Brooklyn Invitational Shows Off ’22 Henderson

OK, technically, it may not have been a “custom” motorcycle. It didn’t have features such as an extended or raked front end, or a one-off gas tank, or an exotic color. What the 1922 Henderson did have was patina, a blending of period authenticity and nostalgia that made it a standout entry at the Brooklyn Invitational Custom Motorcycle Show in Brooklyn, NY on Saturday.

Owned by Girard Fox (in black T-shirt in pics) and resurrected with the help of his brother, Gregory (blue T-shirt), of Neptune Fabrication in Brooklyn, the Henderson looked fresh despite being 92 years old. “It runs amazing,” said Girard as he and his brother stood near the bike appraising their work and the reaction of spectators.

It took a decade to get the bike together. “It was literally a motor in a barn in Virginia,” said Girard, explaining that it took a 10 years to accumulate all the necessary parts.

Gregory has been riding for 35 years and described the Henderson as “the nicest riding and driving bike” that he’s been on. He also described himself and his brother “riders, not collectors,” which somehow made their restoration seem even more impressive.

While the Henderson features many elements of the period, Girard pointed out one that would certainly be initially problematic to today’s riders – double rear drum brakes operated by a left heel pedal and a right toe pedal.

Girard said the four-cylinder Henderson was a popular police motorcycle as it could easily run down the cars of the era. With 28 horsepower, the Henderson Deluxe could top 100 mph.

Hendersons were built from 1912 until 1931; first in Detroit and then in Chicago after Ignaz Schwin, owner of Schwin bicycles and Excelsior motorcycles, bought the company from brothers William and Thomas Henderson.

That two brothers brought the 1922 Henderson back to life makes it even more special.

Regarding the well-attended but quietly-publicized Brooklyn Invitational, which was staged in a gallery setting at Root Studios, 131 N. 14th St., Girard said, “It’s kind of a low-key event.” He attributed its success to the fact that admission is free.

– By Bud Wilkinson