1930 Art Deco Henderson
About a week ago I posted the pic above and it seems to have excited quite a number of people across the internets, so here’s a few more pics and some info.
I took these photos at the Rhinebeck Grand National Meet where the newly restored bike was unveiled. The bike belongs to Frank Westfall from Syracuse, NY. According to some info I found online, the bike was originally built by O. Ray Courtney in 1936 and is based on a 1930 K.J Henderson. The bike is powered by inline four cylinder (not a scooter as some have said, check the shot of the motor below) and as I’m sure you can gather by now, is a one-off custom. What I can confirm is it does run and while it looked a bit unwieldy, Frank could be seen riding the bike around the Fairgrounds all weekend. But let’s be honest here (and maybe I’m wrong) - you don’t have this bike in your stable to go out for a long Sunday afternoon ride to get some ice cream. That said, it was pretty awesome to see the bike being ridden (even when rain started to come down) instead of being sheltered behind a velvet rope, never to see the rubber touch asphalt again. The bike is a fantastic piece of history, the craftsmanship is absolutely stunning and it’s surely more of a museum piece than a daily rider. Frank has obviously spent an incredible amount of time meticulously restoring and rebuilding the bike to its current gorgeous state. Hats off to Frank for the amazing work he did and for sharing it with all us gawkers. Frank, if you see this and want to send in more info about the bike, I’d love to share it.
Side shot
The rear end
Cockpit and Front Grill
Frank getting ready to go for a ride around the Fairgrounds, beverage in-hand.
July 16th, 2010 at 2:01 pm |
Dang! Cool….
July 17th, 2010 at 7:55 am |
Wow, the most beautiful bike I’ve ever seen!!
July 17th, 2010 at 8:18 am |
[…] Every few months, a bike comes along that completely stops me in my tracks. Like this one: an Art Deco-influenced machine that could have come straight from the pen of Harley Earl. The bike caused a stir last month when it appeared at the Rhinebeck Grand National Meet, a popular motorcycle show held a couple of hours drive north of NYC. Word started to spread. And with the help of a few Bike EXIF readers, we’ve tracked down the details—and got some shots thanks to Grail Mortillaro of the excellent grassroots chopper blog Knucklebuster. […]
July 17th, 2010 at 4:17 pm |
Gorgeous is an understatement!
July 18th, 2010 at 4:57 am |
UNBELIVABLE!!!
July 18th, 2010 at 7:25 am |
I just love the art deco period ,but one of it`s dissapointments for me has been the small number of art deco motorcycle designs,so it`s great to see an incredibly beautifull design such as this one,it really looks like it was done by the factory.Nevertheless, the shot of the owner on board seems to point up some ergonomic problems,unless of course he`s 2 metres tall!I`d like to see it minus bodywork to see if it`s got smaller wheels than the big old hoops normal for the period ,cos i reckon even tho the bodywork is quite wide , full lock would find large dia. wheels causing a few problems.
July 19th, 2010 at 11:53 am |
[…] 0 comments Foto di Knuclebuster […]
July 19th, 2010 at 11:51 pm |
No surprise here that a Henderson rules the roost…
July 20th, 2010 at 1:11 am |
[…] These picture caused quite a stir in automotive circles in Dubai, UAE. With a little help from our friends at CrankAndPiston, we managed to get the source of info of this amazing bike. As most of the time, KnuckleBusters were the ones to spread the news. Read what they have to say. […]
July 20th, 2010 at 3:57 pm |
bet your right leg gets hot
July 20th, 2010 at 5:04 pm |
[…] This heavily customized 1930 K.J. Henderson motorcycle was built by O. Ray Courtney in 1936 and restored by Frank Westfall. Grail Mortillaro of Knucklebuster spotted the bike at the Rhinebeck Grand National Super Meet last month and recently posted some pics. […]
July 20th, 2010 at 6:53 pm |
The small dash gauges are 1934 Pierce Arrow; very nice.
July 20th, 2010 at 7:36 pm |
GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(drool)
July 21st, 2010 at 1:42 am |
Gaaah! Nice bike, for sure, but a total waste of a KJ.
July 21st, 2010 at 6:09 am |
It is a disgrace for this beautiful motorcycle to ride it in shorts and trainers. Put a f-g tie and a suit.
July 21st, 2010 at 7:32 am |
Amazing Motorcycle. A real work of art!
July 21st, 2010 at 2:17 pm |
I agree, modern casual clothes look completely out of place.
I think a pair of wool knickers, argyle knee socks, a flat cap and a tie would be appropriate dress for riding this machine.
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:11 am |
Thought this was the most beautiful motorcycle…until I saw the last image…sorry but thats a fail.
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:21 am |
I want it.
Goggles, a full length Mac, high leather boots, gauntlet gloves and a leather helmet. zoom, zoom.
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:26 am |
[…] カッコイイ！ 参ったと思うような造形・・・全くといっていいほどの、実用的な機能がダメそうなマシン。でもねカッコイイんだ。二輪のバイクだからダメなんであって、これが、SFの世界のエアバイクとかなら文句なしのデザイン。映画の中で、浮かんでるんじゃなくて、ぶっ飛ぶような疾走してたならすごく良い。音は嘘でいいからやっぱりV Twinの低回転のドカドカした音。うーん、カッコイイ！！！ 7月 22nd, 2010 | Category: ふと思うこと, 未分類 […]
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:42 pm |
[…] Frank Westfall’s 1930 Art Deco Henderson motorcycle via Twitter. Knucklebuster writes - I took these photos at the Rhinebeck Grand National Meet where the newly restored bike was unveiled. The bike belongs to Frank Westfall from Syracuse, NY. According to some info I found online, the bike was originally built by O. Ray Courtney in 1936 and is based on a 1930 K.J Henderson. The bike is powered by inline four cylinder (not a scooter as some have said, check the shot of the motor below) and as I’m sure you can gather by now, is a one-off custom. What I can confirm is it does run and while it looked a bit unwieldy, Frank could be seen riding the bike around the Fairgrounds all weekend. But let’s be honest here (and maybe I’m wrong) – you don’t have this bike in your stable to go out for a long Sunday afternoon ride to get some ice cream. That said, it was pretty awesome to see the bike being ridden (even when rain started to come down) instead of being sheltered behind a velvet rope, never to see the rubber touch asphalt again. The bike is a fantastic piece of history, the craftsmanship is absolutely stunning and it’s surely more of a museum piece than a daily rider. Frank has obviously spent an incredible amount of time meticulously restoring and rebuilding the bike to its current gorgeous state. Hats off to Frank for the amazing work he did and for sharing it with all us gawkers. […]
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:25 am |
Mofunky, the guy is holding adrink. That’s not his riding posture.
Look at where his right had is. I figure that the riding posture would be quite “laid back”. So, I would rescind the ‘fail”.
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:24 am |
i have to agree with Dani, carlo, mofunky, etc…not only is the modern outfit completely out of place, but either Frank’s a gigantic man or this bike is really small. it looks a lot more impressive and imposing in the parked photos, without Frank (and his drink!) all scrunched up on it. and what’s up with the guy hanging onto the handles on the back? are the running boards so wide that it takes a ground crew to get this thing into motion?
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:33 am |
The worst part is that his left hand is searching for a cup holder.
BTH
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:40 am |
This bike is one of a pair designed and built by Courtney in the ’30s. It was restored by the amazing Pat Murphy of Syracuse, NY. I have a picture without the sheetmetal, but not sure how to post it. It is all KJ Henderson parts, except the period airplane wheels, and mentioned Packard gauges. The other is “The Enterprise”, powered by an Indian Scout, unrestored and also gets ridden by Frank, in shorts, with beer on him, or in him! He also rides his 1912 Henderson, beer, shorts, etc…You want to go clothes shopping and play dress up or ride a rare bike?
Thanks for posting these great pictures!
JKR
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:53 am |
JKR - thanks for posting that additional info. I would love to see the pic of it without sheetmetal. Email it to me at grail21@gmail.com
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:10 am |
Diogenes,
not when you’re turning it won’t be laid back. his left hand with the cup is still on the handle and his right hand is pulled in because he is turning the bike. it looks like the rider has to lean forward on it…
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:23 am |
For the folks blasting the bike based on the picture of the gentleman actually on the bike, look at it again…his foot is propped up on that pedal (clutch?) on the left side. Factor this in with the fact that we are considerably taller than the average adult male from 1930, and I believe you will have to remove your “fail”.
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:40 am |
Wow…quite the coolest thing I’ve seen for a very long time. Absolutely beautiful
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:03 pm |
Absolutely beautiful…and wildly impractical.Figures…
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:06 pm |
Hello. Yes It is a great bike, I myself have a little history with it way before Frank acquired this Hendy, The owner previous to Frank had me house both of the stream liners an Indian twin and the Henderson 4. I had assembled as much of the original sheet metal and took some pics to help seller . I even had an old Unity Blue headlamp from a former firetruck that was used but with running road lamp. I am glad he did invest money and assembled a great crew to restore this Bike,
Howls to all the old timer bikers who remember me as “Bill on The Hill”from Sterling NY
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:07 pm |
Build it to modern full scale…add a sidecar…perfection.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:23 pm |
Hey Bill, thanks for checking in - I love hearing more about this piece of history.
-Grail • Knucklebusterinc.com
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:01 pm |
My dad roda a Henderson (stock) from the upper east coast to California during the early 30’s. Lots of dirt and gravel roads.
Ron
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:59 pm |
I can appreciate the craftsmanship but I think its fucking ugly!!!!
And the guy riding it must be a pretty hardcore alcoholic to ride it smashed up.
Riding drunk is gay.
July 24th, 2010 at 12:34 am |
And you can tell he is drinking how? because he is holding a cup? Assuming is GAY. BTW the bike is awesome
July 24th, 2010 at 9:55 am |
Innovative art deco design and using an excellent platform of the prestigious 1930 Henderson. I’ve ridden those era Henderson’s and Excelsior Super X’s, and indeed they are a splendid bike, and although big for their day, are small by comparison today. Kudos to the designers of the past who were able to design and build without the use of modern day computers. Truly a testament to skill.
July 24th, 2010 at 1:01 pm |
what an awesome bike!
July 25th, 2010 at 9:57 pm |
Thanks for posting this– truly an inspiration.
July 26th, 2010 at 4:32 pm |
That bike is absolutley beautiful..well done
July 26th, 2010 at 7:03 pm |
wow!sweet!beautiful!masterpiece!
July 26th, 2010 at 7:42 pm |
Truly amazing tear drop design, beautifull indeed.
July 26th, 2010 at 10:28 pm |
It looks spectacular in the pictures…until the last one, where it looks like a Vespa! How small is this thing? What are its dimensions? Was it built for midgets? Yeah, there are a lot of bikes around now that are bigger than a vintage Henderson…but those were still substantial, about the size of a current mid-size cruiser like an 800 Suzuki or a 750 Honda Shadow. So why is this one so tiny? I’d olve to see some specs on it…wheelbase, seat height, etc.
July 26th, 2010 at 10:29 pm |
Er…I’d LOVE to see some specs…
July 26th, 2010 at 10:35 pm |
I don’t have any raw specs, but from standing next to it - it’s quite long. The sitting position looks incredibly awkward and while the bike is certainly rideable, it’s more show than go. When standing next to it, the bike feels like big - like a Cadillac.
July 27th, 2010 at 4:18 pm |
All around an amazing looking piece of work (original / restored) but the front sells it all.
And the last pic does it no justice in that afternoon sunlight. Spotlit roads at night, maybe some rain with a trench-coat, is where it belongs.
July 27th, 2010 at 4:34 pm |
The details are sublime, but the total package is ridiculous. It looks like a mashup of the batmobile and the weinermobile.
July 27th, 2010 at 4:54 pm |
Left side kick starter, first one i’ve seen on that side.
July 27th, 2010 at 5:50 pm |
…..trenchcoat with tuxedo underneith….yes rain soaked dark night……sorry fellers……all bikes is like all girls…..you love them and they love you back…..somewhat more exotic are some but still need love and lovers…..
July 29th, 2010 at 4:15 am |
Good style!
but too small
July 29th, 2010 at 1:24 pm |
I love the bike but the last photo IS a giant Fail. I don’t care who you are. Have a little respect for the equipment and the period.
July 29th, 2010 at 4:42 pm |
It appears to me that he should be kneeling, rather than putting his feet flat on the floorboards. Wonder if he’s tried that.
July 29th, 2010 at 5:23 pm |
Obviously missing a key modern element; the beverage holder.
July 30th, 2010 at 12:03 pm |
I have a left hand kick starter on my Frankenstein bike. It’s a ‘72 Suzuki GT250 that a T350 top end and a T250 bottom end. Suzuki made their GT250 with the left hand kick starter up until 1978.
As for the bike shown, it looks REALLY uncomfortabale to ride, or the guy must be a about 7ft tall. Pretty cool looking though, as long as nobody is trying to riding it…
July 30th, 2010 at 1:45 pm |
I am a motorcycle ride of Japan.
This motorcycle is the best-looking to have ever seen.
It is a target in the future though it is a retro.
There is a good-looking motorcycle named SW-1 also in Japan I was completely defeated though I had gotten on it.
It is wonderful. It wants it.
July 31st, 2010 at 12:02 pm |
That is, hands down, the most beautiful motorcycle I’ve ever seen.
July 31st, 2010 at 2:44 pm |
This was built by Orange County Choppers or Paul Jr. Designs in 3 days.
August 3rd, 2010 at 2:16 am |
I’m surprised nobody has recognized the Deco automotive influence of Figoni et Falaschi while admiring this gorgeous bike. Check out how the style relates: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=1576207854&aid=21618
August 4th, 2010 at 11:55 am |
Absolutely beautiful! How nice to see that the craftsmanship exists to restore something ike this. Bikers really are an exceptional and truly global group.
August 5th, 2010 at 1:32 pm |
Please don’t let Billy Joel get his hands on it! He crashes everything he rides or drives!! He is one dude that definitely needs a chauffer.
August 6th, 2010 at 1:10 pm |
It look eerie similar to the New Vision but built in 1936??? Huh???
Amazing the Innovation over 80 Years Previous.
Thanks
Ray Ramsey
Costa Rica Land, Co.
www.crland.info
August 6th, 2010 at 11:21 pm |
It’s WAAAAY better in person though these are lovely photos. Nobody, ,cept maybe a Crocker pilot, is gonna out-Cool you on this. Flipper
August 9th, 2010 at 1:37 pm |
I am surprised that no one has commented on the similarity between this bike and the “SMOOTHNESS” bike designed by California builder Carl Brouhard and built by Carl and Arlen Ness. This Henderson is indeed a thing of beauty and the Ness bike obviously draws influence from the Hendy. Practical? Party clothes? who cares? When you place this bike in the context of when it was created it is even more of a success.
August 12th, 2010 at 6:48 am |
That is one cool piece of automotive industrial design. I love the art deco period and I love cars and bikes. This is like a dream come true
August 16th, 2010 at 2:30 pm |
that is 1 fine bike,the art deco rely makes the bike stand-out from all the custom bikes today.it makes a statement about the originality of the time period,not to mention it stands out in the croud.today everyone basically has the same “custom”style bike just a different color combination to make it thiers.and even there most just change the colors not the paint scheme.there’s no true originality today like back then.watch the “custom bike” building shows today,orange county is basically the same as jesse james.walk into a harley shop and minus different colors the only customizing they is plus or minus 1-2 extras.art deco was about new technology and what a mans imagination could do with it.with all the new tech today the best a man can do is copy anothers idea.this is bike is original as the first harley or WWII error choppers.
August 18th, 2010 at 3:43 am |
My Dad quit ridin’ when Henderson went under, said there wasn’t any reason to ride any more. If he was still alive he would go nuts over this bike! Yes, it reminded me of Smoothness too. 1936 huh? Absolutely amazing. Indeed, the only bike that could possibly out-cool a Crocker. BTW, I was astounded to learn at a local Friday night cruise there’s a restored 1937 Crocker 61 incher in my town of 61,000 people. A real trip watchin’ the 75-80 yr old owner/rebuilder kickin’ it over and ridin’ away-straight pipe barkin’!
Eddie
August 21st, 2010 at 7:37 am |
I love the styling. That is one of the reasons I love my 07 Yamaha Roadliner S.
August 23rd, 2010 at 9:39 am |
Whew, I love the design, it’s inspiring. Incredible.. BUT, it’s half the size I want it to be.
September 6th, 2010 at 7:25 pm |
Where’s the cup holder?
September 6th, 2010 at 11:28 pm |
Surprised that nobody has pointed out the similarities to the Victory Vision, a modern bike with some similarly controversial styling… and an available cupholder.
September 7th, 2010 at 4:31 am |
I’d get the foot controls moved back a bit so the riding position isn’t feet-forward. It looks seriously uncomfortable like that. You’d want the riding position to be more like Burt Munro’s Indian: http://www.knucklebusterinc.com/features/pics/2.jpg
September 7th, 2010 at 1:15 pm |
Hey Andrew! So, when did you become a bike enthusiast? My Dad would be amused! VERY cool bike!
September 7th, 2010 at 6:21 pm |
I think it’s an awesome work of art and an amazing piece of history.
September 8th, 2010 at 3:35 pm |
“Surprised that nobody has pointed out the similarities to the Victory Vision…”
When I saw this bike I instantly thought of a Hayabusa - especially the lines of the tail.
September 9th, 2010 at 5:22 pm |
nice bike to bad the guy riding it is a jerk
September 15th, 2010 at 11:02 pm |
beutyfull motorcycle… i like it
September 15th, 2010 at 11:02 pm |
Hey Craig Fish -
Go fuck yourself. You don’t know shit about me - only what you read in the tabloids.
Billy Joel
September 23rd, 2010 at 3:37 am |
superbe
very good work
September 27th, 2010 at 9:58 am |
Hey Billy Joel, remember - Craig didn’t start the fire!
;)
September 28th, 2010 at 9:13 am |
[…] We later learned that the museum was headed by Frank Westfall, someone the vintage bike collector should know full well. Frank owns an original 1952 Enterprise bike as well as the restyled 1930 KJ Henderson that was displayed at Rhinebeck this June and made the rounds of all the blogs this summer. Most of Frank’s bikes are unrestored, except for the Henderson, and Frank loves to ride too – in fact, he rode a 1928 Henderson in the 1996 Great Race from Tacoma, Washington, to Boston, Massachusetts, against four-wheel competition and he is a true asset to the vintage bike collector hobby. […]
October 5th, 2010 at 10:55 am |
A museum should buy it from him, or at least Hollywood should approach him to insert a replica bike in the next action-hero based flick set in the 1930’s. Its like a bike THE PHANTOM should ride, or something like that.
October 6th, 2010 at 10:30 pm |
Hey,its another great RARE bike saved (& RIDDEN)by Frank! NOW: I SERIOUSLY doubt that the celebrities Ed Norton Or Billy Joel are personally posting here. If you ride , there is one truth: “There are 2 types of riders - those who have gone down, & those who WILL go down”. Its part of riding, an (unfortunate) right of passage.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:04 pm |
Hats off to Frank (aka Harry Dink), This is an awesome piece that he has been kind enough to share with us and then some of you morons have the gall to critcize him. That takes balls!!!! Frank, keep up the good work and I assume that it is these bastards that don’t have a life that lead you to drink!!! What a great piece!!!
Reddog
October 19th, 2010 at 12:14 pm |
Dr. Von Suave!
October 23rd, 2010 at 10:58 am |
very sleek…but if he were doing a burn out instead of having some dude hold him up by the door handles it’d be even more impressive…
I’d ride it-
October 27th, 2010 at 5:12 am |
Good day.
Sorry, my English is very bad. But, the 1930 Art Deco Henderson is a beautiful bike, and I would like to report on our motorcycle magazine about it. Could you maybe send me the pictures and the text on my email address? Inclusive of a pressure release. In return I can offer them a report on an Atlantis 500cc from 1932.
Best regards, Michael Przibilski.
November 9th, 2010 at 9:31 pm |
Hey Billy Joel,
Say your interview on “Cafe Racer” magazine series. Very cool brother! Keep the faith!!
November 12th, 2010 at 9:10 pm |
Nice
November 24th, 2010 at 9:22 pm |
Nice bike, but what a dumbass sitting on it: tennis shoes, shorts, tee-shirt, no eye protection. Of course he isn’t really riding it, but he still looks stupid on it.
December 13th, 2010 at 5:51 pm |
Brad Cain said:
“There are 2 types of riders - those who have gone down, & those who WILL go down”.
In other words, if you don’t fall off - you’re not trying hard enough!
January 18th, 2011 at 12:48 pm |
I love the fact that Frank shrugs off the offers to buy this, and he rides it. Insanity has it’s priveleges.
January 29th, 2011 at 8:45 am |
i love to now about somw pcs of two war
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:54 am |
Hey Ed Norton, It’s great to know that your money and your celebrity ranking can’t buy some things you thought you could get. You’ll never own this bike and I LOVE IT. Frank’s a great guy by the way, You are just an actor in the game of life, the rest of us actually live.
March 3rd, 2011 at 2:55 pm |
I know where 2 of the ENTERPRISE bikes are, a 3rd is in the HARD ROCK CAFE wharehouse somewhere. It was to be in a movie, but changes were made to the script. TWO of the bikes had BSA engines,the 3rd. had a INDIAN engine. He even had a spare INDIAN engine in its crate when he passed away.the original HENDERSON was a burgundy red in color.
August 12th, 2011 at 2:10 pm |
I am a car, truck & bike nut, especially the classics… never seen ANYTHING like this in my life before! A real wonderful series of images and accompanying blog to entertain everyone. Great series!!
November 29th, 2011 at 1:40 pm |
Hello, I looked Handersona photo and I have not seen anything more beautiful. I am from Republic, where you can see the bike. It is possible to buy this bike? Thank you Luke
February 10th, 2012 at 11:59 am |
Impractical? Kind of like a beautiful woman that can’t cook. Who cares?
February 10th, 2012 at 11:05 pm |
Hats off to Chico for being the guy to find these machines in the first place