[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/archmotorcycle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/owners-group-1.jpg” alt=”owners group” title_text=”owners group” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||25px||false|false”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”60%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_letter_spacing=”-3px” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-1px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”35px” header_3_letter_spacing=”-2px” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”30px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”24px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”right”]By Keith Oliver<\/strong> The fortunate among these enthusiasts magnify their obsession via unique aesthetics, enhanced performance, increased comfort, and yes\u2026 improved safety. ARCH Motorcycle was conceived as a one-stop destination for the most determined of these souls. The quest: to create a top-shelf, bespoke option for seekers of the ultimate motorcycle exercise. A consolidation of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology which allows each owner the opportunity to influence the look and feel of their personal ARCH Motorcycle. Included with every ARCH delivered is the \u201cesprit de corpse\u201d of a diverse group of fascinating individuals, who share their passions for motorcycling and beyond, cultivated through exclusive owner events that combine motorcycling with culture, in unique and varied settings.<\/p>\n The founding father of the ARCH Owners tribe is Vic Branstetter, a successful hospitality entrepreneur whose integrity permeates every room he enters. Vic is ARCH\u2019s resident expert on aspirational vehicle ownership. When pushed to estimate how many bucket list vehicles he\u2019s owned, his infectious smile tells the story better than any three-digit number could. Although he leans toward personal anonymity, serious SoCal gearheads have likely sifted through thick crowds to get a closer look at one of his new-in-country vehicles. Chances are, the rest of you have viewed his transportation options via reality TV, or seen his projects jumping from the covers of industry magazines. A perpetual early adopter in the exotic vehicle space, he embraces his addiction to the latest and greatest. \u201cI\u2019m not a collector,\u201d Vic claims. \u201cI\u2019m an acquirer.\u201d Like Hemingway in Africa, Vic seeks the thrill in acquisition of exotics. And like the rest of us, he likes to put his thumbprint on them. Actual thumbprints, though, are unacceptable in his world.<\/p>\n Mr. Branstetter comes by his self-described \u201cgearhead disorder\u201d honestly. From humble beginnings in the heartland of Oklahoma, this son of a son of a mechanic spent the bulk of his youth engaged with his grandfather and father on various wheeled projects. Vic\u2019s Dad, an airline mechanic by trade, was also an auto parts jobber for Edelbrock and Iskenderian. While his friends played with toys, Vic recalls stuffing manifolds and carburetors underneath his childhood bed. \u201cFrom about 3 years old, I was my dad\u2019s helper,\u201d he says, fetching tools and providing an extra set of greasy hands. As an enthusiastic 5-year-old, he strapped on a mask and helped his father repaint the family\u2019s \u201949 Oldsmobile in their home garage. Before most could ride a bicycle, Vic was customizing his JC Higgins Freightliner. His future MO was apparent: completely deconstructing many of his rides within days of receiving them. His father enabled young Vic\u2019s affliction, by keeping a steady stream of projects in front of him. Countless bicycles, minibikes, and go-karts were subject to his scrutiny, spawning a lifelong bond between the two of them. Upon the successful launch and growth of the Houston\u2019s chain of eateries (now known as Hillstone Restaurant Group) Vic found himself headquartered in Atlanta, in charge of operations at multiple locations in the region. He admits his decision to purchase a plane and fly himself between the stores was short-sighted. Especially, since the ambitious scaling of their restaurant business was quickly testing the limits of his equipment and skill set. He decided to go back to flying commercial and focus on safer, earthbound hobbies. This enabled a nautical fixation that involved multiple off-shore cigarette boats, and ended with a festive (read expensive) foray into yacht ownership. With Houston\u2019s blowing up nationwide, the West Coast beckoned, and Vic found his new forever home in Southern California.<\/p>\n It was in Los Angeles where Vic\u2019s motorcycle addiction blossomed. Sure, he had owned plenty of bikes since his days in Oklahoma, but now, it actually made sense to ride a motorcycle. Perfect, year-round weather with empty and endless canyon roads, accessible via legal lane-splitting. This concept may be polarizing in the national discussion, but SoCal motorcyclists know it\u2019s the key to survival on their roads. In addition, the weather and canyons are a boon for exotic car owners who unveil their gems on weekends, to test g-forces en route to grab an $8 coffee in Malibu. Vic was primed for this scene, and ready to make his statement. On a personal note, Vic found the perfect soulmate for his ambitious lifestyle in his lovely wife Kelli. Beyond their elegant Pacific Palisades estate, Kelli lists philanthropy and animal rescue among her many passions. Their extended \u201cfurry\u201d family is known to grow with little notice, as she is famously generous in her concern for the four-legged among us. The current beneficiaries include four French bulldogs, a Staffordshire bull terrier, a papillon, a chihuahua mix and a Sphynx, hairless cat. This year\u2019s Branstetter Christmas card photo session will surely be one for the ages.<\/p>\n Vic Branstetter was the ideal first client for our fledgling motorcycle company, committing to the initial production model months before it rolled off the hand-assembly line. He was well aware of Gard\u2019s reputation for attention to detail, and was anxious to witness the transformation from genre-bending prototype to street legal production model. The first generation KRGT-1 checked virtually every box Branstetter looks for in his acquisitions. Since his initial purchase in 2015, Vic has added two more ARCH Motorcycles to his fleet. He claims the ARCH KRGT-1 is the ultimate lane-splitting canyon carver, with the bonus of being a true American exotic. ARCH Motorcycle is proud to claim Vic Branstetter as a friend, and founding member of our revered enthusiast family. Vic Branstetter
\nMarch 11, 2021
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”60%” width_tablet=”70%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_letter_spacing=”-3px” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-1px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”40px” header_3_letter_spacing=”-2px”]There\u2019s something about the risk and reward inherent to motorcycling that attracts interesting\u2013albeit disparate\u2013personalities. From thrillseekers to commuters, to collectors and outlaws, these kindred spirits all have at least one thing in common: a need to be totally immersed in their transportation. This desire often manifests itself in their choice of motorcycle, as well as its appearance and performance. Rare is the ride whose owner hasn\u2019t altered some aspect of a sufficiently functional and attractive vehicle.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/archmotorcycle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/vic_grid_1.jpg” alt=”Vic” title_text=”vic_grid_1″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”60%” width_tablet=”70%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_letter_spacing=”-3px” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-1px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”40px” header_3_letter_spacing=”-2px”]As Vic matured, his attention evolved to more ambitious and expensive vehicles. Upon graduation from college, his father\u2019s advice to seek a lucrative job that would bankroll his hobbies, rather than a fun one inside the automotive industry, made sense. His choice to follow some friends into the restaurant business apparently missed the mark with the elder Branstetter. \u201cOh great, now you\u2019re selling hamburgers?\u201d he asked. Undeterred, Vic put his head down and applied his laser focus to his new profession. The one that would ultimately allow him to repay his parents with dream cars and a new home.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/archmotorcycle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Vic-with-ARCH.jpg” alt=”Vic with ARCH” title_text=”Vic with ARCH” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”60%” width_tablet=”70%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_letter_spacing=”-3px” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-1px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”40px” header_3_letter_spacing=”-2px”]A seasoned Ferrari and Porsche fanatic from his days in Atlanta, Vic secured first right of refusal status with the sales managers of these iconic marques. Since collecting is not the ultimate goal, he is more often motivated by game-changing performance updates or boundary-pushing technology breakthroughs. \u201cI love to drive the newest and best on the market, no matter the brand,\u201d he says. But sometimes,\u201call it takes is a stunning paint job.\u201d Orange is his preferred color. For the last 10 years, or so, Vic has housed his stable of vehicles in a local SoCal airport hangar. It\u2019s convenient, and safe enough that he counts several A-list celebrities as his neighbors. The eclectic inventory he retains is a people magnet, and fluid, to say the least. Vic prefers it that way. One consistent occupant, though, is his current helicopter. Vic\u2019s pilot itch resurfaced a few years back while celebrating the 4th of July in Miami, with some of his LA motorcycle crew. Most were already pilots, and all shared his interest in learning to fly helicopters. Upon return, they met with veteran instructor Ken Obi to flesh out the opportunity. Ken explained that piloting a helicopter is similar to motorcycling in that it requires the use of both hands and feet. He said, \u201cif you are proficient on a motorcycle, I can teach you to fly a helicopter, if not..forget it.\u201d Vic immediately dedicated several hours a day, Monday through Friday, to the endeavor, and acquired his helicopter license in only three months time. His buddies followed suit, but eventually returned to airplanes, leaving Vic as the primary helicopter pilot of the group. He\u2019s attracted to the \u201cImax Theater\u201d aspect of helicopters, over the utility of airplanes. A similarity which seems applicable in the motorcycles vs cars debate.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/archmotorcycle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Vic-2.jpg” alt=”Vic 2″ title_text=”Vic 2″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”60%” width_tablet=”70%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_letter_spacing=”-3px” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-1px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”40px” header_3_letter_spacing=”-2px”]Since selling his stake in Houston\u2019s 15 years ago, Vic has shifted his professional focus to the Branstetter Group, a premium hospitality consulting company he launched with other industry experts. He enjoys the unique and varied challenges inherent to the consulting industry, which also happens to satisfy his entrepreneurial drive. Their primary focus is substantial restaurant projects, but broadens on occasion to include motorsports, as well as other industries.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/archmotorcycle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ARCH-event.jpg” alt=”Vic 2″ title_text=”ARCH event” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ admin_label=”post-foot-logo” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/archmotorcycle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/post-logo.jpg” alt=”ARCH” title_text=”post-logo” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fade”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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