A special “Lifetime Achievement” award has been added to the Class of 2016 induction ceremonies. Already a Sturgis Museum Hall of Fame member circa 1992, Arlen Ness was a unanimous choice to receive the first Lifetime Achievement honors. “Arlen truly is the ‘Godfather’ of the custom bike movement,” says Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall Of Fame Executive Director Myrick Robbins. “No one has done more to influence the look of what a custom motorcycle is.”
Victory Motorcycles also recognizes Arlen’s achievements and is honored to be part of the induction ceremonies this year. “Victory Motorcycles has worked with Arlen Ness for many years now,” says Rod Krois, General Manager of Victory Motorcycles. “Early on the designers and he helped to create the now iconic Arlen Ness editions of several different models. Arlen has always been the head of his time, and we are proud to be the presenting sponsor at this important event.”
“Legend has it that Arlen really missed his calling as a pro bowler,” Robbins says. “It is true he used his earnings from bowling to buy his first motorcycle.” In 1967, Arlen found an old Knucklehead for sale for $300 and bought it with money he won bowling. He didn’t know how to ride, so a friend had to ride the bike home for him. In between riding lessons, Arlen stripped the bike down and began experimenting with his spray gun. Soon there was a growing list of people asking Arlen if he could do a nice paint job like that on their bikes.
In 1970, Arlen and his wife Beverly opened their first store. Arlen kept his day job and worked on bikes at night. One year later Arlen quit his day job and began concentrating on his passion for custom motorcycles… and create a dynasty. The Ness custom family now includes son Cory and Grandson Zach making them the only three generation family of custom builders. Bowling’s loss has become the motorcycle industry’s gain!
“Join Victory Motorcycles and the Sturgis Museum in honoring Arlen Ness and the entire Class of 2016,” says Robbins. The 2016 Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame 2016 Induction Breakfast will be August 10, 2016 at the Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, South Dakota. Breakfast tickets are available for a $35 donation, tables of eight for $300. Tickets are available by calling the Museum at 605.347.2001 or they can be purchased online at Sturgis Museum http://www.sturgismuseum.com/shop/hall-fame-breakfast.
could not happen to a better man
Been a BIG fan since the late seventies, Well done Arlen.
There is not a more deserving person in this industry. A fine gentleman and designer. Proud to call Arlen my friend.
Over & Out,
Jeff
Well deserved, no-one has done more for the aftermarket and custom bike industry. Congratulations Arlen!
Arlen is the man…
ah, for the ’70’s again and arlen’s blown gold leafed diggers. he’s still leading the way.
A Class Act!
Congrats! Well deserved! peace
Congratulations Arlen! No one deserves it more. As you can see from all these comments you are well loved by your friends, and peers. Thanks for giving us so much enjoyment, incredible designs, and for sharing yourself with so many.
Arlen Ness, definitely one of the classiest guys in this industry or any industry! Congrats to the great Ness family and to the Sturgis HOF!
Hip, Hip, Hooray from Perfidious Albion and the Rest of the World !!! 🙂
As a friend and collegue for the past 35 years I say “Congratulations”.
Certainly a benchmark who has set the var high.
Well deserved.
And for those who thought it cool to scratch up his display bikes, you clowns don’t deserve to lick this man’s boots!
-nicker-
Long Overdue! Great guy – very talented…………
A True gentleman and a genius !!!
Very Well Deserved & like Mr. Betlach said
Way Overdue !!!