Generation X
GENERATION X
AFTER THREE YEARS OF hard work and no small amount of hype, the revived Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Company has unveiled its next-generation Super X. Four running prototypes of the new cruiser-style machine were shown at this summer’s Sturgis Rally in South Dakota.
No matter what you think of the Super X’s anachronistic appearance, it does meet its mission objective as a modem update of the 1925-31 Excelsior model of the same name. The teardrop-shaped fuel tank, leading-link front suspension that
passes through the valanced front fender and “rigid” rear end (with hidden damper) all pay homage to the original.
The most noteworthy component of the Super X is its engine. Unlike the many Harley-Davidson “clones” currently on the market, the so-called “X-Twin” is a design unto itself. The unitconstruction, 50-degree V-Twin displaces 1386cc (80 cubic inches), and features fuel injection, dohc four-valve cylinder heads and a five-speed transmission mated to belt final drive.
The Super X’s engine is rubber-mounted using an arrangement that goes by the acronym TAVAS, for Torsion Activated Vibration Absorbing System.
The engine is housed in a tubular-steel, double-cradle frame that rolls on wire-spoke wheels carrying one disc brake each. Wheelbase measures 65 inches, seat height 27.5 inches, and dry weight is 675 pounds.
Next step for Excelsior-Hen-
derson is an assembly plant. Company principals say they are presently selecting a location, and claim they will begin delivering motorcycles within two years. Lending credence to the latter statement is the fact that Allan C. Hurd, former production engineering manager for the revived Triumph Motorcycle Company, has joined the staff; and Carl Haas, co-owner of the NewmanHaas IndyCar team, has signed onto the Board of Advisors.
Regardless of whether the revived Super X makes it into production, Excelsior-Henderson deserves credit. With the all-toofamiliar Indian fiasco tarnishing the reputation of would-be revivalists, it’s refreshing to see a fledgling American motorcycle company deliver the goods.
Brain Catterson
