My Bronson style bike started as a 1996 XL883 Hugger. Having owned a Sportster with kick start, magneto and Right Hand shift 46 years ago, I wanted to catch the flavor of the Bronson bike in an Evo frame mount.

The instrument bracket had to be ground out to fit electronic gauges. The chrome cups also had to be ground down and the bottom opened up to let Harley connectors through. Stock Hugger Speedo is black; the Tach I found at a swap meet has chrome trim. I will address this difference next winter. Time to ride now! Top light is ignition/oil and bottom is neutral. Stock fender was cut, welded, sanded and painted. Tank stripped inside and out, sanded and painted. Purchased chrome oil tank, belt guard, left side chrome covers (Bat & Elec). Changed out forward controls for standard (added adjustable forward foot pegs for long trips. I do not think they detract too much.) Added 21 inch front wheel, gaiters, chrome front fender.

I changed to a chrome headlight and made a cover for bird�s nest of wires. Changed handlebars and risers and moved front blinkers to forks. Installed a sissy bar. I used a Ness Big Gulp air cleaner with a Paughco 7 inch round cover. Nylon stuff sack on front forks carries my tool kit.

Final addition was Paughco drag pipes cut where needed with Paughco # 610 21 inch x 2-1/2 inch mufflers. Most stuff was purchased through Kirk at Sporty�s and J & P cycle. Slow jet .045. Inspiration for the bike was my original Sportster that I bought used 46 years ago and my friend Steve�s 1999 883 custom Evo Bronson style conversion. There are few motorcycles that are as much fun to ride as a Sportster. What amazed me was that the sporty feels just as good to me as it did in 1964. I am planning on making the California Bronson trip next spring or maybe as early as this October. My friend Steve�s 1999 883 Custom Bronson bike that was part of my inspiration and he was key to making my 1996 Bronson a reality.