Arlen Ness: The King of Choppers (Hardcover)

~ Michael Lichter (Author)
Key Phrases: shovelhead motor, hand fabricated, custom bikes, Ness Family, San Leandro, Bob Munroe (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...striking visual journey of Arlen's reign...isn't just about the man...an inside look behind bike builds as well." -- Motorcycle Product News, October 2005

"Value of the Product: Must-read for any custom bike builder." -- DealerNews, September 2005

Review

North Shore News (CAN), Sept. 29, 2006
“Brings the journey from backyard mechanic to international success story to life … Brilliant photography.”

See all Editorial Reviews

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 (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #487,555 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #71 in	Books > Nonfiction > Automotive > Motorcycles > Pictorial
  #88 in	Books > Nonfiction > Automotive > Motorcycles > History

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 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

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.

1 of 1 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 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.