Custom motorcycle enthusiasts will want to take note of the latest creation from Bandit9, a bespoke motorcycle workshop based in Vietnam. The studio has launched a limited production run of the Ducati 821, with only nine units available worldwide. Priced at USD 44,900, this custom bike showcases Bandit9’s signature approach to design, transforming the well-known Ducati model into a striking piece of art.
The Ducati 821 serves as the foundation for this bespoke project, which started as a one-off commission inspired by a client’s admiration for Bandit9’s previous model, the EVE Odyssey. The goal was to create a motorcycle capable of dominating mountain roads while reflecting the unique aesthetic that Bandit9 is known for. The result is a remarkable blend of functionality and beauty, featuring polished aluminum that runs the length of the bike without visible fasteners or mounting points.
Design and Performance Features
At the heart of the custom Ducati 821 lies the original 821cc Testastretta 11° L-twin engine from Ducati, delivering 110 horsepower and 65.8 lb.ft (89.2 Nm) of torque. This power enables the bike to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). The bike incorporates a split-body design where aluminum is used for the primary reflective surfaces while carbon fiber is utilized for the seat and rear section, enhancing its handling capabilities on uneven terrain.
Weighing in at 386 lb (175 kg) dry, the Ducati 821 is heavier than some entry-level motorcycles but still manageable for a bike in its class. The front suspension features non-adjustable 43-mm Sachs forks, complemented by an adjustable Sachs monoshock at the rear, allowing for preload and rebound adjustments. Stopping power is provided by dual 320-mm Brembo monobloc radial calipers paired with 245-mm Brembo discs at both the front and back.
A Unique Customization Process
Bandit9’s latest creation redefines the Ducati Monster 821, a model celebrated for its minimalist design and performance. The company has reimagined the bike’s bodywork from scratch, handcrafting every component to achieve a cohesive design. “Every component has been redesigned and hand-fabricated to achieve a singular concept: unity,” stated Bandit9. The meticulous attention to detail extends to the gas cap, fork covers, and bespoke integrated exhaust system, all coated in polished aluminum.
The custom bike also features tailored foot pegs, rear controls, fenders, and mirrors. Notably, all cables are internally routed, and the LED lighting is discreetly integrated into the bodywork, remaining virtually invisible when not in use. This particular model fits perfectly within Bandit9’s portfolio, which includes the notable EVE Odyssey and Nano e-scooter.
With only nine units being produced and each taking approximately six months to complete, the Ducati 821 customization is poised to become a collector’s item. While its price tag may surpass that of many standard automobiles, it is unlikely that owners will use it as a daily ride. Instead, it will likely be showcased as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and artistic design, appealing to those who appreciate motorcycles as a form of art.
