Modified Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 From Vietnam Travels Back In Time
Simplicity at its best—nothing more, nothing less
In a time when motorcycles are characterized by technology, when gauges look like they have been ripped from the screen of a tablet, and ride modes promise to make riding way easier and more mechanical - a bike which simplifies all this will be well appreciated by fans of everything old school. No distraction, no unnecessary complication—just a simple machine with an engine on two wheels.
Motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 are perfect examples of this. On paper, the numbers, features, and performance are not what this is about. No, it is just a straight forward, air-and-oil cooled, parallel-twin engine that is simply meant to do exactly what motorbikes always did best—to get you to your destination with just the right amount of personality and character. And that is exactly why bikes like this provide the perfect platform for an absolutely beautiful custom build.
What Bandit9 has done with the Arthur II is a beautiful illustration of this. Bandit9 is not exactly a typical motorcycle company. Founded by Daryl Villanueva, the Vietnamese workshop works like an art studio.
The whole bodywork of the Arthur II is composed of one unbroken section of highly polished metal, shaped by hand. No visible welds, no individual panels, no hard edges—just one smooth, flowing shape.
The Arthur II is meant to be ridden, so it is powered by the same Royal Enfield 648cc parallel-twin that provides a laid-back, emotional experience. No ride modes to cycle through, no electronic rider aids - just you and the bike.
The clip-on handlebars have been set low, the seat is a thin piece of hand-crafted leather, and the exhaust hugs the bike's curves so well it almost looks part of the bodywork. The custom swingarm and the custom twin rear shock absorbers really keep the rear as clean as possible.
In today's world of motorcycle design, such restraint is unusual. Modern bikes seem to feel compelled to do more, as if a machine is not whole without the latest tech. But not the Arthur II - It is a reminder that sometimes less can be more, that simplicity is beautiful, and that design and craftsmanship can say something greater than any technical specification could.
Since there are only nine units made, and at a price tag of USD 26,990 (approximately Rs 23,00,000 before taxes and duties) it for sure has the price tag of a collector's item.
Bandit9 has really done something special with this bike. They have stripped down the bike to leave only its essentials. What they are left with is something timeless—futuristic yet vintage at the same time, minimalist but not lacking in detail. It shows that a motorcycle need not be complicated to look breathtaking.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (2018-2026) User Reviews
- Gt650 royal enfieldI always wanted a classic. The GT six still looks amazing. Sounds great when engine makes every ride good. Feel special smooth, the power delivery makes every ride enjoyable and give it a unique experience. The ride has been excellent. The engine is refined, acceleration, smooth, and the exhaust not active riding pushes 40, so it can feel tiring on the long right but incredible fun on highways smooth as it is. I would definitely recommend the GT to anyone full of classic styling and strong performance is perfect for the weekend rights and highway touring though the committed writing portion may not suit everyone for daily committing.Read More1
- About gt650This bike is one of all fav bikes where every teenager trys to buy this bike becomes of it looks, especially in chrome colour and this is the only bike where we get looks and power for its price and it is the only 650 cc we get under good price. I ridden this bike around 20000 km and the positives are the power, the torque, looks the negative side of this bike is we need to get used to the position of the bike and for long travels we can't prefer it. The person who is into bike and who wants a pure power with zero modes and tech he can buy this bike and for the road presences it is the most sold bike. The person who wants to travel he should avoid this bike.Read More
- Pro and cons of gt650Its good bike only if you can handle it because of its weigth and high cc, its not beginner friendly but if you have experience with high cc and heavy bike its gonna be best bike for its price. but its still not good for day to day or city driving because of its heating and low mileage, its gonna be a problem.Read More1 2
- Good and badI wanted good classy looking cool bike and GT 650 is exactly what I wanted, it has no competitor. If given second chance of choosing bike, I would still pick this up instead of speedy KTM bikes. Only problem it has is the weight is hard to manage and it can be hard to turn in corners but I knew what I was buying. Its a good bike, I have some burn marks on my legs but that is what I expect it gets hot and you can feel the heat in city but it won't shut down and cause issue, you should treat it like a 600 cc bike and properly respect its weight in corners and city. Only if you have other bikes and cars. This being your primary day to day bike is not can be easy to use in a city or day to day commute to office. It will be too much of power and weight. Only buy for highways and sunday ride.Read More3 2
- Its a whole different vibe with 650That bulky boy and speed makes the bike very attractive and muscular and it gives the vibe that other bike can't give you if you'er going to college or office the royal enfild continental gt 650 would be the best option. Eventually its good for mileage and comfort for short rides if you have the capacity for riding on full throttle then you will get deficiencies for mileage, if we ride like a gentleman then we can feel the comfort and safety. If you can maintain the bike and do proper maintenance it would be a great option to choose because this bike has its own aura and there is no similar bike like royal enfiled gt 650 in the market for a middle call this bike is best.Read More3 1