1917 Henderson Board Tracker

Between 1911 and 1917, William G. Henderson and his brother, Tom W. Henderson, created some of the fastest motorcycles of the time. Their straight four-cylinder Henderson engine powered many riders to speed and distance records (Carl Sterns Clancy rode a Henderson around the world in 1912), but the example shown here is a rare jewel […]

By Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson

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1917 Henderson Board Tracker

5 Top Motorcycles to Cross the Block at Mecum’s Monterey Sale

Photo: Courtesy Mecum Auctions.

The straight four-cylinder Henderson engine powered many riders to speed and distance records during its heyday.

Between 1911 and 1917, William G. Henderson and his brother, Tom W. Henderson, created some of the fastest motorcycles of the time. Their straight four-cylinder Henderson engine powered many riders to speed and distance records (Carl Sterns Clancy rode a Henderson around the world in 1912), but the example shown here is a rare jewel indeed in the realm of factory-built board track racers.

Henderson differed from the Harley-Davidson and Indian race bikes of the era due to the latter brands’ ubiquitous use of the V-twin engine configuration, and that’s precisely why this machine is so unique.

According to Ron Christenson, president of Mecum’s MidAmerica Motorcycles division, “Most serious motorcycle collectors consider the Henderson four-cylinder the one motorcycle you must have in your American-built collection.”

The straight four-cylinder Henderson engine powered many riders to speed and distance records during its heyday.

Photo: Courtesy Mecum Auctions.