The Bandit9 EVE 2020 is the epitome of “looks fast standing still.”
You may not have ever heard of Daryl Villanueva or Bandit9, but the Vietnamese-based custom motorcycle builder is a standout talent in the vast ocean of hand-built bikes. In recent years, Villanueva has honed his personal style and found a niche in celebrating the ironic pairing of small-displacement engines and polished jet-age styling. For Villanueva, the past few years are filled with home run after home run, like the Arthur, Merlin, and L-Concept bikes and he’s carrying that momentum into the new decade with the Eve 2020.
Crafted in collaboration with luxury fashion house Lane Crawford, the Eve 2020 continues Villanueva’s exaggerated streamlined style and penchant for small displacement motorcycles. The metallic monocoque body is built around a 125cc air-cooled engine and a four-speed semi-automatic transmission with a chain drive. It’s the same powertrain you might find on any given bike crowding the streets around Bandit9 HQ in Ho Chi Minh City. However, the stainless steel tank, front cowl and turbine-styled engine cover make would make George Jetson wish he still had roads.
The Bandit9 Eve 2020 only has a top speed of 65 mph, but to be fair, it looks like it’s doing that … [+]
Almost everything on the bike, from the front forks, handlebars, levers and speedometer, to the leather saddle, exhaust and swingarm, is custom. Like every other model series from Bandit9, the Eve 2020 is also incredibly rare considering Villanueva will only build nine units. And aside from the prototype — the first of the nine bikes, which takes around six months to build from concept to completion — the final eight take around six months to build and are made to order. The kicker? Each Eve 2020 is only $11,950 and ships anywhere in the world, for free.
Almost everything on the Bandt9 Eve 2020, from the front forks, handlebars, levers and speedometer, … [+]
In a world where most custom motorcycles regularly compete on price with the average car, the Bandit9 Eve 2020 — with its mesmerizing looks and one-of-nine-in-the-world rarity — knocks on the door of fine art. It could easily live as the centerpiece in your living room, just so long as you do it justice and take it for a ride every week. Nothing this beautiful deserves to be locked away from the world.
Follow me on Instagram @BusinessBryan
