The Secret Life Of Cory Ness

Nobody can pretend to have started sooner in the motorcycle industry than Cory Ness, except maybe his own son Zach. Raised in the atmosphere of steel shaping, engine tuning, chrome plating and paint spraying, step by step his professional presence grew to the point where he is since a few years the man both in charge of the day to day operations and Chief Designer at Arlen Ness enterprises, designing new parts, accessories and high end motorcycles.

With his father, he is also a key element in the partnership formed with Victory Motorcycles now offering a line of Arlen Ness/Cory Ness signature models. Add to this the responsibility and enormous work of producing a catalog (paper and web) featuring more than a 1000 custom parts. I took some of his time to ask him to answer some personal questions. (photography. Cory on Victory courtesy of Buck Lowell. Young Cory courtesy of the “Sheriff”)

Cyril. In High School, what your teachers said about you? Cory. He sure is a nice kid.

Cyril. Who were your childhood heroes? Cory. Captain Kangaroo, Batman, Jerry West, my Dad.

Cyril. What was your 1st vehicle? Cory. A Honda CB 360.

Cyril. If you were not working in the motorcycle industry, what would you do? Cory. Work at the beach in Hawaii.

Cyril. What is your favorite way to relax? Cory. Ride my motorcycle in the middle of nowhere.

Cyril. What are you afraid of? Cory. Mean women.

Cyril. What is the person you would love to meet? Cory. Actor Will Ferrell.

Cyril. Which film made you cry? Cory. Brian’s Song.

Cyril. Name five things you hate. Cory. Fishy stuff, stepping in dog crap, someone bitching at me, someone with bad body odor, watching the news.

Cyril. What was the last book you read? Cory. How to get six pack abs…Never finished it!

Cyril. Do you have any guilty pleasures? Cory. Ceasars Fried Chicken

Cyril. Do you collect anything? Cory. Hard Rock shot glasses.

Cyril. What was your worst buy? Cory. China Tire stock.

Cyril. How do you take your coffee? Cory. With Chocolate.

Cyril. What was the most embarrassing thing you have ever made? Cory. Its too embarrassing to discuss.

Cyril. What is the best thing you can cook? Cory. Turkey gravy.

Cyril. When was the time you were really angry? Cory. Hard to say. Probably when someone has gone out of their way to hurt me or my family or friends.

Cyril. What is your perfect weekend when you are at home? Cory.  Doing anything with my girl on Saturday. Watching football with my kids on Sunday

Cyril. What is your preferred rally? Cory. Sturgis

Cyril. What is the worst question a journalist asked you? Cory. Do you like motorcycles?

19 Responses to “The Secret Life Of Cory Ness”


  1. 1 James Sep 22nd, 2010 at 8:02 am

    Like his father, great personality.

  2. 2 P. Henry Sep 22nd, 2010 at 8:04 am

    Arlen —-> Cory ——> Zach. Arlen Ness Enterprises will last several generations. A rare occurence in this business.

  3. 3 Shifter Sep 22nd, 2010 at 8:11 am

    Love the second picture! The Ness famly walks straight and has talent. Their place in the industry is well deserved.

  4. 4 Jack Kemper Sep 22nd, 2010 at 8:28 am

    I would have not guessed Cory Ness was interested in getting a 6-pack abs! I just regret that like most famous builders the Nesses didn’t build a top custom in a long time.

  5. 5 McScooter Sep 22nd, 2010 at 8:38 am

    I have had the pleasure of chatting with both Cory and Arlen at the Cinci show. They are a class act and patient with all inquiries! I did my AIH training with 2 of their mecahics and I must say they must instill this in their employees as well. Very refreshing appeal.

  6. 6 Sheriff Sep 22nd, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    black/white photo by yours truly

    San Leandro august 1984

  7. 7 fuji Sep 22nd, 2010 at 12:54 pm

    Motorcycle life without posing. The way it was in my youth. Gods speed to them and their family’s

  8. 8 Brandon Sep 22nd, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    No hype, no arrogance, no BS. The way business should be conducted. Respect.

  9. 9 ELN Sep 22nd, 2010 at 8:05 pm

    Perfect in every way…

  10. 10 Abraham Sep 22nd, 2010 at 8:12 pm

    Met him. Nice and humble. But from time to time he needs to watch the news!

  11. 11 Bigal Sep 22nd, 2010 at 8:29 pm

    Would love to know if he really Loves more a HD or a Victory? I mean what makes His blood run quicker? What does he really Passion more? Of course he can’t admit the “Truth” if you asked Cory that question, I guess that’s why you never asked him, Cyrill.

  12. 12 Greg Sep 22nd, 2010 at 8:46 pm

    Like the guy, but should be a little bit less serious and smile more, like on the Victory picture.

  13. 13 nicker Sep 23rd, 2010 at 12:03 am

    Hmmm….. no drama, no BS, just real people doing a great job.
    So, what’s that say about the other “tribe”…….???

    One might think it speaks volumes about claims of “industry contribution” and ill founded “hater” accusations.

    Just a thought.
    -nicker-

  14. 14 1550tc Sep 23rd, 2010 at 9:22 am

    Bigal, good question and you know that, love is blind right?

    I have no doubt about what he LIKES, its the one that brings him lots of Grover Cleveland’$

  15. 15 martin Twofeather Sep 23rd, 2010 at 11:43 am

    Great job Cyril………………..

  16. 16 jatinder pal Sep 24th, 2010 at 3:47 am

    Nice to know more of Ness……good work.

  17. 17 My Bikers World Sep 24th, 2010 at 5:01 am

    Hmm.. Thanks for sharing. Quite new information about this man to know. And his answers to the question make the good impression.

  18. 18 buckbighorn Sep 24th, 2010 at 8:46 am

    certainly one of the nicer guys in our business. it runs in the family. i am always a bit jealous, however, of guys in the lucky sperm club! wish i could have been born into it!

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Cyril Huze