Jet Age Motorcycle Futurism By Bandit 9

1AVA2AVA3AVA4AVADaryl Villanueva, the Bandit Chief at Bandit 9, doesn’t believe in the traditional custom motorcycle shop model. Or at least considers that what he likes to create – an evolution of older models to the jet age future – put his work in a unique category that can’t be defined, except by himself… As he explained to me : “Automotive design isn’t what it used to be. What I see on the streets today is lifeless. If you look back 60 years ago, during the Jet Age, it was a time when cars, trains and planes symbolized progress. A time when designers and engineers took creative and mechanical risks. We went to the moon, we broke the sound barrier. We made history…”

The custom motorcycle featured here and named AVA is based on a Honda Supersport 125cc. It’s not what is important or remakable. The bike is a brand new work built to try to revive the spirit and momentum of the Jet Age. Don’t be mistaken, yes it can be ridden although Daryl is perfectly aware that most of his clients display his bikes in their living room, office, gallery, shop etc where they can be admired for their flawless design and superb craftsmanship. Only nine people will own this model available for a the price of $10,950, shipping included and delivered to your door wherever you live in the world!

Daryl thinks of the next design while working on the next 8 production units, growing his business while staying fully focused on creativity. He doesn’t believe in “one-off” motorcycles and will not even entertain any special request because the back and forth with a client is a distraction taking time away from focusing on design. For the same reason, he doesn’t intend to print and sell stickers or tee-shirts, He even turned down an offer for a Motorcycle Art Cafe. It doesn’t mean he is not looking for diversification, but it will centered on automotive design and for this purpose he is building a brand new large operation. But it’s still a secret he wants to keep…

665AVA67AVA9AVA666AVAAVA is a steel unibody form with no rupture of lines between gas tank, seat and rear cowl. An exercise in design and fabrication much more difficult to execute than one can think. No machine help to do this. Just time and pure talent. To be noticed, the very special “deer leg” shaped swingarm, apparently looking fragile, but as a matter of fact conceived thanks to it’s bend. Daryl created it pouring molten steel onto a sand cast mold.

8bisAVA667AVAAttached to it, a very artistic pair of shocks. The front cowl is also an interesting piece, not only because of its unique geometry but because it perfectly incorporates the headlight who now “belongs” to the bike instead of hanging out like on most bikes. A speedometer was stripped from its casing and dressed with a new artistic steel body. All other parts – of course it doesn’t include anything unnecessary – are hand made: front suspension, exhaust system, handlebars with bar-end indicators, brake lights, foot pegs, levers, switches, leather seat etc. Result, a gorgeous chrome-clad machine defying classification. And personally, I am glad it exists. Bandit 9. (photography courtesy Daryl Villanueva)

22 Responses to “Jet Age Motorcycle Futurism By Bandit 9”


  1. 1 mazz Dec 14th, 2015 at 9:07 am

    Looks like incredible craftsmanship but the design is not my cup of tea.

  2. 2 pj98rider Dec 14th, 2015 at 9:09 am

    Really nice! Futurism indeed.

  3. 3 Jeff Duval Dec 14th, 2015 at 9:26 am

    Kewler than that, ya freeze 🙂 ! But can you imagine the same a tad meatier with a 500 single Aermacchi Ala d’Oro? Food for thoughts indeed…

  4. 4 Chris Dec 14th, 2015 at 9:33 am

    Pleasure of the eyes. Nice that some devote their time to art applied to motorcycles.

  5. 5 P. Hamilton Dec 14th, 2015 at 9:34 am

    Pure jewelry.

  6. 6 B. Garner Dec 14th, 2015 at 9:35 am

    Would like it in my living room. If I had room…

  7. 7 Domino Dec 14th, 2015 at 9:37 am

    Give him a Scout engine & tranny, some sheet metal and let’s see what he can do

  8. 8 Greeko Dec 14th, 2015 at 9:40 am

    Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

  9. 9 Paul Hemsley Dec 14th, 2015 at 9:44 am

    I guess it was not easy to write a long text about such a creation. But the chapter about the builder’s motivation/philosophy explains well why he does what he does. This guy deserves respect.

  10. 10 Paul Sharp Dec 14th, 2015 at 9:45 am

    Museum quality, no doubt.

  11. 11 Woody's Dec 14th, 2015 at 9:51 am

    So clean, so cool. Don’t change a thing!

  12. 12 Fritz Dec 14th, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    Very talented builder!

  13. 13 domino Dec 14th, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    I love this guys philosophy, and to me this bike is a perfect expression of that.
    Good job Daryl ….. awesome motorcycle …

    Domino Dave

  14. 14 Zenaldo Dec 14th, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    Interesting brake choices…Id like to see it in color as well…

  15. 15 nicker Dec 14th, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    Uber Cool….!!!

    -nicker-

  16. 16 Sportster mike Dec 14th, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    Absolutely fabulous!

  17. 17 Blackmax Dec 14th, 2015 at 6:36 pm

    It is beautiful, as art
    Not a motorcycle

  18. 18 rcupp Dec 14th, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    It’s nice but please get rid of the K-mart speedo head!

  19. 19 Boots Dec 14th, 2015 at 8:37 pm

    Looks great! I wouldn’t buy one but I’m sure there’s a niche for this type of motorcycle !

  20. 20 Emmett Dec 15th, 2015 at 8:26 am

    I couldn’t agree more about the “lifeless” cages of today. That is unless you are ready to drop mega bucks for a sports car or retro Shelby Cobra. You go kid!!

  21. 21 Calif Phil Dec 15th, 2015 at 9:33 am

    That bike is a work of art. I like everything about it except for the speedo.
    If I had 10 grand to spend on jewelry I would own this bike.

  22. 22 RUB Dec 18th, 2015 at 7:12 am

    It needs pedals not a motor . and baseball cards in the spokes , just sayin .

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Cyril Huze