Arlen Ness: The King of Choppers

by Michael Lichter

Book Overview

Features the life and bikes of Arlen Ness - the chopper builder who started it all. This book traces the growth of the Arlen Ness reputation, business empire, and custom bike resume. It contains... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0760322198
• ISBN13: 9780760322192
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Motorbooks International
• Length: 189 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.6" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

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.

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.