First, several years ago, we were at the Handbuilt Show in Austin, Texas. One of the coolest motorcycles we saw was a 1929 Excelsior-Henderson KJ Streamliner.
Next, here’s some background on the Excelsior-Henderson company. In 1911, William and Tom Henderson founded the Henderson Motorcycle Company. In 1911, they released their prototype.
Then, in 1912, the Company introduced a 57 cubic inch inline four-cylinder with 7 horsepower. Over the years, there were many improvements made, races won, and records broken.
In 1917, the brothers sold the Henderson Motorcycle Company to Ignaz Schwinn. He owned both Schwinn bicycles and Excelsior motorcycles.
So, where did the Henderson brothers go? Well, up until 1920, they worked for Henderson-Excelsior Motorcycles. In 1920, they founded a new company, Ace Motorcycle Company.
In 1929, the Excelsior-Henderson Streamliner was introduced. It was often referred to as the KJ. Next, this new model motorcycle had over 50 new features and upgrades. Also, it could go 100 mph. The KJ model was made in 1931. Unfortunately, as with many motorcycle companies and other companies, it did not survive the Great Depression.
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