Source: Motorcycle Cruiser –
Los Angeles–based Arch Motorcycle has officially launched its second production model, the Arch 1s. (Arch Motorcycle/)Was it a case of design challenges? Getting the timing right? Or perhaps those now ubiquitous supply chain issues? Whatever the case, it’s now official: Arch Motorcycle has finally launched its second production model, the Arch 1s, a sportier motorcycle with a new chassis, built around the same 124ci engine as the firm’s flagship KRGT-1.You might recall the bike was first shown at EICMA in 2017, but apparently it wasn’t yet ready for production at the time. What we see today has evolved a bit from the machine shown five years ago, but the overall intent is the same, mixing what the company calls “Arch’s one-of-a-kind cruiser performance formula with an aggressive riding position.”Related: 2020 Arch Motorcycle KRGT-1 First RideThe Arch 1s chassis pairs a steel mainframe with a machined aluminum subframe and the company’s first single-sided swingarm. (Arch Motorcycle/)The Arch 1s builds on the KRGT-1 platform with an all-new chassis featuring a steeper rake and shorter wheelbase. The 1s is the company’s first production single-sided swingarm motorcycle (hence the name), and it’s also the first time Arch has utilized a new mid-control arrangement, a combination that promises to deliver a more aggressive riding position and better handling.In the engine room however, you still get the monstrous 124ci, high-torque Arch-designed S&S downdraft fuel-injected V-twin engine, complemented by an upswept Arch exhaust, though the 1s brings a new carbon fiber single fuel cell design that integrates the air intake and filtration system. Airflow comes in through side vents at the front of the tank leading directly to the intake system housed at the back.The 1s carries over the Arch-designed 2,032cc S&S engine unchanged from the KRGT-1 spec, from what we can glean. (Arch Motorcycle/)The 1s is immediately identifiable as an Arch motorcycle with billet steel and aluminum construction, carbon fiber throughout, and premium componentry like dual ISR six-piston Monoblock calipers, Öhlins suspension, and BST rims. Compared to the KRGT-1 the 1s mixes it up by shortening the wheelbase to 65.4 inches (as opposed to the KRGT-1′s 68 inches), steepening the rake from 30 inches to 25.2 degrees, lowering the handlebars and adding mid-mount controls. The end result is a more forward-leaning, aggressive riding position with a taller seat height and a claimed “athletic” character, according to Arch, with an even sportier blend of cruiser aesthetics and race-inspired performance.While the engine appears to be virtually unchanged from the KRGT-1, the company claims a slightly lower torque peak of 115 lb.-ft. from the 2,032cc mill. How well that torque-rich engine character will fit this new sporty riding position remains to be seen.“Sport style” on the 1s includes additional bodywork and a small cowl with fly screen up front. Side vents at the front of the carbon fiber tank direct airflow to the intake system located behind it. (Arch Motorcycle/)The Arch 1s profile and stance certainly make its “sport” intent crystal clear, especially when you factor in visual cues like the shaped front cowl and fly screen, tank-mounted intakes and chin fairing, and a razor-sharp tailsection, all contributing to the implied sense of speed. It’s a sharp turn from the more traditional cruiser aesthetic of the KRGT-1, though we should also note that the 1s weighs nearly 30 pounds more than the flagship bike, and we still have to wonder just how manageable that 8-inch-wide rear tire will be, even with the new geometry.This is the first Arch model with mid-mount controls, which contribute to a taller seat height and more forward body positioning. (Arch Motorcycle/)We’ll see how the bike handles soon enough, and it’s heartening to see the company launch a new product after all this time—it has now been in business for over a decade. Arch continues to produce bespoke production motorcycles in a small state-of-the-art factory south of Los Angeles, and the 1s carries on the company’s previous format of using carefully sourced, occasionally exotic materials bolstered with top-shelf components and accented with meticulous detailing, much of it handmade or designed in-house. It’s also worth noting that, as with the KRGT-1, Arch meets with all prospective 1s owners before each build to ensure the bike’s design and ergonomics are tailored to their liking.The 1s cockpit features a wide, low handlebar, and Arch’s in-house-designed TFT digital instrumentation. (Arch Motorcycle/)As you may recall, the men behind the machines are none other than actor Keanu Reeves and designer/engineer Gard Hollinger, and needless to say, they’re pretty pumped about their new offering. “With the help of our entire team and many amazing partners, we believe we’ve crafted something truly special for riders to experience and are proud to finally see it out there on the road,” said Hollinger, co-founder and design director of Arch Motorcycle. “The 1s beautifully merges American cruiser-inspired elegance and race-inspired performance—a concept we’ve worked to design, build, test, refine, and deliver since its initial reveal.”The 1s is also the first Arch bike with a single-sided swingarm, exposing the entire wheel. The exhaust is new to the model as well. (Arch Motorcycle/)Arch co-founder Keanu Reeves added: “We just celebrated our 10th anniversary as a company this past year, yet it feels like only yesterday that I put forth the idea of starting a motorcycle company with Gard. It is incredible to see how far we’ve come in such a short period—from the KRGT-1′s amazing reception to the new 1s as our second model.”As on the KRGT-1, Arch equips the 1s with premium components like Öhlins suspension, BST wheels, and ISR brakes. (Arch Motorcycle/)As for the price… Well, this is an Arch product right? So we already know the thing’s gonna blow a hole in your wallet. In this case, it’ll be crater-sized. The 1s is tagged at $128,000 per build. The company is taking orders for the new Arch 1s nationwide at archmotorcycle.com/contact. Stay tuned.Beautiful design with careful attention to detail as seen on the Arch 1s’ integrated LED taillight. (Arch Motorcycle/)Arch is accepting orders for the 1s now, but bring your brokerage account numbers; MSRP is $128,000. (Arch Motorcycle/)Carbon fiber chin scoop on the Arch 1s. (Arch Motorcycle/)2023 Arch Motorcycle 1s Specifications
MSRP:
$128,000
Engine:
2,032cc, 45-degree Arch/S&S T124 V-twin
Compression Ratio:
NA
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/chain
Claimed Torque:
115 lb.-ft.
Fuel System
Downdraft fuel injection
Clutch:
Dry; hydraulic actuation
Frame:
Tube and billet steel; billet aluminum swingarm
Front Suspension:
48mm Öhlins inverted fork, fully adjustable
Rear Suspension:
Öhlins single shock, fully adjustable
Front Brake:
6-piston Monoblock calipers, dual 320mm floating discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:
ISR 4-piston Monoblock caliper, 240mm ISR disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:
BST carbon fiber; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 8.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:
120/70ZR-17 / 240/45ZR-17
Rake/Trail:
25.2°/4.0 in.
Wheelbase:
65.4 in.
Seat Height:
31.5 in.
Fuel Capacity:
4.5 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight:
563 lb.
Contact:
archmotorcycle.com/arch-1s/
