Point out motorbike manufacturers and the American Midwest in the identical sentence, and a selected Motor Co. springs to thoughts first. However there’s a smaller firm 146 miles away, throughout Lake Michigan, producing small bikes with large attitudes. They’re referred to as Janus Bikes, and that is their newest providing—the Janus Gryffin 450 scrambler.
Primarily based in Goshen, Indiana, Janus Bikes makes a speciality of vintage-styled, made-to-order bikes. Utilizing engines from the Italian model SWM, their bikes could be specced with myriad coloration and accent choices, earlier than being assembled by hand and shipped to their new homeowners. Solely a handful of components come from exterior suppliers—the remainder are made in-house, or by Janus’ native community of craftsmen, lots 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 fantastic for the Janus workforce. 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 although it’s not significantly quick, it must be quite enjoyable to experience.
As per Janus’ customary working process, the body, swingarm, and leading-link entrance fork are all designed and constructed by the corporate and their community. However whereas we’re used to seeing these components 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 hand-crafted 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 recollects the OEM components 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 workforce 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. However that’s simply the tip of the iceberg. For the reason that Gryffin (and all of Janus’ different bikes) is made to order, you’ll be able to customise it to your liking straight from the manufacturing unit.
You possibly can decide a whole lot of mixtures of hand-painted colours and designs for the bodywork’s base coat, graphics, and pin-striping. There are numerous 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.
In keeping with Janus, they wish to give prospects the liberty to tweak the Gryffin to go well with not solely their particular person tastes, however their very best ratio of dirt-to-road driving. “The longer suspension journey, wheel dimension, decrease seat top, and bigger gasoline tank might be actually welcomed by our off-road riders,” says Janus’ senior design engineer, Charlie Hansen-Reed, who led the design on the challenge.
“And trimming one other 30 kilos off our already feather-weight 450 chassis might be an enormous bonus for trailering, van-lifers, and for any adventuresome rider’s peace of thoughts and confidence.”
Despite the fact that the Janus Gryffin 450 is offered right here unfinished, it nonetheless has the identical disarming attraction that we’ve come to anticipate from the plucky American firm. In case you merely should have one, Janus’ order guide 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 guide yours within the subsequent 30 days, it’ll be a part of a restricted and numbered ‘First Version’ run that comes with a number of further bits.
For our cash, we’d equipment it with sufficient protecting components to allow reckless off-road shenanigans, and wrap it in a classic motocross yellow.
Janus Gryffin 450 | Janus Bikes on Fb | Instagram | Pictures by Mark Foster
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