Keanu Reeves has been passionate about motorcycles since childhood, when motorcycle gangs would visit Toronto and spark his imagination. His journey with bikes started in the 1980s when he learned to ride while filming in Munich and later bought his first motorcycle in Los Angeles. From riding classic Nortons to performing stunts in blockbuster films, his love for motorcycles eventually led him to co-found Arch Motorcycle, a company that builds custom high-performance bikes.
Arch Motorcycle represents the combination of Reeves’ decades of riding experience and his vision for what a perfect bike should be. The company creates custom motorcycles with over 200 handmade parts, working with top manufacturers to build machines that blend performance with personal comfort. Each bike gets fitted specifically to its owner, and Reeves stays involved in testing and quality control to make sure every motorcycle meets the company’s high standards.
Key Takeaways
- Keanu Reeves co-founded Arch Motorcycle after years of riding and customizing motorcycles
- Arch builds custom performance bikes with hundreds of handmade parts fitted to each owner
- New riders should start with smaller bikes and take safety classes before moving to more powerful machines
Keanu Reeves’ Personal Motorcycle Journey
Growing Up Around Bikes in Toronto
Reeves grew up in Toronto where motorcycles first captured his attention. Every summer, motorcycle gangs would ride into an area called Yorkville. The bikes, the people, and their free spirit made a big impact on him as a ten-year-old kid.
Those early memories stayed with him for years. The sight of those riders left a lasting impression that would shape his future passion.
How He Got Started Riding
Reeves learned to ride a motorcycle while filming in Munich. A young woman owned an Enfield motorcycle, and he asked her to teach him how to ride it.
When he returned to Los Angeles around 1986 or 1987, he bought his first motorcycle. This marked the beginning of his life as a rider.
His Early Bikes in Los Angeles
The second motorcycle Reeves bought in Los Angeles was a 1973 Mk2a Norton Commando. He purchased this bike around 1987 and had many good times with it over the years.
What He Loved About the Norton:
- The upswept pipe design
- It was an English twin engine
- Norton’s famous featherbed frame
- The rubber-mounted engine that reduced vibration
- The nice sound it made
- The smell of the heated oil
The bike had a shift pattern on the opposite side compared to newer motorcycles. The shift also worked in a different direction, which took some getting used to. This motorcycle wasn’t super fast, which made it good for a young rider. It didn’t have a hundred horsepower or the ability to go 150 miles per hour.
Reeves logged a lot of miles on that Norton Commando. He really grew up loving Norton motorcycles and their classic style.
Bikes on the Big Screen
Two-Wheeled Stars in Keanu’s Films
Keanu Reeves has ridden motorcycles in several of his movies over the years. In the film Chain Reaction, he got to ride a bike as part of his role. Another important film was My Own Private Idaho, where he rode alongside River Phoenix.
For that shoot, someone brought out a canary yellow Norton. The crew asked if Keanu knew the bike, and he confirmed he was familiar with it. That day became memorable as he rode the Norton with his co-star.
More recently, John Wick: Chapter 3 featured motorcycle action. Keanu rode down an alleyway and across a bridge for the film. The movie included a fight sequence while he was on the bike.
The Green Ducati from The Matrix
The Ducati 996 from The Matrix Reloaded stands as one of the most recognizable bikes from film. Ducati created a special green color for the movie that matched the Matrix aesthetic. The bike features “Matrix Reloaded” branding on it.
Carrie-Anne Moss had never ridden a motorcycle before filming. She learned how to ride a Ducati 998 specifically for her role. The Wachowskis, who wrote and directed the Matrix trilogy, originally owned this motorcycle.
Bike Details:
- Special Matrix green paint
- Custom branding
- Performance model from Ducati’s flagship line
Keanu and his team later became custodians of this famous motorcycle. They maintain it and plan to take it out on the track. The bike gets regular service to keep everything working properly.
Real Riding on Film Sets
Film contracts often included clauses that prevented actors from riding motorcycles during production. Studios worried about injuries that could shut down filming. Keanu sometimes followed these rules and sometimes ignored them.
When working on films, he found it easy to explain motorcycle riding to others. People who have ridden bicycles understand the basic concept. The main difference is that motorcycles make riders more vulnerable, which raises the stakes.
What Makes Riding Special:
- The vibration and feel of the machine
- Wind and sound during the ride
- A place to think and feel
- Time to get away from everything
Without riding, Keanu experiences withdrawal symptoms. He considers regular motorcycle time important for his health and well-being.
The Norton he bought in 1987 had a shift pattern on the opposite side compared to modern bikes. The shift direction also worked differently. This took some adjustment when he first started riding it.
That Norton proved perfect for a young rider. It didn’t have excessive power like modern sport bikes with 100 horsepower. He could learn without access to dangerous speeds. The bike couldn’t reach 150 miles per hour, which helped him build skills safely.
Starting Arch Motorcycle
Connecting With Gard Hollinger
Keanu Reeves owned a Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide. He loved the bike but wanted to make it more personal.
Someone introduced him to Gard Hollinger. Gard owned a custom building company called Chop Rods at the time.
The two started working together on a project. Gard took the Harley engine and built a completely new motorcycle around it. This custom creation became the prototype for what would eventually become Arch Motorcycle.
Creation of the Arch KRGT-1
The 2019 KRGT-1 uses over 200 custom parts made by the company. Almost all of these parts are billet aluminum that they manufacture themselves.
Key Components:
- Öhlins high-end front suspension
- BST carbon wheels from South Africa
- S&S power plant from Wisconsin
- Michelin tires
- Rizoma parts from Italy (signals, mirrors, foot controls)
The company makes each seat custom for the owner. The seat gets fitted specifically for that person’s body.
The bike rides incredibly well. The sound and performance match the quality of the parts.
Company Vision and Beliefs
Keanu gets involved with the vision and goals of the company. He participates in quality control and test rides. He can tell what’s wrong with a bike and how it should feel.
He doesn’t assemble motorcycles or fix them. That’s not his role in the company.
Gard handles the design and drawing. He shows Keanu the designs and they discuss them together.
Keanu’s Responsibilities:
- Testing motorcycles
- Quality control
- Determining how bikes should feel
- Company infrastructure
- Brand voice and identity
- Public presentation
The two work together on what the company presents to the world. They decide who they are as a brand and what they want to share with customers.
Arch Motorcycle Models
KRGT-1 Performance Cruiser
The 2019 KRGT-1 represents Arch’s vision for a high-performance cruiser. The company manufactures over 200 parts specifically for this motorcycle, all crafted from billet aluminum.
Arch partners with premium manufacturers to bring together the best components. The bike features Öhlins high-end front suspension and BST carbon wheels from South Africa. S&S provides the powerplant, while Michelin supplies the tires.
Key Components:
- Suspension: Öhlins front suspension system
- Wheels: BST carbon fiber wheels
- Engine: S&S powerplant
- Tires: Michelin performance tires
- Controls: Rizoma signals, mirrors, and foot controls
The KRGT-1 includes custom elements tailored to each owner. The seat gets manufactured specifically for the rider, creating a fitted experience. Every motorcycle receives individual attention during assembly.
The bike delivers an exceptional riding experience. When started, it produces a distinctive sound that reflects its performance capabilities. The combination of premium parts and custom manufacturing results in remarkable handling characteristics.
Performance Cruiser Sport
This motorcycle takes the KRGT-1 concept and pushes it toward sportier territory. The riding position changes significantly from the original model.
Instead of forward controls, this version uses mid controls. The rake angle gets adjusted by bringing it in slightly, which alters the handling dynamics. The wheels are completely different from the KRGT-1.
Design Changes:
- Mid controls instead of forward controls
- Adjusted rake for sharper handling
- New wheel design
- Different bodywork
- Redesigned tank
- New instrument panel
- Modified frame structure
The frame differs substantially from the KRGT-1. It’s not exposed like the original model, and the internal configuration has been redesigned. Development continues on the final exhaust system and various design elements throughout the motorcycle.
The tank design represents a fresh approach. Engineers continue refining numerous details underneath the bodywork to optimize performance.
Method 143 Prototype
The Method 143 exists as a concept motorcycle that showcases future possibilities. It’s not available for riding yet, similar to how automobile manufacturers create concept cars.
The prototype will eventually feature a carbon fiber monocoque frame. The down member of the frame hints at this direction, showing how carbon fiber will be integrated throughout the structure.
Prototype Specifications:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon fiber monocoque (planned) |
| Engine | S&S 143 cubic inches |
| Wheels | Custom BST design (in development) |
| Materials | Aluminum and carbon fiber overlay |
The powerplant stands out as extraordinary. It’s an S&S engine with 143 cubic inches of displacement. This massive engine gives the motorcycle incredible power potential.
The design takes a futuristic approach. Different materials get overlaid and integrated throughout the build. Aluminum and carbon fiber work together, extending into the seat skins and various other elements.
BST is developing a completely new wheel specifically for this motorcycle. The design elements throughout the bike push boundaries beyond typical production models. The entire concept embraces an outrageous aesthetic and performance philosophy.
Technical Excellence and Personal Touches
High-Quality Parts
The motorcycle features over 200 custom-made parts crafted from billet aluminum. The company manufactures these components in-house while working with top-tier manufacturers from around the world.
The bike includes several premium parts from specialized companies:
- Öhlins high-end front suspension
- BST carbon wheels from South Africa
- S&S power plant from Wisconsin
- Michelin tires
- Rizoma from Italy for signals, mirrors, and foot controls
Each seat gets made specifically for the owner. The company fits it to match the individual rider.
One-of-a-Kind Features
The method 143 represents a prototype concept that pushes boundaries. This bike will feature a carbon fiber monocoque frame once production begins.
The power plant uses an S&S engine with 143 cubic inches. Different materials get layered and integrated throughout the design, including aluminum and carbon fiber in the seat skins.
BST will develop brand new wheels specifically for this model. The design elements show a futuristic approach to motorcycle building.
Working with Top Manufacturers
The KR GT-1 model from 2019 showcases partnerships with industry experts. Companies from different countries contribute their specialties to create the finished product.
The sport version changes several key features compared to the performance cruiser. It uses mid controls instead of forward controls and has a different rake angle brought in slightly. This affects how the bike handles.
The frame design differs from the KR GT-1 model. It stays hidden rather than exposed, with internal modifications. A new instrument panel gets installed, along with different wheels and bodywork. The tank design continues to evolve, and the exhaust system remains in development.
Track Riding and Riding Events
Santa Monica Mountains Adventures
Keanu and his team love taking the Arch motorcycles out for rides through the Santa Monica Mountains. These group rides bring together everyone from the company for shared experiences on the open road. It’s a chance to enjoy the bikes they’ve built and spend time with fellow riders who share the same passion.
The mountain rides offer something different from track days. There’s no pressure to push speed limits or worry about lap times. Instead, riders get to experience the curves and scenery that make Southern California riding special.
These events also connect the Arch community. Owners and team members ride together and build relationships around their shared love of motorcycles.
Track Day Adventures
The team makes regular trips to racetracks where they can really open up the throttles. Track days let them push their bikes hard without worrying about traffic or speed limits. It’s pure riding freedom in a controlled environment.
Track Day Lineup:
- Keanu – Rides the Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja
- Gard – Takes out the Yamaha R1
- Ross – Handles the Aprilia
- Simon – Joins on another bike
All these machines deliver incredible performance. Each bike brings something different to the track experience. The group dynamic makes these days even more special as they share their love of speed and handling.
Track riding offers unique benefits. Riders can focus completely on the bike and the road ahead. There’s no need to watch for cars or stay within legal limits.
Favorite Racing Motorcycles
Keanu has a wish list of bikes he’d love to ride someday. The Vincent Black Shadow sits at the top of that list. This legendary British motorcycle represents classic engineering and raw power.
He’s also interested in trying out 1920s Brough Superiors. These vintage machines were considered the finest motorcycles of their era. They combined speed with luxury in ways that still impress collectors today.
Modern racing bikes also capture his attention. He’s never ridden a current MotoGP bike but thinks it would be incredible. Those machines represent the absolute peak of motorcycle technology and performance. The experience would likely be insane given their power and handling capabilities.
Getting the chance to ride a Brough, a Vincent Black Shadow, and a MotoGP bike would be pretty awesome. Each represents a different era and approach to motorcycle design and performance.
Dream Motorcycles
The Legendary Vincent Black Shadow
The Vincent Black Shadow stands as one of those bikes that Keanu has never ridden but really wants to. This legendary British motorcycle sits high on his wish list of dream machines.
He thinks about getting the chance to throw his leg over one of these historic bikes. The Vincent Black Shadow represents a piece of motorcycle history that still captures riders’ imaginations today.
The Classic Brough Superior
Brough Superior motorcycles from the 1920s also make Keanu’s list of bikes he’d love to experience. These rare British machines were built during an era when motorcycles were becoming serious performance vehicles.
He’s particularly interested in trying out some examples from the 1920s. Getting to ride a Brough Superior would give him a connection to motorcycling’s golden age.
MotoGP Experiences
Modern MotoGP racing bikes represent another type of machine Keanu has never experienced. These cutting-edge race bikes push the limits of motorcycle technology and performance.
What makes MotoGP bikes special:
- They’re built purely for racing
- They have incredible power and speed
- They use the latest motorcycle technology
- Professional racers compete on them at the highest level
He thinks riding a modern MotoGP bike would be pretty fun. The experience would probably be insane given how much power and performance these machines have.
His dream scenario:
- Ride a Brough Superior
- Experience a Vincent Black Shadow
- Get the chance to ride a MotoGP bike
Getting to ride all three of these motorcycles would be pretty awesome. Each one represents a different era and style of motorcycling excellence.
Tips for Getting Started on Two Wheels
New riders should pick the right bike for their experience level. A smaller motorcycle is better when starting out. The bike should let a rider put both feet flat on the ground.
Taking a safety class is really important for people who didn’t grow up riding dirt bikes. These classes teach basic skills and help build confidence. Young riders who started on minibikes usually learn from experienced people around them.
Power matters a lot when choosing a first bike. Don’t get a sport bike with tons of horsepower right away. A bike with too much power can overwhelm someone who’s never ridden before. It’s safer to start small and work up to bigger engines.
Here’s what beginners should focus on:
- Start with a bike under 500cc if possible
- Make sure the bike fits your body size
- Choose something that feels comfortable, not scary
- Practice in safe areas before hitting busy streets
- Don’t rush to get the fastest bike available
Comfort on the motorcycle comes first. A rider who feels nervous or scared on their bike won’t have fun and might make mistakes. The goal is to enjoy riding while staying safe.
Dirt riding gives people a different start than street riding. Kids who learn on small dirt bikes get experience in a controlled setting. Adults who skip that step need proper training before they ride on roads with traffic.
The type of bike matters based on what someone wants to do. Cruisers ride differently than sport bikes. Each style has its own feel and handling. New riders should try different types if they can before buying.
Never jump straight to a high-performance machine. Even experienced car drivers need time to adjust to motorcycles. The skills don’t transfer the same way. Respect for the bike’s power keeps riders safer.
