The ARC Vector was unveiled at EICMA back in 2018, dazzling the motorcycling world with its dramatic hub-centre steering, claimed range of 271 miles, and recharge time of just 40 minutes. Most thought the ARC would simply be a concept, however, we’ve ridden it
ARC motorcycles is the innovation of British engineer Mark Truman, who set out to create something special: the world’s most advanced electric motorcycle. He started with a blank piece of paper, then let his imagination and brilliance run wild, free of the constrictions of conventional petrol bikes.
With the first tailored and British-made Vectors now reaching customers in the USA, we took one of the very first £90,000 bikes to leave the factory for a quick spin close to ARC headquarters near Coventry in England.
WHAT ON EARTH?
The ARC is distinctive and isn’t based on anything else in the market. There is no conventional frame; the chassis is the housing for the battery and motor, similar to Ducati’s Panigale and new MotoE race bike, but this was designed back in 2018. Hub-centre steering allows a very steep head angle of 20 degrees compared to a normal sports bike’s 24 to 25 degrees. The pivot point of the front shock is below the front wheel spindle, which, unlike other hub steering models, allows the front to dive slightly like a conventional telescopic fork. The hub steering also allows the ARC to run a light spring at the front, which can cope with the weight (240kg) better than conventional forks.
In cooperation rear and front arms are carbon fibre, as are the wheels (by BST). There are Brembo Stylema brakes up
