1915 - 1917

The 1915 Excelsior models had new styling characteristics that began a trend that continues in motorcycles built today. The top frame tube and the fuel tank sloped gradually from the steering head back to the seat post. The fuel tank had attractively rounded sides instead of the flat slab sides on previous models.

In March of 1915, the Henderson Company announced that it had just received a sizable contract to supply motorcycles to a country neutral in the conflict of World War 1.

By 1916, many American law enforcement bodies specified the Excelsior X-twins for their motorcycle patrols. In addition, the War Department purchased small quantities of Excelsiors.

In the 1916 Henderson models, the valve size was increased, the hand crank was replaced by a kick starter, and the clutch would be controlled by either a lever on the tank or a foot-operated pedal. Police departments, railway companies, and the Post Office Department all ordered Hendersons.

By 1917, in spite of the Henderson motorcycle's excellent reputation and strong sales, the Henderson Motorcycle Company was having serious financial difficulty. On October 1, 1917, the Henderson Motorcycle Company presented Schwinn and the Excelsior Motor Manufacturing and Supply Company with a financial statement and a proposal for the sale of Henderson to Excelsior. On November 15, 1917, Schwinn returned the signed originals of the contract for sale and a certified copy of the Henderson resolution, and authorized execution of the sale contract.

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This history was collected from the 1999 Super X Rider's Handbook, as published by the Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company.