ARCH Unleashes New 2s-R with McWilliams

ARCH Motorcycles unveils the 2s-R, featuring a new chassis and swingarm, and announces MotoGP veteran Jeremy McWilliams will join Corey Alexander for the next Super Hooligan round.

ARCH Motorcycles has fired a serious warning shot in the MotoAmerica Super Hooligan Championship with the debut of its all-new 2s-R race machine. The bike was unveiled during last weekend’s round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. But this wasn’t just a new bike launch, it was the clearest sign yet that ARCH is shifting gears from experimentation to serious contention.

The latest version of its Super Hooligan entry doesn’t just tweak the formula; it rewrites it. With a completely redesigned chassis and swingarm, more focused ergonomics, and the announcement of a two-rider team that includes the legendary Jeremy McWilliams, ARCH is stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

New Architecture, Same DNA

At the heart of the 2s-R is a reimagined aluminium chassis that departs radically from the round-tube structure used in the KRGT2-001 model. It is an offshoot of ARCH’s production KRGT-1 cruiser. The new frame is a stark contrast. It has a massive aluminium headstock and short side spars. It also has integrated mounting points that connect directly to the engine’s front and rear cylinders.

It’s a layout that speaks to greater rigidity and purpose-built race performance. Gone are the adjustable pegs and concessions to road comfort. The 2s-R is all business, with locked-in rearsets and a single-rider focus.

Accompanying the new frame is a revised swingarm, now mounted to a set of aluminium castings bolted directly to the engine. It’s a compact, integrated design, shedding unnecessary complexity in favour of direct performance. Suspension remains familiar and race-proven, with an Öhlins TTX shock managing rear damping duties.

Powerplant Paradox

Interestingly, the version debuted at Laguna retained the original five-speed powerplant. This is even though rivals in the Hooligan field benefit from more flexible six-speed setups. That limitation hasn’t gone unnoticed. Rider Corey Alexander candidly noted that while Harley riders click through two gears on the straights, he’s often stuck maxing out in one.

Still, what the Suter-built big V-Twin lacks in gear count, it makes up for in raw torque and distinct character. Spinning up to 7,000 rpm, it’s a motor that demands finesse and rewards aggression, traits Alexander has been steadily adapting to all season.

Veteran Firepower: Enter McWilliams

Perhaps the most significant sign of ARCH’s competitive intent is the addition of Jeremy McWilliams to the rider lineup. A MotoGP veteran and development ace, McWilliams brings a level of experience unmatched in the Super Hooligan field. His presence signals not only a push for results but a commitment to development and refinement.

The pairing of McWilliams with rising star Corey Alexander gives ARCH a blend of raw pace and seasoned insight. This is a crucial combination as the team shifts from building proof-of-concept bikes to targeting podium finishes.

Hollywood Grit Meets Racing Grit

Co-founded by Gard Hollinger and actor Keanu Reeves, ARCH has always embraced a mix of Hollywood style and industrial toughness. But with the 2s-R, that ethos now has race-winning ambition to match. Keanu himself was on hand at Laguna, posing with fans and showing support for a project that clearly goes well beyond branding.

As the team prepares for its next outing at VIRginia International Raceway, the message is clear: ARCH isn’t just here to race, they’re here to win.