Arlen Ness is a name synonymous with motorcycle customization, and revolutionizing the motorcycle industry, thanks to his innovative designs and unparalleled influence. His creations are to this day some of the most intricate and original motorcycle creations in history, according to both afficionados and seasoned professionals, which offers insight into just how much talent he possessed for the craft. Ness’ entire life seems to have been dedicated to just one thing: making the experience of riding on two wheels down a sprawling road as personally glorious as achievable.
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A legend’s unassuming beginnings
Arlen Ness was born on 12 July 1939, in Moorhead, Minnesota. His passion for motorcycles began at an early age, leading him to use all of his earnings from part time jobs and bowling tournaments to purchase his first bike, which was a 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead. This splurge, while hinting at a rather poor financial management ability, instead marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the machines that would come to define his legacy. Arlen’s childhood years were stacked with consistent experimentation and learning, thanks to his insatiable curiosity and burning passion for motorcycles.
He spent countless hours in his garage, disassembling and reassembling his machine, thereby honing his skills and developing an eye for design. His natural talent for customization quickly shone through, as he was able to transform ordinary two-wheelers into extraordinary works of art, often without spending too much on the required parts. The art of the look was in the overall build itself, not the expensiveness of the materials.
Bringing the change
Ness’ approach to motorcycle customization was revolutionary, as he saw motorcycles not just as vehicles but as canvases for artistic expression. His designs were bold, innovative, and often ahead of their time, stunning anyone who had the pleasure of laying their eyes upon them. Perhaps even more so, it was the young mechanic’s ability to blend form and function that set him apart from his contemporaries, seeing as his bikes looked more and more unreal and yet offered seamless enjoyment to their owners.
One of his most notable innovations was the introduction of stretched frames and elongated forks, which gave motorcycles a distinctive sleek look. This design became a hallmark of custom choppers and influenced countless builders thereafter, permanently reshaping the intricate craft. Ness also pioneered the use of bespoke paint jobs, incorporating complex designs and vibrant colors that transformed motorcycles into eye-catching masterpieces.
Arlen’s business finally began to flourish In the 1970s, allowing him to open his first shop in San Leandro, California, where he started building custom bikes for a growing clientele. His reputation for quality and creativity spread in no time, attracting attention from motorcycle enthusiasts and industry insiders from all over the country. It wasn’t long before he had ample funding to transform some of his most radical ideas into otherworldly reality that stunned the crowds all over, build after build. With this in mind, it’s nearly impossible to overstate the superstar’s influence on motorcycle culture, as he played a game-changing role in popularizing the custom bike movement and inspiring a new generation of builders. His designs were celebrated not only for their aesthetics, but also for immaculate craftsmanship and jaw-dropping attention to detail.
Taking the world by storm
Naturally, Arlen’s impact extended way beyond the borders of the US, with his work showcased at motorcycle shows and events wherever they took place, earning him ubiquitous international acclaim. He was a regular fixture at major motorcycle rallies, at which his bikes consistently won awards and accolades for performance as well as appearance. In addition to his custom builds, Ness also developed a line of aftermarket parts and accessories that other builders were quick to incorporate into their repertoire, allowing the niche’s enthusiasts to incorporate the legend’s signature style into their own bikes. The parts became synonymous with quality and innovation over time, cementing Arlen’s status as a once-in-a-lifetime pioneer of the industry.
His most iconic builds
Throughout his career, Arlen Ness produced some of the most original custom motorcycles in history, with each build pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible for a bike craftsman.
The “Two Bad” bike is perhaps the most outstanding example of his revolutionary creativity – a twin-engine Harley-Davidson emphasizing Arlen’s boundless mechanical prowess and innovative vision. It sports two Shovelhead engines placed side by side, not only to provide a fantastic visual impression, but also a huge power boost. It stands to prove Ness’s ability to combine technical refinement with graphic appeal, with a custom-built frame and longer forks to give it the classic odd stance, coupled with an intricate paint job and chrome trim that make it a true showpiece.
Inspired by classic motorcycle designs, the “Ness-Stalgia” bike cleverly blends modern technology with ancient appearances, boasting a vintage-inspired look with a modern twist, including elements like a springer front end, a bobber-style seat, and whitewall tires. Though it seems old, the “Ness-Stalgia” bike has a sophisticated suspension system and a high-performance engine relying on cutting-edge technology. Because of its mixture of old and new, the machine is easily distinguished among custom motorcycles.
The “Ness Cafe” bike’s modest and sophisticated design best shows Arlen’s ability to mix an extreme variety of parts, regardless of age difference. Inspired by the café racer design, this model sports a low-slung riding position, a simpler form, and an original teardrop gas tank. Though performance and handling are important, the “Ness Cafe” bike stands out with its straightforward lines and subdued attractiveness. Great materials and obligatory attention to detail ensure that this bike is not only beautiful but also a thrill to ride.
The “Smooth-Ness” bike is another traditional Ness invention, with flowing lines and a flawless design, thanks to its one-piece frame devoid of clear seams, which makes the handcrafted chopper sprawl front to back in smooth, continuous lines. The bike’s flowing curves and organic contours give it a sculptural quality, while the monochromatic color palette accentuates its modern appeal.
The “Top Banana” bike is striking for its innovative design components and color scheme, which is rather bold and bright. Painted in a vivid yellow, this bike has visually attractive distinctive artwork and thorough airbrushing for a true standout finish. Because of its powerful engine and high-performance components, the it’s also just as amazing on the road.
The “Mach Ness” could easily take the cake as one of Arlen’s most ambitious creations, boasting a futuristic appearance and several innovative technologies. Spurred on by a jet turbine motor, this bike is incredibly fast, and so offers a riding experience unlike any other. Within the field of custom motorcycles, this particular machine maintains legendary repute thanks to its sleek, aerodynamic bodywork and creative elements such like the single-sided swingarm and hubless wheels.
What was his net worth?
Some of the most credible sources on the matter have estimated Arlen Ness’ total wealth at the time of his passing as in excess of $17 million. He procured this enviable sum thanks to a lifetime of revolutionary work that opened numerous avenues for his colleagues, re-shaping the industry with his infinitely creative mind. Just a single glance at his creations paints a very clear picture as to why anyone would choose to spend an exorbitant amount to acquire whatever the legend chose to conjure up in his workshop.
His work was sadly discontinued after he passed away due to age-related issues at 79, on 22 March 2019. Ness’ son Cory and grandson Zach have continued the family tradition, carrying on their ancestor’s work and expanding the Ness brand. Under their leadership, Arlen Ness Motorcycles has remained a prominent name in the industry, continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of motorcycle design, aspiring to heights even greater than the founder himself had reached.
