The ARCH 1s is one of the coolest motorcycles to ever hit the streets. I’m very familiar with the Arch 1s  because A) I worked for Arch for several years and B)  I’ve sold several of these motorcycles. I know the attention to detail, and everything that goes into creating one of these motorcycles. From the design to the engineering to the manufacturing of components to the assembly, to the the redesign, then the remanufacturing of components to the  re-assembly to the final production product to delivery of the motorcycle and everything in between. I know everything about the Arch 1s. And I can tell you, it’s pretty fucking awesome.

Now, with that little caveat out of the way, let’s dive into the details of what makes the Arch 1s so special, shall we?

First things first, the Arch experience is unlike any other in motorcycle in the world. Not only do you get a personalized, bespoke-crafted machine, fit to your liking in terms of aesthetics and ergonomics, but it’s limited in production so you’d have better odds of winning the lottery than seeing another Arch that looked like yours on the street. In fact, there will never be one just like yours, because Arch will not manufacture two identical motorcycles. Arch respects its client’s design and the attention to detail that goes into each customer spec’d motorcycle.

Second, these things are engineered and over engineered and analyzed over-analyzed to the point of mania. Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves are both master craftsmen in their field that only want the best for their customers and they will do anything in their power to deliver just that. Am I biased because I’ve had a birds-eye view of the inner workings of Arch Motorcycle specifically? No. I am an objective journalist that has seen what it takes to make one of these fine machines.

From a component standpoint, the Arch 1s has the best of the best already installed from the factory: Intricately designed chassis comprised of a steel tube main frame with a billet aluminum sub chassis, billet aluminum chassis side plates, and single sided billet aluminum swingarm. Modeled after the MotoGP styling of championship, winning motorcycles, the Arch 1s blends that sport bike characteristic with a V-twin American power plant.

Moving on to other components, you have dual 17-inch carbon fiber Blackstone Tek (BST) wheels shod in Michelin tread to really level out the stance of the motorcycle, giving it a more sporty aesthetic. The braking is handled by ISR calipers and rotors with Brembo master cylinder in the rear and an ISR master cylinder upfront no breaking comes standard with antilock brakes clipped, however getting the ABS activated is pretty hard to do because of the tactile feel of the standard Caliber meeting pad relationship. In other words the brakes are so damn good it’s rare you’ll need or even activate the ABS. The engine is proprietary to Arch but manufactured by S&S Cycle as a 124ci power plant, which is a very torquey motor from the factory. The V-twin also uses Arch’s proprietary Downdraft air intake system and Arch’s proprietary oiling system, which is manufactured in Hawthorne by Arch. But hands down, one of the coolest elements of owning an Arch Motorcycle, is that it’s completely personalized to the owner in terms of aesthetic and ergonomic preferences.

Another great quality is that the Arch staff really welcomes their new owners into the community. Gard and Keanu invite new customers to take a first ride in and around the areas in which the Arch Motorcycles were developed (Santa Monica Mountains, Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu Canyon). And then once you’re done with the ride, a customer’s new Arch can be shipped to wherever it is the customer lives.

Joining the Arch family is a very unique experience, one based on trust and passion for quality and good times. The Arch crew definitely prides itself on providing an unparalleled experience, and with a completely bespoke-to-you motorcycle and an extended family to boot, there’s no reason Arch still continues to deliver these incredible machines to its adoring fans.