quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:
I have a couple problems with that Janus, one the Chinese engine and probably transmission already mentioned. Two is the styling, it has both some 20's and 30's elements but also some 80's and 90's that just isn't quite right for a retro. The fat barreled, single cylinder motor, is shaped like a 1980's Japanese motor not a classic American or British. There's also the hipster fatty front tire, and the twin chrome instruments. But the seat, leather tool box, tank, and other elements hark back to the 1920's.

Personally I think Royal Enfield's 350 Bullet is a much better looking retro. This classic British company was bought out by an Indian company years back and have continued manufacturing, only there in India where they make everything themselves. The tires are the right proportion as is the tall, wasp waist engine (notice the kick start). Build quality has improved over the years and they are reportedly very well sorted out now. If I had one I'd put a solo seat on it with a rear fender rack behind which'd fix its worst styling fault and it's not like I'd be carrying a passenger on a 350 anyway.

https://www.royalenfield.com/i.../bullet-350/#gallery

RE also makes 650 Twins that look almost exactly like 1960's BSA Lightnings.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Tacfoly, Your post is very reassuring to see. I have always been fond of BSA. They have one of the coolest names out there (Birmingham Small Arms) and a very interesting history.

I would love for it to still be made in the U.K. but I understand the difficulty of such an endeavor and I am just glad they still exist and are still producing motorcycles. I saw a BSA years ago at a vintage moto rally/convoy starting in Norfolk VA and ending in Virginia Beach. The BSA I saw was leaking oil and one of my friends teased the owner of the BSA.

We laughed at the BSA (friendly ribbing/joking around) though I do think aesthetically they are making some very cool stuff. The motorcycle gods were angry because a few hours later I would find myself and my “vastly superior” Honda CB400 broken down in the farmers fields that stretch between Chesapeake VA and Virginia Beach. That BSA rider probably got home just fine. I am glad to see reports of improved quality.

How did your leathers hold up? I got a Dainese riding jacket for Christmas that I REALLY like.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
The conflicting thing about Janus is that they understand the formula for building the most fun motorcycles out there IMO. What is that? It is a lightweight bike coupled with the small mill thrill my friends. A light, confidence inspiring bike with a tiny engine that you can flog the snot out of all day every day.

I managed to completely change a few opinions with the help of a 1976 Suzuki GT185. My friend who rode a CB650 at the time took one look at the tiny Suzuki and laughed. The bike is so light you can pick it up and it’s parallel twin two stroke engine has 184cc of pavement shredding madness.

Long story short my friend laughed at the bike and could not understand why I was seemingly going backwards and buying motorcycles one after the other each time with a smaller engine than the one before. Then he rode the Suzuki.

His opinion completely changed. It was neat to see my friend go from laughing at the Suzuki to occasionally asking if he could borrow the bike and go riding.

The little Suzuki also turned my brother from a hater of motorcycles to someone who toned down their rhetoric quite a bit. I even caught him smiling a few times.



Janus has the blueprint for fun on two wheels. Lightweight, small engine, hybrid beating MPGs, simple to maintain, confidence inspiring.

This is how we attract new riders. And we need to focus on recruiting new blood. This is one of the main reasons I am a HUGE fan of Honda’s Grom & Monkey.

If only they could find a way to address the elephant in the room....that engine.

Honda used to make a VERY good 250-400cc 90° V twin engine that loved to rev. If Janus had something like that it would be practically impossible for me to resist owning one.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Fun is subjective for sure and I get what you’re saying. From my own experience, once a litre bike comes very close to killing you it just isn’t quite as fun. Some of those bikes are only good at going fast and practically beg you to be stupid. You really can’t even let a 1000cc superbike stretch its legs on the road without breaking the law. In someways you could argue that’s what makes them fun. My R1 will almost hit 100mph in first gear. It was TONS of fun for a while.

If I could only own one bike it would be a 1000cc 90° v-twin naked sport bike as it’s the Jack of all trades...but we know how that saying ends. I could ride it around town, across the country or do a track day and still have a capable bike. I wouldn’t be upset if I only had something in the 400-700cc range either but it would have to be a 90° twin.

That wouldn’t work for someone into ADV bikes so of course the most fun bike will depend on your preferences.

I do think a lot of people would probably be surprised how fun a bike like Janus makes is if they actually ride one.