Arlen's Closed

[FLH03RIDER]

I hadn't been by Arlen's in Dublin in over a year. Was going to check to see if they had a "12V - DIN / USB" charger.
Thought it a bit weird, no bikes or cars parked out front. Signs on door stated: "For Will-Call Arlen Ness products ordered online
go to the Studio that's around the corner of the building by the ramp. For Ducati, Aprilia, Trumph service go up the ramp to Pro Services.
The moto dealership, California Speed-Sport has retired and closed for business"!
No dates were on any of the posters. (I believe the Ness family may still own the building.)

The first floor is completely empty, up along the stairs were three bikes and on the second floor to the right it appears that most of Arlen's other
custom builds are still there.
It's a "trip" looking back to when he started out in his garage in San Lorenzo in the early '70's, then his little shop on East 14th and years later
to the big boutique store in Dublin. Arlen's last build was in 2019 and he passed later that year. So much custom motorcycle history.
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[budman]

I remember going to the Grand Opening. Still have the embroidered Arlen shirt I bought.
Arlen made a new world for himself for sure.

 

[Rtmac]

I enjoyed stopping there just to walk around the place. It was like going to a museum. I known I've bought things there over the years, but I can't remember exactly what. I figured when he died that the business would close up soon.

 

[ST Guy]

I remember going to his shop on 14th many years ago. Harley’s aren’t my thing but it was amazing to see his work.

 

[greenmonster]

They closed at the end of October 2025. I live nearby and used to stop in just to look.

Here’s a post from their FB page. Kinda long but explains the whole story.

A Fond Farewell from California Speed-Sports

For more than 35 incredible years, Kregg Williams, California Speed-Sports, and our dedicated team have had the privilege of serving the Northern California market—offering some of the most exotic and exciting motorcycles, ATVs, Side-by-Sides, and three-wheelers around.

This decision, while bittersweet, comes at a time that feels right for us. Ongoing economic challenges, political uncertainty, a general decline in the motorcycle market, looming tariff concerns, a pending lease renewal and increased pressures from some less-than-ideal decisions from our manufacturers—along with our long-held goal of retiring at 60- made this an easy and timely choice.

Kregg founded California Speed-Sports at the young age of 23. Over the years, we’ve proudly represented an incredible range of brands, including: Ducati, Triumph, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Piaggio, Vespa, Polaris, Can-Am, TM, Italjet, Malaguti, Genuine, Kymco, Motus, and GEM Cars. We were also honored to serve as the exclusive U.S. distributor for Arrow Exhaust for many years. In 2020, California Speed-Sports relocated from Livermore to the famous Arlen Ness Motorcycles facility in Dublin, which houses one of the most beautiful showrooms in the U.S.

Kregg’s love for motorsports began early, riding and racing District 36 enduros and hare scrambles with his father as a father-son team starting at age 6. That passion continued into road racing, where Kregg spent 8 years competing in the AFM aboard his Aprilia RS250. He later raced in the Aprilia World Challenge Cup Series and earned his professional car racing license, competing in the Formula Mazda Series for 5 years across the U.S.—and even tackled the legendary SCORE Baja 250.

What’s Next for California Speed-Sports?

Our regular business operations will officially conclude on October 31st. In the meantime, we are wrapping up existing commitments, including special orders, warranty work, service jobs, and selling our remaining inventory. Come take advantage of amazing deals! We're clearing out everything in the store — don't miss your chance to save big on: clothing, accessories, fixtures, memorabilia, wheel chocks and many many more items.

If you're in the area on Saturday Oct 25th stop on by for one last gathering of friends and fellow riders.

We are pleased to share that our Service Department operations will continue under the capable hands of our longtime friends, Tim and Susie of Pro-Cycles, located just upstairs from our current service bays. Along with Tyler, our existing factory-trained technician, they will continue servicing Ducati, Triumph, and Aprilia motorcycles. Please note that warranty work will no longer be available. For future service needs, you can reach Pro-Cycles at 925-574-5410 or visit them at www.procyclesca.com.

From the entire California Speed-Sports family—thank you. Thank you for the memories, the stories, the laughter, and the lifelong friendships. It’s been an amazing ride, and we are honored to have been part of your journey.

Now, it’s time for us to hit the road and enjoy the ride ourselves. We look forward to seeing you out there—in the twisties, at the track, or somewhere off the beaten path.

Arrivederci,

Kregg & the Entire California Speed-Sports Team

 

[tuxumino]

An incredible piece of history, no my style but if you lived roun these parts you knew of him and his work.
Made me think of Mean Marshall.

 

[VicTim]

I Just wanted to reiterate that Pro Cycles located in the back and up the ramp in the Arlen Ness building is still open. They service American v-twins (Victory, Indian and Harley), along with the various brands sold at California Speed Sports. The title of this thread is kind of deceiving since Arlen Ness is still open (they make parts for v-twins). It's Just California Speed Sports that is gone now.

 

[FLH03RIDER]

Better, updated "signage" would certainly go a long ways in keeping people informed as to what businesses were actually there.

 

[ST Guy]

Someone should advise them of that. Proper and informative signage is important to any business.

 

[HadesOmega]

I went here one time to see if they could service my Victory Empulse TT. At one time they sold em. Pretty nice place.

 

[CDONA]

The cruiser built before those, Any help for the Excelsior - Henderson, E-Hog?