First look at the Arch 2023 motorcycle

Los Angeles-based Arch Motorcycle has officially released its second production model, the Arch 1s. (Motorcycle Arch/)

Was it a case of design issues? Is it the right time? Or perhaps those now ubiquitous supply chain issues? Anyway, it’s now official: Arch Motorcycle has finally released its second production model, the Arch 1s, a sportier bike with a new chassis built around the same 124ci engine as the firm’s flagship. KRGT-1.

You can remember the bike was first shown at EICMA in 2017, but apparently it was not yet ready for production at that time. What we see today has changed slightly from the car shown five years ago, but the overall goal is the same, blending what the company calls “a one-of-a-kind formula of Arch cruiser performance with an aggressive riding position.”

On the topic: First ride on the 2020 Arch KRGT-1 motorcycle

The Arch 1s chassis combines a steel mainframe with a machined aluminum subframe and the company’s first single-sided swingarm. (Motorcycle Arch/)

The Arch 1s is based on the KRGT-1 platform with an all-new chassis with steeper camber and a shorter wheelbase. The 1s is the company’s first production bike with a swingarm (hence the name), and it’s also the first time Arch has used a new mid-steering system, a combination that promises to deliver a more aggressive riding position and better handling.

However, in the engine room, you still get a monstrous 124ci, high-torque S&S-engineered V-shaped, fuel-injected, high-torque engine, complete with an up-rising Arch exhaust system, though the 1s brings a new design of a single fuel cell made of carbon fiber, which combines the air intake and filtration system. Air flow comes through side vents at the front of the tank that lead directly to the intake system located at the rear.

From what we can tell, the 1s retains the 2,032cc S&S engine with no changes to the KRGT-1 spec. (Motorcycle Arch/)

The 1s is instantly identifiable as an Arch bike with steel and aluminum construction, carbon fiber throughout and premium components such as twin six-piston ISR Monoblock calipers, Öhlins suspension and BST rims. Compared to the KRGT-1, the 1s has a shortened wheelbase to 65.4 inches (as opposed to the KRGT-1’s 68 inches), increased camber from 30 inches to 25.2 degrees, lowered handlebars, and added a center mount. control elements. The end result is a more forward-leaning, aggressive riding position with a higher seat height and a claimed “sporty” character, according to Arch, with an even sportier blend of cruising aesthetics and race-inspired performance.

​​​​​​While the engine is largely unchanged from the KRGT-1, the company claims peak torque is slightly lower at 115 lb-ft. from the mill 2032 cubic meters. How well this high-torque engine character will suit this new sporty riding position remains to be seen.

“Sporty styling” on the 1s includes additional bodywork and a small hood with a front fly. Side vents at the front of the carbon fiber tank direct airflow to the rear intake system. (Motorcycle Arch/)

The Arch 1s profile and stance certainly make its ‘sporty’ intent crystal clear, especially when you consider visual cues such as the sculpted bonnet and flyscreen, side-mounted air intakes and chin fairing, and razor-sharp tail section, which contribute to the implied sense of speed. It’s a sharp departure from the KRGT-1’s more traditional cruiser aesthetic, though we also have to point out that the 1s weighs nearly 30 pounds more than the flagship bike, and we still have to wonder how manageable the 8-inch-wide rear tire will be, even with new geometry.

This is the first Arch model to feature mid-mounted controls, which promote a higher seat height and more forward body position. (Motorcycle Arch/)

We’ll soon see how the bike performs, and it’s nice to see the company come out with a new product after all this time—it’s been in the works for over a decade now. Arch continues to build custom production bikes in a small, state-of-the-art factory south of Los Angeles, while the 1s continues the company’s legacy of using carefully selected, occasionally exotic materials, bolstered by top-shelf components and accented by meticulous detailing, much of it handcrafted or designed in-house. forces. It’s also worth noting that, as with the KRGT-1, Arch meets with all prospective 1s owners before each build to make sure the bike’s design and ergonomics are exactly what they want.

The 1s cockpit features a wide, low steering wheel and Arch’s own TFT digital instruments. (Motorcycle Arch/)

As you’ll recall, the people behind the cars are none other than actor Keanu Reeves and designer/engineer Gard Hollinger, and they’re understandably very excited about their new offering. “With the help of our entire team and many great partners, we think we’ve created something really special for riders to experience, and we’re proud to finally see it on the road,” said Hollinger, co-founder and chief design officer of Arca Motorcycles. “The 1s beautifully combines American cruiser-inspired elegance with racing-inspired performance, a concept we’ve worked to design, build, test, refine and realize since it was first revealed.”

The 1s is also the first Arch bike to feature a single-sided swingarm that exposes the entire wheel. The exhaust is also new for the model. (Motorcycle Arch/)

Arch co-founder Keanu Reeves added: “We just celebrated our company’s 10th anniversary last year, but it seems like only yesterday that I floated the idea of ​​starting a motorcycle company with Gard. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come in such a short period, from the wonderful reception of the KRGT-1 to the new 1s as our second model.”

As with the KRGT-1, Arch equips the 1s with premium components such as Öhlins suspension, BST wheels and ISR brakes. (Motorcycle Arch/)

As for the price… Well, it’s an Arch product, right? So we already know this thing will burn a hole in your wallet. In this case, it will be the size of a crater. The 1s costs $128,000 to build. The company is taking orders for the new Arch 1s nationwide archmotorcycle.com/contact. Stay tuned for updates.

Beautiful design with great attention to detail, as seen in the Arch 1s integrated LED tail light. (Motorcycle Arch/)

Arch is accepting orders for 1s now, but bring your brokerage account numbers; MSRP is $128,000. (Motorcycle Arch/)

Carbon fiber chin scoop on Arch 1s. (Motorcycle Arch/)

2023 Arch 1s Motorcycle Specifications

MSRP:	$128,000
engine:	2032cc, 45 degree arch/S&S T124 V-twin
Compression ratio:	ON
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed torque:	115 lb-ft
Fuel system	Outgoing fuel injection
Clutch:	dry; hydraulic drive
frame:	Steel pipes and blanks; billet aluminum pendulum
Front suspension:	48mm Öhlins inverted fork, fully adjustable
Rear suspension:	Single Öhlins shock, fully adjustable
Front brake:	6-piston monobloc calipers, twin 320mm floating discs with ABS
Rear brake:	4-piston ISR monobloc caliper, 240mm ISR disc with ABS
Wheels, front/rear:	carbon fiber BST; 17 x 3.5 inches / 17 x 8.5 inches
Tires, front/rear:	120/70ZR-17 / 240/45ZR-17
Rake/Trail:	25.2°/4.0 inches.
wheel base:	65.4 inches
Seat height:	31.5 inches
Fuel capacity:	4.5 gallons
Declared dry weight:	563 pounds
Contacts:	archmotorcycle.com/arch-1s/

https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/story/bikes/arch-motorcycle-1s-first-look-2023/