Even if you don’t recognize the name Neal Schon, I guarantee you’d recognize his music. For the past 30-plus years, Neal has been the lead guitarist and leader for the rock band Journey. At the age of 17, this guitar prodigy quit high school; with his parents permission. He had two job offers, play guitar for the super group Derek and the Dominoes or join Santana. Choosing between Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana was a difficult decision; Neal chose Santana. Maybe it was due to Santana being based in the Bay Area, or the fact that they asked him first, but in the end it looks like Neal made the right decision. In 1973, Neal and several members of Santana left the band and formed the group that would later become Journey. Seventy-five million records later and a new found popularity; Journey seems to be as relevant today as they were 30 years ago.
Several years ago, Neal met Cory Ness and a quick friendship was formed. When Neal is not out touring the world, he can be found touring the back roads of Northern California. He is now the proud owner of four Ness customized bikes. Just recently, Neal realized what we all of us already have; life is much more enjoyable on a Bagger. Neal is now a Baggerite who owns our cover bike and a Ness Victory Vision; which will also be featured in American Bagger.
For a lot of guys, a Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle Bagger would be enough, not for Neal. He rode his new Bagger from the dealership, directly to the Arlen Ness headquarters in Dublin, CA. First on the list was more power, so a Ness Derby Sucker air cleaner was installed, along with Ness headers and a Ness Big Shot fuel management system. Now that Neal’s Bagger was breathing and exhaling more efficiently and his fuel was correctly managed, it was time for some cosmetic changes. The 23” wheel is a popular trend in our Bagger world. To make the bike look and ride correctly, you have to rake the frame and use raked trees. Cory Ness raked the frame seven degrees and used a set of seven-degree raked Yaffe triple trees. Now that big Performance Machine wheel looks as natural as a 21”. Performance Machine rotors accentuate the stock calipers for improved performance and enhanced looks. Avon has always been the tire of choice for Arlen Ness. Yaffe Monkey Bars with Ness Deep Cut grips and RAD III mirrors clean up the lines on the front of the bike while giving Neal the custom look he desired. The gas tank was stretched in-house by the Ness crew and Danny Gray custom made the seat to fit the stretched tank. The stock fenders were also given the Ness treatment.
Last but not least, Steve Farone applied the Candy Brandywine paint and translucent graphics. Neal rode away from the Ness facility onboard a customized Bagger worthy of a rock star!
For more information on Ness custom motorcycles, call 925.479.6350 or visit www.arlenness.com.
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