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Always Innovate Never Imitate
Starting out of his garage in 1967 with the money he
won as a semi-professional bowler, Arlen bought his
first Harley.
Armed with no more than a spray gun and a dream,
Arlen stripped down his Harley Knucklehead and gave
it a paint job of his own creation.
After many an appraising eye set sight on his
creation, Arlen entered it in a custom show.
First show, First place! Then he was off, with
nights spent in the garage working on a growing list
of customers bikes, it wasn't long until he rented
his first store on East 14th Street.
More work, more shows and more trophies. While still
working at his full time job, Arlen worked the store
in the evenings. Then with his wife Bev, doing the
books and his 2 kids in tow (Sherri & Cory), Arlen
took a big step out onto thin air, he left his job
and went out on his own full time.
His refusal to imitate others, his sense of style
and his willingness to take risks is still seen
today in their slogan of "Always innovate, never
imitate".
In 1973 Larry Kauferman, editor of Custom Bike, saw
that innovative style, and while he had seen lots of
stretched chrome twins, he knew Arlen and his
creations were different. Larry started to
photograph some of Arlen's bikes. Larry led the way
to other magazines, and today, hardly an edition of
Hot Bike, Easy Rider, American Iron or any number of
foreign and international periodicals is published
without a photo essay or interview about or with
Arlen Ness. To see more of Arlen Ness go to Ness
Theatre, Finished Products on the site.
Soon, the local legend of this new kid on the block,
was being seen by thousands.
Arlen Ness Vest - Motorcycle Street Vests, Arlen
Ness Vests, Motorcycle Vests, Arlen Ness Jackets,
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