Skip to main content

The Bandit9 Supermarine Makes Its First Appearance on Land

The Supermarine from Bandit9.
The Supermarine from Bandit9. Bandit9

Bandit9 is here to offer automotive art lovers the chance to own a machine that looks like it was driven straight out of a science fiction ocean. 

Bandit9 Supermarine Design

When it comes to engineering cutting-edge, vicious yet graceful motorcycles, there’s arguably no brand that is better than Daryl Villanueva’s Bandit9. The Saigon-based motorbike manufacturer has produced some of the world’s most striking two-wheeled creations in the past 10 years including the L-Concept and the Arthur and the Merlin (in concert with Royal Enfield). Now the firm has released what may be its most stunning offering: The Supermarine Motorcycle. The futuristic-looking machine contains a frame that hails from the stars underneath a body that mimics a leaping Manta ray. 

Recommended Videos

Space Age fundamentals form the foundation of a motorcycle that’s built to be impervious to the elements. The Supermarine’s lightweight chassis was developed by in-house aerospace engineers to withstand enormous forces —and look effortless in doing it. The 7075 aluminum alloy used for this skeleton is more ​​typically used in missiles and other defense applications, which is exactly what bikers need in a frame: Strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance.

Related Guides

These engineers came to Bandit9 as the result of a two-year business restructuring, a process that honed a new product strategy, and developed innovative methods to elicit an almost fictional motorcycle future. This re-focus brought in robotics, mechatronics, and chemical engineers to work alongside international automotive designers who applied 3D tools, engineering programs, and cutting-edge precision to create the Supermarine. 

Precision, Speed, and Power

The Supermarine’s power, for example, does not come from its engine size but from precision and manipulating aerodynamics. Air tunnels and simulators helped Bandit9 engineers to develop an air-slick body that maximizes airflow on straights and downforce on turns.

At the heart of this lion is a Triumph Twin Engine — a British icon that’s like a bare-knuckle boxer in an English suit. The Supermarine comes with a standard 900cc engine that’s upgradable to 1200cc. Buyers can also choose between a high-toughness resin exterior or upgrade to ultra-light carbon fiber. The Supermarine also features standard grade performance racing Nitrons with an option to upgrade to Ohlins. The Supermarine, finally, has Brembos brakes with high-end Beringer Aerotecs an add-on alternative.

Where to Buy a Custom Made Supermarine Motorcycle

All in all, the Supermarine marks a quantum leap that leaves Bandit9 once again in uncharted design territory. You can check out more details about the Supermarine from Bandit9. All orders are custom-made. Bandit9 asserts that the bike’s first deliveries will be by Dec. 2021.

Read More: Medieval Bandit9 Motorcycles, Living in the Future

Matthew Denis
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Matt Denis is an on-the-go remote multimedia reporter, exploring arts, culture, and the existential in the Pacific Northwest…
I drove the 2025 Lincoln Aviator: Here’s what long-distance luxury feels like
Massage seats, self-driving, and a solid infotainment system. Bring on the road trip.
Side view of a 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator is the mid-sized option from Ford’s luxury arm--sitting on the same platform as the Ford Explorer. It’s spacious, packed with technology, and sporting the kind of comfort features you would expect from something in the $60,000 and up price bracket.

On paper, it’s an ideal daily commuter for someone who likes a bit of comfort. But nobody drives on paper. To test it out thoroughly, I took it on a fairly major trip from New York’s Capital Region to the tip of Long Island and back. This involved between eight and ten hours of driving through a couple of towns, highways, the interstate, and a busy part of New York city.

Read more
Alpine F1 team will use Mercedes power units and gearboxes starting in 2026
With the new agreement, Alpine will be power unit customers, no longer potential suppliers to other teams.
Alpine and Mercedes-AMG F1 race cars.

After Renault's Alpine announced the decision to cease making engines for F1 race cars after 2025, that left open the question of where Alpine's F1 team would turn to source their engines. We now know the answer. Beginning in the 2026 season, Mercedes will supply the power units for Alpine's F1 race car. Mercedes will also supply the gearboxes used in the cars in 2026. The agreement to use Mercedes power units lasts through 2030, but Alpine plans to build and use their own gearbox starting in 2027.
Why Alpine's decision is a big deal
When Alpine disclosed it would cease building engines for F1 cars, it was a sea change for the manufacturer. Alpine and parent company Renault have historically been engine suppliers, providing engines to their F1 team and other teams. With the new agreement, Alpine will be power unit customers, no longer potential suppliers to other teams.
What the power unit supply deal means
The 2025 season will be the last season for the current power units. In 2026, F1 race cars and power units will be subject to next-generation FIA F1 rules and regulations. The new power units will have internal combustion engines that run on 100% biofuels and will use battery power more than the current power units.

Alpine will continue to build F1 engines at its Viry-Chatillon, France division through the end of the 2025 season, after which it will be re-purposed to Hypertech Alpine. Alpine's Enstone, UK division will continue to focus on the F1 race car's chassis.

Read more
2025 F1 Grand Prix calendar of events and races
Here's the full Grand Prix schedule with Sprint races and events
f1 lenovo sao paulo grand prix preview 2024 racing in the 2023

The FIA Formula 1 2025 season will celebrate F1's 75th anniversary throughout the year. The 2025 schedule includes an unprecedented season launch event at The O2 Arena in London and pre-season testing in Bahrain. The 24 Grand Prix events begin on March 14 in Australia and wrap up on December 7 in Abu Dhabi.

Six 2025 Grand Prix events will include Sprint races, the same number as in the 2024 season. Sprints are shorter races held the day before the Grand Prix races. The 2025 Grand Prix events with Sprint races will be in China, Miami, Spa, Austin, Sao Paulo, and Qatar.

Read more