Mention bike manufacturers and the American Midwest in the identical sentence, and a selected Motor Co. springs to thoughts first. But there’s a smaller firm 146 miles away, throughout Lake Michigan, producing small bikes with massive attitudes. They’re referred to as Janus Motorcycles, and that is their newest providing—the Janus Gryffin 450 scrambler.
Based in Goshen, Indiana, Janus Motorcycles focuses on vintage-styled, made-to-order bikes. Using engines from the Italian model SWM, their bikes might be specced with myriad coloration and accent choices, earlier than being assembled by hand and shipped to their new homeowners. Only a handful of elements come from exterior suppliers—the remainder are made in-house, or by Janus’ native community of craftsmen, a lot of that are Amish.
The Janus Gryffin 450 exhibits off the identical scrambler styling as the prevailing Gryffin 250, however makes use of the engine from the corporate’s larger Halcyon 450 bobber. You’re wanting on the prototype construct, devoid of any paint and finishings. Janus is within the thick of finalizing improvement, with the Gryffin 450 anticipated to enter manufacturing in July.
Derived from the single-cylinder donk within the Honda XR400, the 445 cc SWM motor makes round 30 hp. It’s not more likely to set any land pace information, however that’s simply tremendous for the Janus group. Their philosophy is constructing bikes that aren’t simply attractive, however approachable too.
In pursuit of that aim, Janus prioritizes weight over energy. With its proprietary chassis and bodywork, the Gryffin 450 suggestions the scales at simply 330 kilos [149.7 kilos], making it a bonafide light-weight. So despite the fact that it’s not notably quick, it must be moderately enjoyable to journey.
As per Janus’ normal working process, the body, swingarm, and leading-link entrance fork are all designed and constructed by the corporate and their community. But whereas we’re used to seeing these elements painted or powder coated, this prototype affords a uncommon take a look at the uncooked craftsmanship.
Visually, the Gryffin design is a throwback to the basic scramblers of the 50s and 60s. A home made gasoline tank and solo seat sit up prime, with a kicked-up tail loop abbreviating the rear part. Hand-formed beaded fenders sit at both finish, with lighting that remembers the OEM elements of yesteryear.
The Gryffin 450’s wheels function Excel rims, measuring 21” on the entrance and 17” on the again. This prototype additionally wears Dunlop D650 journey rubber, as a result of the Janus group has been getting it soiled throughout testing. Ikon provided the shocks that prop up each ends of the bike, whereas Brembo sorted out the braking setup.
Scrambler accouterments embody tall bars with hand guards, a burly sump guard, and an unapologetic two-into-two exhaust system. But that’s simply the tip of the iceberg. Since the Gryffin (and all of Janus’ different bikes) is made to order, you may customise it to your liking straight from the manufacturing unit.
You can choose a whole bunch of mixtures of hand-painted colours and designs for the bodywork’s base coat, graphics, and pin-striping. There are varied add-ons too, starting from leather-based and canvas bag choices to a headlight guard, motocross foot pegs, pannier racks, a pillion seat, and an entire bunch extra.
According to Janus, they need to give clients the liberty to tweak the Gryffin to swimsuit not solely their particular person tastes, however their splendid ratio of dirt-to-road driving. “The longer suspension travel, wheel size, lower seat height, and larger fuel tank will be really welcomed by our off-road riders,” says Janus’ senior design engineer, Charlie Hansen-Reed, who led the design on the mission.
“And trimming another 30 pounds off our already feather-weight 450 chassis will be a huge bonus for trailering, van-lifers, and for any adventuresome rider’s peace of mind and confidence.”
Even although the Janus Gryffin 450 is offered right here unfinished, it nonetheless has the identical disarming allure that we’ve come to count on from the plucky American firm. If you merely will need to have one, Janus’ order ebook is formally open, with costs beginning at $13,495 (relying on the way you spec it). $2,995 reserves your spot within the construct queue—and in case you ebook yours within the subsequent 30 days, it’ll be a part of a restricted and numbered ‘First Edition’ run that comes with a number of further bits.
For our cash, we’d equipment it with sufficient protecting elements to allow reckless off-road shenanigans, and wrap it in a classic motocross yellow.
Janus Gryffin 450 | Janus Motorcycles on Facebook | Instagram | Images by Mark Foster
Source: www.bikeexif.com