Should I promote Chinese parts when they are knock-offs of the originals made elsewhere? Of course, not. Should I promote all custom builders wherever their work is produced? Evidently, yes. You are looking at one of the creations of one of the most reputable motorcycle shops in Beijing, China opened in 2011 and called Bandit9. The name Bandit 9 comes from the idea that bandits, pirates and outlaws are the kings of innovation and of individualism…
This Far East shop intends to demonstrate to the world that China is able to create originals capable of competing with the craft of the well known custom shops around the world. And I must admit that with a small budget, “Hephaestus” (Greek god of blacksmiths, craftsmen, artisans, sculptors, metals), is a nicely designed bike, striking the right balance between being too glitzy or overly rugged.
Based on a Honda Bros 400, a bike still affordable for the Chinese market, Hephaestus features a custom handcrafted stainless steel tank, cowl and fender, a custom gas cap, upgraded front and rear disc brakes and suspension, a custom hand-stitched leather seat, custom side covers, a custom exhaust and muffler and custom turn signals.
How much? For sale in China for the equivalent of US$13,000.
Are we going to see very soon Chinese custom builders competing in bike shows In Daytona & Sturgis? Is it possible that one day Chinese custom builders use American amd European made custom parts? Probably. Bandit9 China.
China owns us
Pretty nice custom…for China.
Not afraid to say that I like it.
China, the new country to invade the international custom bike scene. Watch out!
Good custom. How many can afford a $13,000 bike in China?
The ones who own the factories that are making all those millions of parts for the Drag catalog? ☺
How many can afford a $13,000 bike in China? Probably tens of millions. Luxury cars, Mercs, BMWs, Audis for example have long been in high demand over there.
If only the richest 5% of China could afford it, that’s a customer base of 500,000 to 750,000 people. I like it, it’s not an unrideable piece of art, but clearly a custom built bike.
If you like that sort of style ?
I don’t !
Doesn’t do a thing for me no matter where it’s made or what it cost ….
Worldwide economy right? No reason an innovative person in China can’t “Create” a custom bike or any other item on a worldwide quality scale. Kudo’s to him. However, systematic illegal collaboration between the Chinese government and industry puts our manufacturers at a disadvantage. But, instead of competing on the world stage in this country, our manufacturers either a) Sub their work to China and provide an inferior product and subsequent loss of market share, b) Demand more for less from the workers in this country, driving the quality people out of their organization in search of a living wage, or c) Give up and liquidate the corporation, pocketing the gleaned assets.
At no point, do the CEO’s and Wall Street return to the economic structure of the 1950’s when the top President’s and CEO’s made only 10 times the wages of experienced toolmakers and fabricators who build what they are selling. In this economy, if you’re at the top with money, multimillion dollar salaries are demanded and guaranteed or we won’t be in that business. The greed makes me sick!
Andygears
Journeyman Machinist
Just shows people are more alike no matter where they live. It is the Governments that muck up life for everyone !!!!
Andyg—
RE:
“…greed makes me sick!…”
If you don’t like the President or CEO’s wages then quit and start your own company……….
If you want wage & price controls go live in the Soviet Union.
But if your just going to yammer about a normal human prediliction (greed) then go hang with the Socialist crowd in the OhBummer administration.
Apparently even the Chinese have figured out that individuals looking after their own self interest will get a lot more done than any Nanny State.
-nicker-
Hey Nicker, Amen Brother! It amazes me when people resent or show jealousy to people who spent years and lot’s of money to prepare themselves for a CEO position.
Nice bike….just get rid of the car radiator.