Henderson 1924 DeLuxe combination 1305 cc 4 cyl sv 3603

Henderson 1924 “DeLuxe” 1305 cc side valve four cylinder combination frame # D12108A

Although the brothers Tom and Will Henderson had made excellent motorcycles from 1911 on, they didn’t manage to get the company financially sound. In the course of 1917 Ignaz Schwinn, who had already taken over the Excelsior Supply Company by the end of 1911, showed an interest to take over the production of the famous Henderson Four. Towards the end of the year the deal was struck and all Henderson assets were moved from Detroit to Chicago. Tom Henderson got a 5-year $10,000 per year contract as general sales manager and Will accepted the offer of $5,000 yearly to act as factory superintendent. So from 1918 on the Hendersons were made in Chicago and year by year the machines were improved.
The DeLuxe was introduced 1922 and would bring even more fame to the make. Arthur Lemon designed several basic improvements such as larger intake manifold, larger carburettor and crankshaft and a more efficient rear brake. The new DeLuxe engine developed 28 HP at 3,400 RPM, giving it a top speed of 80 MPH. The machine became very popular with police forces because of its speed and reliability. The DeLuxe was last produced for the early 1929 model year that started in the fall of 1928. Early in 1929 the model KJ was presented, dubbed “the Streamline Henderson” because of the graceful lines of fenders and petrol tank. Due to the economic depression Henderson motorcycle production ceased in 1931. New features for 1924 were alloy pistons with three compression rings and one oil ring, new design of cylinder and a new high-lift camshaft. Other improvements were 3.85 x 20 balloon tires and an increase in petrol tank capacity to four gallons (15 litres).
The combination we present here was discovered a number of years ago in South America and has found a new home in The Netherlands since. She has obviously been restored a long time ago in a light grey colour with gold lining, but she must have seen a period of neglect. She comes with full electric lighting, Simms magneto, Persons King Comfort saddle, Weston amp gauge, Claxon electric horn and Zenith carb. The clutch can be operated by hand or left foot pedal and there are three brakes on board. The right hand side foot pedal operated the external contracting band on the rear wheel and the internal brake on the sidecar wheel. A heel pedal above the left hand side footboard is connected to the internal expanding brake on the rear wheel. At some time in the past the beaded edge wheel rims have been exchanged for wired-on rims, probably for safer riding and easier obtainability of tyres. The sidecar is well-sprung and a reverse gear is fitted, operated by a short lever on top of the gearbox. This impressive, sturdy combination has a current Dutch registration and will need some tender love and care we expect.