Arlen Ness: The King of Choppers [Hardcover]

Michael Lichter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 26, 2005

In the beginning, there was Arlen Ness. Before Jesse James, Billy Lane, and the battling Teutuls, Arlen Ness started the business of building celebrity choppers. He is a long-time custom motorcycle builder whose bikes combine the artistic and the extreme. These rolling sculptures have been covered in motorcycle and even hot rod magazines for decades as Arlen Ness built a worldwide reputation as an innovator and sought-out builder of themed custom bikes. This book traces the growth of the Arlen Ness reputation, business empire, and custom bike resume and features stunning new photography of all the bikes in Arlen’s personal collection, over 50 in total.

Editorial Reviews

Review

North Shore News (CAN), Sept. 29, 2006

“Brings the journey from backyard mechanic to international success story to life … Brilliant photography.”

About the Author

Michael Lichter is a talented photographer who has known Arlen Ness for nearly 30 years and who has been shooting Ness creations throughout their time as friends.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks (August 26, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760322198
• ISBN-13: 978-0760322192
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #363,281 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Motorcycles > History

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ness is a master of motorcycle creativity and business, September 5, 2005

By 

Suzannah B. Troy "artist/writer/youtube Mayor... (New York City, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Arlen Ness: The King of Choppers (Hardcover)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for every self respecting biker, March 28, 2011

By 

Philanthropic Pundit - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Arlen Ness: The King of Choppers (Hardcover)

I have known the name Arlen Ness for years, but never knew the man. This book is a wonderfully rich journey from humble beginnings of a young Arlen to his prominent current position. It traces his life, choices and passion for all things mechanical. (and as a side note, his commitment to his wife Bev... a truly inspiring couple). A true American success story.

As you read through the book, you are enamoured with extremely well photographed bike builds from Arlen (photographed by Michael Lichter). The photos are glossy and full page. The amount of, and degree of detail in the bikes is immense. This is not a book about how to build one of these creations, rather a look at the collection from the master himself.

It really does highlight why he has earned the title: "The King of Choppers" He has created some original works of rolling art, in a completely inimitable style that others have only been trying to follow.

Even if you do not like biographies, this book is worth the price of admission for the cool, radical, high dollar choppers and outstanding builds. A must for any self respecting biker and fan of choppers in general.

You will not be disappointed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate in Form and Function, June 6, 2006

By 

Steven W. Rego "Regs4" (Pleasanton, Ca. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arlen Ness: The King of Choppers (Hardcover)

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.