Arch Motorcycle's Method 143 is a bike that is truly
produced with no expense spared. From its design to its production techniques
to its top-shelf, third-party components, you’d be hard pressed to upgrade the
143 if you tried.
Starting at the heart of the limited edition model
we have its engine and namesake, a T143 2,343cc fuel-injected V-Twin
from S and S. The hefty S and S mill has been retuned for better longevity and
sharper throttle response, though very little oomph is reportedly lost in the
process as the V-Twin still puts down a claimed 170 horsepower. The engine is
also fitted with B3 cylinder heads with two bolt exhaust flanges, three-piece
flywheels, high-flow oil pump and cam cover, and Premium High-Performance
Tappets all from S, as well as Gloss black rocker covers, gear cover, tappet
blocks, and pushrod tubes.
The S mill now spits burnt fumes via a trick
MotoGP-inspired titanium, billet aluminum, and carbon fiber exhaust made by SC
Project. The 143 also features a six-speed Baker "transmixer" linked
to a high-torque main shaft with a chain final drive giving power to the rear
wheel. The massive engine gets help from some modern electronic riding assists
too, as there is admittedly a lot of power to keep in check.
Wrapped around the V-Twin is a carbon fiber monocell
chassis with an integrated fuel cell—a first for a production model and a
feature that allows for minimal weight and maximum stability, especially at
high speeds. Bolted onto the main frame is a CNC machined aluminum sub-frame,
and beneath that is a trick CNC machined, single-sided, billet aluminum
swingarm designed by Arch and manufactured by elite racing outfit, Suter
Industries.
Damping the swingarm is a proprietary, fully
adjustable mono shock that Arch developed with Ohlins specially for the 143. Up
front is a fully adjustable Ohlins / Arch proprietary FGRT series fork covered
in an aerodynamic carbon fiber airfoil. The brakes consists of ISR dual six
30mm piston Monobloc radial mount calipers with ISR floating dampened discs in
front and Dual ISR four piston Monobloc radial mount caliper with ISR semi
floating disc in back. The entire machine sits atop special lightweight Arch
designed 17 inch BST “Turbine” carbon fiber wheels wrapped in Michelin Power RS
rubber.
The bodywork on the prestigious American two-wheeler
is comprised of a CNC machined 6061 aluminum unit with a layered integrated
leather in seat and tank area. The machining lines were left visible as a
styling choice, highlighting the fact that more than 200 parts were
individually machined in order to produce each model. Surprisingly it appears
the display consists of what the company calls an “Arch mobile phone
instrumentation display”, though the 143 does still sport proprietary LED
lighting, and what the elite marque refers to as “custom tailored fit and
finish”.
Though Arch does call the Method 143 a “concept
production motorcycle”, only 23 units are going to be produced. Making an
example even harder to get is the fact that, though prices have yet to be
released, the Method 143 is expected to carry a six-figure price tag, but that
last part probably isn’t too surprising.