Source: Bike Bound
The Gryffin 450 Scrambler from Janus Motorcycles…
Recently we featured the 1000th Halcyon 250 special produced by Janus Motorcycles of Goshen, Indiana — a small-batch maker of 250-450cc motorcycles with hand-crafted components and highly customizable color combinations. We’d been impressed with the passion of the Janus team ever since we met them and test-rode a couple of their models during the 2018 Victory Moto Show in Savannah, Georgia.
Number 1000: Janus Halcyon 250 Special
We loved how they’d leveraged the expertise of local craftspeople, many of them Amish or Mennonite — carriage-makers, leatherworkers, etc. — in order to build the majority of each bike within 25 miles of their headquarters in northern Indiana.
Now Janus has announced development of a new Gryffin 450 scrambler model.
“The Gryffin 450 uses the same simple, reliable, and enduro-inspired SWM 445cc, 30hp power plant as their popular Halcyon 450. With a 21’’ front wheel and 17’’ rear, high exhaust, and adventure-minded details, the Gryffin 450 is designed to be an ultra-lightweight scrambler that is configurable for adventure riding, trails, and general on- and off-road riding. It draws inspiration from classic scramblers of the 50s and 60s.” -Janus press release
The bike you see here is the Gryffin 450 prototype, developed from the Halcyon 450 roadster with scrambler touches that recall the Honda CL series or BSA Firebird of the 1960s. High exhaust, skid plate, 21″ front wheel, elevated fenders, handguards, etc.
Weighing in at 330 pounds, the Gryffin 450 will be lighter than most factory scramblers, and the XR400-derived SWM engine should provide a solid power-to-weight ratio. For comparison, the Honda XR400R dirt bike, with no battery or street legal equipment, weighed 276 pounds, and Triumph’s new Scrambler 400 X tips the scales at 395 pounds.
Janus Senior Design Engineer Charlie Hansen-Reed has led the Gryffin 450 project:
“The Gryffin 450 is a close sibling to our Halcyon 450, but with some key changes that really make it excel off-pavement. The longer suspension travel, wheel size, lower seat height, and larger fuel tank will be really welcomed by our off-road riders. Trimming another 30 pounds off our already featherweight 450 chassis will be a huge bonus for trailering, van-lifers, and for any adventuresome rider’s peace of mind and confidence.”
A whole range of color and pinstripe options will be available, as well as motocross footpegs, headlight cage, pannier racks, highway bars, skid plate, different tire selections, and a pillion seat.
Hand-crafting is a trademark of the Janus brand, and each Gryffin will feature hand-formed and beaded fenders, a hand-formed and welded stainless steel exhaust, hand-welded chassis and forks, Brembo brakes, and hand-painted graphics and pinstripes.
Says Janus founder and CEO Richard Worsham:
“Our customers and riders love to be a part of the iterative process. We’ve invited them along as we developed our 250 line and our Halcyon 450, and we’re excited to invite them alongside us as we finalize the design of the Gryffin 450 and push it into production. We invite anyone to follow along with us this year as we test, develop, and build our exciting new model.”
Janus opened reservations for the Gryffin 450 on February 23rd, and all orders placed in the first 30 days of sale will be a part of a First Edition series, which will include serial-numbered plates, limited edition race plates, unique engraved components, and commemorative packages. The bikes will be built in order of reservation, with the first expected to be finished in July 2024.
If you’re interested in reserving one of these builds, check out the contact links below.
Follow the Builder
Web: janusmotorcycles.com
Instagram: @janusmotorcycle
Facebook: Janus Motorcycles”}]]
