31 Mar Arthur II by Bandit9: A Bespoke Royal Enfield GT 650 Turned Rolling Art

Arthur II is not just a motorcycle — it’s a bold fusion of engineering and art. Meticulously handcrafted by Daryl Villanueva and his renowned team at Bandit9, this custom-built machine transforms the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 into a futuristic café racer that defies convention. Designed exclusively for a client in Germany, Arthur II continues the legacy of the original Arthur 535 but takes performance, design, and craftsmanship to new heights.

A Custom Royal Enfield GT 650 Reimagined

Starting life as a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, Arthur II is powered by a 650cc parallel-twin engine — a significant upgrade from the 535cc single-cylinder platform of its predecessor. While the engine remains mostly stock for reliability and performance balance, every other aspect of the motorcycle has been radically reimagined.

At the core is a custom parametric steel frame, blending original elements like the headstock and swingarm pivot with new flowing components designed to erase harsh lines and create an uninterrupted silhouette. The revised subframe eliminates the standard mounting points and supports a floating café-style tail, creating a sleek, minimalist profile free of visible fasteners.

Precision Engineering Meets Pure Aesthetics

Bandit9’s signature style is evident in every component. The twin horizontal rear shocks are mounted with surgical precision, offering both functionality and visual balance. Up front, the forks have been lowered and cleaned up, paired with custom-machined triple clamps and polished board tracker handlebars that give the bike a lean, aggressive stance.

The bodywork is fabricated entirely from polished aluminum, giving Arthur II a sculpted, high-gloss finish reminiscent of modern art. The fuel tank echoes the original Arthur design but exaggerates the knee dents and curves for a more dramatic, moonlit silhouette. A flush-mounted pop-up gas cap adds a refined touch.

Luxury Meets Performance

Every inch of Arthur II is handcrafted to perfection. The saddle and grips are wrapped in hand-stitched calf leather, and even the smallest details — throttle, levers, and switchgear — are machined in-house to Bandit9’s exacting standards. The custom airbox features a meshed, single-entry enclosure feeding both intakes, and the sweeping exhaust headers flow into bespoke mufflers for a symphonic growl.

From lighting and turn signals to the foot controls and radiator guard, every part showcases Bandit9’s seamless blend of utility, performance, and artistry. The bike is finished in their signature high-polish chrome, elevating the entire design to a mirror-like brilliance.

Limited Edition: Only 9 Units Worldwide

Arthur II is not mass-produced. It’s a collector’s piece, a statement machine limited to just nine units worldwide. Each one represents a fusion of visionary design, precision engineering, and obsessive craftsmanship. It is, without question, a rolling sculpture — and a declaration that Daryl Villanueva and Bandit9 remain at the forefront of avant-garde motorcycle design.

WRITTEN & CURATED BY OZZIE SMALL