Arch Motorbike 1s | First Trip Assessment

Pragmatic riders could scoff at a motorbike like the brand new Arch Motorbike 1s. In spite of everything, there are a number of sporty cruisers in the marketplace that provide higher worth. A Ducati Diavel V4 is a worthy machine, as is Triumph’s large Rocket 3 R. Harley-Davidson’s Sportster S is equally engaging. 

Associated: 2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R | Street Take a look at Assessment

Associated: 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S | First Trip Assessment

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However none of those succesful bikes holds a candle to the glowing 1s, an ultra-premium roadster from the corporate based by famous person actor Keanu Reeves and longtime bike builder Gard Hollinger. 

Arch Motorbike handcrafts limited-production bikes that includes beautiful element parts like CNC-machined aluminum chassis sections and light-weight carbon fiber parts wrapped round gigantic air-cooled V-Twins from S&S Cycle.

Arch’s first mannequin, the KRGT-1, is a efficiency cruiser that debuted in 2015, and I used to be one of many fortunate few who bought to check journey it. Extra not too long ago, I discovered myself within the hills of Malibu, California, aboard the “sport cruiser” 1s mannequin. 

“Going right into a flip,” Reeves informed me earlier than our journey, “the enter is the thought. Flip your head, look the place you’re going, and also you don’t push the bike however let it type of reply and you’re feeling it transfer. You’re tremendous assured as you lean in, lean in, lean in.”

And Reeves wasn’t simply blowing smoke. The brand new 1s handily exceeds efficiency expectations for a motorcycle with a 2-liter V-Twin thumping away between your legs and a steamroller-sized again tire. The whole machine is magnificent, and the 1s delivers on the promise demanded of its lofty price ticket.

The Arch Motorbike 1s is how a lot?!

“If it’s a must to ask,” the previous saying goes, “you’ll be able to’t afford it.” 

Yep, you’re taking a look at a motorbike with an eye-popping MSRP of $128,000 – that’s sufficient dough to purchase a Diavel V4, a Rocket 3 R, and a Sportster S and nonetheless have almost sufficient left over to purchase one among every for a pal. A price ticket that steep calls for unimaginable consideration to element and premium parts, and the 1s delivers. Large blocks of aluminum have been whittled down with computer-controlled milling machines to create intricate body parts, the single-sided swingarm, and the curvaceous tailsection. 

Certainly, each part is spectacular – from the insanely gentle BST carbon-fiber wheels to the high-end Öhlins suspension to the intricate carbon-fiber airbox that enables downdraft induction and doubles because the gas tank. Every half on the 1s is worthy of second and third seems to be, so it’s simple to see how its construct value rapidly provides up. 

Wick’s Wingman

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I had beforehand ridden with Reeves through the KRGT-1 launch in 2015, and his persona is sort of the alternative of what one may count on from a big-time celeb. He’s humble and down-to-earth. Most significantly, he simply likes to journey bikes. At a trackday a couple of years in the past, I watched him take part in additional periods than some other rider on the occasion. His ardour for bikes is simple.

“I believe in all probability on the core of it’s simply loving to journey a motorbike and loving the aesthetics of bikes,” Reeves informed me. “I like how they give the impression of being, how they really feel, how they odor.”

Gearing up for our journey, the man as soon as generally known as Neo from The Matrix movies straddled a KRGT-1. Gard took a seat on a crimson and black 1s, whereas I saddled up on a black and gold one. Prospects can order up no matter livery their hearts need. 

“I believe it’s a extremely stunning, unique-looking motorbike,” Reeves said. 

Associated: 2020 Arch KRGT-1 | First Trip Assessment

Keanu and Kev’s Wonderful Journey

A trio of 124ci S&S motors hearth up and broadcast air-cooled V-Twin thunder by means of carbon-fiber mufflers. As burly because the motors are, they’re additionally remarkably refined. Throttle response is predictable, and the hydraulic clutch provides a fairly gentle pull. The transmission shifts nicer than most big-inch V-Twin gearboxes. 

As a sport cruiser, the rider is positioned in a ahead crouch with comparatively excessive footpegs, however the place isn’t almost as folded up as a correct sportbike. At 31.5 inches, the seat is 3.7 inches increased than the KRGT-1’s. The engine’s proprietary downdraft induction retains the midsection slim, unhindered by a sidedraft consumption that eats up area for proper legs. 

“It’s nonetheless actually snug,” Reeves associated, “however you’re not sitting within the bike, you’re on high of it. I consider it like nearly equestrian, like the best way your ft are beneath you on a horse – that type of hip-ankle-shoulder relationship, with the torso angled a bit extra ahead. So that you’re feeling actually balanced on the motorbike.”

Spectacular energy is on the market always, with a torque curve so huge it seems like a mighty electrical motor apart from the rumbling vibration emitted from a pair of big 1,016cc cylinders. Trip high quality from the totally adjustable Öhlins suspension is superb, as is the response and energy from the ISR brake system with Bosch ABS. 

Instrumentation is delivered by way of an AiM Sports activities TFT gauge pack, and the bike options an adaptive LED headlamp, bar-end LED entrance turnsignals, and a cove-reflective LED taillight. The one aspect that doesn’t scream premium is the generic switchgear on the bars. 

The 1s is surprisingly agile when carving corners for a 600-lb machine with a 65.4-inch wheelbase and a 9.4-inch-wide rear tire. The gold-accented 1s turned out to be significantly sharper in its responses than the crimson one as a result of customizable setups obtainable with the platform. The crimson one additionally had a shorter seat with a bum cease completely positioned for my small physique. 

The stout chassis of the 1s invitations extra-deep lean angles, however cornering clearance proves to be plentiful. I managed to the touch down the sidestand foot when exploring the bike’s capabilities, however different journalists reported no clearance issues throughout their rides. Reeves famous the 1s prefers to be guided fairly than manhandled. 

“We’d been creating the KRGT-1,” he mentioned, “taking this leap into the 1s and attempting to keep up the journey – the sensation of confidence, the responsiveness, the planted-ness – blended with extraordinary parts and finishes. To me, these are the most effective bikes which have ever been ridden.”

Taking It House

I can solely present you the door. You’re the one which has to stroll by means of it. – Morpheus, The Matrix

Correctly evaluating a six-figure motorbike is vexing. The worth mechanically removes practicality from the acquisition equation, as there are many engaging and succesful bikes obtainable at a fraction of the associated fee. It’s effectively past the attain of mere mortals, so it’s human nature to need to criticize it. 

However to see it by means of the eyes of a well-heeled moto fanatic who already has a set of motorized toys, the svelte and classy 1s provides a singular driving expertise that comes with a compelling backstory. 

What do all males with energy need? Extra energy. – The Oracle, The Matrix Reloaded

Riders who respect thumping air-cooled V-Twins and are totally flush with money received’t assume it’s as impractical as most of us. There may be actually nothing else prefer it in manufacturing. It will look marvelous parked subsequent to your Harley CVO Street Glide, Corvette Z06, and P-51 Mustang. 

“Generally I’ll shut the storage door and I’ll simply stand there after a journey and stare on the artwork,” Reeves rhapsodized. “It’s similar to, ‘Oh god, that’s stunning.’” 

You’re taking the blue tablet, the story ends, you get up in your mattress and consider no matter you need to consider. You’re taking the crimson tablet, you keep in Wonderland, and I present you the way deep the rabbit gap goes. – Morpheus, The Matrix

Arch Motorbike 1s Specs

• Base Worth: $128,000
• Web site: ArchMotorcycle.com
• Engine Sort: Air-cooled, transverse 45-degree V-Twin, twin-cam pushrods w/ 2 valves per cyl.
• Displacement: 124ci (2,032cc)
• Bore x Stroke: 4.125 x 4.625 in. (104.8 x 117.5mm)
• Horsepower: 93.5 hp @ 5,200 rpm (claimed on the rear wheel) 
• Torque: 115.3 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm (claimed on the rear wheel) 
• Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated moist clutch
• Remaining Drive: Chain 
• Wheelbase: 65.4 in. 
• Rake/Path: 25.2 levels/4.0 in.
• Seat Peak: 31.5 in.
• Moist Weight: 600 lb (claimed)
• Gasoline Capability: 4.5 gals.