
Arlen Ness Highliner
Years: 2013 – 2013
Arlen Ness transformed custom motorcycling from backyard rebellion into rolling art. Beginning in the late 1960s, Ness introduced flowing silhouettes—stretched tanks, molded frames, deep paint—that became the grammar of West Coast custom style. As CNC machining matured, his shop pioneered billet components that were both structural and sculptural, turning controls, wheels, and covers into jewelry. Beyond one-offs, Ness democratized the look through parts catalogs, empowering riders worldwide to build coherent customs at home. The Ness legacy expanded through son Cory and grandson Zach, ensuring continuity and contemporary interpretation. Collaborations with OEMs and show-circuit prominence cemented a reputation for taste as well as flair: Ness builds generally rode as well as they looked, with sorted geometry and quality brakes. Historically, Ness stands as the custom world’s North Star—proof that vision, craftsmanship, and hospitality can build a global community. His influence persists in every modern cruiser with clean lines and purposeful stance, and in the idea that motorcycles can express personal identity as vividly as any canvas.