Hephaestus by Bandit9
Bandit9’s goal is to deliver a unique and stylish product drastically different from the last. Their adventurous pirate philosophy and experimental techniques is what drives them into a design territory no other custom builder would feel safe. And Hephaestus is the just the latest manifestation of their swashbuckling imagination.
An evolution of the 1988 Honda Bros 400, Bandit9 shed the bike’s original plastic exterior and refitted it with a more modern aesthetic; sporting an armor-like exoskeleton forged from steel. There’s nothing soft about the bike, except for maybe the hand stitched black leather seat. The tank, gas cap, cowl, side covers and fender were all handcrafted from stainless steel.
The tank is sculpted with a gentle mohawk that carries through to the cowl and the fender. The side-covers with a dotted grill pattern were fashioned from sheet metal. The handlebars were replaced with clip-ons designed by Bandit9.
The rear lights function both as turn signals and brakes. When you signal to turn, the corresponding light flashes. Both rear lights flash red when you hit the brakes. The exhausts were shortened to expose the original single swing arm; making the rear wheel appear to float.
This year, as Bandit9 grows, the shop will expand their craft beyond the Chang Jiang. In Beijing, it’s all systems go for Bandit9, as they plan to increase their output and build more custom motorcycles throughout the year. Hephaestus is just their first step.
Tom Cooper | Elite.
