In a dazzling fusion of vintage inspiration and futuristic design, custom motorcycle house Bandit9 has unveiled the Arthur II—a chrome bespoke café racer based on the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. Limited to just nine units worldwide and priced at $25,990, this hand-built machine redefines the boundaries of motorcycle artistry.
Crafted in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, by Bandit9’s founder and design chief Daryl Villanueva, the Arthur II retains the Continental GT’s air/oil-cooled 648cc SOHC parallel-twin engine. However, nearly every other component has been reimagined. The motorcycle features a custom parametric steel frame that modifies key structural elements while preserving the original headstock, swingarm pivot, and engine mounts. This innovative approach allows for a lower-mounted fuel tank and a sleeker overall profile.
Perfectly Polished
The standout feature of the Arthur II is its hand-beaten, mirror-polished aluminum bodywork. This envelops the bike in a seamless chrome finish. Eschewing computer-guided fabrication, Bandit9’s artisans have sculpted each panel by hand. This craftsmanship results in a unique, flowing aesthetic that blurs the line between machine and sculpture.
Suspension upgrades further distinguish the Arthur II from its stock counterpart. The traditional piggyback shocks have been replaced with horizontally mounted springs attached to newly designed anchor points on the chassis and swingarm. The front forks have been lowered and polished, contributing to the bike’s aggressive stance and streamlined appearance.
Attention to detail extends to the cockpit, where minimalist curved handlebars with brown leather grips evoke early 20th-century board track racers. Custom controls, switches, and lighting elements—including uniquely positioned indicators—enhance the bike’s bespoke character. A hand-stitched calf leather seat complements the grips, adding a touch of luxury to the rider’s experience.
The Arthur II is not Bandit9’s first foray into reimagining the Continental GT platform. The original Arthur model laid the groundwork for this sequel. It showcased the potential of Royal Enfield’s versatile twin-cylinder engine as a canvas for custom innovation. With the Arthur II, Bandit9 pushes the envelope further. Here, they deliver a motorcycle that is as much a work of art as it is a mode of transportation.
For enthusiasts seeking a motorcycle that combines classic café racer ethos with avant-garde chrome design, the Arthur II offers an exclusive opportunity. Its limited production run ensures rarity, while its meticulous craftsmanship guarantees a riding experience unlike any other. As Bandit9 continues to challenge conventions, the Arthur II displays the enduring allure of bespoke motorcycle design.
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