Quote from MGM press release describing the changes to the "Bronson Bike."
"For afficionados, the changes are as follows: The front wheel was replaced with a 21" aluminum rim carrying a 3.00 x 21 ribbed tire. The front fender was changed to a chromeplated, bobbed piece and the headlight nacelle, or housing, was removed and a chrome sports light replaced it. A Harley-Davidson CH gas tank replaced the standard tank, and the oil tank and rear shock springs were chrome plated. A kickstart was added although the Sportster carries an electric starter. The seat was replaced with a custom leather unit and a short chrome hand-hold was mounted behind the passenger seat.(Folklore has it that the sissy bar was cobbled from a Schwinn banana seat bicycle - ed.) The chain guard cover and the voltage regulator cover were chrome plated. The rear fender was bobbed 5 inches and the tail light replaced with an old style English light. The motorcycle was repainted with a specially mixed formula which is called from this point on, Bronson Red. The final touch was the addition of the Bronson "Eye" insignia to the gas tank."
The webmaster of this site is currently working on a book to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Harley Davidson in 2003. The working title is "Heavy Metal Thunder". I've been traveling to various Harley related events and venues in the U.S. and Europe for the last couple of years and will be gathering more research through 2003. I'm seeking photos from post WWII to the present for possible inclusion. I'm looking for pictures that fall outside the typical T&A cycle mag pics, that reflect not only the Milwaukee Iron but also the people who ride. I'll post some examples of what I've got so far on this site in the near future. If you've got something interesting, please click on the above link and attach your photo. Especially looking for those TCB replicas. Hang in there.
Theme song lyrics Goin' down that long lonesome highway. Bound for the mountains and the plains. Sure ain't nothin' here gonna tie me, An' I got some friends I'd like to see again. One of these days I'm gonna settle down, But til I do I won't be hangin' 'round. Goin' down that long lonesome highway, Gonna live life my way.
HD Sprint 1969
Bob & Linda
White Man's Burden-1970 TCB replica.
Down Under AL and his posse.
California Bob Kruty's Exceptional 1969 XLCH - click the thumbnail image on the right to enlarge.
When the Harley Davidson company was flopping around like a boated carp in 1969, it attempted to polish its image in response to the Japanese invasion that had reduced its sales dramatically. Unfortunately this did not include hiring someone to write decent copy for the 1970 product catalogue as illustrated in the page to the right and below (click thumbnails to enlarge image). Packed with purple prose that was intended to regain the plummeting market share being lost to the rice burners, it oozed with supposedly colloquial language aimed at the youth market using phrases like: "BOSS POWER", "Without a doubt this is the neatest two-up touring look ever designed.", "This is what's happening!", "...(a)passport to find the place that touches your mind.". The awfulest was saved for last. The last item in the catalogue is a reference to THEN CAME BRONSON. "When a NEAT studio like MGM creates a SUPER NEAT TV series like BRONSON it only stands to reason that they'd select the NEATEST motorcycle in the world for a co-star - a Harley-Davidson Sportster. Watch for "Then Came Bronson" on NBC starting September 17th. It's the WILDEST!"
Click thumbnail ad pics to read text of copy.
Click the Pic to upsize.
The amazing transmogrification of a 900 Vtwin Harley into a single lung 125cc JAWA.
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