Common Tread recently ran an article about a design by JT Nesbitt of a four-cylinder motorcycle intended to pay homage to the original U.S.-built fours of a century ago, long before V-twin engines became synonymous with American motorcycles and squeezed out everything else. That concept got a fair amount of response from our readers — but what if you want one of the originals, not a tribute?
Well, you have options. The Mecum Monterey 2024 auction starting today features more than 60 motorcycles among all the cars and artwork. Among those motorcycles, you can find everything from a 1982 Kawasaki Eddie Lawson Replica to a 1912 Harley-Davidson X8D that was among the early V-twins from the Milwaukee manufacturer. But V-twins aren't all there is to the history of U.S. motorcycle manufacturing, and the three four-cylinder motorcycles below are evidence. And they make me a little sad that the U.S. motorcycle industry didn't thrive and develop its inline-four traditions, instead of falling into V-twin-only orthodoxy.
1913 Henderson Four
In talking about his Magnolia 4 concept, designer JT Nesbitt referred to William Henderson as "the greatest American motorcycle designer of all time." He formed the Henderson Motorcycle Co. in 1911, so this 1913 model is one of the early examples. Mecum notes that a 1912 Henderson was the first motorcycle to accomplish a trip around the world. This AMCA-award-winning restoration has previously been on display at the Eddie Rickenbacker museum and restaurant in San Francisco. Estimated bid: $150,000 to $200,000. Mecum photo.
1912 Pierce Four
The Pierce Four was the first U.S.-built four-cylinder motorcycle, and this professionally restored example from 1912 shows the model's mix of features we think of as old and new. It still has pedals and a chain drive, like a bicycle, but the engine connects to the rear wheel with a shaft drive mechanism. The hollow frame tubes carried the fuel and oil. Mecum says this 1912 model with its 43-cubic-inch twin-cam engine and two-speed transmission is one of fewer than 500 Pierce Fours built. Estimated price: $100,000 to $125,000. Mecum photo.
1942 Indian Four Model 441
What if your tastes run more toward owning one of the last four-cylinder motorcycles from a U.S. manufacturer instead of an early one? You can't do much better than this 1942 Indian Four Model 441, because 1942 was the last year of production for Indian's four-cylinder. Indian's fours date back to the company's acquisition of Ace, another brand created by William Henderson. This Model 441 was produced early in the era when Indian adopted the now iconic skirted fenders but before the company stopped production of four-cylinder engines. Mecum says the Model 441 was the only motorcycle with full suspension on the market at the time and "arguably the finest motorcycle available." Mecum says fewer than 300 were built in 1942 and that rarity explains the estimated auction price of $100,000 to $110,000. Mecum photo.
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