Janus Motorcycles has announced its latest model, the scrambler-styled Gryffin 450. The Janus Gryffin 450 has classic ’50s and ’60s style and hand-crafted components, and each one is made-to-order with the owner’s input and preferences.
Janus Motorcycles is based in Goshen, Indiana, and the company’s website states that it makes “simple, beautiful machines that are a joy to own and ride.” The Gryffin 450 joins three other models in the Janus lineup: the Halcyon 450, Halcyon 250, and Gryffin 250. It will use the same enduro-inspired air-/oil-cooled 445cc Single as the Halcyon 450, with a claimed 30 hp. The scrambler version will ride on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels and will feature a high exhaust, other adventure-oriented details, and a low weight of a claimed 330 lb.
“The Gryffin 450 is a close sibling to our Halcyon 450, but with some key changes that really make it excel off-pavement,” said Charlie Handsen-Reed, senior design engineer for Janus Motorcycles. “The longer suspension travel, wheel size, lower seat height, and larger fuel tank will be really welcomed by our off-road riders, and trimming another 30 lb 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.”
Part of the experience of owning a Janus is the customization offered from the made-to-order process. Like other Janus models, the Gryffin 450 will be available in a wide range of color options, pinstripe options, and other accessories. It will feature motocross footpegs, a headlight cage, pannier racks, highway bars, a skid plate, and a pillion seat.
Other components included on the Gryffin 450 will be hand-formed and beaded fenders, a hand-formed and welded stainless-steel exhaust, hand-welded chassis and fork, Brembo brakes, and hand-painted graphics and pinstripes.
Janus Motorcycles will begin taking reservations for the Gryffin 450 starting Feb. 23, 2024, and all orders placed in the first 30 days will be First Edition models with serial-numbered plates, limited-edition race plates, engraved components, and commemorative packages.
Those interested in the manufacturing process of Janus motorcycles can check out the Janus YouTube channel, where the company documents their design and build process.
MSRP for the Janus Gryffin 450 will be $13,495, and the fee to place a reservation is $2,995. The first Gryffin 450 bikes are expected to be finished in July 2024.
Visit the Janus Motorcycles website for more information.
Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
The whole time I am reading this I am thinking… “For $4500 I could probably live with Indian manufacturing quality for a cool vintage looking 30hp single with 21/17 combo” then you get to the end… $13.5k? I can buy a brand new 110hp BMW RNineT Scrambler or several models of triumphs, or a 120hp FTR. Who is going to buy this?
I really like the concept of a small company in the heartland of America making these bikes. But my gosh they are pricey – $13,500 for this, really?! And I thought their 250cc bikes where high priced.
I wonder who they think their target marketplace might be. I was interested until I got to the price. Forget it.
13500 for a Honda air cool single low tech made in China power plant. With from my eyes terrible weld quality ( poor heat control on the exhaust system ) a low tech wales front fork which jn my 1972 hodaka was fine but the car 125 was far superior. Stating it is to be trailered!? Ah then the kicker VANLIFE! This is a lifestyle fashion statement whic the firm stars has limited functionality ! A price of jewelry no more no less.
LOL! $13K. Hard pass. Get a DR650 and spend your savings on a new seat and traveling.
Absurd price aside the rear absolutely ruins this bike.
Either the factory is inefficient, the supply chain is overpriced or margin expectations are too high, good looking bike but….
Looking at the thumbnail photo on the main page, I first thought somebody was burning a motorcycle. In this case, it might be a good idea if the new owner insured it first.