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Arlen Ness, Legendary Motorcycle Designer, Dies at 79

March 25, 2019 By Alen Schnell

According to the Facebook page for Arlen Ness Motorcycles, the legendary American custom motorcycle designer and entrepreneur has passed away. He was 79 years old. According to the statement, he “passed away comfortably in his home surrounded by loved ones.”

  • Image courtesy of WillArlenNess on Wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born in Minnesota on July 12, 1939, Ness spent his early years in a small city near Fargo. He moved to California in sixth grade and eventually started his business there too.

His first motorcycle was a 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead. He joked to Cycle World, in 2007, that “[his] wife really didn’t like motorcycles … and didn’t talk to [him] for a couple weeks.” They must have gotten past that, as they remained married until Ness passed away on March 22, 2019.

His Career

He first started making custom motorcycles in California in his garage. He quickly became recognized at bike shows and in magazines for, among other things, his unique painting style.

Not surprisingly, in 1992, the AMA inducted him into their Motorcycle Hall of Fame. They said what is most amazing about Ness is that “through it all, Arlen Ness, the king of the customizers, remains grounded in the place where it all began.”

His Legacy

His son, Cory Ness, continues in his father’s footsteps. He now runs the day-to-day operations of Arlen Ness, Inc. Cory’s son, Zach Ness, also works there. This makes Arlen Ness, Inc. a three-generation custom motorcycle brand.

On the Facebook page, they said “they will announce a memorial service and celebration of life after some private time, and appreciate your understanding. We thank you for your respects and condolences.”

Arlen Ness is a huge figure in the motorcycle industry. His legacy will surely live on for years to come. Has Arlen Ness or his motorcycles had an impact on your life? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear your story.

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Filed Under: News

About Alen Schnell

Writer, Editor, and Motorcycle Enthusiast here at Biker.Report. Follow me on twitter or facebook.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nancy Brandt says

    March 25, 2019 at 4:09 pm

    RIP You we’re one of a kind. This woman admired your work!

  2. Stan miller says

    March 25, 2019 at 5:04 pm

    One of the most real, unassuming people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was always ready with a donation for my annual ride against child abuse in San Diego. He was one-off, just like his bikes.
    Stan Miller

  3. Richard Sitek says

    March 26, 2019 at 12:08 am

    Did everyone forget that Arlen Ness was busted for showing bikes with fake engines?Hes a real credit to remember as a credit! Lmafo!!

  4. Kim T says

    March 26, 2019 at 1:40 am

    I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Ness at the Timonium MD Bike Show several years ago. I felt in awe to be in the presence of this motorcycle master of customization.

  5. Jeramia Giles says

    March 26, 2019 at 1:44 am

    Rest in peace brother…keep heavens gates open and the ground shakn

  6. Will Adams says

    March 27, 2019 at 12:27 am

    RIP, old bikers never die they just keep riding higher up on the clouds.

  7. John Cannon says

    March 27, 2019 at 9:37 pm

    I was given a black leather Aren Ness motorcycle jacket a couple years ago…it is my favorite riding jacket

  8. charlotte cline says

    April 3, 2019 at 8:33 pm

    He did remarkable work one of a kind.He will be missed rip

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