Keanu & Gard’s Excellent Adventure

I DON’T NORMALLY GET NERVOUS BEFORE A TEST-RIDE, BUT TODAY IS VERY different. This isn’t like any other production bike; this is a bespoke, handmade machine that takes 90 days to assemble and costs $85,000 (Rs 64 lakh).

I am one of the first test riders to try the new ARCH KRGT-1, which has been significantly updated for 2020. And to add to the pressure, co-founder and designers Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves are observing and will be joining us on our test-ride. Oh, and let’s not forget its powerplant: a tweaked S&S 2,032-cc V-twin delivering drive to a huge rear carbon wheel wrapped in 240-section Michelin Commander 2 rubber. This is no ordinary bike on no ordinary day.

ARCH was created by co-founders Keanu and Gard and the KRGT-1 is their latest machine to roll out of their small factory in LA. For 2020, there are 20 major upgrades and 150 newly designed and manufactured components.

Some of the changes — such as the re-designed