Daryl 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…
AVA 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.
Attached 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)
Looks like incredible craftsmanship but the design is not my cup of tea.
Really nice! Futurism indeed.
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…
Pleasure of the eyes. Nice that some devote their time to art applied to motorcycles.
Pure jewelry.
Would like it in my living room. If I had room…
Give him a Scout engine & tranny, some sheet metal and let’s see what he can do
Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.
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.
Museum quality, no doubt.
So clean, so cool. Don’t change a thing!
Very talented builder!
I love this guys philosophy, and to me this bike is a perfect expression of that.
Good job Daryl ….. awesome motorcycle …
Domino Dave
Interesting brake choices…Id like to see it in color as well…
Uber Cool….!!!
-nicker-
Absolutely fabulous!
It is beautiful, as art
Not a motorcycle
It’s nice but please get rid of the K-mart speedo head!
Looks great! I wouldn’t buy one but I’m sure there’s a niche for this type of motorcycle !
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!!
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.
It needs pedals not a motor . and baseball cards in the spokes , just sayin .