Henderson motorcycles were a brand of the "American Henderson Motorcycle Company" which was started in 1911, by Tom W. and William G. Henderson. The Henderson factory at 268 Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, produced its first motorcycle in 1911, with its 934 cc in-line (IOE), or "inlet over exhaust" four cylinder motor.
A signature styling cue of the Henderson was its long wheelbase and correspondingly long gastank. In 1911 the first "Prototype" models were produced with a belt drive.
1912 Henderson Model Four
By 1912 the first production model began rolling off the assembly line. The 1912 model had the designation "Four" after the 57 cubic-inch, longitudinally-mounted inline four-cylinder motor which produced up to 7 horsepower. The retail price was $325. The 1912 Henderson Model 4 engine produced 7 horsepower.
1912 Henderson Model 4 with 934 cc Four Cylinder Motor
1915 Henderson Long-Tank
1915 Henderson Long-Tank
The Henderson Motorcycle Company was sold to Excelsior owner Ignaz Schwinn In 1917, becoming Excelsior-Henderson, under the Excelsior Motor Mfg. and Supply Company of Chicago, Illinois.
1915 Henderson Long-Tank
Henderson Long-Tank
William Henderson left the Excelsior-Henderson company in 1920, starting the Ace Motor Corporation which built high-performance inline four-cylinder motorcycles. After Henderson's early death in 1923, Ace continued until 1927, when they were purchased by Indian.
1915 Henderson Long-Tank Valve Assembly
1915 Henderson 1000 cc Four Cylinder Motor
1915 Henderson Suicide Shift
Schwinn decided to close down their Excelsior-Henderson motorcycle devision in 1931, due to slow sales brought on by the Great Depression.
1915 Henderson Long-Tank Speedometer Drive
Excelsior-Henderson Links
Henderson Streamline Models: KJ & KL Parts Exchange
Riding The American Dream: The Official Story of Excelsior-Henderson
Back To: Vintage Motorcycle Photos
