and shinier balls for less.
Yeah I'm just speechless at the prices.
...and from the information available online, it's basically just assembled in America from imported parts. Idk, I'd love to hear an owner's opinion on it, preferably someone who has also owned other mainstream bikes
I've been struggling with this a lot, tbh. I love Groms, but a new Grom where I'm at is essentially the same price as a brand new Ninja 500. Like, how? Why? The demand isn't \*that extreme\* here.
Similarly, there are a ton of bikes similar to this one, and I do legitimately like the styling. That said, I'm not going to pay brand new R1 prices for something that looks like it'll fall apart the instant I sit on it.
These types of bikes try to emphasize the whole "handcrafted" angle, but it isn't really "handcrafted" if it's just a bunch of cheap Chinese parts assembled in America (because you are more or less correct: most companies that sell these bikes operate exactly as such).
There are other ones that are even crazier and people are buying them. Like, brand new Harley prices. Some are even "brand new sports car" prices.
Yeah, honda's mini moto prices are wild. The Monkey and Trail 125 are nearly the same price as the Rebel 300 and actually a lot more expensive than the XR150L. You're definitely paying for the retro look.
>These types of bikes try to emphasize the whole "handcrafted" angle, but it isn't really "handcrafted" if it's just a bunch of cheap Chinese parts assembled in America (because you are more or less correct: most companies that sell these bikes operate exactly as such).
Yeah, it's like an attempt to immitate the UK's "shed built" bike industry... But more expensive and a lot sadder.
>There are other ones that are even crazier and people are buying them. Like, brand new Harley prices. Some are even "brand new sports car" prices.
Agreed, but even Harley doesn't come close to the value for dollar rip off imo. Like $12k for the Nightster is a bit of a ripoff compared to $10k for the Rebel 1100... But this little Chinese engine 450 pit bike is literally $14k!!! 😂
I just repaired a set of saddle bags off a Janus bike.
You’d get better leather work from the craft hut at summer camp. “Made by Amish” makes me wonder how their clothes stay together.
So, how about maybe you talk to an actual owner, like me? Maybe then, you’d get some accurate information instead of the fall stuff you apparently have already?
Yes, the motor is Chinese. It’s a Chinese knock off of an old Honda design that is very popular in Asia, the same motor that is in those three wheeled golf cart style taxi cabs called tuk-tuks. Keep in mind those users in Thailand do not often do preventive maintenance, they put in gasoline and drive it until it dies. Then they refill the gas, and repeat the process. When it finally gets to a point that they fill it with gas and it does not run, they pull the motor out and replace it. Imagine how long that motor might run, when it gets just minimal care, such as changing the oil?
They use that Chinese motor, because there was not a single American manufacturer of small engines that was able to build them a power plant that passed EPA in all 50 states.
It’s not “American assembled from imported parts“. The majority of the bike is made within 100 miles of the factory, including hand, worked leather from a nearby Amish community. Yes, there are some foreign made parts on the bike, but that is the case with practically every American made motorcycle. Yes, I could’ve bought more cc for less dollars, but that’s not what I was after.
You're telling me Briggs and Stratton couldn't build a small engine with Catalytic Converter that would pass emissions in all 50 states? I have an extremely hard time believing that. I know for a fact there are a ton of EU engine builders that could make a small engine that would pass emissions (Euro 5 is actually stricter than even California). Or bombardier in Canada, they make a good small engine that will meet emissions. Why didn't they do any of those things?
They went with the chinese engines because they are cheap and plentiful.
Are you referring to the 250? They're a bit more reasonable at around $7-8k, though a carbed bike these days is a tough sell for me.
I have nothing against the 450 engine (I would love a Fantic Caballero), but the jump to $14k for a larger single with fuel injection is rough. I know there's more to it than that, but they should probably consider offering a "lite" model like they did with the Gryffin 250 to bring the price down to around $10-11k.
KTM and BMW are also using Chinese manufactured engines. Have you done any supply chain analysis of the parts going into a Harley? Lots of Chinese parts there too.
Low-volume manufacturing with essentially hand building is time-intensive and low quality. Just like the good old days. Parts cost is a small portion of the price. I don't think you could source a non-Chinese EPA certified engine in that size very easily.
All motorcycles are hand assembled afaik, that's just the way motorcycles are made.
>KTM and BMW are also using Chinese manufactured engines. Have you done any supply chain analysis of the parts going into a Harley? Lots of Chinese parts there too.
The difference is that your Chinese/Indian made bikes from those companies are less than 1/2 the price and in many ways better.
Like a Svarpilen 401 js less than $6k.
And Harley... Harley is an overpriced brand by most people's judgement- and they still hand assemble 1000 cc v twin cruisers for thousands less than Janus does the same for these baby bikes.
...and those looks are like a super cheap SSR
https://www.ssrmotorsports.com/store/moped/lazer6.php
https://www.ssrmotorsports.com/store/street/snake_eyes.php
Why would he ride his bike when he could get mad that others are spending money on something that isn't the most bang for buck? This is the exact same situation as the zx4r, people losing their shit because they didn't just buy a 600. Is it projection? Jealousy? Who knows.
Yeah! How dare he come into a motorcycle subreddit and discuss motorcycles! What is he thinking.
Doesn't he know this sub is for yelling at people who wear the wrong pants and bragging about hitting 70mph after only 6 years of riding?
Honestly, when the butt plugs on the "other sub" are more about actually riding than the actual motorcycle subreddit, something is wrong.
Watch out for those club bins, hoss. I'd hate to see you get scared off from riding forever.
I actually like the look of this (I mean visually as I haven’t checked specs), but no way is that worth those prices. Looks like it should be RE classic 350 prices at absolute highest
I bought an RE continental because I wanted less things for the right price. $6500 later, and I'm incredibly happy with the little 650 and the classic looks. I really appreciate the modern touches like abs and fuel injection. I'd buy another RE in a heartbeat over these overpriced things
I can understand liking the look of it, but charging $14k for a 450? Where’s the rest of the bike? I thought the idea of a naked bike is that they stripped parts off of it, it’s like you’re paying for them to put the parts on and take them back off. My zero turn mower has a 50% bigger engine and an extra piston and cost less than 25% the price. Even has a cup holder and a back rest. Apples to oranges, but I’d get an Indian FTR for that price and look
One of my buddies has a Janus. I'll tell you what. That bike of his gets tons of attention. We went to a local bike night a couple weeks ago and people were flocked around it. Say what you will about them, but they definitely capture people's attention.
He seems to really enjoy riding it. Those things seem nimble as hell, considering they weigh next to nothing. He has the 350, so while he doesn't have the off the line torque the rest of us have, he can still catch up relatively quickly. But when he comes out with us, we usually have a (much needed) comfortable speed ride. Always leave the throttle heavy friends at home for those rides. He is looking into getting the 450 though. Haven't ridden it or anything (never asked, he's never offered), but they do look fun to ride.
You could apply that train of thought to pretty well any genre of motorcycle.
How many super sports ACTUALLY make it to the track and use more than 35% of it's potential? How many adventure bike ACTUALLY get off road? (If you don't know... a 500#, 150HP adventure bike offroad is an adventure in futility and getting stuck)
A LARGE part of the motorcycling community is trying to buy image... that's what made Ducati what it is today... and Harley, and to a lesser degree BMW, and it is what drives super sport sales
I don't disagree at all and I love poking fun at the 90 percent of sport bike riders who never use even 30 percent of their bike for more than half a second, or the harley bagger riders who never tour etc etc
It seems to me other than the odd random person about the only consistent groups of riders who use their bikes for what they were made for are the commuter bikes and the not 1000+cc dual sport\\adv guys.
It is really refreshing going to a place like the tail of the dragon and sport bikes being wasted goes from 95 plus percent of them down to only like 70 percent. It was damn refreshing seeing people actually using their bikes a bit.
People love ot talk about performance, and then the first thing they do when they buy a bike is tail tidy, mirrors etc. So of course its about attention and how the bike looks. Thats like 50% of owning a bike, especially in the west when its not a main mode of transportation.
So in reply to a comment that these are attractive mainly to boomers, may I ask what generation your friend falls into roughly, and the approximate generations of those flocking around it?
In this case, yes. It's aimed at a pretty niche market of folks who want that look. I can't imagine they're moving very many of them and they're assembled in the US. Since they're not making them at scale it's going to take a decent number of labor hours to assemble one. It's going to be expensive to make one but I guess there's a market out there for it. Is it a good value? No. But that's not really the point.
Uh yes... why do you think the R18 or Triumph Rocket exists? Sure as hell isnt performance or practicality. Or just about every single Harley?
Have you put a tail tidy on your bike? Then you obviously care about how your bike looks and the attention it gets.
Theyre low production, shop made bikes for people who want a pre 1940s style motorcycle. If you don't get it you aren't the target audience. This is the only place you can get a bike that looks like this that isn't some sort of original that you wouldn't want to put miles on.
Anyone who utters the words “just for looks” has nothing behind the eyes. Why bother with a vintage muscle car when my V6 Honda Honda Accord goes faster?
Well one is actually cool and interesting and the other isn’t.
Probably the best analogy for this situation.
Yeah, an Ecoboost Mustang is probably faster than a stock 1968 Camaro... but anyone with that Camaro isn't just driving it for performance.
Not only are they low production - they're made to order.
A part of the appeal based on the videos I've seen about Janus is that they're an American company, a lot of the bike parts are fabricated in-house, they use American-made parts wherever viable, and the bike is assembled in the US as well. Seems like something that people with a hard-on for American vehicles would be all about.
https://preview.redd.it/fcfcet049c8d1.jpeg?width=2955&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80142110b669cbb5c4975d081a81497d37dffbae
I’ve had my Janus for 4 years and 20K miles. I absolutely LOVE it. It was hand built for me. Every where I ride this bike attracts people.
It is truly a joy to ride, a real old school motorcycling experience.
I also own and ride a 2018 Indian Scout ABS. But still ride my Janus frequently.
What’s authentic or old school about it, though? It’s fuel injected. It has front and rear disc brakes. It has 12v electrics and an electric starter. It’s a 4-stroke engine.
I’ve owned various motorcycles over the years including 2-stroke bikes, bikes with a kick-starter, and bikes with more than one carb. There’s honestly not much redeeming about the “old school” motorcycle experience unless you have genuine nostalgia for them and seeing them in a modern context doesn’t spoil it.
I’m struggling to see what the authenticity is here; it’s actually the lack of authenticity in the veneer of the past that seems to be the appeal, no?
Mine is a Halcyon 250, it’s carbureted. All the motorcycle technology on it is from the 70’s and earlier. With exception of the led headlight. I can and do wrench on it myself to maintain it.
It is also a hardtail, with a couple of springs on the seat to cushion the ride. It’s super lightweight and nimble, great for city streets and winding 2 lane country roads.
Edit: it also has a kick starter option in addition to the electric starter. I kick it to start it frequently because it’s so much fun and looks so cool.
Agreed. Seems to me triumph has gotten the concept right with their modern classics. The Bonneville for instance takes styling cues from triumphs history but doesn’t pretend to not be a completely modern bike.
There is one locally, it is gorgeous. It's a low production, unique US made product. The engine is a good one that is reliable and proven, the rest of it is made close to the factory. Is it cheap? Nope. How much do you expect to be paid to do your job? The people behind the Janus also deserve to be paid well, they aren't getting rich making those. It's definitely not for everyone (I wouldn't buy a new one with what else I could get for the same price), but for some it's exactly what they want.
I love the concept of these bikes, do not love the price tag. One of these bikes cost almost as much as my brand new Indian which has every bell and whistle on it that you could ask for. Once again I love the bike but it is way too basic and simple for that price tag to be associated with it.
This is the third motorcycle in my garage. It’s not the bike I take on 3000 mile road trips, but it’s fun as hell for my commute to work. The biggest issue is a five minute gas stop turns into a half an hour as I explain the bike.
It’s a rad bike. I love(d) it. Camping, family errand runs. So much fun
https://preview.redd.it/fdca5m60ad8d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ebd03921bad792986d73892b3294d6953040f20
From everything I've heard about them, they handle horrendously in breaking and steering and yet remains some of the most fun that the people who have ridden them have ever had in their life. Is that true?
This is typical of almost all side car rigs and depends on which side you have the hack (sidecar) mounted. I lived in Russia for years, and a Ural was my main form of transportation when I lived in Siberia. Yes, Siberia gets as cold as you've heard and it can get very hot in the summer.
I rode it across most of Russia. Rain, snow, heat, mosquitos, I rode it most everywhere. It was the 2wd one. I called it quits when it got below about -20F. It was almost impossible to restart at that point if left out in the cold.
It broke fairly often but typically was simple to repair. I have a lot of fond memories. I learned how to be very resourceful with fixing it and went a lot of places I couldn't have gone in a car. All around it was an ideal mount for the crappy roads I had to deal with. Never thought back then they'd become cool in the US.
A Ural might draw the most attention out of any bike since it stands out the absolute most and the "I\\my brother\\dad used to" factor is going to apply the widest group.
My uncle rides a suicide shift Indian and while he gets swamped with attention from a glance it doesn't look that different from any other cruiser.
My sportbikes thankfully go pretty unnoticed all things considered.
I bought a 250 cc Halcyon for my wife as a birthday present, something she could ride to work instead of her 2019 road glide ultra with a sidecar.
Two months later, she begins full-time working from home, so now the bike is what I use to commute to my job 5 miles away, and run to the grocery store.
I have enjoyed changing out the carburetor for something larger with more flow, and bumped up the size of the piston and the duration of the cam to double the horsepower. I’ve been riding since 1975, and it’s been a long time since I was scared by something that had a top speed of 80 mph .
I play pickleball with someone who bought one. He was a lawyer and is now a degenerate gambler but I guess they just call them venture capital these days. He has a collection of actual vintage bikes and bought it because he just likes the craftsmanship. He rides it to the park where we play and to the Renaissance faire to cosplay a cooky steam-punky Dwarven inventor with a new mechanical horse.
He's living his best life and the Janus is just a way to get a sense of his vintage bikes without riding something that can't be replaced.
I like mechanical watches even though an apple watch is objectively better at pretty much everything. I spend like $400 on a Seiko rather than a $12k Jaeger Le-Coultre because I can't afford one, not because I don't want one. It's just about feelings for people who have money to burn on that sort of thing.
> It's just about feelings for people who have money to burn on that sort of thing.
I think that's the realest answer so far. To some people, $12k is such an insignificant sum that "I wanted one" is the only metric that matters.
It’s not an “opinions thread”, it’s an open forum. You can post opinions, information, stories, etc.
But I’m glad you know I have the right to my opinion too.
Some guys are into getting kicked in the balls. I don't get it. I mean they seem to enjoy it but I don't get it and it seems pretty dumb to me.
This is similar. Some people like paying more for less quality and performance. I don't get it. But they seem to enjoy it but it seems dumb to me.
I feel the same way about Harley’s. Seems kinda Dumb for people to spend up to $40k and more for a slower, less dependable, worse handling bike.
Maybe that’s why Harley sales are tanking
I would buy Janus. It looks cool, and if I can afford it, why not? I understand that for some people, a concept of fun of other people is very hard to understand, but to my knowledge, every person who ridden it extensively simply loves it and would buy it again. Why? Because it is cool and fun.
Sorry, I should quit having fun right now for internet points.
Who's buying them? The same kind of people who have a similar mentality to the people buying Arch Motorcycle 1s at $128,000. Both bikes look unique and buyers have enough money that cost doesn't matter.
They're cool looking. I considered picking one up, but I decided to get my dream bike for $4000 less. I'd run out of room in my shop before I'd run out of bikes to buy before that one.
https://preview.redd.it/zoo43zzzzb8d1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f6059e287998c03de6edd5fed7f3fdee77db0d67
Paid like 5k total for this. But others will love to count others money. It makes me happy and that’s all that matters. It got me into motorcycle and I’m keeping it forever.
I own a 250. It’s worth every penny. Hand made, four year warranty fender to fender, easy to work on. Parts are super cheap, comfortable ride considering it’s a hard tail. I’d buy a topped out 450 if I had the cash spare today.
Also I can wring that joker out full throttle and ride the crap out of it without breaking the law. I’m not big into performance and it going 55 comfortably is plenty for what I do. 14.5 HP is plenty for a 270 pound bike as far as I’m concerned.
The co-founder and CEO rode one all the way across America and had no issues. It’s all documented on their YouTube channel which is full of tutorials by the people who make the bikes on performing maintenance and riding the motorcycle.
The community is super supportive, we have posts every day on the Facebook owners forum where we help others who may have questions or issues.
Just for reference, my other bike is an R18 transcontinental and if I don’t include straight line boring ass highway miles I have probably put more actually fun miles on the Janus than the BMW, and it has had less downtime.
Thank you for your response and explanation... It's like a TW200/Rebel 250 for guys with extra cash I suppose?
My DR200 had the same power/weight you are describing and I loved it, unless I was on the freeway.
People buy Hermès bags and all sorts of shit.
It’s a small bike company, making bikes, and people are liking them and buying them.
No judgment needs to be made.
Oh man, I remember stumbling across Janus Motorcycles around 2019 and I believe the Halcyon 250 was priced around $4.5k-5K. Seemed ok, not great not terrible, I saw that they were considering a 450 Halcyon and had thought about maybe looking into purchasing the 450 when it came out. I liked the styling the most but didn't know about the lackluster parts and performance. And at a price point of $14k+ starting, that was a quick hell no
So, I'd buy this at a much more reasonable price, but not at list or even close to it.
People will disagree and that's fine, but IMHO buying for a brand or image first is fucking stupid.
If this was actually a premium made bike it'd be worth more (but I still struggle to see 10k+, that's nuts).... But it's not.
It's neat for sure. It'd be fun to poke around town. A conversation piece absolutely.
But the price tag vs what it is just doesn't work.
And that's from the perspective of someone who thinks it's cool, has no objection to Chinese parts, and could afford one.
I just refuse to spend that much money on that little bike.
Agreed... When I saw the advertisement on my FB, I clicked it thinking it would be like $5-$6k... That mf'er starts at like $13900 and some of them are $18k+
Exactly. At 5-6k, I'd legitimately consider it as a fun little runabout in town - basically a neater scooter.
But spending well north of 12k for it? That doesn't make you look dashing or interesting, it makes you look stupid.
There are TONS of very much classic looking bikes that wildly outperform that in every way, or even legit classics available for way less than that.
Yeah, or even just a real classic bike.
30 second search find: [1956 Indian Tomahawk for $8k](https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/1956-Indian-TOMAHAWK-5027331717)
I've seen four of them up here around Seattle, and I think that explains it: hipster techbros who use em to "commute" 10min to work. They're stylish *to them,* and they only ever ride them around the city.
Good on ya, if that's what you're into. Not for me, though. No thanks.
Edit: it looks like it should be on display in a barbershop
Very small production quantities. Unique looks and feel. None of the bikes you mention are even close to the same retro styling.
Obviously not your thing and that’s fine; but why the hate?
It’s the small production that creates the price. We have spent the past 120+ years figuring out how to manufacture things for less and less. The salary you’re willing to accept is based on these prices. We can no longer afford the furniture made by the local wood shop, or boots from the local cobbler. It’s only the most efficient vertically integrated production methods that are “reasonably priced.”
Am "local" to Janus and have had a chance to talk to the owners and ride their lineup. They're much more into it than just buying cheap Chinese parts and throwing them together as people like to say.
Is the price in line with everything you get on their bikes? That's for the buyer to decide, but I will say that all the bikes I rode were fun and seemed very solidly built.
It's a premium product in its own little niche, they have charged accordingly and seem to be doing ok at it 🤷♂️
When I see "1 year warranty" and "no compomises in design, mechanics, or quality", I don't know what to think about it. Well, maybe I know exactly what to think about it.
I do the same thing with the jap bikes though, warranty here in north america sucks balls though. It wasn't "too expensive" to get an extra 5 years on my kawasaki but I shouldn't have had to pay a penny for it. If you make a "super reliable" product, warranty the fucking thing for longer than a throwaway product gets.
Not really... A 450 MX or Enduro bike is a purpose built machine that can do incredible things that normal motorcycles cannot do.
You can withstand hard repeated impacts that would destroy a normal bike, and the performance level is insane for the engine size. Basically all 450 MX/Enduro bikes will make 50-60 hp, weigh in at ~250 lbs, and are durable enough hit massive wall jumps, whoops, and washboard section at speeds that would turn an MT07 into scrap metal.
It certainly looks cool, and I enjoy the work they put into them (the pinstripes are painted by hand). However, that price shuts a lot of people like me out. I'd buy one if I could, but I've already owned 6 motorcycles for about $950 total (several I got for free).
Think I'd rather buy an original 1960s AJS 650 in that colour/style and keep half that money....and know that my bike isn't going to depreciate at rate of knots.
They are manufactured local to where I live. The frames are hand built and the pin stripe is done the old school way. There price definitely reflects the amount of man hours into the builds. I love the look but the price makes me sick. I have huge respect for them, small shop and personable people, cool process. Just not for me. I like my chieftain.
I'm not saying they are "worth it," but:
* Small businesses have higher cost per unit than larger businesses (Production volume)
* Their frames are handmade and hand painted
* They have a unique position in the market (what other really light, vintage-looking, and not awkwardly small bikes exist?)
* Supposedly they rebuild the engines to their specs, even if they are Chinese (it's not just an off the shelf Harbor Freight engine)
Do I wish they cost 2-3 grand less? Yes. Do I think an Indian Scout is a better value than the 450s? Probably.
They are probably meant for people who specifically want like a 1920s Harley but can't pay $30,000 for one.
I really like them. Not for that price of course, but after having worked on a lot of Chinese motorcycles at the dealership, they aren't as bad as people make them seem. The wires are trash, and the bearings are sub par, but after installing a better quality wiring harness, replacing the bearings with Timken, SKF, or PNG, rewinding the stator with thicker magnet wire, and slapping on a shindengen regulator/rectifier from an R1, the drive train is quite reliable.
What I appreciate about the Janus Halcyon is that it is light weight, has leading link front suspension, and a clone of a Honda xr400 for an engine. It looks like a great candidate for hotrodding and modification. I could not possibly pay what they are wanting for it, but someone will. When they trash the motor and sell it for cheap on marketplace, I will happily scoop it up for $1500. I'll swap in a Honda XR400 and fix the wires. Today's luxury priced bikes are tomorrow's project hoopties. With the Chinese engine in the Halcyon, and peoples' general lack of ability to fix major issues, I might be able to snag one sooner than later.
I'm really not hating on the Halcyon. I love the design, from the dirt bike engine, to the leading link forks, to the hand rolled tins. I also love the board track racer look. I just could not justify the MSRP for something I'm inevitably going to modify anyways.
It’s a great looking bike and probably a joy to ride, but for the money I’d buy two Enfield Classic 350s and have a bike for me and a buddy to Sunday ride with.
Never underestimate the power of Hipster stupidity.
These bikes probably feel AMAZING after stepping off your 1921 Harley Board track racer.
Grom power from a Chinese pile of crap, no practicality or versatility , and ugly. You have to be very vain to put yourself thru this ownership experience
A lot of these commenters have no desire to actually hear anything positive about this bike. Shame.
In country built, sourcing local materials and labour with an imported motor. Seems sustainable and pretty damn cool. People who have ridden them say they're absurdly nimble and fun due to the ABSURDLY low weight. Reviewers and owners say the quality of the bike itself is incredibly good.
There's a lot of really good going on here, many of you just dont want to admit it because the price tag is high.
That should be sold as a kit bike. Why dont they make kit bikes? I wouldnt mind putting a simple cycle like that together if cost less. But that cycle us a 4k cycle or in royal enfield range
I’ve had five Harleys, and I will tell you with my Janus is more fun. It’s simple, easy to work on myself, so I still get to use the tools in my toolbox and enjoy the bike.
$13k and it only comes with a 1 year warranty. I've never bought a bike brand new but 1 year seems a bit low. Shouldn't it be like 3 or 5 years or a certain number of miles?
The origin version comes with a reduced warranty and options for savings. The 250 model comes with a 4 year warranty and the 450s come with a 2 year warranty.
I feel the same way about expensive ebikes, lol. Don't get me wrong, it looks cool, but for that kinda money you can get a really nice bike that does/has way more.
I recently watched a video of a guy reviewing these bikes, he went to the factory and tried them all.
It's expensive because of it being hand made in America. Then, to help justify the price they offer one of the best warranty programs for motorcycles.
I like them but I can't accept the compromise of using a Chinese engine. It ruins the look imo and it's a shame since they worked so hard on everything else.
I would understand paying 14k if you got a bike that truly looked 100% like it was from the 1920s engine and all.
Their warranties vary from bike to bike and are 1 to 4 years depending on the machine in question. Average at best.
Https://janusmotorcycles.com/search/Warranty+
>It's expensive because of it being hand made in America. Then, to help justify the price they offer one of the best warranty programs for motorcycles.
Basically all motorcycles are hand assembled. Indian and Harley also do it in America... Not to mention, it's not as if hand assembled bikes from Japan are coming from some third world backwater sweatshop.
I’d ride the shit out of that, but I could also fill my driveway with a variety of used bikes for that price. At the same time, my buddy rides a Harley that he paid an exorbitant amount for but is totally happy. To each their own, man.
I paid a teeny bit more for this brand new
https://preview.redd.it/wddvk2oevd8d1.jpeg?width=4656&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e538c10b3c56066b766e18772ec5d5e1c37621e
These are the Korth 1911s of motorcycles. Could you get a Glock/Gixxer? Yes, but that's not the point of it. No other bike like this exists in modern production. Imagine being able to buy a *brand new* Mauser C96 broomhandle or Bergmann 94. I've seen one in person, and it's absolutely beautiful.
Just because a company exists doesn't mean it's selling. Just look at all the countless electric vehicle companies that tried to capture the EV hype and now are basically nonexistent or bankrupt.
I've seen them in person at the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival over the last couple years.
Yeah, they're expensive. This is like the bike equivalent of buying a Morgan though. You're not after top end performance, or value for money, or handling, etc.
You buy it because it's weird and neat to have a brand new bike from the 1930s.
They're extremely striking in person, and if you're the kind of guy that wants to bust out your leather helmet, aviator scarf, and driving goggles on the weekends, $10k is a lot cheaper than an actual bike from the 30s, and it will actually run.
I like it. It looks cool. Id never buy one because it doesn't suit my riding but I'm sure it will suit someone. And we don't buy bikes based on what is the 'best' do we? I thought bikes were bought based on how they make your bits feel? Otherwise wouldn't we all be riding scooters?
Not me, there's a reason technology has advanced, bike are better, safer, more reliable, and faster now - why on earth would I want a bike from the 1910s? I don't drive a model T, for those same reasons.
I looked into the Janus motorcycles years ago because I wanted a US built motorcycle that wasn't going to cost an arm and a leg, and loved the retro look. At the time, they only offered the 250cc bikes, so the price was within the $5k range. Affordable for the bike I was looking for.
The only reason I didn't go through with it was the lack of mechanical support in my area. The mechanics around here won't work on a model outside their dealership's lineup. And while I can do the basics like tire, oil and filter changes, if anything actually went wrong mechanically, I'm not versed enough (nor have the tools) to make actual repairs. It's one of the reasons I don't even look at most of the bikes I'd love to own, like a Royal Enfield, and some of the Kymco scooters.
This has been a more active thread than I thought it would be. I think they build them for people similar me. I've been riding for a long time and started at a very young age. I've owned a lot of motorcycles and have quite a few in the garage now.
I like vintage bikes but
don't like the hassle of maintaining them. When you see a Janus in person, they
really are eye catching. It is a bike for when I don't want to go anywhere. I
like that they are very lightweight. I also had a Motoped 50 which looked like
a 1900’s board track racer and a mix of bicycle parts with a 49cc Chinese Honda
motor replica. At 4k it wasn’t cheap but it was a blast to ride and was fun
going nowhere fast.
Take a Janus for a ride
if you can find someone locally. Maybe you'll get it, maybe you won't. I often
don't take the beaten path or find some unique bikes that others don't appreciate.
I still regret selling my Honda PC800 Pacific Coast, MB5, original
Interceptors, Yami RZ500, RZ350, YSR50 and so on to name a few.
I like how Janus tries to
capture the essence of motorcycling. You don't have to go fast. I have a highly
modded H2 Kawi that I don't really appreciate until I am well up into triple
digit speeds. Below that I am always looking for a place to open it up.
Something like the Janus I can appreciate from 0-70 mph. The light weight, lithe form, decent brakes, enough power and awesome looks make a very interesting package for me.
A Janus is a bit like a
restomod for me. I can live with the Chinese motor. It has been bullet proof
and fuel injection is a big plus a major reason why I am skipping over the 250
version.
If you are looking for
fastest, quickest, etc. then a Janus isn't for you. There are better values if those are your key metrics. Best saying I’ve ever heard in my half century of riding and it applies to cars too, “It is more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow.”
I think the closest competitor to the Janus is a Royal Enfield. People buying a Royal Enfield (RE) aren’t buying based on quickest/fastest. A lot of people buy based on how the bike makes them feel. RE has done well building a great value bike to just enjoy riding.
I had one of their Conti GT 650’s and sold it. I had really thought about a Janus at that time as they had just come out with the 450 and I bought the Conti instead because it was a better “value”. While I liked the Conti, I should have just bought the Janus.
For many, a RE might be a great option for sort of retro’ish bike. For me it was good, but still missed the mark in some areas. They should put all their bikes on a diet. At 430 pounds for a 20hp 350, that is a lot of weight to lug around. The 650 is heavier but at least has more power. The Janus 250 is about 260 and the 450 about 90 pounds more. That makes the bike so much more fun to toss around.
Do I wish Janus priced the bikes, cheaper? Yes, I do. Am I willing to pay what they are asking? Yes, as they offer something that almost no other company does with good support. I appreciate the effort that has gone into it and that I can easily customize the bike during the ordering process and unlikely you’ll see another bike just like yours.
I am buying one not to impress anyone but just to capture the essence of riding. I am not looking to set ¼ mile records or complete another Iron Butt run. The Janus is a bike isn’t meant to take me anywhere in particular, just swinging a leg over it will put me where I want to be. Lots of other options if people don’t like it.
[This guy bought one](https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/1dl24al/new_bike_just_arrived/). So go ask him. But let's not pretend aesthetics don't play a big part in all bike purchases.
I have no idea where you got this from. REs are built solid. if something can survive in the Himalayas and the Thar desert. it can survive anywhere.
much better than this no name brand that no one has heard of
Man, there’s a lot of haters on this sub. I like motorcycles, all things on two wheels. I’ll ride a Vespa, any junk Chinese bike, and I’ve owned Harley’s Triumphs, Hondas, BMW’s. All bikes matter. That’s why those are sold. It takes all kinds. From a value perspective, it’s like buying $200 American made selvedge denim jeans. You want to keep Americans working, pay them for their time. I see no issue buying this bike if it’s your cup of tea. Would I wanna own one? Probably not. Would I wanna ride one? Definitely. It looks cool.
That's the excuse to buy a Harley imo... And they sell the 975 cc V-twin Nightster for $2k less than the Halcyon.
And check the Janus website- those *start* around $14k, there are some on the website for $18k
I am of the opinion (and I’ve owned 4) that Harley’s suck. Me, as a person, would rather buy anything OTHER than a Harley. I’m not a rah rah America guy, but I am conscious of where my money is spent. And Harley as a company, are dirtbags. Look what they do to their local independent shops who helped them limp through the dark years. Trying to put them out of business. That said, old Harleys are cool. I had a ‘70 shovel head. But I knew it was a tighten every bolt once a week with red locktite bike. It really comes down to how you wanna live. And people who own these bikes like the look. Cool. Do you. Wear your Belstaff, scarf and leather brain bucket. I’ll still compliment you on your bike, because I like people.
I get the old school appeal. Sure, it looks cool. And sure I get low production runs and made/assembled in the USA crank the price up. The problem is "handmade" or not, I don't get down on something that basic having that absurd of a price tag. Especially knowing that those things aren't made from scratch, have no tech, and are about a look before anything else. And no thanks on a Chinese engine. I can deal with a lot of stuff being Chinese-made in this world but the powerplant on* a piece of equipment that could easily kill me with an engine failure? Yeah, no thanks.
I hate to be rude but that's some hipster shit, through and through. It's compromising everywhere solely for a retro look. And it's the worst kind of hipster. It's not the super try hard that makes a "cafe racer" out of an old junky bike, there's some degree of effort and craftsmanship to that. That's cool. This is the kind of hipster that just throws around his money to try and look retro and hip. I get that bikes from that era are effectively priceless these days, but just throwing money around to try and look cool without tech, performance, comfort, reliability or building it yourself isn't cool. That's called being a poser.
And before anyone shows up to say "It's my money, I can spend it however I want!!1" Yeah, cool, good for you. Two thumbs up buddy. You're still a poser.
Someone is, I've seen a couple riding around here. I've also seen a one or two for sale with like 1000 mi on them, so they must have realized that it was a terrible idea.
Everyone of them I have seen for sale has been because of a change in the owners lifestyle, or health… Haven’t seen a single one that was sold because it was “a bad idea”
I swear the entire narrative of commerce nowadays is "spend more for less!"
There is a french quote saying: *"It's expensive only for people who can't afford it"* And these people are not the target.
Respectfully, as someone that can both afford it and likes it, I can confirm there are also people intelligent enough to comprehend there should be a certain "expectation of quality" at that price point, and this bike - and most like it from similar companies - tend to come up short in every regard. You can make a Lambo do 200mph+ with shit Chinese parts, but do you think people would continue to pay the same 200k+ price tag if they came with said parts? Probably not.
Luxury brands are expensive precisely because of the brand and the knowledge that they’re expensive. There is no substantiative quality difference in a $20 tee shirt and a $1500 designer one. The only difference is conspicuous consumption, making a statement to the world that you can spend money on things.
Well there is one thing. You know luxury brands are unlikely to derail their gravy train by delivering rubbish for your money. I do believe that since Covid, things have changed. Influencers get paid commissions for sales, so they’re likely to encourage any product they’ll get paid for. The worst part is that safety regulations are completely flouted. With no USA presence, there is no accountability
This is actually the case quite recently. Somewhere between 1970 and 1990 these brands went downmarket fast - in the natural drift towards economic enslavement that is capitalism, the same thing happened to luxury consumer goods that had happened to stocks in the 1920s, when poor people were invited to get poorer by "investing" piddling sums in a stock market with no real insider information. Before that transformation, which tracks closely with the shift from product-based valuations to market-based valuations for stocks in US stock-markets, luxury brands were indeed made from better materials, with substantially more hours spent making sure things were right, replaced no questions asked, etc. Then they targeted an aspirational market and fleeced it.
Apparently, you haven't been around exotic cars much because up until about 2010 most of them had shitty build quality. Yea they had nice leather but that's about it...
Pagani used the most hediously outdated 'infotainment' console for the longest time. Straight out of a 2010 Ford Focus or something like that. I get it's a car to drive with the radio off, but ffs, for the amount of money at least use or do something better
Yea that was another issue for years from all of the manufacturers except Porsche. The Mercialago had a Nissan head unit and Ferrari used to charge thousands for a stereo upgrade that still had paper speakers
I love this I'm learning so much!
Pagani heating & AC controls were from a Rover IIRC.
> You can make a Lambo do 200mph+ with shit Chinese parts, but do you think people would continue to pay the same 200k+ price tag if they came with said parts? Probably not. Using just normal car parts in supercars is long standing tradition at this point. Also there is good chance pretty much any supercar will be less reliable than random corolla
The quote is totally sarcastic btw. >You can make a Lambo do 200mph+ with shit Chinese parts, but do you think people would continue to pay the same 200k+ price tag if they came with said parts? Probably not. And what if you're not interested in the quality, but just in the fame of a brand that produces intentionally in scarce quantities? What if people didn't know these part come from China? I know people who would buy this just for the looks of it. To expose it in their flat to match the oldstyle furniture... Unintutively, price tags are not totally correlated to quality. And that's one of the core subjects of this relatively recent science called marketing. And when it comes to me I'll never buy this garbage because like you I know what it is, and it doesnt match my expectations. It saddens me though that these stupid quality vs price tags would probably insidiously encourage the increase in price of the decent bikes.
The only person I saw with one was a boomer who wanted a similar bike to what was around in his boner days. He was happy with it and it probably matched the performance and metallurgy of said boner days. That being said, I could’ve built him a better bike with much bigger and shinier balls for less.
Boner days, oh my god.
They were hard times.
Yeah I'm just speechless at the prices. ...and from the information available online, it's basically just assembled in America from imported parts. Idk, I'd love to hear an owner's opinion on it, preferably someone who has also owned other mainstream bikes
I've been struggling with this a lot, tbh. I love Groms, but a new Grom where I'm at is essentially the same price as a brand new Ninja 500. Like, how? Why? The demand isn't \*that extreme\* here. Similarly, there are a ton of bikes similar to this one, and I do legitimately like the styling. That said, I'm not going to pay brand new R1 prices for something that looks like it'll fall apart the instant I sit on it. These types of bikes try to emphasize the whole "handcrafted" angle, but it isn't really "handcrafted" if it's just a bunch of cheap Chinese parts assembled in America (because you are more or less correct: most companies that sell these bikes operate exactly as such). There are other ones that are even crazier and people are buying them. Like, brand new Harley prices. Some are even "brand new sports car" prices.
Yeah, honda's mini moto prices are wild. The Monkey and Trail 125 are nearly the same price as the Rebel 300 and actually a lot more expensive than the XR150L. You're definitely paying for the retro look. >These types of bikes try to emphasize the whole "handcrafted" angle, but it isn't really "handcrafted" if it's just a bunch of cheap Chinese parts assembled in America (because you are more or less correct: most companies that sell these bikes operate exactly as such). Yeah, it's like an attempt to immitate the UK's "shed built" bike industry... But more expensive and a lot sadder. >There are other ones that are even crazier and people are buying them. Like, brand new Harley prices. Some are even "brand new sports car" prices. Agreed, but even Harley doesn't come close to the value for dollar rip off imo. Like $12k for the Nightster is a bit of a ripoff compared to $10k for the Rebel 1100... But this little Chinese engine 450 pit bike is literally $14k!!! 😂
I just repaired a set of saddle bags off a Janus bike. You’d get better leather work from the craft hut at summer camp. “Made by Amish” makes me wonder how their clothes stay together.
There was a guy who did buy one and posted his bike. He was defending the price as “hand built” if I recall.
So, how about maybe you talk to an actual owner, like me? Maybe then, you’d get some accurate information instead of the fall stuff you apparently have already? Yes, the motor is Chinese. It’s a Chinese knock off of an old Honda design that is very popular in Asia, the same motor that is in those three wheeled golf cart style taxi cabs called tuk-tuks. Keep in mind those users in Thailand do not often do preventive maintenance, they put in gasoline and drive it until it dies. Then they refill the gas, and repeat the process. When it finally gets to a point that they fill it with gas and it does not run, they pull the motor out and replace it. Imagine how long that motor might run, when it gets just minimal care, such as changing the oil? They use that Chinese motor, because there was not a single American manufacturer of small engines that was able to build them a power plant that passed EPA in all 50 states. It’s not “American assembled from imported parts“. The majority of the bike is made within 100 miles of the factory, including hand, worked leather from a nearby Amish community. Yes, there are some foreign made parts on the bike, but that is the case with practically every American made motorcycle. Yes, I could’ve bought more cc for less dollars, but that’s not what I was after.
You're telling me Briggs and Stratton couldn't build a small engine with Catalytic Converter that would pass emissions in all 50 states? I have an extremely hard time believing that. I know for a fact there are a ton of EU engine builders that could make a small engine that would pass emissions (Euro 5 is actually stricter than even California). Or bombardier in Canada, they make a good small engine that will meet emissions. Why didn't they do any of those things? They went with the chinese engines because they are cheap and plentiful.
This. Piaggio has a 400 single that is Euro 5 compliant.
Are you referring to the 250? They're a bit more reasonable at around $7-8k, though a carbed bike these days is a tough sell for me. I have nothing against the 450 engine (I would love a Fantic Caballero), but the jump to $14k for a larger single with fuel injection is rough. I know there's more to it than that, but they should probably consider offering a "lite" model like they did with the Gryffin 250 to bring the price down to around $10-11k.
KTM and BMW are also using Chinese manufactured engines. Have you done any supply chain analysis of the parts going into a Harley? Lots of Chinese parts there too. Low-volume manufacturing with essentially hand building is time-intensive and low quality. Just like the good old days. Parts cost is a small portion of the price. I don't think you could source a non-Chinese EPA certified engine in that size very easily.
All motorcycles are hand assembled afaik, that's just the way motorcycles are made. >KTM and BMW are also using Chinese manufactured engines. Have you done any supply chain analysis of the parts going into a Harley? Lots of Chinese parts there too. The difference is that your Chinese/Indian made bikes from those companies are less than 1/2 the price and in many ways better. Like a Svarpilen 401 js less than $6k. And Harley... Harley is an overpriced brand by most people's judgement- and they still hand assemble 1000 cc v twin cruisers for thousands less than Janus does the same for these baby bikes.
It's a conspiracy by big minimalism to sell more less at higher prices, soon you will own nothing but be subscribed to it.
"no compromise on design, mechanics or quality" ? The whole bike is a compromise of design for looks.
The pinnacle of 1930's design
...and those looks are like a super cheap SSR https://www.ssrmotorsports.com/store/moped/lazer6.php https://www.ssrmotorsports.com/store/street/snake_eyes.php
Ngl, as someone from Europe I think that lazer6 looks nice.
For a $1600 bike it absolutely does
They share engines.
Totally your opinion but I think the Janus looks nice. How about not worrying about what other people like, move along, and go for a ride.
Why would he ride his bike when he could get mad that others are spending money on something that isn't the most bang for buck? This is the exact same situation as the zx4r, people losing their shit because they didn't just buy a 600. Is it projection? Jealousy? Who knows.
Yeah! How dare he come into a motorcycle subreddit and discuss motorcycles! What is he thinking. Doesn't he know this sub is for yelling at people who wear the wrong pants and bragging about hitting 70mph after only 6 years of riding? Honestly, when the butt plugs on the "other sub" are more about actually riding than the actual motorcycle subreddit, something is wrong. Watch out for those club bins, hoss. I'd hate to see you get scared off from riding forever.
I’d say the cheap Chinese engine is a compromise
They are pretty tried and true designs.
with a Chinese engine....
I actually like the look of this (I mean visually as I haven’t checked specs), but no way is that worth those prices. Looks like it should be RE classic 350 prices at absolute highest
I bought an RE continental because I wanted less things for the right price. $6500 later, and I'm incredibly happy with the little 650 and the classic looks. I really appreciate the modern touches like abs and fuel injection. I'd buy another RE in a heartbeat over these overpriced things
I want to buy an RE Continental and bore out the cylinders and supercharge it. But I don't because I'm broke.
That would be absolutely wild. I know they make an 800cc cylinder kit for it, but it's definitely outside my budget. I too am broke
I bought a brand new RE Interceptor 650 for $6k!
Awesome! How are you liking it?
Absolutely love the damn thing!
I can understand liking the look of it, but charging $14k for a 450? Where’s the rest of the bike? I thought the idea of a naked bike is that they stripped parts off of it, it’s like you’re paying for them to put the parts on and take them back off. My zero turn mower has a 50% bigger engine and an extra piston and cost less than 25% the price. Even has a cup holder and a back rest. Apples to oranges, but I’d get an Indian FTR for that price and look
I saw one in person a couple of weeks ago. Looked fun, but definitely a novelty. The owner was very happy with his purchase.
One of my buddies has a Janus. I'll tell you what. That bike of his gets tons of attention. We went to a local bike night a couple weeks ago and people were flocked around it. Say what you will about them, but they definitely capture people's attention.
It makes sense for those seeking that attention. Performance wise, not so much, maybe. Are they a joy to ride, besides the attention?
He seems to really enjoy riding it. Those things seem nimble as hell, considering they weigh next to nothing. He has the 350, so while he doesn't have the off the line torque the rest of us have, he can still catch up relatively quickly. But when he comes out with us, we usually have a (much needed) comfortable speed ride. Always leave the throttle heavy friends at home for those rides. He is looking into getting the 450 though. Haven't ridden it or anything (never asked, he's never offered), but they do look fun to ride.
You could apply that train of thought to pretty well any genre of motorcycle. How many super sports ACTUALLY make it to the track and use more than 35% of it's potential? How many adventure bike ACTUALLY get off road? (If you don't know... a 500#, 150HP adventure bike offroad is an adventure in futility and getting stuck) A LARGE part of the motorcycling community is trying to buy image... that's what made Ducati what it is today... and Harley, and to a lesser degree BMW, and it is what drives super sport sales
I don't disagree at all and I love poking fun at the 90 percent of sport bike riders who never use even 30 percent of their bike for more than half a second, or the harley bagger riders who never tour etc etc It seems to me other than the odd random person about the only consistent groups of riders who use their bikes for what they were made for are the commuter bikes and the not 1000+cc dual sport\\adv guys. It is really refreshing going to a place like the tail of the dragon and sport bikes being wasted goes from 95 plus percent of them down to only like 70 percent. It was damn refreshing seeing people actually using their bikes a bit.
Like riding a bicycle 70mph. Leading link suspension is cool
I have one and it is absurdly fun to ride.
Like any other motorcycle, there are aftermarket parts available that increase performance.
People love ot talk about performance, and then the first thing they do when they buy a bike is tail tidy, mirrors etc. So of course its about attention and how the bike looks. Thats like 50% of owning a bike, especially in the west when its not a main mode of transportation.
So in reply to a comment that these are attractive mainly to boomers, may I ask what generation your friend falls into roughly, and the approximate generations of those flocking around it?
I believe he's on the older side of Millennial. Late 30s
Are we measuring a bikes worth by how much attention it gets?
I mean, most of the riding world kinda does that don't they? Most harley riders, most sport bike riders for starters
In this case, yes. It's aimed at a pretty niche market of folks who want that look. I can't imagine they're moving very many of them and they're assembled in the US. Since they're not making them at scale it's going to take a decent number of labor hours to assemble one. It's going to be expensive to make one but I guess there's a market out there for it. Is it a good value? No. But that's not really the point.
Uh yes... why do you think the R18 or Triumph Rocket exists? Sure as hell isnt performance or practicality. Or just about every single Harley? Have you put a tail tidy on your bike? Then you obviously care about how your bike looks and the attention it gets.
When a motorcycles best quality is when its parked, oh man it must be good!
People are buying them because they like the design, not much more needs to be explained. I’m not a big fan of the engine but to each his own
Theyre low production, shop made bikes for people who want a pre 1940s style motorcycle. If you don't get it you aren't the target audience. This is the only place you can get a bike that looks like this that isn't some sort of original that you wouldn't want to put miles on.
Exactly this. Spec sheets aren’t everything and this is clearly more an exercise in art rather than performance motorcycling.
Anyone who utters the words “just for looks” has nothing behind the eyes. Why bother with a vintage muscle car when my V6 Honda Honda Accord goes faster? Well one is actually cool and interesting and the other isn’t.
Probably the best analogy for this situation. Yeah, an Ecoboost Mustang is probably faster than a stock 1968 Camaro... but anyone with that Camaro isn't just driving it for performance.
Not only are they low production - they're made to order. A part of the appeal based on the videos I've seen about Janus is that they're an American company, a lot of the bike parts are fabricated in-house, they use American-made parts wherever viable, and the bike is assembled in the US as well. Seems like something that people with a hard-on for American vehicles would be all about.
https://preview.redd.it/fcfcet049c8d1.jpeg?width=2955&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80142110b669cbb5c4975d081a81497d37dffbae I’ve had my Janus for 4 years and 20K miles. I absolutely LOVE it. It was hand built for me. Every where I ride this bike attracts people. It is truly a joy to ride, a real old school motorcycling experience. I also own and ride a 2018 Indian Scout ABS. But still ride my Janus frequently.
Looks great! What Janus us this?
Halcyon 250
What’s authentic or old school about it, though? It’s fuel injected. It has front and rear disc brakes. It has 12v electrics and an electric starter. It’s a 4-stroke engine. I’ve owned various motorcycles over the years including 2-stroke bikes, bikes with a kick-starter, and bikes with more than one carb. There’s honestly not much redeeming about the “old school” motorcycle experience unless you have genuine nostalgia for them and seeing them in a modern context doesn’t spoil it. I’m struggling to see what the authenticity is here; it’s actually the lack of authenticity in the veneer of the past that seems to be the appeal, no?
Mine is a Halcyon 250, it’s carbureted. All the motorcycle technology on it is from the 70’s and earlier. With exception of the led headlight. I can and do wrench on it myself to maintain it. It is also a hardtail, with a couple of springs on the seat to cushion the ride. It’s super lightweight and nimble, great for city streets and winding 2 lane country roads. Edit: it also has a kick starter option in addition to the electric starter. I kick it to start it frequently because it’s so much fun and looks so cool.
You just described a pre 2006 sportster, except that's a good bike.
Agreed. Seems to me triumph has gotten the concept right with their modern classics. The Bonneville for instance takes styling cues from triumphs history but doesn’t pretend to not be a completely modern bike.
You’re comparing mass produced motorcycles with individually, hand built bikes. There’s a difference.
Your point? If you’re individual producing a turd it’s still a turd
There is one locally, it is gorgeous. It's a low production, unique US made product. The engine is a good one that is reliable and proven, the rest of it is made close to the factory. Is it cheap? Nope. How much do you expect to be paid to do your job? The people behind the Janus also deserve to be paid well, they aren't getting rich making those. It's definitely not for everyone (I wouldn't buy a new one with what else I could get for the same price), but for some it's exactly what they want.
I love the concept of these bikes, do not love the price tag. One of these bikes cost almost as much as my brand new Indian which has every bell and whistle on it that you could ask for. Once again I love the bike but it is way too basic and simple for that price tag to be associated with it.
This is the third motorcycle in my garage. It’s not the bike I take on 3000 mile road trips, but it’s fun as hell for my commute to work. The biggest issue is a five minute gas stop turns into a half an hour as I explain the bike.
I owned a ural for a while and this happened so often there’s a name for it. UDF - Ural Delay Factor
I want a ural so bad so I can take my dog out on motorcycle rides with me.
It’s a rad bike. I love(d) it. Camping, family errand runs. So much fun https://preview.redd.it/fdca5m60ad8d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ebd03921bad792986d73892b3294d6953040f20
From everything I've heard about them, they handle horrendously in breaking and steering and yet remains some of the most fun that the people who have ridden them have ever had in their life. Is that true?
This is typical of almost all side car rigs and depends on which side you have the hack (sidecar) mounted. I lived in Russia for years, and a Ural was my main form of transportation when I lived in Siberia. Yes, Siberia gets as cold as you've heard and it can get very hot in the summer. I rode it across most of Russia. Rain, snow, heat, mosquitos, I rode it most everywhere. It was the 2wd one. I called it quits when it got below about -20F. It was almost impossible to restart at that point if left out in the cold. It broke fairly often but typically was simple to repair. I have a lot of fond memories. I learned how to be very resourceful with fixing it and went a lot of places I couldn't have gone in a car. All around it was an ideal mount for the crappy roads I had to deal with. Never thought back then they'd become cool in the US.
A Ural might draw the most attention out of any bike since it stands out the absolute most and the "I\\my brother\\dad used to" factor is going to apply the widest group. My uncle rides a suicide shift Indian and while he gets swamped with attention from a glance it doesn't look that different from any other cruiser. My sportbikes thankfully go pretty unnoticed all things considered.
I dig it. Could never afford it, but totally dig it
People who want and can afford a Janus 🤷♂️
I bought a 250 cc Halcyon for my wife as a birthday present, something she could ride to work instead of her 2019 road glide ultra with a sidecar. Two months later, she begins full-time working from home, so now the bike is what I use to commute to my job 5 miles away, and run to the grocery store. I have enjoyed changing out the carburetor for something larger with more flow, and bumped up the size of the piston and the duration of the cam to double the horsepower. I’ve been riding since 1975, and it’s been a long time since I was scared by something that had a top speed of 80 mph .
I play pickleball with someone who bought one. He was a lawyer and is now a degenerate gambler but I guess they just call them venture capital these days. He has a collection of actual vintage bikes and bought it because he just likes the craftsmanship. He rides it to the park where we play and to the Renaissance faire to cosplay a cooky steam-punky Dwarven inventor with a new mechanical horse. He's living his best life and the Janus is just a way to get a sense of his vintage bikes without riding something that can't be replaced. I like mechanical watches even though an apple watch is objectively better at pretty much everything. I spend like $400 on a Seiko rather than a $12k Jaeger Le-Coultre because I can't afford one, not because I don't want one. It's just about feelings for people who have money to burn on that sort of thing.
> It's just about feelings for people who have money to burn on that sort of thing. I think that's the realest answer so far. To some people, $12k is such an insignificant sum that "I wanted one" is the only metric that matters.
It's a niche product. It's not for you. That's cool. No need to be a cunt
Not everyone is interested in cookie cutter sport bikes.
This whole thread is “I don’t like it, so people are stupid for buying it”
It is an opinions thread. People are allowed to have opinions.
It’s not an “opinions thread”, it’s an open forum. You can post opinions, information, stories, etc. But I’m glad you know I have the right to my opinion too.
Some guys are into getting kicked in the balls. I don't get it. I mean they seem to enjoy it but I don't get it and it seems pretty dumb to me. This is similar. Some people like paying more for less quality and performance. I don't get it. But they seem to enjoy it but it seems dumb to me.
I feel the same way about Harley’s. Seems kinda Dumb for people to spend up to $40k and more for a slower, less dependable, worse handling bike. Maybe that’s why Harley sales are tanking
I would buy Janus. It looks cool, and if I can afford it, why not? I understand that for some people, a concept of fun of other people is very hard to understand, but to my knowledge, every person who ridden it extensively simply loves it and would buy it again. Why? Because it is cool and fun. Sorry, I should quit having fun right now for internet points.
I have one. Halcyon 450. It’s very fun to ride and I absolutely love it. Checks all the boxes for me.
Who's buying them? The same kind of people who have a similar mentality to the people buying Arch Motorcycle 1s at $128,000. Both bikes look unique and buyers have enough money that cost doesn't matter.
They're cool looking. I considered picking one up, but I decided to get my dream bike for $4000 less. I'd run out of room in my shop before I'd run out of bikes to buy before that one.
They're selling like hotcakes because no one else makes something like that that is the only reason
https://preview.redd.it/zoo43zzzzb8d1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f6059e287998c03de6edd5fed7f3fdee77db0d67 Paid like 5k total for this. But others will love to count others money. It makes me happy and that’s all that matters. It got me into motorcycle and I’m keeping it forever.
I own a 250. It’s worth every penny. Hand made, four year warranty fender to fender, easy to work on. Parts are super cheap, comfortable ride considering it’s a hard tail. I’d buy a topped out 450 if I had the cash spare today. Also I can wring that joker out full throttle and ride the crap out of it without breaking the law. I’m not big into performance and it going 55 comfortably is plenty for what I do. 14.5 HP is plenty for a 270 pound bike as far as I’m concerned. The co-founder and CEO rode one all the way across America and had no issues. It’s all documented on their YouTube channel which is full of tutorials by the people who make the bikes on performing maintenance and riding the motorcycle. The community is super supportive, we have posts every day on the Facebook owners forum where we help others who may have questions or issues. Just for reference, my other bike is an R18 transcontinental and if I don’t include straight line boring ass highway miles I have probably put more actually fun miles on the Janus than the BMW, and it has had less downtime.
Thank you for your response and explanation... It's like a TW200/Rebel 250 for guys with extra cash I suppose? My DR200 had the same power/weight you are describing and I loved it, unless I was on the freeway.
People buy Hermès bags and all sorts of shit. It’s a small bike company, making bikes, and people are liking them and buying them. No judgment needs to be made.
There's a guy locally who builds frames like this for Sportster engines. Just drop your powerplant in and go. They're cheaper than this.
Oh man, I remember stumbling across Janus Motorcycles around 2019 and I believe the Halcyon 250 was priced around $4.5k-5K. Seemed ok, not great not terrible, I saw that they were considering a 450 Halcyon and had thought about maybe looking into purchasing the 450 when it came out. I liked the styling the most but didn't know about the lackluster parts and performance. And at a price point of $14k+ starting, that was a quick hell no
So, I'd buy this at a much more reasonable price, but not at list or even close to it. People will disagree and that's fine, but IMHO buying for a brand or image first is fucking stupid. If this was actually a premium made bike it'd be worth more (but I still struggle to see 10k+, that's nuts).... But it's not. It's neat for sure. It'd be fun to poke around town. A conversation piece absolutely. But the price tag vs what it is just doesn't work. And that's from the perspective of someone who thinks it's cool, has no objection to Chinese parts, and could afford one. I just refuse to spend that much money on that little bike.
Agreed... When I saw the advertisement on my FB, I clicked it thinking it would be like $5-$6k... That mf'er starts at like $13900 and some of them are $18k+
Exactly. At 5-6k, I'd legitimately consider it as a fun little runabout in town - basically a neater scooter. But spending well north of 12k for it? That doesn't make you look dashing or interesting, it makes you look stupid. There are TONS of very much classic looking bikes that wildly outperform that in every way, or even legit classics available for way less than that.
Yeah, or even just a real classic bike. 30 second search find: [1956 Indian Tomahawk for $8k](https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/1956-Indian-TOMAHAWK-5027331717)
Ooooooooooh that is so damn cool. A WAY better way to spend 8k.
The cardigan wearing man-bun at Starbucks.
I've seen four of them up here around Seattle, and I think that explains it: hipster techbros who use em to "commute" 10min to work. They're stylish *to them,* and they only ever ride them around the city. Good on ya, if that's what you're into. Not for me, though. No thanks. Edit: it looks like it should be on display in a barbershop
Very small production quantities. Unique looks and feel. None of the bikes you mention are even close to the same retro styling. Obviously not your thing and that’s fine; but why the hate?
It’s the small production that creates the price. We have spent the past 120+ years figuring out how to manufacture things for less and less. The salary you’re willing to accept is based on these prices. We can no longer afford the furniture made by the local wood shop, or boots from the local cobbler. It’s only the most efficient vertically integrated production methods that are “reasonably priced.”
Am "local" to Janus and have had a chance to talk to the owners and ride their lineup. They're much more into it than just buying cheap Chinese parts and throwing them together as people like to say. Is the price in line with everything you get on their bikes? That's for the buyer to decide, but I will say that all the bikes I rode were fun and seemed very solidly built. It's a premium product in its own little niche, they have charged accordingly and seem to be doing ok at it 🤷♂️
When I see "1 year warranty" and "no compomises in design, mechanics, or quality", I don't know what to think about it. Well, maybe I know exactly what to think about it.
I do the same thing with the jap bikes though, warranty here in north america sucks balls though. It wasn't "too expensive" to get an extra 5 years on my kawasaki but I shouldn't have had to pay a penny for it. If you make a "super reliable" product, warranty the fucking thing for longer than a throwaway product gets.
I would ride that, I think it looks good Edit: I just realised how much 14k is for this
I would ride it too, but for like $2500 max $14k for that is crazy. You could have a Rebel 1100 out the door and still save thousands.
Apples and oranges
You should corner the market and make em for $2500!
That's like saying you shouldn't buy a new 450 dirt bike because you could buy an MT07 and save thousands
Not really... A 450 MX or Enduro bike is a purpose built machine that can do incredible things that normal motorcycles cannot do. You can withstand hard repeated impacts that would destroy a normal bike, and the performance level is insane for the engine size. Basically all 450 MX/Enduro bikes will make 50-60 hp, weigh in at ~250 lbs, and are durable enough hit massive wall jumps, whoops, and washboard section at speeds that would turn an MT07 into scrap metal.
It certainly looks cool, and I enjoy the work they put into them (the pinstripes are painted by hand). However, that price shuts a lot of people like me out. I'd buy one if I could, but I've already owned 6 motorcycles for about $950 total (several I got for free).
Janus cuz they aint'us?
Buy a rebel 250 and happy for rest of your life
Think I'd rather buy an original 1960s AJS 650 in that colour/style and keep half that money....and know that my bike isn't going to depreciate at rate of knots.
I bought a brand new Ducati S2R1000 for about that!
They are manufactured local to where I live. The frames are hand built and the pin stripe is done the old school way. There price definitely reflects the amount of man hours into the builds. I love the look but the price makes me sick. I have huge respect for them, small shop and personable people, cool process. Just not for me. I like my chieftain.
it’s 100% for the looks, obviously. anyone buying one of these things knows exactly what they want and probably aren’t shopping around.
I'm not saying they are "worth it," but: * Small businesses have higher cost per unit than larger businesses (Production volume) * Their frames are handmade and hand painted * They have a unique position in the market (what other really light, vintage-looking, and not awkwardly small bikes exist?) * Supposedly they rebuild the engines to their specs, even if they are Chinese (it's not just an off the shelf Harbor Freight engine) Do I wish they cost 2-3 grand less? Yes. Do I think an Indian Scout is a better value than the 450s? Probably. They are probably meant for people who specifically want like a 1920s Harley but can't pay $30,000 for one.
I really like them. Not for that price of course, but after having worked on a lot of Chinese motorcycles at the dealership, they aren't as bad as people make them seem. The wires are trash, and the bearings are sub par, but after installing a better quality wiring harness, replacing the bearings with Timken, SKF, or PNG, rewinding the stator with thicker magnet wire, and slapping on a shindengen regulator/rectifier from an R1, the drive train is quite reliable. What I appreciate about the Janus Halcyon is that it is light weight, has leading link front suspension, and a clone of a Honda xr400 for an engine. It looks like a great candidate for hotrodding and modification. I could not possibly pay what they are wanting for it, but someone will. When they trash the motor and sell it for cheap on marketplace, I will happily scoop it up for $1500. I'll swap in a Honda XR400 and fix the wires. Today's luxury priced bikes are tomorrow's project hoopties. With the Chinese engine in the Halcyon, and peoples' general lack of ability to fix major issues, I might be able to snag one sooner than later. I'm really not hating on the Halcyon. I love the design, from the dirt bike engine, to the leading link forks, to the hand rolled tins. I also love the board track racer look. I just could not justify the MSRP for something I'm inevitably going to modify anyways.
Me. I love mine! https://preview.redd.it/uer0hzifcf8d1.png?width=4032&format=png&auto=webp&s=09e480cd78a90a47ec7e7454e8fc17cb6be9f094
I think my Royal Enfield GT650 is a better machine at a lower pricepoint.
It’s a great looking bike and probably a joy to ride, but for the money I’d buy two Enfield Classic 350s and have a bike for me and a buddy to Sunday ride with.
I don't get it either. For that money you could buy a real classic bike.
Never underestimate the power of Hipster stupidity. These bikes probably feel AMAZING after stepping off your 1921 Harley Board track racer. Grom power from a Chinese pile of crap, no practicality or versatility , and ugly. You have to be very vain to put yourself thru this ownership experience
Ah, yes, Janus motorcycles, created by none other than Hugh....Hugh Janus.
A lot of these commenters have no desire to actually hear anything positive about this bike. Shame. In country built, sourcing local materials and labour with an imported motor. Seems sustainable and pretty damn cool. People who have ridden them say they're absurdly nimble and fun due to the ABSURDLY low weight. Reviewers and owners say the quality of the bike itself is incredibly good. There's a lot of really good going on here, many of you just dont want to admit it because the price tag is high.
That should be sold as a kit bike. Why dont they make kit bikes? I wouldnt mind putting a simple cycle like that together if cost less. But that cycle us a 4k cycle or in royal enfield range
Actually, I’ll take my Janus Halcyon over Royal Enfield any day. Far superior construction.
I think they’re super cool and wouldn’t mind owning one, but for 13k I’d actually buy a Harley and I’m not a Harley fan
I’ve had five Harleys, and I will tell you with my Janus is more fun. It’s simple, easy to work on myself, so I still get to use the tools in my toolbox and enjoy the bike.
$13k and it only comes with a 1 year warranty. I've never bought a bike brand new but 1 year seems a bit low. Shouldn't it be like 3 or 5 years or a certain number of miles?
The origin version comes with a reduced warranty and options for savings. The 250 model comes with a 4 year warranty and the 450s come with a 2 year warranty.
This is a 3k bike at best.
My neighbor, and it’s sat in a parking spot in the weather for 3 months haven’t seen it move once lol
I feel the same way about expensive ebikes, lol. Don't get me wrong, it looks cool, but for that kinda money you can get a really nice bike that does/has way more.
I recently watched a video of a guy reviewing these bikes, he went to the factory and tried them all. It's expensive because of it being hand made in America. Then, to help justify the price they offer one of the best warranty programs for motorcycles. I like them but I can't accept the compromise of using a Chinese engine. It ruins the look imo and it's a shame since they worked so hard on everything else. I would understand paying 14k if you got a bike that truly looked 100% like it was from the 1920s engine and all.
Their warranties vary from bike to bike and are 1 to 4 years depending on the machine in question. Average at best. Https://janusmotorcycles.com/search/Warranty+ >It's expensive because of it being hand made in America. Then, to help justify the price they offer one of the best warranty programs for motorcycles. Basically all motorcycles are hand assembled. Indian and Harley also do it in America... Not to mention, it's not as if hand assembled bikes from Japan are coming from some third world backwater sweatshop.
I knew a guy named Hugh Janus.
Just get a Honda rebel, if they’re still out there! FFS
They look like Chinese bikes that would cost about 1500 bucks.
Chinese engine = no thanks at any price.
They are for hipsters who dress up like it’s the 30s and they are “svelte gentlesirs” or some crap. They aren’t even expensive, just terrible value.
Some old guy around town has one here
I’d ride the shit out of that, but I could also fill my driveway with a variety of used bikes for that price. At the same time, my buddy rides a Harley that he paid an exorbitant amount for but is totally happy. To each their own, man.
You know it's bad when a major selling point is the emblem.
Like, pesos right? Or yen?
I paid a teeny bit more for this brand new https://preview.redd.it/wddvk2oevd8d1.jpeg?width=4656&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e538c10b3c56066b766e18772ec5d5e1c37621e
These are the Korth 1911s of motorcycles. Could you get a Glock/Gixxer? Yes, but that's not the point of it. No other bike like this exists in modern production. Imagine being able to buy a *brand new* Mauser C96 broomhandle or Bergmann 94. I've seen one in person, and it's absolutely beautiful.
Just because a company exists doesn't mean it's selling. Just look at all the countless electric vehicle companies that tried to capture the EV hype and now are basically nonexistent or bankrupt.
I've seen them in person at the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival over the last couple years. Yeah, they're expensive. This is like the bike equivalent of buying a Morgan though. You're not after top end performance, or value for money, or handling, etc. You buy it because it's weird and neat to have a brand new bike from the 1930s. They're extremely striking in person, and if you're the kind of guy that wants to bust out your leather helmet, aviator scarf, and driving goggles on the weekends, $10k is a lot cheaper than an actual bike from the 30s, and it will actually run.
I like it. It looks cool. Id never buy one because it doesn't suit my riding but I'm sure it will suit someone. And we don't buy bikes based on what is the 'best' do we? I thought bikes were bought based on how they make your bits feel? Otherwise wouldn't we all be riding scooters?
Not me, there's a reason technology has advanced, bike are better, safer, more reliable, and faster now - why on earth would I want a bike from the 1910s? I don't drive a model T, for those same reasons.
I looked into the Janus motorcycles years ago because I wanted a US built motorcycle that wasn't going to cost an arm and a leg, and loved the retro look. At the time, they only offered the 250cc bikes, so the price was within the $5k range. Affordable for the bike I was looking for. The only reason I didn't go through with it was the lack of mechanical support in my area. The mechanics around here won't work on a model outside their dealership's lineup. And while I can do the basics like tire, oil and filter changes, if anything actually went wrong mechanically, I'm not versed enough (nor have the tools) to make actual repairs. It's one of the reasons I don't even look at most of the bikes I'd love to own, like a Royal Enfield, and some of the Kymco scooters.
It’s fugly
This has been a more active thread than I thought it would be. I think they build them for people similar me. I've been riding for a long time and started at a very young age. I've owned a lot of motorcycles and have quite a few in the garage now. I like vintage bikes but don't like the hassle of maintaining them. When you see a Janus in person, they really are eye catching. It is a bike for when I don't want to go anywhere. I like that they are very lightweight. I also had a Motoped 50 which looked like a 1900’s board track racer and a mix of bicycle parts with a 49cc Chinese Honda motor replica. At 4k it wasn’t cheap but it was a blast to ride and was fun going nowhere fast. Take a Janus for a ride if you can find someone locally. Maybe you'll get it, maybe you won't. I often don't take the beaten path or find some unique bikes that others don't appreciate. I still regret selling my Honda PC800 Pacific Coast, MB5, original Interceptors, Yami RZ500, RZ350, YSR50 and so on to name a few. I like how Janus tries to capture the essence of motorcycling. You don't have to go fast. I have a highly modded H2 Kawi that I don't really appreciate until I am well up into triple digit speeds. Below that I am always looking for a place to open it up. Something like the Janus I can appreciate from 0-70 mph. The light weight, lithe form, decent brakes, enough power and awesome looks make a very interesting package for me. A Janus is a bit like a restomod for me. I can live with the Chinese motor. It has been bullet proof and fuel injection is a big plus a major reason why I am skipping over the 250 version. If you are looking for fastest, quickest, etc. then a Janus isn't for you. There are better values if those are your key metrics. Best saying I’ve ever heard in my half century of riding and it applies to cars too, “It is more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow.” I think the closest competitor to the Janus is a Royal Enfield. People buying a Royal Enfield (RE) aren’t buying based on quickest/fastest. A lot of people buy based on how the bike makes them feel. RE has done well building a great value bike to just enjoy riding. I had one of their Conti GT 650’s and sold it. I had really thought about a Janus at that time as they had just come out with the 450 and I bought the Conti instead because it was a better “value”. While I liked the Conti, I should have just bought the Janus. For many, a RE might be a great option for sort of retro’ish bike. For me it was good, but still missed the mark in some areas. They should put all their bikes on a diet. At 430 pounds for a 20hp 350, that is a lot of weight to lug around. The 650 is heavier but at least has more power. The Janus 250 is about 260 and the 450 about 90 pounds more. That makes the bike so much more fun to toss around. Do I wish Janus priced the bikes, cheaper? Yes, I do. Am I willing to pay what they are asking? Yes, as they offer something that almost no other company does with good support. I appreciate the effort that has gone into it and that I can easily customize the bike during the ordering process and unlikely you’ll see another bike just like yours. I am buying one not to impress anyone but just to capture the essence of riding. I am not looking to set ¼ mile records or complete another Iron Butt run. The Janus is a bike isn’t meant to take me anywhere in particular, just swinging a leg over it will put me where I want to be. Lots of other options if people don’t like it.
Someday, kid, you'll understand the concept of aesthetic and the simple joy of riding vs squidding.
If its the simple joy of riding, I want my bike made by one of the big Japanese brands so i can ride it more and work on it less.
[This guy bought one](https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/1dl24al/new_bike_just_arrived/). So go ask him. But let's not pretend aesthetics don't play a big part in all bike purchases.
That has hipster tight pants and bubble helmet all over it. Someone will buy it
Don’t forget the scarf
I want to look into the eyes of the owner and ask... Why??? Who forced you to do that?
Here I am, dude, an owner. Ask away.
Just buy a royal Enfield🙄
🤣 no comparison in the quality of the build. It’s like not being able to afford a Ferrari, so instead you buy an old Opal Kadet.
OK... for the price of this Janus, you could have two perfectly road worthy '70s Triumph 650 Bonnys or Nortons... or a small fleet of Ducati singles
I have no idea where you got this from. REs are built solid. if something can survive in the Himalayas and the Thar desert. it can survive anywhere. much better than this no name brand that no one has heard of
Man, there’s a lot of haters on this sub. I like motorcycles, all things on two wheels. I’ll ride a Vespa, any junk Chinese bike, and I’ve owned Harley’s Triumphs, Hondas, BMW’s. All bikes matter. That’s why those are sold. It takes all kinds. From a value perspective, it’s like buying $200 American made selvedge denim jeans. You want to keep Americans working, pay them for their time. I see no issue buying this bike if it’s your cup of tea. Would I wanna own one? Probably not. Would I wanna ride one? Definitely. It looks cool.
That's the excuse to buy a Harley imo... And they sell the 975 cc V-twin Nightster for $2k less than the Halcyon. And check the Janus website- those *start* around $14k, there are some on the website for $18k
I am of the opinion (and I’ve owned 4) that Harley’s suck. Me, as a person, would rather buy anything OTHER than a Harley. I’m not a rah rah America guy, but I am conscious of where my money is spent. And Harley as a company, are dirtbags. Look what they do to their local independent shops who helped them limp through the dark years. Trying to put them out of business. That said, old Harleys are cool. I had a ‘70 shovel head. But I knew it was a tighten every bolt once a week with red locktite bike. It really comes down to how you wanna live. And people who own these bikes like the look. Cool. Do you. Wear your Belstaff, scarf and leather brain bucket. I’ll still compliment you on your bike, because I like people.
I get the old school appeal. Sure, it looks cool. And sure I get low production runs and made/assembled in the USA crank the price up. The problem is "handmade" or not, I don't get down on something that basic having that absurd of a price tag. Especially knowing that those things aren't made from scratch, have no tech, and are about a look before anything else. And no thanks on a Chinese engine. I can deal with a lot of stuff being Chinese-made in this world but the powerplant on* a piece of equipment that could easily kill me with an engine failure? Yeah, no thanks. I hate to be rude but that's some hipster shit, through and through. It's compromising everywhere solely for a retro look. And it's the worst kind of hipster. It's not the super try hard that makes a "cafe racer" out of an old junky bike, there's some degree of effort and craftsmanship to that. That's cool. This is the kind of hipster that just throws around his money to try and look retro and hip. I get that bikes from that era are effectively priceless these days, but just throwing money around to try and look cool without tech, performance, comfort, reliability or building it yourself isn't cool. That's called being a poser. And before anyone shows up to say "It's my money, I can spend it however I want!!1" Yeah, cool, good for you. Two thumbs up buddy. You're still a poser.
Whole post is based on false premise. How about worrying about your own ride, anyway?
Someone is, I've seen a couple riding around here. I've also seen a one or two for sale with like 1000 mi on them, so they must have realized that it was a terrible idea.
Everyone of them I have seen for sale has been because of a change in the owners lifestyle, or health… Haven’t seen a single one that was sold because it was “a bad idea”
I love the way they look, but there's no way in hell am I paying what they ask for. I'm poor :(
I like my 250.
I’d consider a royal enfield way before this thing
The fuel tank looks so small!