You have probably noticed that this is not the end of the story. I was surprised that after thirty years of not even being on a motorcycle that riding came back to me in a flash.  I restored everything myself except some clutch and transmission work and the paint job.  To make a long restoration story short it takes research, determination, long hours and deep deep pockets but if you keep focused and work through the problems it can be an enjoyable experience and so satisfying when finished.

In December 2007,while Barb was on vacation, (you see a pattern here) I found on eBay an original 1977 XLH Sportster with 7,100 miles and even the original tires!  It was owned by Randy of U.S. Cycles in Glendale, AZ and he was reducing his stock of vintage cycles.  He was asking $7500.00 for it and if I agreed to buy it and he would pay the shipping.  Now I would have the opportunity to have my "Bronson" Sportster and I found myself back in the restoration business again.

The Sportster arrived in February and we had a mild winter so I was able to take it for a ride.  I never rode a Sportster before and soon I discovered that they are not really compatible with riders with size 13 boot!  I quickly made an adjustable shift leaver and found that two inches longer would be perfect.  I fabricated a new leaver, had it chromed and was good to go.

I finished an appropriate Sportster tank and built a solid walnut stand and proudly display it for all to see.

I made a chromed aluminum insert for the Sportster sissy bar and added a decal to it and as the ultimate reminder of all things Bronson.

This June we had the privilege to be invited to visit with the Bronson brotherhood anniversary reunion in Anamosa, IA.  We never met a more warm hearted, kind, unselfish and generous gathering of people. They assemble from all over the country, bring their meticulously replicated Bronson Sportsters and truly live in the spirit of TCB. Barb and I would sincerely like to thank Mike and Vicki and all their close "Bronson" family for all which they have done to keep the saga of Then Came Bronson alive for the inspiration and entertainment of us all.

As a final tribute to TCB I placed an All Seeing Eye decal on the tour box on the FLH.