Every now and then we come across something really spectacular, so special that we really just have to share it with you. It has been said that , “There is nothing new under the sun”, and in a world where copying and reproducing the ordinary – the extraordinary does stand out.
And this is how the team of Bandit9 Motors feel. It is one thing to rebuild or customise a bike, so they decided to go above and beyond to create something new and unique. Daryl VIllanueva the Founder and Chief of Design at Bandit9 transformed from a custom shop to a company that manufactures their own vision of how they would like motorcycles to look.
The Supermarine was their first build… And we like it.
With more than 400 components designed in house using 3D drafting software it truly is a unique creation. The lightweight frame was built from the ground up and is made from weapons grade 7075 aluminium alloy.
Offering two options on the motor the new owner can choose a 900cc or a 1200cc Triumph Twin engine that produces between 74 or 102 horsepower and comes with either Nitro or Ohlins suspension.
For braking power it houses Brembo or Beringer Aerotec ABS brakes.
The bodywork is wind tunnel sculpted and comes with three choices: carbon fibre (25% lighter), high-strength resin or race-spec ABS plastic. All of which will be built the way you want it.
The Supermaraine took inspiration from the Mobula Ray or Devil Ray, as it breaches the water and gives an appearance of flight. The frame also draws inspiration from the sea as a structure of coral reef. With the liquid cooled 8-valve Triumph Twin motor with electronic fuel injection theoretically could achieve a top speed of 200 km/h. The stainless steel exhaust can also be upgraded to a titanium system if so desired.
“A work of art and a feat of engineering, the Supermarine is a world-class, museum-grade and roadworthy motorcycle made from the lightest and toughest materials available.” – says Daryl VIllanueva
To find out more about the Supermarine, read here.
Looking at some of Bandit9’s limited edition masterpieces, we came across The EVE Odyssey…
The EVE odyssey is inspired by science fiction and the fascination with the space race. With a design that unifies the bodywork, frame, seat and fuel tank all in one. They created their own frame so as to not rely on anybody’s predetermined structures. Not modified or customised, a completely new product. Built by using the same material as the Supermarine, 7075 aluminium. This was done so that they can place all the mounting points exactly where they want it.
The complexity of the EVE Odyssey is so severe that it can only be built by hand, and it takes a craftsman around 3 months to complete.
The motor is a air-cooled, four-stroke, chain driven 125cc engine with a Mikuni Carburetor that should see somewhere in the region of 110 km/h. The 2 into 2 stainless steel exhaust can also be upgraded to a titanium system. It also has an electric starter and custom LED light on both front and rear. It has a single swing arm and disc brake front and rear.
Just about everything on this bike has been custom crafted especially for the EVE Odyssey, mirrors, head light, brake light, switches, grips and handlebars.
“The EVE is a collector’s item and a piece of automotive history immortalised at the Petersen, the Haas Moto Museum and the Barber Museum.” says Daryl VIllanueva
And, finally we found this little gem, The Nano…
It is an electric scooter inspired by a falling meteor. Made from Rolex steel and polished to sterling silver. It is a combination of utility and style and built for the city. The NANO’s small size makes it easy to slip through traffic, squeeze between cars or if needed you can take a shortcut through narrow alleys. Daryl says “it is not about the speed. It’s about size”, the top speed of the NANO is 45 km/h if you are looking for more of a kick you can opt for the NANO+ that will reach 75 km/h. The NANO+ is driven by an electric wheel hub motor with a maximum power of 4 kW and 200 Nm of torque.
The battery will charge fully in under 4 hours. If you can’t find a charge station you can remove the battery and charge it at any standard outlet. A fully charged battery will give you 96 km. And if you are so inclined, you can be rest assured knowing you are playing your part in your carbon footprint.
The NANO has a combined braking system with a 200 mm front disc and a 140 mm rear disc.
“Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest impact.”
It should be interesting to see what the Bandit9 team will create next.
About Vietnamese based Bandit 9… from Daryl VIllanueva himself – verbatim
“2011: Like many companies out there, Bandit9 was born out of frustration. I’m the kind of guy that dreams of worlds depicted in science fiction films and comic books. I noticed what was on the street was a far cry from what we are capable of.
At the time, heritage, vintage, retro, remakes, reissues had completely taken over. And we were perfectly satisfied. Where is the ingenuity, the pioneering spirit, the boldness? This was the most frustrating part of it all. It felt like we just gave up. It felt like we just didn’t give a damn. Were we to resign ourselves in an endless loop and rehash what has been?
Someone needed to look after the future. So I started a motorcycle company that focused on what could be rather than what was.
I get it. Are we so arrogant to say that it is us that will alter the course of the industry? No, not at all. We do, however, believe we can inspire someone out there who can change the future.
Our cars and our motorcycles symbolise possibilities and I think that’s why so many collectors, museums and individuals gravitate towards our work. They demonstrate the notion that if we can think it then we can make it.
And that the only difference between fact and fiction is time.”
By: Daryl VIllanueva
Founder, Chief of design – Bandit9
