Product Description

In the beginning, there was Arlen Ness. Before Jesse James, Billy Lane, and the battling Teutuls, Arlen Ness started the business of building celebrity choppers. He is a long-time custom motorcycle builder whose bikes combine the artistic and the extreme. These rolling sculptures have been covered in motorcycle and even hot rod magazines for decades as Arlen Ness built a worldwide reputation as an innovator and sought-out builder of themed custom bikes.

This book traces the growth of the Arlen Ness reputation, business empire, and custom bike resumé and features stunning new photography of all the bikes in Arlen’s personal collection, over 50 in total.

His custom motorcycle accessories and apparel are sold worldwide and he has dealerships in California and Florida. He and his son Cory, a fellow custom bike builder, are profiled frequently on television and in magazines, and they are expanding their reach as styling consultants for Victory Motorcycles.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #913261 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780760322192
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:

Review
"...striking visual journey of Arlen's reign...isn't just about the man...an inside look behind bike builds as well." -- Motorcycle Product News, October 2005

"Value of the Product: Must-read for any custom bike builder." -- DealerNews, September 2005

Review

About the Author
Michael Lichter is a talented photographer who has known Arlen Ness for nearly 30 years and has photographed Ness creations throughout their time as friends.

Customer Reviews

Ness is a master of motorcycle creativity and business
Michael Lichter uses his consistently strong photos and writing to tell the story of Arlen Ness's achievement of the American Dream including a prosperous, booming motorcycle business, adapting to or sparking change(creating parts like the 'Evolution Solution'), and staying married to the same woman all these years. Ness started out working for the post office and also helped out with his father delivering furniture . Both his Mom and Dad taught him the importance of a strong work ethic which would become a key factor in his success in an industry where he is affectionately referred to as "King of Choppers". When he bought a knucklehead for three hundred dollars (c. 1964) which he reworked into his own vision he knew he found his calling.

Sonny Barger wrote the forward and says they have a lot in common. Barger and Ness have endured and flourished all these years. It is befitting to have Barger write the foreword because the counterculture Hells Angels and their mystique have contributed enormously to American Culture inspiring film, literature, art, the original and new wave of motorcycle chopper art that has found yet a new ever expanding audience in the 21 century.

My favorite photo in the book is Hulk Hogan sitting on his customized bike "Hulkster". The book doesn't focus on celebrities but on the "art" of Arlen Ness and his story. Motorcycle creativity combined with the American Dream business machine which remains a family business and endurance are an art form that is uniquely Arlen Ness. If you are an Arlen Ness fan this book is for you.

The Ultimate in Form and Function
This book reveals just some of the Ridable Art designs by a true American Genius. Other builders are just starting to scratch the surface of what Arlen has done for forty years. This book should be displayed front and center in ANY artists or artists at hearts collection.