Tag Archives: veteran

Current and past bikes, Now loved by someone else, Projects

1914 -15 Henderson ‘Long Tank’ project – SOLD

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This very early 1914-15 detroit model Henderson ‘long-tank’ project is an extremely rare and desirable addition to the collection that Kevin had been building on for many years. It includes an original hub in near perfect conditon, a complete original engine with carburetor attached and the parts for a second engine including manifolds. The fenders/mudguards are original along with the handlebars and various other parts. We included a magneto, headlight, seat and early Corbin speedo with long cable. Once restored, this will be one of the world’s rare and desirable motorcycles.

Note that the front forks were made approximately 15 years ago and it is likely that Kevin built the tank. It is possible that the frame is one that Kevin modified from a slightly later model (extended to make it longer, see photo). The footboard had been recently cast.

This project was sold as seen in the photographs.

Bikes, Current and past bikes, Now loved by someone else

1914/15 Douglas 2 3/4 hp – SOLD

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This is a veteran Douglas motorcycle that had been bought by Kevin as a complete bike. It was subsequently partly disassembled as he commenced work on it. He had worked on the engine and tank and these have now been put back into the frame for these photos. Other parts and spares are in the accompanying crates and incudes additional cylinder barrels, unused tyres (for display), a second veteran magneto, 1914 gearbox case, Douglas nuts and bolts, mudguard stays, reproduction pannier cases, headlight stay clamps, newly nickeled levers etc.

The frame on this bike is dated as 1915 and the engine number is consistent with 1914.  It will require some work to get it on the road including a fix on the central shaft of the handlebars,  attachment of the front brake, sourcing of footboard holders, restoration of the headlight stays etc. However, most of the major parts are present and in good condition.

This was a lovely little veteran project.

Current and past bikes, Current Collection, Henderson

1918 Henderson ‘Z Model’

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1918 Z model Henderson

The frame here is from 1918 and so is pre-Excelsior.  It has the shorter footboards and was not fitted with the Excelsior brake system.  As such, the frame would have been painted Henderson blue.

The engine is not the original but is a 1918 Z model which would still make the whole bike a veteran one in Australia. The engine has almost been completely restored, timed and started with the present carburettor.

The big ends and main bearings have been white metalled and line bored.  The clutch and thrust bearings are new.  Cast iron pistons with new rings have been fitted.  Eventually the cast iron pistons and valves may need replacing.

The magneto has been professionally rewired.

All nuts and bolts are either original or replaced with original looking ones.  A number of threads have been recoiled back to original sizes.

The areas that will need attention are re-sleeving the inlet rocker arms and overhauling the Schebler carburettor.

A new chain will need to be fitted.

The gear and clutch lever need replacing but these are available in Australia and Germany.  Petrol and oil caps, petrol and oil pipes, taps, control fittings and clips, cables are also missing.

The wheels have been fitted with Timken bearings and need replacing.  New axles are needed for both wheels.

This could be fitted with an Excelsior brake system which has an internal brake connected to the clutch leaver.  Otherwise the pre-Excelsior brake system could be used.

Various spare parts are included with the project.

Current and past bikes, Now loved by someone else, Projects

1917 Henderson ‘G model’ project – SOLD

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The Henderson factory was established in Detroit and started producing Henderson motorcycles from 1912. In 1917, the Henderson brothers sold the company to Schwinn and manufacture was later moved to Chicago. The G model was produced prior to the move, making it popular amongst those who collect Detroit models.

The 1917 Henderson was also a record breaker, breaking “Cannonball” Baker’s transcontinental record (across America) that had been set two years earlier on an Indian Twin. Hendersons are considered by many to have been the fastest bikes of the era and with this also classed as a veteran motorcycle in Australia, a G model Henderson is a particularly special motorcycle to own .

This project bike was sold in 2015.