Joerg Teuchert
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The Arc Vector is only 10 weeks away from its first deliveries, and the testing process has progressed down to the smallest detail.
The Vector is an innovative design, using Hub Center Steering (HCS) and a carbon front swingarm instead of conventional forks.
It’s not a completely unique approach, certainly when it comes to HCS. Bimota, for example, has used HCS on its Tesi motorcycles, and the Metiss – which races in the 24 Hours Motos of Le Mans every year – also uses the unconventional system.
Traditionally, HCS loses out to conventional fork-based front suspension layouts due to a vague feel through a variety of complex mechanisms that are required to operate the system.
For Arc, the key with the Vector is the carbon swingarm, which they say “facilitates a bike that looks like a front fork, but benefits from the improved characteristics of hub center steering.”
These benefits include a stiffer front end – which should aid agility and support under hard braking – as well as the ability to execute steeper steering angles. On the Vector, Arc runs a 20 degree rake.
To complete development of the machine, Arc recruited James Ellison – former multiple-time British Superbike race winner, European Superstock champion and MotoGP rider – “to fine-tune the final spring and damper settings on the suspension system. innovation of the Vector,” says Arc. .
Ellison spent two days testing the bike, alongside Arc founder and CEO Mark Truman. The pair worked with a team from Ohlins, which provides the suspension for the Vector.
“I was really surprised by the agility,” Ellison said, adding that “the bike changes direction like a much smaller bike due to the steep steering angle it can execute. This means the bike can be moved from side to side with little effort.
Mark Truman said: “Driving the Vector alongside James has been fantastic, his perception and feel for every change in settings is second to none and his experience goes without saying.
“James has worked with us to define the production parameters that will go to customers in 10 weeks.”
Truman also mentioned “a very exciting program for 10 special customers, people who want to be part of the future of motorcycle technology.” This will take place on July 29, and more details will be released soon, according to Arc.
