1930 Henderson classic art-deco custom motorcycle

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

1930 Henderson classic art-deco custom motorcycle

A fantastic history of a work that is done in earnest and the results are truly amazing like this motorcycle modification work. Yes, this uniquely streamlined classic motorcycle is owned by Frank Westfall of Syracuse, a motorcycle collector and local identity, who was seen happily riding this extraordinary motorcycle around the showgrounds.

1930 Excelsior KJ Henderson custom motorcycle is built and designed by Orley Ray Courtney. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2NMlRKO)

The art-deco style motorcycle is built on the 1930 Henderson motorcycle and a designed by Orley Ray Courtney (b. July 14, 1895 - d. April 12, 1982) in 1936. It powered by an inline four-cylinder of 40 bhp at 4,000rpm, which can be made it run at the top speed of 100 mph (approx 160 kph).

1930 Henderson 1,301cc Model KJ 'Streamline' Four was the base of the Orley Ray Courtney's art-deco style custom motorcycle. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3jUuIs5)

The radically streamlined KJ body shell was unlike anything ever done on two wheels. The sleek vehicle had a curved, vertical-bar grille, reminiscent of the Chrysler Airflow, and the rear resembled an Auburn boat-tail speedster. The panels were hand-formed of steel with a power hammer.

As we all know, the Henderson was a defunct marque is owned by a well-known American motorcycle manufacturer named Excelsior Motor Mfg. & Supply Co. While in the 1930s, the motorcycle manufacturer included one of the "Big Three" of American motorcycle companies, along with Harley-Davidson and Indian.

1930 Excelsior KJ Henderson custom motorcycle is powered by an inline four-cylinder of 40 bhp at 4,000rpm, which can be made it run at the top speed of 100 mph (approx 160 kph). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2NLd3EM)

As a marque, Henderson is unfortunately consigned to the annals of history, despite a short-lived attempt to revive it in the late 1990s. As well as, little is known about Orley Ray Courtney, though his name does pop up again in a 1953 Popular Science article, along with photos of another motorcycle he modded in 1950 with a style evolving along with the times.

1930 Excelsior KJ Henderson custom motorcycle is owned by a collector named Frank Westfall and stored at the Rhinebeck Grand National. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3eNgKWo)

And Frank Westfall has obviously spent an incredible amount of time and money meticulously restoring and rebuilding the motorbike to its current gorgeous state. Today the bike is stored at the Rhinebeck Grand National.

And if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to this marque, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.