Simplicity at its best—nothing more, nothing less
In a time when motorcycles are characterized by technology, when gauges look like they have been ripped from the screen of a tablet, and ride modes promise to make riding way easier and more mechanical – a bike which simplifies all this will be well appreciated by fans of everything old school. No distraction, no unnecessary complication—just a simple machine with an engine on two wheels.
Motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 are perfect examples of this. On paper, the numbers, features, and performance are not what this is about. No, it is just a straight forward, air-and-oil cooled, parallel-twin engine that is simply meant to do exactly what motorbikes always did best—to get you to your destination with just the right amount of personality and character. And that is exactly why bikes like this provide the perfect platform for an absolutely beautiful custom build.
What Bandit9 has done with the Arthur II is a beautiful illustration of this. Bandit9 is not exactly a typical motorcycle company. Founded by Daryl Villanueva, the Vietnamese workshop works like an art studio.
The whole bodywork of the Arthur II is composed of one unbroken section of highly polished metal, shaped by hand. No visible welds, no individual panels, no hard edges—just one smooth, flowing shape.
The Arthur II is meant to be ridden, so it is powered by the same Royal Enfield 648cc parallel-twin that provides a laid-back, emotional experience. No ride modes to cycle through, no electronic rider aids – just you and the bike.
The clip-on handlebars have been set low, the seat is a thin piece of hand-crafted leather, and the exhaust hugs the bike’s curves so well it almost looks part of the bodywork. The custom swingarm and the custom twin rear shock absorbers really keep the rear as clean as possible.
In today’s world of motorcycle design, such restraint is unusual. Modern bikes seem to feel compelled to do more, as if a machine is not whole without the latest tech. But not the Arthur II – It is a reminder that sometimes less can be more, that simplicity is beautiful, and that design and craftsmanship can say something greater than any technical specification could.
Since there are only nine units made, and at a price tag of USD 26,990 (approximately Rs 23,00,000 before taxes and duties) it for sure has the price tag of a collector’s item.
Bandit9 has really done something special with this bike. They have stripped down the bike to leave only its essentials. What they are left with is something timeless—futuristic yet vintage at the same time, minimalist but not lacking in detail. It shows that a motorcycle need not be complicated to look breathtaking.
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