The book is a retrospective of the motorcycle art of Arlen Ness and is written & photographed by not less famous Michael Lichter. Is it easier or more difficult to talk about people that I know pretty well? Let’s see. I started my career with only one reference. A motorcycle builder & parts designer called Arlen Ness. His bikes and business smart was already an inspiration for one generation before I even appeared on the custom motorcycles scene. We met and rapidly spent time together when preparing a hard cover book featuring our bikes called “Customizing The Legend”. Yes, he has a very nice personality, had already at that time done almost everything that can be done in the name of motorcycle art, and gave me the best advice anyone can receive “hard work is as good as talent”. At the same time I also met with Michael Lichter. He shot my first bikes for Easyriders and now defunct VQ Magazine. When we finish our assembly work and put our wrenches away, nothing can make a custom motorcycle looking better than the photography of Michael. And it is not necessary to show him the details of your work. He will find them right away, and on film (or digital) will make them even more beautiful than you ever thought. So, when you mix the talent of both men, you get a reference motorcycle art book covering almost 40 years of constant design innovation. A must read and keep. Order at Arlen Ness King Of Choppers.
5 Responses to “Arlen Ness King Of Choppers”
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I own this book. It’s one of the greatest about custom motorcycles. It shows that Ness is a pioneer with many of his ideas resurfacing in today’s other builders bikes.
Long live the KING!!!
I have both the books Customizing the Legend and Ness King of Choppers. And always thought that Cyril and Arlen are in the same high class category. A BBO with both will be great.
I am going to take Gary at his word and order the book. I like Arlen and love the Daytona store. Cool looking dust cover. Love that bike!!!!
Rode out to Arlen’s shop from Maryland in 1975 to get some t-shirts. My wife saved the receipt for some reason. He gave us his home address, which my wife wrote on back of receipt, in case we needed a place to stay that night. Went to new shop in Dublin in 2005, with receipt in hand, to get signed by the master himself and to purchase more t- shirts. Saw the book and immediately bought that also. Great book. Michael Lichter has a great sense and feel for photographing motorcycles. Whats not to like about the book, great subject matter and great pictures. Arlen signed book, talked for about 45 min., and made us appreciate what a genuinely nice person he is. Long live the King.