Arlen Ness "Hardhead" Frame/ Roller for Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster

Few names in the custom world command as much reverence as Arlen Ness. For decades, the "King of Choppers" defined the cutting edge of motorcycle design, and owning a piece of his history is a dream for many builders. This auction represents a rare opportunity to acquire not just a collection of parts, but a time capsule—an authentic, unfinished Arlen Ness-style Ironhead Sportster project featuring components that are nearly impossible to find today.

The foundation of this build is a Arlen Ness "Hardhead" frame. This legendary modification involved grafting the front section of a stock Harley-Davidson frame with Arlen's own signature design, easily identified by its distinctive and lightweight 7/8-inch tubing. This specific project was started, mocked up, but never finished and has never seen the road, making it a true blank canvas for a period-correct chopper build.

The crown jewel of this collection is the springer front end. According to a close friend of the Ness family, this specific design, which hides the lower triple tree when viewed from the side for an exceptionally clean look, was a style Arlen typically reserved for his own personal bikes. The springer itself is in excellent condition with no visible rust, measuring approximately 31 inches from the axle to the lower tree. It is paired with a classic 18-inch spool front wheel and a set of Arlen's iconic 1-inch "Tiller" handlebars.

This is more than just a project. For a builder with the right vision, this is the opportunity to create a Arlen Ness-style chopper with a style that simply cannot be replicated.

Specification Highlights:

• Builder/Style: Digger
• Platform: Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster
• Frame:  Arlen Ness "Hardhead" Frame Section
• Front End: Ultra-Rare Arlen Ness Springer (rumored personal-use)
• Handlebars: Arlen Ness 1-inch "Tiller" Handlebars
• Front Wheel: 18-inch Spool Wheel (very good condition)
• Condition: Unfinished "mock-up" project, never completed or ridden.
• Included Preowned Parts: Chrome swingarm, rear wheel, shocks, and fender struts.
• Important Notes: The chrome on the springer's top triple tree shows some peeling. The currently installed neck stem on the springer would need to be changed to be used with this specific Hardhead frame.

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