I remember a story my grandfather told me once about him and his buddy riding together from Schenectady NY to Canning Nova Scotia and back (1426 miles) in 4 days so his buddy could court a young woman he liked just to see her for a couple of hours. This was in the early 1920's. They would each strap 10 gallons of extra gas to the rear fenders instead of saddle bags. They rode entirely on dirt roads and because of the dust, they had to ride almost a mile apart just to be able to see the road without crashing. Those were the days of some of the most hardcore bikers in American motorcycle history.
Great history talk on the Henderson, all she need is an oil cooler, a full fairing, flatslide Keihin carbs, USD forks and a Yoshimura exhaust and a rename to HSXR 1000 rrr to get 100hp out of it! 🐱👍🏿
Dales’ collection of bikes and wisdom of yore is a treasure and best of all a stones through from the best riding in the Blue Ridge - Maggie Valley Rocks!🦊
I love your channel. I'm so sad I'm driving through the front of the museum while its closed next week. I would truly love to visit the museum, but I know it's not open for the season. Maybe next time I drive to NC I'll catch you all opened.
There used to be an example of this model, an exact replica of the one that you feature here, in Peter Murray's Motorcycle museum on Snaefell mountain, which is part of the TT course, on the Isle of Man. The collection has been moved since Peter died, but it is mostly intact on the Island.
I've been riding since the '70's and I like the newer rides. That said, I've always loved old iron. I'm still hoping for that great barn find. Probably be an import at this point if I ever find something.
I'm wondering if that bike had any cooling issues with the 4 cylinders one behind the other? Do you guys have motorhome parking there by any chance? Keep the good stuff coming guys.
In my opinion, the latest Motorcycle Manufacturers to use the Excelsior Henderson and Indian names both missed out on an opportunity when they ignored the 4 cylinder heritage that can be associated with both names just to concentrate exclusively on Vtwins. Yes, i know Vtwins are awesome, I get it, I love the Potato potato as much as anyone, thats why I worked for HD Motor Company as an R&D tech and as a HD dealership engine and driveline tech, performance specialist, and machinist. But I do think a longitudinal inline 4 cylinde, modernized of course would as an American made bike still have some heritage credibility and could be used as a segway into more performance oriented bikes. If nothing else it would bring more product diversity into a class of motorcycles that are basically only available as cruiser, smaller cruiser, touring, and larger touring typre bikes with Vtwins, teardrop tanks, and mostly form over function design.
Im going to say again most kids that follow in their parents foot steps are a yada ,yada,yada this kid was born to take his dads work to another level !
I I'm an old rider. Been riding on the street since 1970. I love the way every episode you do whether it's building something, or showing something it's a history lesson. A lot of newer riders need to know our history and where motorcycling came from. Your channel and museum is a great example of that.
I’m a older rider, been on two wheels since I was 12 years old. Owned just about anything British, American, Japanese. Love your dad and his many adventures. I’m now 79 years and still riding. When I returned from VietNam in 1969, my first ride was Sturges, in order to blow off the stink of 18 long months in Vietnam. Best therapy’s guy could have. My old pan head ran great after sitting 4 years. Greatly appreciated what you and your dad have and continue doing for the motorcycle history.
Well the engine design is Belgian. Every American 4 cilinder in-line engine in that era was derived from the Belgian design. Henderson beefed up and bettered it and added more displacement. Like for instance Indian also did.
What a great history of a one-of-a-kind motorcycle. I noticed the price in the ad for a Henderson was $325. That would be $7,600 in today's dollars. Still a good price.
Purchase power of a dollar and earning power/potential of the average man at each given period in time. I wonder how/if the 2nd is factored in and compared to a man nowadays and if it would raise the number,and,by how much. A greater mind than mine could come up with something I suppose,but,can it even be done to more than a wide estimation? Hey,your name is Price! I bet you can do it! :)
God willing I'm gonna be headed that way this year 2023 since my very first visit a few years back . Coming from the OBX ( OUTER BANKS NC ) . Can't wait. 👍🇬🇧🇺🇲😎
I really really really hope, that you have fire security and all that sh*t at top level. That is the worst part of museums - that "everything" can be destroied at one time. Was it in Brazil that some museum burnt not many years ago, with almost everything being lost. But I also often think of wars or terror - it's the old "Don't put all the eggs in the same basket" situation..
@@bobturnbull18 I was actually pretty spot on - not always my memory is this good. From The Guardian - "3. sep. 2018 - The fire at Rio de Janeiro's 200-year-old National Museum began after it closed to the public on Sunday and raged into the night."
Nobody has a better and more complete collection of early American four cylinder motorcycles -- Hendersons, Aces, Indians, the lot. For a least a decade after I first visited, my computer had a picture of the 1913 Two tone, Blue on Blue Henderson as its desktop background. Never got tired of looking at it.
Did I hear correctly that it's 1000 CC's but only 7 horsepower? How is it possible to only be getting 7 ponies out of something bigger than an old Harley Sportster?
What a beauty!! That guy sounds like my Ghia (VW) after i gave her the Monza exhaust... Love what you guys got goin on, keep up the good work & thank you for taking care of our elders
If you want to support Wheels Through Time, head over to www.wheelsthroughtime.com/win-this-bike and get your chance to win a historic '37 Knucklehead.
I'm a recent subscriber to this channel over in England 🇬🇧 , not a big fan of modern American bikes, ( to big to expensive to over rated)but these old bikes featured here are absolutely fabulous. Keep up the good work.
I just can't hardly believe it's that old WOW Matt what a bike. I always buy tickets for a chance to win a bike built by you and your team you just couldn't find one much nicer than one built by you
The Henderson four was used in airplanes. Ed Heath made a gear reduction for a propeller that bolted to the front of the engine. This allowed airplanes to be built in garages after WW1 when so many pilots came home and wanted their own plane. So many Hendersons lost their engine to airplanes. Henderson did sell the engines directly to Heath. Heath offered the airplanes in a complete plane or a kit.
It purr , but can spit fires after few revvss .. Superb
Thanks for the great story and for showing this fantastic machine. It's no wonder it was one of your Dad's favorites....
I remember a story my grandfather told me once about him and his buddy riding together from Schenectady NY to Canning Nova Scotia and back (1426 miles) in 4 days so his buddy could court a young woman he liked just to see her for a couple of hours. This was in the early 1920's. They would each strap 10 gallons of extra gas to the rear fenders instead of saddle bags. They rode entirely on dirt roads and because of the dust, they had to ride almost a mile apart just to be able to see the road without crashing. Those were the days of some of the most hardcore bikers in American motorcycle history.
What a cool and amazing story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Your grandfather and his buddy were a couple of cool & daring cats.
Great story> I live in Halifax NS, about an hr & a half from Canning.
Absolutely positively stunning
Man. I love this channel! Thanks for showing us this Henderson, Matt.
Thanks for Watching.
What a great sound ❤
Great history talk on the Henderson, all she need is an oil cooler, a full fairing, flatslide Keihin carbs, USD forks and a Yoshimura exhaust and a rename to HSXR 1000 rrr to get 100hp out of it! 🐱👍🏿
What the hell are USD forks supposed to be?
@@gteefxr3094 upside down telescopic forks 😁
Such an awesome Machine.
Lovely bit of kit!. Fantastic noise. Nice one!. Nuff said. 🙂
Nice job Matt, your dad is proud of you and smiling right now !!
Dales’ collection of bikes and wisdom of yore is a treasure and best of all a stones through from the best riding in the Blue Ridge - Maggie Valley Rocks!🦊
Absolutely stunning Bike.
Sweet machine!!!
Love the sound of that motorcycle sounds like a big cam
I love your channel. I'm so sad I'm driving through the front of the museum while its closed next week. I would truly love to visit the museum, but I know it's not open for the season. Maybe next time I drive to NC I'll catch you all opened.
Wow, what a beast!
Stunning motorcycle. Thanks for all your great work.
It's a beautiful machine
Beautiful MotorCycle, Hope to get over there to see it in person.
We'll be ready for you!
Excessively Cool
Amazing
Incredible sound ,like a older European sportscar .
So cool 😎
There used to be an example of this model, an exact replica of the one that you feature here, in Peter Murray's Motorcycle museum on Snaefell mountain, which is part of the TT course, on the Isle of Man. The collection has been moved since Peter died, but it is mostly intact on the Island.
Another great history lesson!
Another great video!
Thank you
Sounds like a diesel tractor (Alice-Chalmers comes to my mind)...wow!
Damn that engine 😮😮 incredibly smooth indeed!?
You had to feel like you were riding a rocket ship back then . What a cool.bike . I have a friend who buys tickets every year .
You can't be a motorhead and not Love the sound of a 100+ year old engine ! Even the backfires are tuneful
At idle, this Henderson sounds like a Pietenpol Air Camper parasol wing aircraft. 🤠
Awesome!
Id ride the knuckle across country ,then donate it to the museum real Dirty 😂👍
Nice bike! Would've loved to have seen the riding position with that carburetor and intake sticking out like that. You'd have to be bow legged LOL
My Grandfather used to have bad hearing, although I must admit it got significantly worse when Grandma was around..
I've been riding since the '70's and I like the newer rides. That said, I've always loved old iron. I'm still hoping for that great barn find. Probably be an import at this point if I ever find something.
Hendy's were the greatest bikes of their day.
I'm wondering if that bike had any cooling issues with the 4 cylinders one behind the other? Do you guys have motorhome parking there by any chance? Keep the good stuff coming guys.
Johnny, I parked there years ago as a good friend of Dale. Tell them Brian sent you and see if you can park by the river, it is great. Brian
How was the top end lubricated please? Thank you for this gift.
1929 Cleveland 1,000cc straight 4cyl Tornado and yes, a 1927 model too.
Nice! I would like to ride it.
Why should start building them!
Can you imagine starting any other motorcycle by spinning the back wheel!
There are 6 more , 3 here in New Mexico USA alone
In my opinion, the latest Motorcycle Manufacturers to use the Excelsior Henderson and Indian names both missed out on an opportunity when they ignored the 4 cylinder heritage that can be associated with both names just to concentrate exclusively on Vtwins. Yes, i know Vtwins are awesome, I get it, I love the Potato potato as much as anyone, thats why I worked for HD Motor Company as an R&D tech and as a HD dealership engine and driveline tech, performance specialist, and machinist. But I do think a longitudinal inline 4 cylinde, modernized of course would as an American made bike still have some heritage credibility and could be used as a segway into more performance oriented bikes. If nothing else it would bring more product diversity into a class of motorcycles that are basically only available as cruiser, smaller cruiser, touring, and larger touring typre bikes with Vtwins, teardrop tanks, and mostly form over function design.
What I 'd like to know, is if this machine is able to run more than the 1917 endurance record of Harley Davidson. Could be worth a try I think.
Im going to say again most kids that follow in their parents foot steps are a yada ,yada,yada this kid was born to take his dads work to another level !
Sweet
💥💥💥
🤩
I I'm an old rider. Been riding on the street since 1970. I love the way every episode you do whether it's building something, or showing something it's a history lesson. A lot of newer riders need to know our history and where motorcycling came from. Your channel and museum is a great example of that.
Nice to take the youngsters out and tickle the two wheel spirit.
Omg I was born in the wrong Era! So many awesome bikes back in the day! So much history!!
I went to the museum and I left with a sore neck.... whiplash from ohh look at that and that and that...😁👍
Wow.
Been on road since late 60s. I'm on a street glide now. Also a 850 Sportsman
I’m a older rider, been on two wheels since I was 12 years old. Owned just about anything British, American, Japanese. Love your dad and his many adventures. I’m now 79 years and still riding. When I returned from VietNam in 1969, my first ride was Sturges, in order to blow off the stink of 18 long months in Vietnam. Best therapy’s guy could have. My old pan head ran great after sitting 4 years. Greatly appreciated what you and your dad have and continue doing for the motorcycle history.
Thank you for your service and welcome home
What a legacy your Dad left, just amazing. May God continue to bless you Matt, your family and WTT. Just love it.
Henderson was a victim of it’s own far ahead technology. What a Gem.
Well the engine design is Belgian.
Every American 4 cilinder in-line engine in that era was derived from the Belgian design.
Henderson beefed up and bettered it and added more displacement. Like for instance Indian also did.
Wow this bike does not look or sound likes its 106 years old!
sounds like a GSXR waiting to unleash its temper!
What a great history of a one-of-a-kind motorcycle. I noticed the price in the ad for a Henderson was $325. That would be $7,600 in today's dollars. Still a good price.
Purchase power of a dollar and earning power/potential of the average man at each given period in time. I wonder how/if the 2nd is factored in and compared to a man nowadays and if it would raise the number,and,by how much. A greater mind than mine could come up with something I suppose,but,can it even be done to more than a wide estimation? Hey,your name is Price! I bet you can do it! :)
But it's worth 1/4 million now if not more
My Dad, who started riding during the 1930s, used to tell me that Hendersons were known for easily being able to 'climb the chain' (pop wheelies.)
With proper modern USD forks it can do stoppies as well!🐱👍🏿
What a beautiful sound
A fantastic story,and a great thanks to your late father for finding this Henderson,great engineering, regards Michael United Kingdom
God willing I'm gonna be headed that way this year 2023 since my very first visit a few years back . Coming from the OBX ( OUTER BANKS NC ) . Can't wait. 👍🇬🇧🇺🇲😎
Yes, what a great motorcycle. I love the sound. Thanks Matt!
Wonderful story and iconic bike❤️❤️🏴
A high rise horizontal manifold? Very cool.
It's music to my ears. Such a beautiful machine.
I really really really hope, that you have fire security and all that sh*t at top level. That is the worst part of museums - that "everything" can be destroied at one time. Was it in Brazil that some museum burnt not many years ago, with almost everything being lost. But I also often think of wars or terror - it's the old "Don't put all the eggs in the same basket" situation..
They had a fund raising for just your concerns to install a modern fire suppression system in the museum.
@@pipersall6761 COOL.!!
I’m interested in an update on the fire suppression system they decided to go with.. I’m guessing they decided on a pressurized wet system.
I believe you may be thinking of the museum in Switzerland.
@@bobturnbull18 I was actually pretty spot on - not always my memory is this good. From The Guardian - "3. sep. 2018 - The fire at Rio de Janeiro's 200-year-old National Museum began after it closed to the public on Sunday and raged into the night."
That has got to the coolest sounding bikes I have ever heard.
Nobody has a better and more complete collection of early American four cylinder motorcycles -- Hendersons, Aces, Indians, the lot. For a least a decade after I first visited, my computer had a picture of the 1913 Two tone, Blue on Blue Henderson as its desktop background. Never got tired of looking at it.
Did I hear correctly that it's 1000 CC's but only 7 horsepower? How is it possible to only be getting 7 ponies out of something bigger than an old Harley Sportster?
Always wondered why the stopped making them … I love this place… no way I could only spend a day there…
Fantastic....what a special machine!
What a beauty!! That guy sounds like my Ghia (VW) after i gave her the Monza exhaust... Love what you guys got goin on, keep up the good work & thank you for taking care of our elders
Another great video enjoyable as always....
I was born in 1966. Recieved my first bike in 1971. A Hondaka Wombat. With the chrome tank and red triangle on tank. I havent stopped yet.
I always thought Dale made one love motorcycles, but Matt you take it to a whole new level.
Spin the wheel and she starts right up, awesome!
Work of art
If you want to support Wheels Through Time, head over to www.wheelsthroughtime.com/win-this-bike and get your chance to win a historic '37 Knucklehead.
That thing runs great! What kind of speed and power does it make?
Hates off to this guy Dales Son has taken Dales Enthusiasm and raised it to a new level has to be the greatest motor cycle museum of all time
That started so easy it sounded like an old car engine but I can’t decide what engine.
my uncle has a 1922 Henderson he has had it about 40 odd years . there is a few here in New Zealand
It has a very humble idle.
I'm a recent subscriber to this channel over in England 🇬🇧 , not a big fan of modern American bikes, ( to big to expensive to over rated)but these old bikes featured here are absolutely fabulous. Keep up the good work.
What a beauty and sounds so good.
"What a motorcycle" is right on.
Awesome thanks for sharing a great video
I just can't hardly believe it's that old WOW Matt what a bike. I always buy tickets for a chance to win a bike built by you and your team you just couldn't find one much nicer than one built by you
Matt you are so informative, I could listen to you all day .
When I do show up. I want to sit on each and every bike.
I love your enthusiasm Matt! You have a true passion for what you do! Keep up the great work!!!
Always!
@@wheelsthroughtime And an amazing speaker without notes and with expertise unmatched.
Cheers NZ.
That Henderson is a beautiful bike 🏍.
The Henderson four was used in airplanes. Ed Heath made a gear reduction for a propeller that bolted to the front of the engine. This allowed airplanes to be built in garages after WW1 when so many pilots came home and wanted their own plane. So many Hendersons lost their engine to airplanes. Henderson did sell the engines directly to Heath. Heath offered the airplanes in a complete plane or a kit.
So impressed with your knowledge thanks for your great work
These engines powered some of the first airplanes.
I can see why it was one of your dads favorite bikes
That is one smooooth machine.
Im new to motorcycles, never learned to ride but i love watching the channel as i love the history
Wow love that amazing sound!! And the bike too of course ;-))
I sure wish Maggie Valley was a bit closer. But, a visit to WTT is on my bucket list for sure!
That thing runs better than most modern bikes, Smooth
I loved my time there last year during the 20th anniversary. I spent the entire day there and didn't want to leave.
bUt do you have a 1950 Husqvarna m27 :D dug 2 out of a barn here in sweden two weeks Aho
SWEET !!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
fun fact, that $325 in 1912 is equivalent to $10,113.06 today