EICMA 2017 saw the latest chapter in Keanu Reeves’ and Gard Hollinger’s Hawthorne, California based Arch Motorcycle odyssey with the debut of an updated original and two new models in front of an evidently glamor starved Press Corps at this year’s ‘Milan’ Show.
In the context of their much admired, if pricey ($78,000), 2015 S&S T124 engined EPA/Carb approved KRGT-1 launch, the “highly anticipated” Arch 1s and Arch ’Method’ 143 don’t disappoint.
As “boutique manufacturers” go, Arch Motorcycle Company is the real deal, unleashing bespoke, custom-production motorcycles from their state-of-the-art, Hawthorne, California factory. Arch CNC- machined in-house over 200 unique parts out of billet aluminum for their first production bike, the KRGT-1.
Arch recently partnered with SwissMoto-2 race bike and chassis specialist Suter Industries to create a European distribution channel - Arch Europe - to handle distribution and sales for all Arch Motorcycle models across Europe.
“We’re very excited to have presented two new motorcycles that represent our vision for the future of Arch Motorcycle,” said Reeves and Hollinger. “This also marks our commitment to having our motorcycle being Euro 4 compliant, and by creating the European distribution channel with Suter, we look forward to continuing to grow the brand in Europe after EICMA 2017.”
At its launch in 2015, Arch described the KRGT-1 as a “custom tailored performance cruiser that could be ridden aggressively and be comfortable for long distances.” The newest, refined version, will launch in 2018 with a focus on “ergonomic enhancements to the bodywork and other improvements such as updated front suspension, upgraded brakes with optional ABS and EURO 4 compliance.
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| The updated KRGT-1 is a “custom tailored performance cruiser that could be ridden aggressively and be comfortable for long distances” |
It features the same 124ci/2032cc S&S 45-degree V-twin, a steel frame with CNC-machined aluminum sub-frame, new Öhlins FGRT series fork and Arch proprietary rear shock, BST carbon fiber 5-spoke wheels with forward control/mid-control options and a custom fit and finish service for each client.
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| Arch 1s is the company’s first production single-sided swingarm motorcycle |
The new ABS optional Arch 1s is the company’s first production single-sided swingarm motorcycle - as an evolution of the KRGT-1. “This model is sport influenced with a more aggressive riding position while still keeping hold of its performance cruiser formulation. CNC-machined aluminum and extensive use of carbon fiber flow within the lines of this elegant yet race inspired motorcycle.” It too has the Euro 4 compliant S&S 124ci engine and BST carbon fiber 7-spoke wheels with CNC-machined aluminum backbone and sub-frame, and newly designed, CNC-machined aluminum and carbon fiber fuel tank with integrated fuel filler enclosure.
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| Arch described the Method 143 as its first “concept production motorcycle” |
The engine is the S&S “biggest, baddest” 165hp/155Nm T143ci/2343cc V-twin in an Arch designed, Suter Industries manufactured CNC-machined aluminum single-sided swingarm with carbon fiber cover and CNC-machined aluminum bodywork with integrated layered leather seat, with proprietary Öhlins FGRT series front fork with carbon fiber air-foil, Italian made SC Project full titanium/carbon fiber exhaust system and Arch designed BST carbon fiber ‘Turbine’ wheels.
www.archmotorcycle.com