In the quiet hills of Los Angeles, where the hum of engines blends with the rustle of eucalyptus trees, Keanu Reeves is carving out a new chapter in his life. At 60, the Hollywood icon, beloved for The Matrix and John Wick, has long been known for his passion for motorcycles—a love that led him to co-found ARCH Motorcycle with Gard Hollinger in 2011. But since the birth of his son, Levi James Reeves, on June 15, 2025, with partner Alexandra Grant, Keanu has found himself navigating a delicate balance between his adrenaline-fueled hobby and the tender responsibilities of fatherhood. In an exclusive interview with Esquire at 04:25 PM +07 on Monday, July 28, 2025, Keanu opened up about how he’s weaving his love for two wheels into family life, from taking Levi on gentle rides, washing bikes together, to gifting him a mini motorcycle of his own. His journey, marked by vulnerability and joy, offers a glimpse into a man redefining what it means to be both a rider and a dad.

A Passion Ignited, A Life Transformed

Keanu’s romance with motorcycles began in his early 20s, sparked by a chance encounter in Munich while filming. A co-star’s Kawasaki Enduro ignited a lifelong obsession, leading him to purchase his first bike upon returning to Los Angeles. Over the decades, his collection has grown to include classics like the Norton Commando, the Ducati 998 Matrix Edition, and custom ARCH KRGT-1s, each a testament to his appreciation for craftsmanship and freedom. “It’s the visceral quality of it,” Keanu told GQ in 2019. “The vibration, the wind, the sound. It’s a great place to think, to feel, to get away.” This passion culminated in ARCH Motorcycle, where he and Hollinger craft bespoke performance cruisers, blending art and engineering.

But the arrival of Levi, born at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after a 12-hour labor, shifted Keanu’s perspective. The delivery room, as he described to Vogue earlier this month, was a “sacred bubble” where he held space for Alexandra and their newborn. Now, with Levi just six weeks old, Keanu is determined to integrate his love for riding into his role as a father. “I want him to know this part of me,” he said, cradling a coffee mug in his hands during the Esquire interview, his voice soft but resolute. “But it’s about balance—making sure he feels safe, loved, and part of it all.”

Riding Together: A Gentle Introduction

One sunny afternoon in late July, Keanu decided it was time for Levi’s first ride. With Alexandra’s blessing, he strapped him into a custom baby seat designed for his ARCH KRGT-1, a $78,000 machine known for its sleek design and powerful 2,032-cc engine. The seat, engineered with safety features like reinforced padding and a five-point harness, was a collaboration with a child safety expert, ensuring Levi’s comfort on the short, scenic loop through the Hollywood Hills. Keanu wore his full-face helmet and armored jacket, a far cry from the helmet-free photo shoots of his youth, reflecting his newfound caution as a parent.

The ride was slow, deliberate, with Keanu keeping the speed under 20 mph. Levi, bundled in a tiny leather jacket Alexandra had sewn, cooed softly, his dark eyes wide as the wind brushed his face. “He didn’t cry,” Keanu laughed, recounting the moment. “He just looked around, like he was taking it all in. I kept checking the mirror, making sure he was okay. It felt like the world slowed down.” Neighbors spotted the iconic actor cruising with his son, and a video posted on X captured the tender scene, captioned, “Keanu Reeves, the coolest dad ever, riding with his baby boy.” The post went viral, racking up millions of views, with fans praising his blend of toughness and tenderness.

For Keanu, the ride was more than a thrill—it was a bridge to share his passion. “Motorcycles taught me freedom, presence,” he said. “I want Levi to feel that, but in his own way, at his own pace.” He plans to limit these outings to calm routes, always with Alexandra or a trusted friend nearby, ensuring Levi’s safety remains paramount. This cautious approach marks a shift from his younger days, when he admitted to Wired that he’d sometimes ignore no-riding clauses in film contracts. Now, as a father, the stakes are higher, and Keanu is all about calculated risks.

Washing Bikes: A Family Bond

Back at their Los Angeles home, Keanu has turned motorcycle maintenance into a family ritual. The garage, a sanctuary of polished chrome and leather, doubles as a playground where he and Levi spend quiet afternoons. With Levi in a high chair nearby, Keanu washes his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, a 200-horsepower beast he uses for track days. He hands Levi a soft sponge, dipping it in soapy water, letting him splash at a toy replica of his Norton Commando. “He loves the bubbles,” he said, grinning. “It’s messy, but it’s ours.”

The activity began as a practical necessity—keeping his collection pristine—but evolved into a bonding experience. Keanu guides Levi’s tiny hands, teaching him the rhythm of wiping down the frame, the care needed for the leather seats. “It’s not just about the bike,” he explained. “It’s about teaching him patience, teamwork. He’s too young to understand now, but I hope it sticks.” Alexandra often joins, sketching Levi’s playful splashes, turning the garage into a creative hub. A neighbor, posting on X, wrote, “Saw Keanu and his baby boy washing bikes today—cutest thing ever. This man is living his best dad life.”

This ritual echoes Keanu’s own childhood, where hands-on tasks with his mother, Patricia, fostered his creativity. Now, he’s passing that legacy to Levi, blending his mechanical passion with parental nurturing. “It’s grounding,” he said. “When I’m with him, wiping down a bike, the world feels right.”

A Mini Motorcycle for Levi

The pinnacle of Keanu’s efforts to share his passion came with a surprise for Levi: a custom mini motorcycle. Inspired by his ARCH designs, he commissioned a pint-sized version from a local builder, tailored for a toddler. The mini bike, painted in a soft “Matrix Green” to match his Ducati 998, features a 50-cc engine, training wheels, and a top speed capped at 5 mph—perfect for Levi’s age. Delivered on July 25, 2025, the bike arrived with a handwritten note from Keanu: “To Levi, ride your own path. – Dad.”

The unveiling was a family affair. Keanu and Alexandra set up a small track in their backyard, complete with soft grass and padded barriers. Levi, clad in a miniature helmet and jacket, giggled as Keanu guided his wobbly first laps. “He’s a natural,” he said, beaming. “He leaned into the turns like he’s been doing it forever.” Alexandra captured the moment on video, later sharing a still image on Instagram with the caption, “Levi’s first ride—thanks to his dad’s big heart.” Fans flooded the comments, with one writing, “Keanu buying his kid a mini bike is the most wholesome thing I’ve seen.”

The mini motorcycle isn’t just a toy—it’s a symbol of Keanu’s vision for Levi’s future. “I want him to grow up with options,” he said. “If he loves riding, great. If not, he’ll know I supported his journey.” He plans to supervise Levi’s rides closely, ensuring he masters balance and safety before advancing. This mirrors his own journey, learning on a Kawasaki KLR 600 at 22, and reflects his belief in experiential learning.

Balancing Act: Passion Meets Responsibility

Balancing his motorcycle passion with fatherhood isn’t without challenges. Keanu’s schedule, packed with John Wick promotions and ARCH projects, demands time away from home. Yet, he’s adjusted, delegating ARCH duties to Hollinger while focusing on family. “Gard’s the genius,” Keanu joked. “I’m just the dreamer who’s home changing diapers now.” He’s also scaled back track days, opting for local rides with Levi instead of high-speed outings.

This shift aligns with his philosophy of presence, honed through years of loss—his daughter Ava in 1999 and partner Jennifer Syme in 2001. “I’ve learned life’s fragile,” he said. “With Levi, every moment counts. The bike’s still part of me, but he’s the priority.” He’s exploring family-friendly riding events, like the ARCH owners’ gatherings, where Levi can meet other kids, fostering a community vibe he cherishes.

Keanu’s approach has inspired fans. An X post read, “Keanu teaching his son to ride is peak dad goals. Passion and love in one.” His story resonates with parents who juggle hobbies and family, proving it’s possible to integrate both. He’s even considering a documentary with The Roku Channel, building on Visionaries, to showcase how passion can unite generations.

An Inspirational Legacy

As summer fades into fall, Keanu’s days are filled with Levi’s laughter, the roar of engines, and the quiet joy of shared moments. He reflects on his journey with a quote that encapsulates his new chapter: “Passion fuels us, but love shapes us into who we become.” These words, shared during the interview, highlight his belief that fatherhood enhances, rather than diminishes, his love for motorcycles.

For Keanu, Levi’s presence has redefined freedom. No longer just the open road, it’s the smile on his son’s face as he grips a sponge or wobbles on his mini bike. As he navigates this balance, he’s not just a rider or an actor—he’s a dad building a legacy of love, one ride at a time. The Hollywood Hills echo with the promise of more adventures, where Keanu’s passion and fatherhood ride side by side, inspiring all who watch.