Ace Motorcycles Four Cylinder 1924
William and Thomas Henderson founded the Henderson Motorcycle Company in Detroit, Michigan, in 1911, and their 4-cylinder machine established an amazing reputation as a durable, fast and beautifully built machine.
Its reputation was forever sealed the following year as Carl Stearns Clancy became the first motorcyclist to circle the globe. Regardless, in the economic turbulence of the ‘Teens, inflation made the purchase of raw materials increasingly expensive and many motorcycle builders went bust. Henderson was sold to bicycle- and motorcycle-manufacturer Ignaz Schwinn in November of 1917. Schwinn wanted the prestige of a 4-cylinder with his Excelsior single- and twin-cylinder models, and purchasing Henderson was a shortcut. The Henderson buyout contract included a salary and jobs for the Henderson brothers at Excelsior; however, they didn’t fare well. Thomas traveled to Europe, while William Henderson left to start a new 4-cylinder motorcycle company. By early 1919 he’d secured financing and purchased the old Savage Arms building in Philadelphia; it only took a few months before the Ace was born.
The 1920 Ace Four retained the F-head cylinders of the old Henderson and a displacement of 75 CI (1,220cc). But no patents were infringed with the new design, which used splash lubrication and a bolted-on 3-speed gearbox. The engine delivered 20 HP, and a stronger crankcase with thicker bearings came with a heavier flywheel. The two intake blocks sat atop four separate cast-iron cylinders, with large valves and well-ported inlet tract for better power. The wheelbase of 59 inches was 2-inches longer than the final “short” Henderson 4, and the weight was kept down to 365 pounds. The Ace was strikingly beautiful in Packard Blue and highlighted with cream-painted wheels. Its lines were beautifully compact and modern, giving an impression of speed even at a standstill.
This 1924 Ace Four was restored by Wayne Kruty, and is supplied with full history from new. It features an 80 CI motor, and an optional white paint job. This rare American legend was built to show, or to ride, and the seller guarantees “no disappointments” with the exceptional quality of this gorgeous machine.