Post Sale Update: After 20 bids, this Henderson sold for $45,100.
In 1928, Henderson stole Arthur Constantine away from Harley-Davidson and put him in charge of redesigning their DeLuxe. The next year, Henderson released the KJ, also known as the Streamline. This example has been with the same family for years and ran in the Cannonball Rally in 2012.
The KJ was able to produced 40 horsepower and was capable of doing the ton. It was quite advanced for the time with features like an illuminated speedometer and leading link forks. MSRP was $435 and it sold until 1931, when the head of Excelsior decided to quit production because he felt the Great Depression would continue on for many more years. So despite the fact that he had plenty of orders queued up for the KJ, he famously said “Gentlemen, today we stop.” For more on the story of the KJ, check out this profile from Hemmings.
This example was mechanically restored six months before the 2012 Cannonball Rally. Work included new pistons, a new clutch, new valves, and plenty more inside the engine. The speedometer and odometer were recently rebuilt so the seller guesses the engine has 4,000 miles on it since the work was done. The seller has added an external oil filter which can quickly be removed. Other good points include the original Schebler DLX70 carb and a new ignition switch. A metal skirt was weirdly added to the front fender many years ago, the ammeter does not work, and the headlight and horn are not wired up.
Find this Henderson for sale in Bend, Oregon with bidding up to $35,595 and the reserve not yet met