[4][5][6] Archer rode for the New Imperial factory at the 1947 Isle of Man TT,[7] and competed in the 1950 International Six Days Trial as a member of the British Army team.

[8] He competed alongside his traveling companion Eric Cheney, who went on to become one of the top British motorcycle designers.

[3][9] Archer was also a member of the victorious British teams at the 1952 and 1953 Motocross des Nations events.

[10][11] In 1956, he succeeded in winning the 500cc European motocross championship over the defending champion and countryman John Draper.

[6] Archer further developed the Manx Norton into the 1960s with engine preparation by famed tuner Ray Petty.