Background
He was the son of Les Archer, also a top motorcycle racer from the 1920s.
He was the son of Les Archer, also a top motorcycle racer from the 1920s.
Archer is best known for winning the 1956 F.I.M. 500cc European Motocross Championship on a highly modified Manx Norton. Archer competed in the FIM European motocross championship with a 10th place finish in 1954 then, improving to a 5th place in the 1955 championship. Archer further developed the Manx Norton into the 1960s with engine preparation by famed tuner Ray Petty.
Archer rode for the New Imperial factory at the 1947 Isle of Manitoba TT, and competed in the 1950 International Six Days Trial as a member of the British Army team Archer was also a member of the victorious British teams at the 1952 and 1953 Motocross des Nations events.