Back in the heyday of motorcycles, before four-wheeled transportation really took off with the common man, bikes were sometimes the primary mode of transportation for families. That’s how this rather unusual 1916 Henderson Four Model F Tandem Seat came to be.
Start seeing police motorcycles.
Instead of using a sidecar to allow for another person or cargo, this early motorcycle took a rather different approach. With a second seat over the rear fender, along with a second set of handlebars, a passenger could ride in relative comfort.
Thanks to a full rebuild by Road Oiler Restorations, this bike not only looks great but is functional. That includes the four-cylinder engine, with the correct carburetor for historical accuracy.
Other details are period-correct, from the hand-rubbed black paint to the acetylene light with tank. The tires are white, just like they would have been back when this was a new machine. All the hardware is nickel plated, not made of stainless steel, an important detail for accuracy, which includes the wheel spokes.
Some rare options are also included on this Henderson, like a horn and Stewart Warner speedometer.
As a result, this classic motorcycle provides a museum-ready representation of a key moment in motoring history. Such a thing doesn’t come cheap, especially when it’s rare, which this bike most certainly is.
The official estimated range for bids is between $150,000 and $175,000. Despite that being a pretty penny, a lucky bidder will come away with quite the valuable acquisition.
If you’re interested in this 1916 Henderson Four Model F, it will be included in the Mecum Auctions Indy 2024 event, crossing the block on Saturday, May 18. You can learn more about the motorcycle and how to register for the event here.
Images via Mecum Auctions
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