Henderson Special KL

The Henderson Special KL was the high speed solo version of the Streamline four, offered in 1930 and 1931 at 30 dollars more than the regular KJ. It was demonstrated on 29 April 1930 on a smooth new concrete highway in Illinois, where Joe Petrali recorded 116.12 mph and 109.09 mph on two runs, an average of 112.61 mph. Higher compression, two-ring pistons and an enlarged 1.25 inch carburetor lifted output to 45 hp at 4,500 rpm, and the engine was flexible enough in top gear to pull smoothly from 8 to 110 mph. Further changes included redesigned full-floating front forks and larger tyres. The machine was even more popular with police departments than the KJ. It was built in Chicago by the Excelsior Motor Manufacturing & Supply Company, and it ended with the closure of Excelsior motorcycle production in 1931.