Held as one of the finest motorcycles ever built, the 1916 Henderson Four—like this gorgeous example from Chris Matthews of Road Oiler Restorations—is renowned the world over for its groundbreaking engineering, striking aesthetics and immaculate riding quality. It is a motorcycle ahead of its time, and its designer, William G. Henderson, helped create a new category of motorcycling when he unveiled it in 1912. From the start, the Henderson Four’s novelty centered around its unique F-head inline 4-cylinder engine, which provided enthusiasts with a one-of-a-kind riding experience. Still, the machine’s allure has stood the test of time thanks to its exceptional design.
Henderson was not the first to attempt an inline 4-cylinder motorcycle, but his approach introduced an elevated and luxurious finishing that defined the platform. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the first Henderson Fours boasted a sleek and elegant silhouette, nickel plating, gold and silver pinstriping, and an elongated chassis to further complement its smooth, comfortable ride. Each model year brought improvements and refinements, including a sportier short-wheelbase version in 1915, like this immaculate example. William Henderson established the inline 4-cylinder motorcycle as the ultimate motorcycle experience, a format that ultimately became the flagship model for any brand that aspired to offer a “four” in their lineup.
The result of a comprehensive rebuild by Road Oiler Restorations, this exquisite 1916 Henderson Model F Tandem Seat puts the brand’s reputation for opulent finishing and mechanical excellence on full display. It features a rebuilt 57 CI F–head inline 4–cylinder engine (Engine No. 5269) with new gaskets and hardware and a correct carburetor, as well as a manual gearbox. Its hand-rubbed black paint has been accented with freehand, old-world-style gold and silver pinstriping and ample nickel-plated steel hardware throughout. Rare period accessories, such as the optional gear-driven Stewart Warner speedometer, horn, acetylene lighting, the tank, the drive assembly, white tires and the driver and tandem rear saddle assemblies, take this already stunning machine to a level befitting its legacy as one of history’s finest. Among history’s most celebrated and revered machines, the Henderson Four stands elevated in a class of its own—a fact proudly showcased in every meticulously restored detail of this exceptional example.
1916 Henderson Four Model F Tandem Seat 1916 Henderson Four Model F Tandem Seat 1916 Henderson Four Model F Tandem Seat 1916 Henderson Four Model F Tandem Seat 1916 Henderson Four Model F Tandem Seat 1916 Henderson Four Model F Tandem Seat
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