The New Manufacturer making 100-year-old Motorcycles 

And to the question everyone has: Halcyon 450 = 15'000$ Halcyon 250 = 8'800$ Scrambler 250 = 9'200$ 900$ delivery to the continental US. Whether they ship internationally is uncertain (you have to contact them) Honestly, for a boutique, handbuilt bike in the US, it's less expensive than I thought it would be. I guessed they would charge around 24k for the 450. If I were in the US and wanted a no-frills "motorcycle that is as a motorcycle should be" I'd consider it. Even without a dealer network, it seems like one of the bikes you keep for a lifetime.

They built what they loved. Best approach to anything in life.

As a person from the UK who is into classic/retro looking motorcycles these things look amazing and I can tell you we have nothing that looks as cool as these do (in my opinion) in the uk. Hopefully Janus plan at some point to bring these motorcycles overseas. Great review Bart. Safe riding to all you motorcyclists out there.

As a scooter rider myself, I say hats off to them for making a bike that stands out from the crowd. You've got to admire anyone that can take an idea and make it work.

Ive been riding over 50 years and have had stupid fast bikes ( H2) and several others. Got hit by a car several years ago and swore off bikes. Saw a used Janus 250 Halcyon and got the bug again and decided it was time to get back on the horse. Cant recommend them enough really a nice backroad cruiser.

I have been following Janus since they debuted over 10 years ago, not because I have a high desire for the machines (I admit to have some desire) but for who they are and what they represent. I wish this team the greatest success - which is to say just enough success. I would hate to see them grow so large that they lose their way or change what makes them so unique in this day and age. Here's to just makin' it.

My father who's in his late 80s has a Halcyon 250 JM-142. He loves riding it. He has collected a lot of motorcycles over the years, but I think the Janus is the one he rides the most.

I never thought I'd ever hear the phrase "an Amish-built motorcycle". I've owned many bikes, including a Marusho 500. But my favorite was still my 1968 Benelli 125 with the horizontal cylinder. Couldn't do more than about 80 mph, but the light weight and very low center of gravity made it incredibly nimble and saved my ass several times when I cornered too fast. A wonderfully quixotic story. Thanks again, Bart. Cheers from rainy Vienna, Scott

If you’re from the Midwest, you KNOW about Janus. They’re highly collectible despite the technology being fifty years old or more. Its the type of bike you ride on a Sunday and put it away for a week to ride again.

I can attest from personal experience that their Halcyon 450 model is the most comfortable, and fun, motorcycle that I've ever ridden. My brother and I just took our Halcyon 450's on a 1,500 mile trip all through Michigan along the coastline, and into Canada around Lake Huron, in a little over 4 days. The motorcycles performed absolutely flawlessly, and we were very comfortable the entire way. Lots of attention every time we stopped, and we got to meet a lot of great people along the way!

I purchased Janus Halcyon 914 as shown in your wonderful video. In my 70’s now, this motorcycle is simply outstanding from many perspectives: build quality is top notch, despite the hard tail, it has a very comfortable ride and my Thumper receives many admiring looks and questions about Janus. Not very fast - but fast enough about town, super economical and as purty a gal as any motorcycle, anywhere!

Beautifully done video. Being the Old Goat that I am, with a deep appreciation for antique and "old school" designs and craftsmanship, I really love the looks of these bikes. The philosophy of Janus' business model and use of skilled craftspeople gets my attention as well. I would dearly love (and be very proud) to ride one of these machines, if only I could afford one.

For 15 grand, I want a Japanese engine.

Great video. Life time motorcycle rider here (51 years). I grew up in Southern Indiana and in case you didn’t know it, Indiana is stuck in sort of a pseudo-time-warp. I love how your footage highlights the simple, innocent, & beautiful Americana scenery that is (most of) Indiana. Best of luck to Janus Motorcycles.👍

I had a Kreidler with 50 ccm and 6,25 PS in 1976. It had a high speed of 85 km/h and sometimes more when I was laying flat on it. I have great memories.

It's nice to hear about a new business especially making some quality and unique products using local labor in their area. Go Janus!

This guy Bart get's it! Having put over 14,000 miles on my Halcyon 250, after owning 40 motorcycles in my 50 plus years of riding, this is a very fair review. No they're not for everyone, but I'll tell ya, more riders out there would enjoy one of thee more than they know. Excellent review! Well done! Tom

Their Paragon moped looks really good with its clean, uncluttered lines and minimalism all around.

Designing a motor is hell, even just refining an engine is hellish, so i applaud Janus for using a common platform, which helps with sourcing parts

I'm a 57yo classic motorcycle rider and I just love these bikes I hope they really do well as I'm sure they will sell a lot of these beautiful bikes great work Janus motorcycle company

Nothing beats the feel and sound of an English 500cc One Lunger thumping along with a glorious engine sound! I have two BSA's - one 1953 650cc 2-cylinder Golden Flash with the plunger frame rear as well as a 1956 500cc 2-cylinder Shooting Star with the same type of frame. Included in my motorcycle collection is a 1965 Honda 450 cc CRR twin racing motorcycle that requires earplugs and a helmet if you want to keep your eardrums intact! I purchased it from a HONDA racing team in 1971, in Japan. It was built by the HONDA RACING DIVISION and is one of 10 built.

Kudos to Bart for doing his homework on this story! I’m from the Goshen area and this has been the most accurate and informative review of this company and these motorcycles I have seen yet. (Most people don’t even pronounce Goshen correctly when they review Janus) No they are not trying to keep up with Royal Enfield or Triumph, but they are making a handmade product for people that have the money to enjoy such fun things. Great video!

Thanks for this review; so interesting! I wish them all the best. I live in a southern French city where about a dozen bikes of this size will pass by my place in the next four minutes, not counting the 19 that I see parked. This bike is ideal for this market. If I were a younger man, I would fight to get the first Janus dealership in the south of France. Definitely a classic little bike built with classic American entrepreneurial spirit. Bravo!

Janus is making really beautiful looking motorcycles. I can't wait to ride one.

I know someone who has a Halcyon 250 and he loves it. They build these things a couple of hours up the road from us btw which makes owning one not so far fetched. And yeah, Amish craftsmen build a ton of stuff around here including almost every motor home and camper sold in the US. If you have a Coachmen, Jayco, Shasta, Forest River or any other of a rather large number of RV manufacturers it was built by the Amish. They also build all sorts of barns, do tack and harness work, build horse drawn vehicles of all sorts and operate the coolest grocery stores and hardware stores to shop in.

I've been riding for over 40 years...I've had the 170mph bikes, the Bandit 1200 (2), V Fours, V Twin thous, and many others...but I think these little bikes are actually quite cool!

I think it's super cool Janus flew you over to HQ to check out thier stuff. Even though it may not be my choice of motorcycle, I do think thier product is really cool in every aspect, especially the craftsmen construction and private ownership.

To scratch 60% of this itch and for way less money I’d get a Suzuki TU250X, Yamaha SR400, or RE Classic 350 but Janus motorcycles are truly on another level and absolutely gorgeous. Great video.

What a great story. Thank you Janus and RU-vid. Absolutely beautiful craftsmanship and finished product!!!! ♥

Janus proves one fact, different bikes for different likes. For me, Suzuki's Hayabusa will always be the greatest piece of two wheeled magnificence.

I seriously considered the Halcyon 250, and even came up with a way to pay for it. But in the end, that Chinese engine made me decide against it. I'll just keep riding my customized 2016 Honda Rebel 250 for now. It is a very small, lightweight bike, at least for me. I'm 6' 240, and it feels like a bicycle. But not only is it fun around town, it will cruise at 70-80 mph for as long as you want, with no worries about it breaking down.

They command a high price for a motorcycle with a Chinese power plant. Based out of Goshen, Indiana, Janus builds retro-style motorcycles with Chinese engines-for the past few years, the company has used an air-cooled 229 cc Lifan engine Shinray has built the 450. You are absolutely correct that they are not for everyone! I bought an 1955 Eenfield 500 bullet for a retro bike because I was missing the old days and in 6 months I remembered all too well why something more modern was what I needed. I kept my first Harley, a 1963 Harley Sportster and still have it and it is all the aggravation that I need. 😂 Good honest video, thanks for a fair assessment!!

These bikes are so beautiful and weirdly nostalgia-dream-inducing. Like they're from an alternate history parallel universe. And they're surely the ultimate hipster tool. I hope Janus continues to achieve success.

Very well done video. Your comments are 100% spot on with what I as an old guy agree with. I`ve owned many bikes since `69. If I could get the money I would get the 250.

This was a beautiful little video, and I'm proud of Janus and their work!

I want one. I have a sport bike and sometimes I wish I had something just a bit more relaxed to ramble around on the weekends. Just a great American motorcycle story. I see an enduring collaboration between you and Janus.

I’ve been admiring these bikes for years. Thanks to this look at them, I’ll seriously consider purchasing one.

I've been sold on these ever since i saw my first. I love the styling so much. This video showing how they are a down home small company of entrepreneurs makes me want one more.

I love this Company! I hope in the future they build a 500 or 650 Twin . The old Triumphs are my favorite bikes, I have had a bunch over the years. I am 61 and always road motorcycles since I was 16. Well, keep up the good work!

I'm always looking to demo different bikes when available. Have never been on a Janus, but was pleasantly surprised by another retro-themed bike from Indian. I'm talking about their Scout model. Priced just below the Janus 450, the Indian Scout has a much bigger engine (1130 cc) and weighs more (540 lbs.) I found it to be a blast to ride. The handling of this bike makes it feel much lighter than it actually is. It also has available ABS and EFI - not very retro, I know, but much appreciated as someone who has dealt with marginal braking and finicky fuel systems. If I was going to drop $15K on a new (old) bike, it would be for a Scout - and I don't even like most V-Twin bikes! ;-) Thanks for the review.

Thanks for the video Bart , it’s great to have your perspective and I’m happy you liked it . Yammie Noob did a video on Janus and…. Let’s just say , he wasn’t very kind to them . He’s a Turbo HAYABUSA owning fast boy so I get that he didn’t like it ( given that he went in expecting speed). But it’s not about out right performance but looks , fun and spirit. I get the concept of “riding a slow bike fast ”. I live in Cameroon, we mostly have Chinese 250cc air cooled singles and Japanese 250cc air cooled singles. I’ve only ever seen very few big bikes ( a Yamaha fazer600, Kawasaki z900, Honda cbr900, BMW 1250 gs adventure, an Aprilia:couldn’t really tell which , it was an old bike , a Honda hornet)but those small bikes are super light( like 140kg max) and really poky( torquey) down low . They’re used as taxis here, and to illustrate how torquey they are ; they carry three people ( rider and 2 passengers ) all day , it’s not very safe buuut we don’t really have a choice .they can reach 60kph with 3 people on them and 120 mph with only the rider , they have drum brakes for the most part and dont have monoshock rear suspension but they are really fun . Riding a liter bike at 200 kph is like piloting a fighter jet below mach1 , but riding a slow bike fast is like being a falcon, zooming through the air and diving on its prey . It’s really fun

Well done, these people are after my own heart. I am 70 from the 🇬🇧, had lots of old stile Brit bikes in the past. There is one bike that I am sure you will love? Engine wise, it would be a top seller, due to its long stroke and sound. 1955/6, BSA 250cc, plunger rear end, model: C11G. I have mentally researched the perfect adaptations to make this very reliable bike a true winner. Copy the frame in lightweight tubing, put a belt drive between engine and clutch. Fit an alloy barrel instead of the cast iron one used in those days. When I was young this little 250 was perfect, very cheap to run and would get up to 70 mph, with a light wind behind me. You could use LED lighting also. I wish I had a place to do this, but no, so hopefully you could enjoy this one. 👍

Thank you for succinctly expressing the spirit behind Janus motorcycles, a wonderful video you have here. My Halcyon 250 will be in my stable until you pry it's keys from my cold dead hands.

Great to see the rebirth of trad bikes, often low HP, built for the fun of riding. I subscribe to Classic Bike magazine and love the pre WW2 style of British bikes.

Yes, I know what a Garelli is. I used to work for Sid Biberman of Vincent fame and we did we did work on a great variety of motorcycles and mopeds, besides doing restoration and repair work on Vincents, Velocettes, Matchless, Ariel, Triumph, Norton, BSA, Harley Davidson, etc.. The shop is long gone, Sid Biberman has also passed on, but at 72 I still ride a Sportster on a 100 mile a day commute. I have been watching your company and evolving bikes with interest for a while. Keep up the good work.

Very cool story…write the book that this bike/guys deserve. You said there wasn’t one. I’m saying…you’re the right guy to write it!

I get everything you're saying about Janus. The idea of having a beautiful, hand-built and truly retro machine is very appealing. Too expensive for me, unfortunately, and as far as I can tell, almost impossible to get one in the UK. The Janus has been one of my 'if only' bikes for a while now. My current bike, while on the surface as far from a Janus as you can get, actually has a lot in common. The Fantic Caballero has a 450cc single engine, and weighs about 330lbs dry, or just under 360lbs ready to ride. The only rider aid is the ABS (compulsory in the UK, and you can switch it off). The looks are only vaguely retro and it owes very little to its 1970s namesake. I've found it a fun, punchy, pretty machine that fills the spec of being 'more fun to ride a slow bike fast'.

I have 3 of them, largely to support what I think is a great company. The Halcyon gets the most attention; it is beautiful. It attracted me to Janus as I always wondered about hardtail bikes, and is my favorite The Gryffin is the ugly duckling, and the most versatile while the Phoenix is the best handling and the one I let the son in law ride.

I love the romantic aspect of JANUS, and yes the motors are Chinese, but so is your iPhone. The motor is a clone of the most bulletproof Honda there is, so I'm OK with that, BUT I'd never pay that much for a handmade bike. Yes, I know it's handmade, but I'd rather buy a Honda CB 350 and call it a day, but I LOVE the look of JANUS, so I'm back at square one. I LOVE this early look SOOOO much. If I saw a used JANUS for $2500 I'd be on it. To get 10hp out of a 50cc is quite nice considering a 150cc scooter has 11cc. I'm SO glad you compared the Janus to the Royal Enfield.

This is what America and Americans need to get back to; small local manufacturing, skills, innovation and business. Great video! Thank you!

I love these bikes, esp the 450. They look fantastic. I really like the old school looks.

It would be fun to take one of these on a coast to coast backroads trip across the states. I think it would be a blast!

You nailed it. There are numerous bikes that are retro styled to one degree or another and much cheaper than a Janus, but a Janus is genuinely built like a retro bike, the only apparent nod to modernity being the brakes. It’s awesome to see a company today making a truly simple and basic motorcycle. As far as the prices go, they’re about what I’d expect for a tiny domestic company that actually fabricates much of the product here and does all the assembly here. I’d rather pay $11k for a simple shade tree mechanic friendly bike than $5k for a bike with retro styling but more tech hidden within than a space shuttle. Best of luck to Janus.

I understand this. I've owned plenty of fast cars but now my daily driver is a 1970 Beetle that I wouldn't trade for a corvette. It's just so much fun to drive a slow car fast.

I was a race bike-track day guy for a long time. I am old now, 74 and I quit track riding two years ago, after a bad crash, the last of many! I recently bought an E Bike and am having a blast riding that thing. The narrator said something that perked my ears; "Riding a slow bike fast is more fun that riding a fast bike slow." Amen to that! I need a Janus!

Great report. Fantastic looking bikes and what a great story. Would love the 450cc, but my RE 350 Classic is a keeper!

I've had my Halcyon 250 for just over a year and it's still just stupid fun to ride.

The bikes are simple and beautiful. They look like they rolled out of a museum. Expensive, yes, but also desirable.

Hats off to the team at Janus. Not a scooter rider, I am a "Jeep with the doors off" kind of guy. I like the products they produce and wish them and their customers well.

I had seen these a couple of years ago when I was getting a bike after 40 years of not having one. I think they have their place in anyone's stable and it might just be in mine someday. I went for a new T-100 and just recently got an RE350 in Halcion Grey. This would fill out the list quite nicely as I am a traditional rider when it comes to putting my money down. I love the American story of the company and these look like a great ride. Thanks for the great video!

I am an Indian and I will be the first to admit that poor weight to style ratio is why I cannot recommend Royal Enfield 350s over Triumph 400s. It's also the reason I have been craving Honda Supercub 125 since 2018 which unfortunately for me might never be released in India. New Supercubs are retro done right. It should only look and feel retro but without Retro hassles. Royal Enfield has the opportunity to relaunch their Pegasus/Flea range as sub 250 light weight scrambler/Trials bike. with an all-new frame. Not just overall weight but the weight distribution is also a problem with Enfields. Even their relatively lighter bikes feel less nimble than heavier bikes of other brands.

I feel spoiled that I'm regularly only about 30 minutes from this place. Freaking awesome bikes and I can't wait until I finally decide which one I want.

I've followed this company since their web presence began on their site with their 250's. They are beautiful machines. Though I don't currently ride, I know that my favorite bikes were my 1970 Triumph 250 single and 1983 Honda Passport C70 Cub 72cc- for all the reasons you illuminate in your video. They are lightweight, nimble, fun, and basic, you push them to their limits, and they are utilitarian. I would get either of them again.

A wonderful tribute to a motorcycle company that is so different but yet so cool! Just the idea a company would venture down a road like this is refreshing. Great Video!

I have a mash tt40. 400cc Chinese build cafe racer. Simple & fun just like you say. The Janus has the same engine but bored up. A clone of the Honda xr400. So parts can be upgraded easely. Love the simple spartan way of riding and in the Netherlands a big fast bike is just a fast way of losing your license.

I'm glad to know someone is out there making motorcycles like this, especially doing it in the United States. That said, I knew from the beginning the kicker was going to be the price.

I recently stepped down to a smaller CC motorcycle from a Yamaha fz1 sport tourer to a Lifan kpm 200 because I wanted really cheap transportation and I know that no matter what size bike you ride you are going to have fun. Now I'm considering making my own motorized bicycle and I was looking about when I came across this video. Pretty cool stuff man!!

I love them. Thanks for the great show. As was said build what you like and others may be of like interest. These are not built to compete with anything. They are what they are. Unique with character and a super cool, local vibe. Must be fun to have one and have someone ask what is that ?

The first Paragon had a Puch motorengine. The same, I grew up with in the netherlands in the 80’s-90’s.

A quality product made in America?!! I never thought I'd see the day (again).

they're over $10,000 for a 250cc Chinese motor saying they're "not for everyone" is an understatement.

This Honda 250 engine (designed somewhere in the sixties/seventies if I'm not mistaken) has been (sometimes not) licensed build in many countries. From China to India, Pakistan etc. The important issue is the build quality which can vary quite a lot. Industrial made engines from China will be very reliable because they are made in an mechanised process with adequate quality control and logistics support. For example the little bike engines that power the gazillion small bikes around the world are all made at the same place in China. It's all about the power of large scale manufacturing when you can make good quality at an effordable price in a highly efficient build process/logistics support. That's why VW in Germany currently closed their German EV car factory and will import their VW EV cars from their VW plant in China (costs in China about 16000 euro, costs in Germany about 32000 euro). Unlike what many people believe the wages in China are NOT the main reason for this move. The same 250 engine however can also be build in some less developed countries (eg Pakistan) in rural shops with hardly any material/quality control.

Great story, on a subject I wasn’t even aware existed. I haven’t seen motorcycle writing like this since the 1970s. It’s good to know it still exists!

Long time rider. Rode Nortons in the 70's now a Harley. These bikes are way cool. Glad they are doing such quality work and making a super product!

I love the vintage style, and the whole spirit and history of the little company. However, I wish they offered a front drum brake model (for more of a vintage look). I know the disc is more reliable, but it is the one item that really clashes with the vintage lines. In my opinion.

I have a Suzuki DR200. It does everything the Halcyon 250 does except look good. Nothing beats an ultra light bike. Ive had a couple now. Loved my KTM RC390 but the range was horrible. Trust me, I got some very strange looks when I traded my RC390 for a DR200. But my primary consideration at that time was light weight. I also carry it on the front of my truck. Light bikes give me the same feeling as they did in the 60s when I learned to ride. It would be great to have the same fun without the condescending looks from people on "real bikes"

I am from India.. and I must tell you that there are a few who simply adore this kind of bikes.. I have a 5 year old cruiser from a home company... It has a detuned 220CC engine with curbeurator ... No rider aid.. and I love it... But this .... This company is on another league.... Old school bikes are light, fun, subtle yet madness in it's own way...ohh my God!!!!!!!

I checked one out today at an antique motorcycle event. Yes the build quality is deluxe and I’m sure that is a big reason they are so expensive. I agree that small, underpowered, lightweight bikes are infinitely more fun than big, overpowered, heavy ones in many situations. I have a CSC SG 250 (Chinese retro-cafe racer) which uses +- the same Honda-clone engine. You have to plan your moves, but that is a big part of the fun.

This is awesome. I wish more manufacturers did this. I also like the leading link front suspension, reminds me of the ural

Well and thats why mopeds are great!

Great idea. I hope the public is as interested as the company thinks they'll be. If the company fails, these bikes themselves will be a collectible.

Yeah absolutely, That's actually the old school bike I want. Great video Bart, Thanks.

Damn! I wish there was a moped gang around when I had a moped. 😢

The RE 350 has some things that add weight, like ABS, and other required equipment, so not an entirely fair comparison. What's the weight of the 450? Is it any heavier than the 250? Great coverage BTW. 👍

I rode a 1972. 75/5 BMW for 10 years. Talk about easy to repair and work on! The amount of abuse it took is unbelievable. Including getting me home after a 45 mph head on collision.(One cylinder and tire rubbing on both forks!) I went flying over the top and receive no real injuries. Loved that bike.

Ever since i came across Janus motorcycles in an add I've wanted one, never wanted to own a motorcycle before that. I've ridden motorcycles in the past, but I've never owned one. Love everything about these bikes and how their built and the idea behind them in my 50s. Now, someday, i will own one, and it will bring a happy tear to the eyes. Love one your doing guys. Brian.

Can you make a Video about the german Simson Moped

I'm not sure. I like the idea, but the execution seems a little unrefined. The modern parts really poke you in the eye and to me, the styling is a little clumsy.

I have seen some of the ads and am intrigued by the looks of the bikes. Having seen this video, these are the types of bikes I am interest in. I started riding in the early 70's with a Honda 175, then continued to a Honda 450, 1976 Goldwing before they got overloaded with crap, BMW 1000 and finally a BMW 1200. I quit riding about 2010 but am thinking seriously about the Janus. Although I am 72 years old, I still have most of my motor skills and mental faculties. This size and type of bike are right up my alley. I am over the crazy fast riding and like the retro, leisurely look of these bikes. I live near lake Tahoe where there are lots of beautiful rides that are suited to bikes like this. I never thought that i would ride again, but MAYBE !

Cool company.I have had every type of bike, my last three have been dualsports. I love the simplicity of maintaining , repairing and riding and being able to ride almost anywhere you see. The dirt model of Janus looks really cool and being so light makes it something to look at closer.

I first heard of Janus in one of the 2 big magazines. I liked the concept and glad they are still going forward. The pricing and Chinese engines kind of put me off but I like a variety of bikes in my stable. Pretty cool to see them making it work!

I tried to find the British retro antique motorcycle to which you referred, because of course I did. A quick lazy search came up with the Black Douglas Sterling motorcycle. Next, I'll try to look for a review here on RU-vid. I'm impressed with the Janus now that I've seen this video of yours. I was first exposed to the Janus when it kept popping up in my Facebook feed. Seeing it on Facebook made Janus suspect to me. I suspected it was just a thrown-together bunch of Chinese parts--in other words what you described the British retro antique motorcycle to be. Your review disabused me of that notion, however, and I remain impressed with the Janus.

You doing this video is one of the first steps toward Janus's legacy being built and properly kept

The only true old-style bike manufacturer I known so far was a Ural. Thanks for discovering for me a new kid on the block!

The problem with true retro motorcycle is we invent tech pack for good reason lol. Fkin carbs. But good on Janus for keeping the spirit alive.

These bikes are beautiful! I spend waaaaaay too much time on their website building bikes lol

Looks like a couple of fun bikes

Looks fantastic! There's a company not far from where I live that has been making D type Jaguars (and other old Brit cars) for around 45 years. There will always be a small but sustainable market for retro machines.

They should try different motors. Not a fan of the looks of the Chinees engine. A little v twin would be cool. Can you do a video on the Oldfield moto cycle company. they made some cool bikes with industrial Coaler v twins . I dont think they are in buisness any more.

Are you trying to sell me a bike or legitimate your purchase for your self?