The 1931 Henderson Four, like this exquisite example, is unquestionably one of the most exceptional motorcycles ever produced. One of the Big Three, the Excelsior Motor Manufacturing and Supply Company emerged as an amalgam of a handful of America’s most promising companies in the early 1900s. Based out of Chicago, Ignaz Schwinn amassed a fortune as a pioneer cycle manufacturer during the country’s bicycle craze. An equally gifted businessman and engineer, Schwinn recognized the potential in the early motorcycle marketplace, but rather than develop his own motorcycle, Schwinn looked to acquire an existing brand to expand his empire. Another cycling pioneer, Denver’s George T. Robie, had also successfully grown the Excelsior Supply Company when he transitioned into motorcycle manufacturing in 1906. As Robie found himself drawn too thin trying to run two successful companies simultaneously, he sold the popular Excelsior motorcycle business to Schwinn in 1912. The reputable Excelsior name benefited immensely from Schwinn’s deep pockets and marketing expertise, as well as being a prominent marque in the racing game. Having grown Excelsior in the mid-1910s, Schwinn acquired the final component that eventually led to this immaculate 1931 Henderson Four. The original Henderson Four came from the brilliant engineering mind of William Henderson, who, together with his brother Tom, created what has long been regarded as the finest, most elegant American motorcycle in 1912. Still, by 1917, Henderson also struggled with the business aspects of producing such a luxurious motorcycle. Schwinn rolled the Henderson brothers and their motorcycle into the Excelsior brand, developing the platform throughout the 1920s. Found in Indiana, this rare 1931 Henderson KJ was the final refinement for the platform’s time at Excelsior, featuring a five-bearing, 40 HP, 80 CI (1,300cc) inline 4-cylinder engine, 3-speed gearbox and magneto ignition. It benefited greatly from the “streamliner” restyling Excelsior implemented in 1929, producing an elegant, luxurious and utterly smooth-running motorcycle. Still, despite having built one of the country’s most successful motorcycle brands, Excelsior couldn’t escape the economic devastation brought on by the Great Depression. In the summer of 1931, Schwinn gave the order to terminate production, and Excelsior became the first of America’s Big Three to shutter its doors. MIKE WOLFE’S AS FOUND COLLECTION S130 1931 HENDERSON KJ
