I am sure many of us got to know (PRODUCT)RED through Apple’s collaboration with the charitable brand, which Apple has completely stopped after the remaining inventory of the iPhone 14 Silicone Case in (PRODUCT)RED officially sold out. But for those who don’t already know, (PRODUCT)RED is not just about Apple products; it has many more in its catalog, which is refreshed frequently.
It even had cars, btw, and now, even a motorcycle. Not just any motorcycle, btw. It is a custom bike from Bandit9.
And no, the Bandit9 (RED) 800, as it is called, is not a custom bike draped in a red paint job. That would be so boring, and easily mistaken for a Ducati.
Instead, the Vietnamese custom motorcycle specialist has created something rather spectacular. The Racing Red finish gradually fades into exposed, hand-brushed and hand-polished aluminum, revealing the sculptural unibody beneath. And because each motorcycle is finished by hand, no two will look exactly alike.
The result is a futuristic machine with flowing bodywork that looks almost impossibly smooth. There’s a single-sided swingarm, polished aluminum fork covers, an integrated exhaust and muffler, custom mirrors, an aluminum-milled fuel cap, and a high-density polyurethane foam seat.
The minimalist appearance extends to the lighting, with integrated LED headlights, daytime running lights, turn signals, and brake lights. Even the screws receive a polished finish.
And here’s something amusing. Beneath that extraordinary bodywork is actually a Ducati engine. Specifically, an 821 cc Testastretta eight-valve V-twin producing 110 bhp and 65.8 lb-ft (89.2 Nm) of torque. It is essentially a special-edition version of the Ducati 821 we saw last year.
So perhaps the Ducati comparison wasn’t entirely inappropriate after all.
The engine gives the (RED) 800 a claimed 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) sprint of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph). That’s proper performance to match its extraordinary appearance.
The custom chassis combines a tubular steel trellis frame with cast aluminum components, supported by 43 mm Sachs front forks and a preload- and rebound-adjustable Sachs rear shock.
Braking duties are handled by twin 320 mm front discs with four-piston Brembo monobloc radial calipers and a 245 mm rear disc, with ABS. It rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 120/70 front and 180/55 rear tires.
The motorcycle weighs approximately 175 kg (386 lbs.) dry and has a 17.5-liter (4.6-gallon) fuel tank, offering an estimated range of 233 km (145 miles). Saddle height is 870 mm (34.3 inches).
But the (RED) 800 isn’t just about performance and craftsmanship. It’s also about giving back.
Bandit9 will donate US$14,000 from every motorcycle sold to (RED), supporting life-saving healthcare programs in communities most in need, including efforts against AIDS and other preventable diseases.
Only nine individually commissioned examples will be built worldwide, with production taking approximately 8–12 months. Owners will receive progress updates throughout the build, and global delivery can be arranged. Road registration, however, depends on local regulations and is not guaranteed.
The Bandit9 (RED) 800 is available to order for US$49,900.
Images: Bandit9.
Story via Yanko Design.