For the last decade, Vietnam’s Bandit9 has carved out a unique place in the larger custom motorcycle scene, delivering alloy-bodied, sci-fi-inspired takes on classic bikes. And while the Ho Chi Minh City shop built its reputation around crafting small-displacement models, Bandit9 has more recently been taking on full-size donors, the latest of which is its SUPERMARINE.
Unequivocally Bandit9’s most ambitious project to date, the SUPERMARINE is comprised of a whopping 400 components that were all custom-designed in-house. Constructed around a bespoke chassis — made from stainless steel or carbon fiber — that’s paired with an ultra-idiosyncratic swing-arm design, the bike rides on custom cast-aluminum wheels and comes equipped with a Nitrons suspension and quad-piston Brembo calipers, though Bandit9 is also offering optional upgrades to Ohlins suspenders and equally top-shelf six-pot Berginer brakes. Taking direct inspiration from the shape of the Mobula Ray, the SUPERMARINE is cloaked in a wind-tunnel-developed set of bodywork — offered in ABS plastic or carbon fiber — that bolsters airflow to the engine and increases downforce in the corners. At the heart of the bike is one of Triumph’s classic parallel twin engines with either a 900cc lump that’s good for 74hp, 59ft-lbs of torque, and a 120mph top-speed, or a 1,200cc twin affording 103hp and 83-ft-lbs and a top speed of 130mph. Both engines are mated to a five-speed transmission, however, customers can also opt for a six-speed unit. There’s also a custom two-into-two stainless steel exhaust that can also be up-specced to a titanium unit. Information is also relayed to the rider via a custom LED display.
In total, the SUPERMARINE tips the scales at 476lbs, or as little as 418lbs when fitted with all the available upgrades. Built on a made-to-order basis, the Bandit9 SUPERMARINE is currently available for order, with deliveries scheduled to begin in December of 2021.
