With the phrase “a new one from Detroit” the Henderson factory introduced its first production model in November 1911.
To underline its qualities Carl Stevens Clancy made a journey around the world with a Henderson four, covering a distance of 18,000 miles.
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1918 Henderson Z, 1200cc |
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1920 Henderson K, 1305cc |
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From the 1912 model on yearly improvements were made in the design: in the fall of 1919 an entirely new machine was brought out, the model K.
It had a bigger capacity engine and full pressure lubrication, a novelty in the motorcycle field.
The valve layout was now side valves for both intake and exhaust and the cycle parts had all been beefed up to cope with grater engine power.
Designer was Arthur Lemon, and he had done an excellent job: the model K broke many records in long distance, high performance and endurance tests.
The K remained in production for about three years; its successor, the DeLuxe, would bring even more fame to the make. |
1922 Henderson DeLuxe, 1305cc |
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The new DeLuxe engine developed 28 HP at 3,400 RPM on sole gear, giving it a top speed of 80 MPH.
The machine became very popular with police forces because of its speed and reliability.
This deluxe is basically unrestored: the engine has already been refurbished. |
1926 Henderson DeLuxe Super 6, 1957cc |
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Sometime in the twenties or thirties, it seems, some Henderson fours were converted to six cylinder machines.
No mean feat, this involved a little more than cutting and welding: new crankshaft and camshaft had to be made and the frame had to be altered to accommodate the lengthy power source, to name a few of the complications.
More room on the side of the engine gave the possibility to put magneto and dynamo in line.
It is not known how many of these hybrid machines were made and by whom. |
1929 Henderson KJ, 1305cc |
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