When people think of early American motorcycles, names like Harley-Davidson and Indian often come to mind first. But among the pioneers of the early 20th century, the Henderson motorcycle stands out as one of the most innovative and respected brands of its time. Known for its powerful four-cylinder engines and smooth rides, Henderson motorcycles became a favorite among long-distance riders, law enforcement, and enthusiasts who wanted speed and style.

At Heather’s Leathers, we celebrate motorcycle heritage by crafting handmade leather gear designed to last a lifetime—just like the motorcycles that inspired generations of riders.

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The Beginning of Henderson Motorcycles

The Henderson Motorcycle Company was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1911 by brothers William and Tom Henderson. From the start, Henderson bikes were different: they were powered by inline four-cylinder engines, a rarity at the time that provided unmatched speed and smoothness compared to the V-twins most competitors used.

By 1912, Henderson motorcycles were breaking records and making headlines for being some of the fastest and most advanced bikes on the road.

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Record-Setting Performance

Henderson quickly became known for speed and reliability:

• 1914 – Carl Stearns Clancy, the first person to circumnavigate the globe on a motorcycle, chose a Henderson for the journey.

• 1917 – Henderson set the “Cannonball” record, riding from Los Angeles to New York in just 7 days, 16 hours—an unheard-of achievement at the time.

• Police departments across America adopted Henderson bikes, praising their speed and smooth handling for patrol work.

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Growth and Innovation

In 1917, Henderson was sold to Schwinn’s Excelsior Motor Manufacturing & Supply Company in Chicago, but the Henderson brothers continued to oversee production. Under Excelsior, Henderson motorcycles gained a reputation as luxury performance machines—fast, powerful, and built with unmatched craftsmanship.

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The End of an Era

Despite their popularity, Henderson motorcycles met an untimely end. In 1931, during the Great Depression, Schwinn shut down both Henderson and Excelsior production to focus on bicycles. Though the brand was short-lived compared to Harley or Indian, Henderson motorcycles remain highly collectible today, admired for their engineering and style.

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Henderson’s Legacy Lives On

Even though production ended nearly a century ago, the Henderson name endures as a symbol of innovation, speed, and quality. Vintage Henderson motorcycles are prized by collectors worldwide, with surviving models displayed in museums and private collections as reminders of a golden era of American motorcycling.

At Heather’s Leathers, we embrace that same spirit of durability and tradition. Just as Henderson built motorcycles meant to last, we craft custom leather saddlebags, tool bags, and riding gear designed for riders who respect heritage and value quality.

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Ride with Tradition. Ride with Heather’s Leathers.

Every motorcycle tells a story—whether it’s a modern cruiser, a Harley-Davidson, or a rare Henderson. Make sure your gear matches the history and craftsmanship of the machine you ride.

👉 Explore our handmade leather motorcycle gear at Heather’s Leathers and carry a piece of motorcycle tradition with you wherever the road leads.

Real leather. Real riders. Made for the road.