Over the past few weeks, we shared in-depth features on two exotic-looking two-wheeled machines, the AMB001 developed by Brough Superior that was up for auction on our sister-site Sotheby’s Motorsport (SOMO), and the one-off #HF355 Ferrari V8-powered custom creation built by L.A.-based fabricator Maxwell Hazan.
Now, based on the response, it’s clear that you lot are drawn to motorcycles that break convention, and continuing in that spirit, let’s turn our attention to what is perhaps one of the most captivating limited-edition bikes of the year: this is the Ducati 821 by Vietnam-based Bandit9.
Originally commissioned by a San Francisco collector who admired Bandit9’s sci-fi-inspired EVE Odyssey, this machine is the product of a singular vision of Van Daryl Vicente Villanueva, the Founder and Design Chief of Bandit9.
With a 15-year background in design, Daryl brings a wealth of experience, and under his direction, Bandit9 has evolved into a sculptural motorcycle atelier redefining what vehicles can be. Bridging the gap between industrial design and fine art, some of his previous works have been displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum and covered by global design platforms including MoMA.
Built on the bones of a Ducati Monster 821, discontinued in 2017, this unique build is a complete reimagining of the original Italian naked motorcycle, with every panel, surface, redesigned and handcrafted to fit within a singular, monolithic aesthetic. The unibody fairing is shaped from hand-polished aluminum, and the single-seat cowl is formed from carbon fiber. The entire silhouette gives the impression of liquid metal flowing over a performance machine that was shaped for slicing through a wind tunnel.
Coming to the oily bits, beneath that futuristic aerodynamic skin lies Ducati’s proven 821cc Testastretta engine, delivering 110 horsepower and 65.8 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph. With the 11° V-twin powerplant sitting in a custom steel trellis and cast aluminum frame, the bike weighs just 386 pounds dry.
This positions the Bandit9 Ducati 821 in an interesting middle ground. While it’s lighter than full-size sport-touring bikes like the BMW R 1250 RS (which tips the scales at over 520 pounds), it is slightly heavier than ultra-focused track machines like the Yamaha R6, which comes in closer to 370 pounds. For context, the standard naked Ducati Monster 821 weighs about 395 pounds dry, meaning Bandit9 has actually managed to shed weight despite the radical transformation by the addition of a full fairing and that completely reworked aerodynamic body.
This translates to a power-to-weight ratio of roughly 0.285 hp per pound. For comparison, a stock Monster 821 sits at about 0.278 hp/lb, and the Yamaha R6, despite being a popular track tool, delivers closer to 0.26 hp/lb. While some exotic bikes chase ultra-light numbers to boost agility, often sacrificing comfort, road presence, or high-speed stability, Bandit9 is gunning for the sweet spot.
The extra weight, especially when combined with the long, sculpted and aggressive riding position, should give the bike a planted, confident feel through fast sweepers and downhill sections. Additionally, the 4.23-gallon fuel tank provides a usable 145-mile range, and Bandit9 intends for this bike to be ridden both on the road and on the track.
Aiding the dynamics is a chassis equipped with 43mm Sachs forks up front and an adjustable Sachs mono-shock at the rear, while braking is handled by twin 320mm slotted Brembo discs with monobloc calipers in front and a 245mm disc at the rear, with ABS providing the necessary safety margin during aggressive braking.
Every visual and functional element has been crafted to blend seamlessly into the overall form, right from the custom-milled aluminum fuel cap and fork covers to the internally routed cables, LED lighting that disappears into the bodywork when not in use, and an integrated exhaust that also seamlessly blends into the body.
With only nine examples planned for production, each priced at $44,900 (including the donor motorcycle), it may seem like a substantial premium when you consider the current Monster range starts at just $12,995. But the Bandit9 Ducati 821 is made for those who appreciate exclusivity, obsessive craftsmanship, futuristic design, and high-performance engineering all coming together in one single cohesive form.
Images Source: Bandit9, Ducati