One only has to take a look at the cars and motorcycles in Keanu Reeves’ garage to know that this Hollywood actor is a real gear! He might have starred in some awesome movies like Bill and Ted’s excellent adventure, The matrix, and let’s not forget John Wick. But Keanu also started his own motorcycle business, alongside Gard Hollinger!
ARCH motorcycles can be pricey, but their quality and performance makes these American custom production motorcycles something quite unique, not to mention desirable. When you look at how Keanu Reeves founded ARCH motorcycles, you understand his motivation and passion for these motorcycles. Let’s take a closer look at ARCH motorcycles and what makes them so special.
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Keanu Reeves’ passion for motorcycles
So it shouldn’t surprise us that Keanu started his own motorcycle business in 2011, just look at the awesome photos of Keanu Reeves’ motorcycles. He partnered with Gard Hollinger on the business.
The business idea emerged when Keanu asked Hollinger to customize his 2005 Harley-Davidson Dyna in 2006. But it quickly resulted in the construction of a custom bike for Keanu. And as they say, the rest is history!
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Gard Hollinger
Gard Hollinger is a Californian entrepreneur. Even as a teenager, he honed his entrepreneurial skills. After working as a marine mechanic, he ended up owning his own shop, customizing Harleys. This is how he met Keanu.
From his first bike that would be a Taco mini-bike, to working with Keanu to start a motorcycle business, Hollinger’s journey has been a fascinating adventure.
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The evolution of a motorcycle
It all started with the ARCH KRGT-1 which was released in 2014. It was inspired by Keanu’s Harley that Hollinger customized. The KRGT-1 may be a cruiser style bike, while the ARCH 1S is a mix of sport and cruiser.
On the other hand, the Method 143 is powered by a more ferocious engine, using carbon fiber for its chassis and offering a more futuristic design than other ARCH motorcycles.
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Arch Motorcycle Philosophy
ARCH Motorcycle aims to take the American cruiser and redefine it, underlined by a simple, elegant and efficient philosophy. Every component of the ride has been deconstructed and recreated to deliver, as the official ARCH Motorcycle website puts it, “the ultimate performance cruising experience”.
Of course, it must be said that ARCH motorcycles are built for quality, reiterated with limited numbers, such as Method 143 with only 23 units available, and price. The bikes are assembled by hand at their Los Angeles facility.
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Awesome quality and design
ARCH motorcycles are built for quality. For example, the 1S is built with a bulletproof fairing and tubular steel frame, combining carbon fiber features. The 1S design exudes an aggressive stance that says “the road is mineâ€, while delivering a sleek style that appeals to you.
But compare that to the design of the ARCH Method 143, which takes it one step further, a bike beast that is not easily forgotten, a combination of carbon fiber, machined aluminum, not to mention fine leather.
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What makes the engine of an ARCH motorcycle so impressive?
The ARCH KRGT-1 is powered by a 124 cu in S&S V-Twin engine mated to a six-speed transmission. Not only that, when it delivers an incredible 122 ft-lbs of torque, then we sit back and take note. But if we stopped here with the ARCH powertrain, we wouldn’t be telling the whole story.
The ARCH Method 143, this ultimate production motorcycle concept, is equipped with a 143 cubic inch V-Twin engine, capable of developing 170 horsepower with 151 lb-ft of torque.
ARCH motorcycles come with their own set of sweeteners, which is part of the experience of owning one of their rides. Starting with the personalized owner’s case that accompanies each motorcycle.
Inside the case is a personalized identification plate, a commemoration of the date of manufacture, including a serial number and the name of the owner. The owner also receives a master key, a special tool kit, among others, which make this one personalized.
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Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 includes a collection of amazingly realistic cars. One of the machines in this game is the ARCH Nazaré, based on the limited edition ARCH Method 143.
The ARCH Nazaré offers the aggressive styling the company is known for, with top speeds of 178 mph, not to mention the engine developing 170 horsepower.
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Performance of an ARCH motorcycle
Part of the reason the KRGT-1 is one of our favorite ARCH motorcycles is its overall performance. The 2020 ARCH KRGT-1’s seat measures 27.8 inches in height. By throwing your leg over the saddle, the handlebars are comfortably positioned for a smooth ride, not to mention the position of the footrest and foot control.
Front braking offers the ISR six-piston monobloc radial-mount calipers with ISR floating shock discs. A radial-mounted ISR four-piston monoblock caliper with ISR semi-floating disc provides rear braking.
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Own a
With the craftsmanship that comes with every ARCH motorcycle and the personalized attractions, the ARCH motorcycle is not a cheap ride. The 2020 ARCH KRGT-1 starts at $ 85,000.
The ARCH motorcycle can be very expensive, but its quality, performance, and custom touches make it a very desirable addition to the garage. Temptation calls you as your eyes scan the specs. Of course, the cost can outweigh the temptation. But it must be said, Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger have certainly kept their promise.
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