As announced here on April 24, Zach Ness and his crew spent the last months building custom bikes to be featured in a new National Geographic Channel series called “Let It Ride.” In the show, Zach and his boys build bikes on inspiration or when a client comes to them with a specific request, either resurrecting dead bikes or creating from the ground up high-end budget bikes.
The team consist of: Cameron Smith, walking motorcycle encyclopedia and eccentric bike hunter, digging up the lost and hidden gems Ness needs.; Bryan Simpson, the lead mechanic, afraid of nothing when it comes to building the perfect beast ; Justin Lynch keepping the team on schedule, fielding rapid-fire parts requests and putting a tight lid on the budgets ; Jim Jennings, a fabricating friend who can shape and bend any type of metal on the planet.
“The hardest part of making this show is not being able to keep the bikes!” jokes Zach Ness. After the jump, I list the schedule and summarized content of the first 3 episodes.
Let It Ride: Rockin’ Wheelies. Premieres Wednesday, August 14, 2013, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT
When a stunt rider from the YouTube sensation “Harley Wheelies” group commissions Zach to build a bike, the challenging, big-ticket job comes down to the wire — pushing Zach and his crew to their limits. This monster of a motorcycle needs to be finished in two weeks for the next “Harley Wheelies” video shoot. The problem? The bike Zach buys is just a pile of old parts. Tensions rise as the deadline looms and the Franken-bike refuses to come together.
Let It Ride: Flat Track Trouble. Premieres Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT
After a crash-tastic lesson in flat-track racing, Zach’s on a quest to convert an ancient Harley Sportster into a flat-track race bike. This challenging build leans heavily on Jim, the tater tot–loving lead fabricator. Normally very low-key, Jim starts going off the deep end when his beloved measuring tape goes missing. If that isn’t enough, Zach turns up the pressure by adding a high-profile project to the mix — customizing a Victory for a premium Red Bull event with BMX bike champ Corey Martinez.
Let It Ride: British Invasion. Premieres Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT
When Zach decides to expand his horizons by turning a vintage Triumph into a classic Bobber, his British bike choice drives his builders to the brink. Cameron scores a coup by finding a couple that not only wants to buy the Bobber, but also wants to commission a customized Harley. However, the pair needs the bikes in time for the big Hollister Rally, meaning that this tough Triumph has to be in tip-top shape on the double-quick. Tally ho, lads!
ya think “Zach” has ever had to worry about making sure the electric bill was getting payed , or making payroll from week to week ? Give this gig to someone who has earned it and payed there dues .
He will judged on his work. Period.
who cares……
So we go from a show about a dysfunctional family building bloated choppers to a “builder” who simply bolts on parts….
The variety of the projects makes this show sound more interesting than some of the past shows. I hope lunatics throwing chairs and kicking trash cans and contrived deadlines being used as psuedo drama is kept to a minimum.
I’m not sure what Zack’s financial realities are, but following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather is no small feat. It is to his credit that he has real talent. I’ll watch.
What is “a high end budget bike” besides an oxymoron.
Rodent. You must have skipped high school. High end budget is not an oxymoron. Where are the contradictory terms?
For your education, definition of oxymoron: An oxymoron (plural oxymora or oxymorons) (from Greek ὀξύμωρον, “sharp dull”) is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms.
Will watch. Must be a “cleaner” show. Problem is that all these tv reality shows are heavily scripted, so not to convincing for people who work in the industry. Just for the non-bikers
Funny that Rodent who makes spelling and grammar mistakes in almost all his comments is trying to give English lessons to everybody.
Rodent is “oxy-dated.” Ha, ha.
Back to the show, I will watch to check if Zach has personal talent.
Hey guys. No judgment before you watch him in action.
Good to see Zack succeed. I like his work. Possibly he has made notoriety faster because of “good mentors ”
Rodent if you don’t like how Cyril’s blog is written start your own . Pompous rube.
Rodent . FYI One who rides a motorcycle also steers it.
Let’s see if a clean image works on TV or if Zach (or his multiple helpers) need to act as a bad boy. Of course, it’s scripted. Just read again the content of the first 3 episodes. I know, I know. Nobody would watch if it would be shot the way it is done in real life.
Give him a chance to prove himself. I am pretty sure it’s gonna be good and anyway more real than most other motorcycle shows.
All tv shows are good for the MC industry. This one should be good if Zach is himself, don’t act and stay humble.
The kid was Born into Luckyville….. He grew up watching bikes being build by his famous granddaddy he should have some skills by now. Motorcycle TV programs are all good…we need to keep motorcycling alive somehow. If it takes little Alfalfa from our Gang building bikes to keep the public interested in buying motorcycles then let it happen.
I heard on episode 1 that Paul Jr. busts in and trashes the place, still T’d off that his show got the boot.
Coming from the most talented and classy family in the industry should not be used against him by those who are probably jealous, and/or have no talent. Let him be judged on his work and how good or entertaining the show turns out. Ya just know it has to be better than sitting through the bad joke of American Chopper (by the way a name stolen from Bob Drons old shop in pleasant CA.)
I’d like to see the return of ‘Build or Bust’ and let new talent have a chance.
Sorry, reading “a high end budget bike” is certainly confusing.
If your buying at the “high-end,” typically cost isn’t much of a consideration.
If your buying “on a budget,” by definition cost is “The” issue.
So, to many of us “high-end budget” seems a contradiction in terms (regardless of education).
Personally, i’d love to get a close look at the scooter in the pic and certainly be looking forward to the show.
-nicker-
oh brother..
Rodent & Nicker. You are the illustration of the low level of education of Americans. Your English is incorrect. Both spelling and grammar.
Looking forward to it. Good luck Zach.
The whole (predictable and oh so tired) unrealistic “deadline” crap is worn plum out in my opinion though….
WOW! The U.S. version of National Geographic is indeed the worst on the planet. If you don’t travel the world you can’t understand that the rest of the world gets old school Nat Geo and the U.S. gets reality crap. YEAH, Nat Geo USA for stooping to the level you won’t go to anywhere else on the planet.
Here we go again! Hope is not one of those OCC clone shows with the usual formula of deadlines , personality conflicts and juvenile antics shows!
I’d rather see a show with Rodent & Nicker ( real MC people ) , than silver spoon boy . And der english is fine , language police on a biker web site , geez .
“Both spelling and grammar.” is not a complete sentence.
Budget has many definitions, one of which is: Appropriate for a restricted budget; inexpensive: a budget car; budget meals.
I passed on most motorcycle shows because quite dumb. Will give a chance to this one.
Certainly Zach grew up with a silver spoon motorcycle heritage but he didn’t have to pursue it as an avocation so tip of the hat for that. The reality is its tough to make money off of building bikes or even parts for that matter. Arlen learned the business model early for success and that is endless promotion. I worked for Tom McMullen at AEE Choppers (Street Chopper, Street Rodder, Hot Bike magazines….and Arlen was buying some from us back then) and that is how you kept the doors open, relentless promotion. That’s all this is.
Congrats to Zach and the Ness family. The Ness’s are the right choice to showcase the motorcycle industry to a worldwide, television audience. See you at the Legends Ride.
@ James Droner
“Rodent & Nicker. You are the illustration of the low level of education of Americans. Your English is incorrect. Both spelling and grammar.” YOU’RE a pompous arse and YOUR over exaggeration proves it. Nothing was misspelled short of “pic” which is common enough in our modern vernacular and appropriate enough for this forum and this level of communication. Only grammatical errors are present, e.g., your (X2) and i’d. The misuse of “your” for “you’re” is common enough error, but are they bad enough to carte blanche condemn the educational level of a whole nation? How offensive… The “i’d” might simply be a slip of the finger off the shift key, a bad keyboard switch or simply haste but, I digress.
While you are making your Ascension consider this, “Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the rafter in your own eye?”.
Later Jay
Zack has some good genes and hopefully he will conduct himself in a manner that will make his grandfather proud….those are some mighty big shoes to fill. I feel that any “quality” program that would bring public awareness to the industry would be a plus in these difficult times.
Thanks Cyril for your efforts at keeping us informed.
The Ness family is to custom motorcycles what the Petty family is to auto racing. Thank you Arlen and Cory for raising a good kid to follow in your foot steps. I will at least tune in and take a look.
I’ve seen some of Zak’s bikes that he’s built. The guy is brilliant. Probably a lot of you have seen his work, and you have to know he is continuing the tradition that the Ness family is known for. I know this will be a show worth watching. Motorcycles, speed, innovation, mechanics, riding, I don’t know about you guys, but that’s the kind of shit that I like to watch. By the way I think Rodent was correct with his oxymoron comment : High end (expensive) – Budget (limited or set amount to be spent). It was a joke get it? I know there’s a fatigue factor from all reality shows on the tube, especially OCC, but Zak is a classy guy, and you know Cory and Arlen will be lurking in there somewhere. I’m excited to see what they come up with.
Well said Pat Simmons! lol… I for one have seen this boy grow up in this crazy motorcycle world. Yes, he has had opportunity, but he has grown into a great person and has the talent. Let’s give him a chance. I look forward to seeing what he can do. Good Luck Zach!
Pat,
You’re one intelligent guy, you get it
Thank you Pat …
You hit it right on the mark
C’mon guys “haters are gonna hate” anyway you go ….
But Zach has done nothing to deserve some of the reactions on here
Yeah, we all know what his last name is & because of it
he probably has to go thru more crap, daily, than most in this business.
It wouldn’t matter what his name was if he has not proved a number of times over already that he has the chops & the talent to pull off some damn pretty good work.
His work with H-D’s & Victory has been seen & well documented, even on this very blog.
Watch the damn show & give it a chance
I’ll be watching & I’m sure it’ll be a darn sight better than anything Jr. and/or Sr. can put together
Anywhere, Anytime, Any place !!!!
Give em’ hell, kid !!!!
All of you. Read or read again this:
Zach Ness and Cyril Huze
http://cyrilhuzeblog.com/2012/03/28/judging-the-new-victory-judge-model-and-its-zach-ness-custom-version/
Blackmax,
You got it brother. Spot-on..!!!
It ain’t about where ya come from……. its all about what ya can do.
And if that scoot behind him is any criterion, he CAN-DO…… 🙂
-nicker-
PS
James Droner…. drone on drone…..
Congrats Zack and the Ness family.
-Your friends at Three Two.
The few times I’ve spoken to Arlen, Cory and Zack Ness at shows they’ve all been perfect gentlemen. The essence of polite friendly humility. If any family could get away with being aloof in this business they’re it, but despite their talents and success they all come across a good friendly warm people who like talking about their bikes with other enthusiasts. For that fact alone Zack deserves our support and best wishes in this new venture. Someone like Zack helping to keep the industry in the public eye has got to be good for all of us. All boats rise with the tide.
All the Best Zach, I walked Into Arlen’s first Shop when I was 22 year of age, (now 56) been a North Cal fan since, also had Jim Jennings build me a frame years ago, just unreal Craftsmanship..
I will be tuning in and spreading the word as well.. Good Luck,
Steve Monte
I for one look at the people on this show that support Ness. Cameron Smith from CLS cycles is one of those old timers that worked his way up to keep a small shop in Cave creek, Az for the past 15 or so years to make a living. He is going to be one of those on the show to watch.
So as for a silver spoon in anyone’s mouth, Cameron did not have one. ONE for the LITTLE GUYS!!
Cool, looking forward to it. I just hope they keep the emphasis on the bikes and the drama to a minimum.
I was enjoying Philly Throttle. Sorry it didn’t last.
He calls him self a f:;;((( biker be a man start from scratch don’t make ur own bike I hate ness but I respect that cocky old fuck that’s the real biker both sons stop trying to be like you pops
Hey everyone, My name is Dino Bozzo and Zach Ness built me the baddest bike for the show!! This guy is just like his dad and granpa he knows his shit and is a nice guy also!!! The Ness family are the best builders hands down…And they really ride every day.Look for my bike in the up coming show.Its runs great and its my dream bike!!! thanks Zach i love the bike it runs even better than it looks…and its red sorry Im going for a ride again!!! Also I got to hang out with Arlen my hero what a nice guy.Thanks for making my dreams come true!!!!!!!!!! Dino
Sorry Cameron, I didn’t say anything about you!!!! When we first meet you were like family ,This guy bleeds oil !! What a nice,funny guy!!! Thanks for helping Zach build my bike you guys did a great job on my dream bike! You guys ever near Monterey call me I do a great BBQ .The show will be a big hit because you guys build the nicest scoots !!!!! Dino
The old biker build off was better than this show that show really it’s bottom , Of a bike show
Never thought I would miss American Chopper but this new program makes that look like a PBS documentary. Corey Ness???
Look at him- he can’t even choose a cap that fits his puny head. His feeble attempts at drama in the shop with his crew are a joke.
Get a real job, Corey, and stop asking Daddy and Grandpa to pull strings for you to get on TV to build your “career”.
sorry, I meant Zach
I wish a real builder could get a break ! Some real talent out here just no rich Daddy
Some one like Steg from THE Psyhco cycles for NYC<NYHC