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The KRGT-1: An eyeball grabbing aluminium super-devil!



Keanu Reeves became a global heartthrob with movies like the iconic Matrix trilogy, John Wick, Speed, Sweet November and other such blockbuster movies. But only a few people in India know about the biking love that has had all his life. Such is his passion about two wheelers that in fact, he’s only ever owned a couple of cars– a vintage Volvo and a fashionable Porsche. The thrill and freedom of biking means the world to him, so much so that it is said that, he got in the habit of buying a bike when filming on location and selling when the shoot was done.

"Keanu’s first motorcycle was a Kawasaki 600 Enduro. After that, he has owned a Suzuki GS1100E, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1974 BMW 750, a Kawasaki KZ 900, an ‘84 Harley Shovelhead, and a Moto Guzzi." (http://www.archmotorcycle.com/our-story/). On one occasion, Keanu wanted to customize his Harley-Davidson Dyna. His search for a quality makeover for his bike led him to meet Gard Hollinger in Los Angeles. A self-taught designer, engineer, and fabricator, Gard ran L.A. County Choprods which was in the business of motorcycle customization for organisations such as Harleys and the likes. It is quite interesting how only a minor modification demand by Keanu compelled both of them to embark on a 3-year journey in partnership to form an entirely new company - Arch Motorcycles to make a one of a kind custom bike only meant for Keanu himself. 

Let’s come to the bike itself.

The initial prototype was based on the same customized Harley-Davidson Dyna that Reeves had brought to Arch co-founder Gard Hollinger half-finished, with a passenger seat and sissy bar. However, the production bike by Arch, the KRGT-1, weighing in at 244 kgs, has a 2032 cc, a fuel-injected V-twin engine has been made in association with S&S Cycle. The big innovation involves moving the air intake from the side of the engine to a downdraft position between the two halves of the gas tank, which means that the rider no longer has to face the problem with an air cleaner sticking out of the side of the engine. This subtle bit of engineering has a direct effect on the ergonomics and comfort of the bike.

The KRGT-1 gas tank is crafted from a 242 kg of aluminum billet. This arduous 66-hour process yields two 4 kg fuel cells which are then custom finished and joined. Arch’s orientation towards using extraordinary CAD system and CNCC machines in their workshop has given them the audacity to create the chassis from extensive use of billet aluminum in fuel tanks, headlight housing and the entire bike frame. 



The entire ‘ARCH Down-Draft’ system is contained between the two fuel cell chambers and frame. The resulting parts are stronger, lighter and more precisely built than mass-produced items. Parts that cannot be efficiently built in-house are sourced from first rate suppliers, like S&S and Ohlins. High-tech and premium materials are used in every area of the bike, from titanium axle adjusters to carbon fiber wheels. Multi-function design allows the dams to support and frame the KRGT-1’s billet aluminum headlight housing.

 Right now, Arch produces just one model - the KRGT-1. Its V-Twin, 2032 cc engine, made with S&S Cycle, can deliver 122 bhp to push the 244 kg bike to more than 209 kph. Motorcycle reviewers describe it as the best of both biking worlds: the power and performance of a sport bike, but the comfort of a touring bike. With their six gears, scooped-out insides, ultra-light carbon fiber wheels, and aluminum bodies, they’re heavier than, say, a 220 kg Ducati xDiavel S but much lighter than something like a 290 kg Harley-Davidson V-Rod. Their 19-liter gas tank will deliver 322 kms before refueling. 



Each requires a $15,000 (₹ 10,26,825) deposit even before that $78,000 (₹ 53,39,490) price tag. The partners anticipate creating more models in the future which will be suited only for the one for which it will be custom made. 

Sources:
 Pic courtesy : Arch Motorcycle 
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