Bandit9 Reduces the Motorcycle to a Beautiful Chrome Skeleton
An ode to the Jet Age in motorcycle form.
Beijing’s Bandit9 has a reputation for experimenting with, and pushing the boundaries of motorcycle aesthetics, and continues to do so with aplomb in their latest model, the AVA. Conceived as a tribute to the technological optimism of the Jet Age, just as the nascent airline industry was beginning to take flight, the AVA is a completely hand-built, chrome-clad affair that strips the motorcycle down to its most essential components. “If you look back 60 years ago, during the Jet Age, it was a time when cars, trains and planes symbolized progress,” says founder Daryl Villanueva on the AVA’s inspiration. “We took risks. We went to the moon, we broke the sound barrier. We made history.”
Featuring a high-grade steel unibody and fairing, the AVA is based on the 125cc Honda Supersport, with a bevy of enhancements including a sand-casted “deer leg” swing arm, uniquely engineered rear dual shocks, a seat hewn from calf leather, as well as a series of other handcrafted customizations. Limited to nine units, the AVA is now available online with free international shipping for $10,950 USD.
