In a not so hostile takeover, bicycle mogul Ignaz Schwinn acquired the vaunted Excelsior company in 1911 and then in 1917 acquired another “trophy” company in the form of the Henderson Motorcycle Co. purveyors of the now iconic Henderson Four seen here.
Detroit-based Tom and William Henderson had started building their four cylinder machines in 1912; those four individually cast cylinders mated to an aluminum crankcase on three main bearings. Instead of pedal start, standard for the day, the design employed a car-style crankshaft, the very nature of the inline-four imparting an automotive aura to the long wheel-based machine that exuded elegance, refinement and grace of movement. It offered the rider the smooth transmission of power, fine handling and easily controllable operation. It would establish a benchmark for others to follow.
From 1912-1916 the Henderson Four round tank, long wheel-base was produced in a variety of configurations while the 1912 and 1913 garner the most favor. While the machines are single speed and do not have transmissions they did feature a small clutch on the motor sprocket chain drive. Other features included a rear band brake, rear mounted tool box, dual brake pedals and interesting footboards.
Within the last two decades it is estimated that less than half a dozen 1913 Henderson Fours have appeared worldwide. This particular motorcycle’s revival was due to a combination of the Henderson brother’s innovation, luck, and the passion of vintage restorer Mike Smith of Oregon City, Oregon. Mike took it upon himself to recreate seven complete chassis exactingly based on the original 1913 Henderson while Walksler personally located the complete 1913 inline four motor in upstate Maine. After an inspection of the engine that determined its sound running condition, it was given a thorough cleaning then housed into one of the Mike Smith Henderson complete chassis. Via its crank starter, the bike started immediately and ran nearly as quiet as when produced in 1913.
All seven of the Mike Smith chassis have found homes, other Henderson motors discovered and in need of them. However with the untimely passing of the exceptionally talented Mike Smith in 2007, it is unlikely that such a perfect and complete Henderson chassis will be produced again. Exceptional cosmetics include correct paint, pin-striping and nickel plating.
This motorcycling milestone 1913 Henderson, evoking the aura of a pure bred racehorse, would add four-cylinder luster to any collection.
How much is it worth? At the recent Joes Garage/MacPherson Collection auction held in Tustin, CA in June 2008, it sold, with fees, for the sum of $54,450.
