This Bandit9 Ducati 821 is Proper Track Tool

• Just nine made-to-order motorcycles worldwide
• V-twin makes 110bhp and reaches 201kmph
• Hand-built bodywork

Bandit9 Ducati 821 is the sort of motorcycle that makes you pause to ponder if the engineering underneath even works. Its smooth metal surfaces, tightly packed proportions and almost uninterrupted bodywork make it look like a futuristic hollow concept. Yet, this is a functioning performance motorcycle that can be ordered, ridden and taken through actual fast corners.

Priced at USD 49,900 (nearly Rs 47.8 lakh without customs, duties, road tax and what not), the Ducati 821 is not just transport. It is a hand-built collector’s motorcycle limited to only nine examples worldwide. Each unit will be individually commissioned with Bandit9 quoting a construction period of six to eight months. It is near impossible to spot one, even if you’re travelling abroad.

The project began after a customer approached Bandit9 with an interest in the company’s EVE Odyssey design. Idea being applying a similar design approach to a faster and more aggressive platform that could be enjoyed on curvy roads. The resulting motorcycle takes the familiar mechanical character of an 821cc Ducati and wraps it inside an entirely new structure.

Coolest part of the Bandit9 Ducati 821 is the way its body appears to have been shaped as one continuous object. The front section, fuel tank area, rider’s seat and tail flow into each other without the usual collection of exposed panels and mounting points. That polished aluminium gives the motorcycle its bright metallic finish, while race-grade composite material or optional carbon fibre can be used for the contrasting sections.

Even the smaller components have been treated as part of the overall design. The front forks receive polished aluminium covers and the fuel cap is machined from aluminium. Bandit9 has also developed custom mirrors, footpegs, rear-set controls and fenders. The LED headlight, daytime running light, indicators and brake lights are integrated into the body rather than appearing as separate fittings.

At the rear, the single-sided swingarm leaves much of the wheel visible and adds to the motorcycle’s clean stance. The exhaust and silencer have also been designed to fit into the body avoiding the bulky appearance of a conventional side-mounted unit.

Underneath all that polished awesomeness is an 821cc eight-valve V-twin making 110bhp and roughly 89Nm of peak torque. It tops out at 201kmph and has a zero-to-100kmph sprint time of 3.3 seconds. Weighing approximately 175kg dry, the motorcycle will feel light like a Monster always does.

The 870mm saddle height will be demanding for shorter riders and the mentioned 93.2mm ground clearance leaves little room for poor roads, steep ramps or tall speed breakers. So yeah, be very careful. Bandit9 also takes 50 percent of the payment as a deposit followed by 25 percent midway through the build and the remaining amount before delivery. The company can arrange international shipping, although registration, local homologation and compliance approvals are not guaranteed. Those responsibilities remain with the owner.