1931 Henderson KJ - Jay Leno's Garage

1931 Henderson KJ. Although they often go unnoticed in the Harley Indian wars, Henderson motorcycles were the largest and fastest motorcycles of their time, widely favored by cops and speed demons.
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1931 Henderson KJ - Jay Leno's Garage
• 1931 Henderson KJ - Ja...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage

[@Earthneedsado-over177]

Hand shift and foot clutch with left hand grip timing adjuster. Amazing how Jay can drive all different vehicles with these odd configurations.

[@PerryChanNYC]

Mr. Leno, I loved you on the Tonight Show, but man, I'm really diggin your post-TV gig showing us all your toys. Thank you for being so awesome.

[@robertsmith2557]

***** This show is miles better than the Tonight Show. Who gives a crap about vacuous celebrities? This is important knowledge and talking about stuff that matters.

[@beatsByZlaja]

Bob Smith Hahahah well put

[@vraja3203]

yeah ditto but whats up with denim

[@garyholt4445]

Jay Leno. You have a magnificent collection of vehicles. I love motor vehicles whether they are cars or motorcycles. Love your videos and the fact that your collection don’t sit in a museum and you drive them regularly. Greetings from Australia.

[@tonyrocks951]

70 years later and it still runs like new, just incredible

[@markkeyser]

In 1963 when I was thirteen years old I was 'enlisted' to scrape old asphalt undercoating off of a concrete floor on the second floor of a garage that had been an old Packard and Studebaker dealership in Greenfield, MA. Using what amounted to a steel ice scraper the going was extremely slow. This tedium led me to spend a lot of time gazing out the front window and watch the traffic on Federal St. One afternoon I noticed a 'low rumble' coming from the street. Looking out of the window I noticed a 4 cylinder Henderson headed south past the building. Continuing past Bill's Restaurant and on to the traffic lights at Main and Federal St's where it sat idling at a red light. I turned and looked at the tar-like mess on the floor behind me and gazed, longingly, at the Henderson thinking to myself, "That guy has the right idea!".

[@mortenhansen3455]

The buffness on the wheels, fenders, tanks and seats on these bikes are so awesome. They are just present in the room!

[@videovanoo7]

My grandfather owned this one in 1920's. Thanks for the great hands on explanation. This really took me back to see the operation of what he went through to run it. I heard he did a lot of racing up and down the North Chicago strip, till my grandmother made him sell it. Rest in peace. William Van Treek.

[@jacksonmatschke2877]

I love how in almost every video Jay does or says something that the doorknobs will get upset about, and says "don't send me a letter".

[@Cr125stin]

My neighbor is 96 years old and he said he had a Henderson back in the 1920s. He said it would out run any Harley on the road.

[@danconlan64]

he would have 9 years old?

[@kenny1251212512]

I think he is too young to reach the handlebar at the time

[@danconlan64]

in stock form they were more powerful .they were very expensive . but they would not perform striped down such as on the board track!. also JDH would run circles around them. but they were few in numbers. Pea shooters were also faster

[@jyo901]

Is he divorced?

[@danconlan64]

@Mark Winchester Henderson is great bike . Never heard of one on the board track. Mid thirties Crocker was the bike . Few in numbers. About 50

[@mp4f1]

The best part of these videos is the demonstartion of how to operate all the controls...other videos and documentaries focus on history and specs, but these videos give such an appreciation of the steps invoved in ownership, as well as the evolution of these products over time....Awesome Stuff!!

[@shawnkdodds]

That bike sounds so sweet! Vintage is my favorite, motorcycles, bicycles and cars. Thank you so much for sharing! Especially love the background stories and history tidbits, and that you're actually driving them, not just showing it like a dinosaur in a museum.

[@Winterstick549]

Ten more years, it will be 100 years old and still running without ever been rebuilt. Damn, it sounds good!

[@wakeup6910]

It will last a million years if you never ride it

[@timothytaylor8870]

Jay, A beautiful classic. So enjoy these videos. I would love to have a visual tour of the garage. Just kind of take us through and let us get an overview! Thanks so much!

[@econrey]

I have to disagree, it's not about the videography at all for me. It's completely watchable and I find all of these video's really enjoyable. I think it's neat to see a different part of Jay's life beyond comedy, and even better that he shares his collection and the history behind it with his viewers.

It makes my mouth water to see that beautiful classic bike roll'n down the road!

[@shmenge71]

Gotta love Jay's channel. Its sorta like the national archives but for cars and motorcycles. Everytime I come here I learn about old car/bike makers I wouldn't normally look for.

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

Is there anything better than this channel ? Solid, interesting, educational content, hosted by an awesome human being. Brilliant!

[@maxsmodels]

A more elegant machine from a more civilized time.

[@stannicolae4623]

maxsmodels people burned witches in the 20s in my town

[@christopherhale1963]

Well you can't cut down such public monuments.

[@christopherhale1963]

@@stannicolae4623 well that's what you do with witches obviously.

[@winstonli8081]

Christopher Hale lol

[@thefirstbushman]

@@stannicolae4623 merica

[@joetcacciola]

I love the vintage motorcycle posts on here. It's cool to see how far the tech has come and how, in some ways, things have been lost. I look at this and see a solid vehicle made to run hard for a long time. There is so little of today's "stuff" that isn't disposable.

[@quefol5291]

joetcacciola as a guy who lives on a farm surrounded my old things not day goes by I think if only they made em like they used to

[@aw4527]

I could feel the excitement from the 1 kick start. Made me smile to see it

[@MrHuzz77]

I could listen to this incredibly lucky guy all day long, in fact, there are enough clips so I think I will!!

[@michaelbarton7737]

Hey Jay. This one put a smile right on my dial. Every now and then I come across one of your earlier clips and what a classic this one is. Thanks for sharing the fun with Australia too.

[@ConstantXplorer]

How you not have an appreciation for these vintage machines. I love just about anything with wheels.

[@Maxtowers71]

i'm watching this in 2020 and oh boy if he stepped up the garage... Jay teached me the passion for these old glories and i thank Him... i just wish i had the money and time to play around those beauties...

[@tuneuptony3679]

I love old motorcycles. Thank you for sharing history with us Jay!

[@p.e.1628]

When he hosted the Tonight Show, he let his guests shine,... much like Carson,...in these videos he brings out the best in these classics,.. lets them shine and shares them with us!.. Jay is a class act, he does it right. ..................... Letterman was a punk, never watched after he began....

[@camwhitman5425]

Awesome bike! I loved hearing about the history and heritage of this company. It seems the best car and bike companies didn't survive because they were so advanced and ahead of their time, before cost savings and planned obsolescence.

[@shananagans5]

Love it. When I was a kid my neighbor had an old Indian with a stick shift & clutch pedal & I was just amazed by it then & still am today. I am not big into bikes & had never heard of Henderson before this. Very advanced for the day. I am amazed at how smooth it is. The few old bikes I have seen running were very rough. V twin kinda vibrations.

[@SuperKA85]

I think it's safe to say.. Jay's garage is what happens to a car and bike enthusiast who make it big. He has the coolest stuff on wheels, what a great bike.

[@lorenzomann7993]

Very cool motorcycle, and I loved learning the history with it.

[@stevelorenz6091]

The world is a better place. For Your doing what you do JAY LENO thank you

[@sdtom59]

I doubt that many people who own a Henderson will actually drive it. What a thrill they are missing out on. I hope that watching you will encourage owners to actually enjoy their vehicles.

[@MrJoeblofromidaho]

This was when Jays garage looked like a garage not a museum

[@mediumpimpn]

Lol, it shifts like an old tractor. That's awesome! I love this channel!

[@strugglingathome]

That thing is gorgeous. I love the long wheel base.

[@RB747domme]

You know, Jay has some of the most amazing motorcycles ever built. Brough Superior, Matchless, Harley, Vincent Black Shadow, Henderson, Velocette Venom.. and *_they_* are just the super classics/vintage models - without even mentioning the recent classics like his collection of Japanese and Italian bikes. Wow! I am so envious right now 🤤😣. What a collection! If I owned a collection of motorcycles like that, I would be out riding all day in nice weather (yeah, I know, I'm a fair weather biker.. 😎🙄👌). Some beautiful bikes, the only thing is, I can't work out which one of them is my favourite. Probably the Shadow, or maybe the Venom. It doesn't really matter, as they are all stunning. Keep up the good work Jay, keep them rolling!

[@richardreichow1969]

Noticed the "give " in the seat while riding , nice! Also like the arm position while riding , looks so comfortable ..... Had a 37 Indian in my teens , also very comfortable ...

[@williamhenderson2263]

It has always been my dream to own a Henderson. If I ever win the lottery that will be my first purchase.

[@tamhenderson2029]

A will 2

[@tamhenderson2029]

Me tae

[@alpcats]

Thanks for sharing what most of us can't even imagine.

[@redram5150]

In 1912, a man rode a Henderson Motorcycle around the world. He left his kidneys in Iowa, but the rest of him made it.

[@adam.s007]

why did he do that?

[@redram5150]

@@adam.s007 think it through

[@not2fast4u2c]

What a ride !!! Old Bikes are what I like

[@newyorkairsoft]

Jay Leno you have no idea how awesome this video is to me.

[@williamd7161]

I'm soooo glad that today they placed the clutch on the handlebar.

[@socalpimp1974]

Best auto and bike videos on KZbin

[@madmuke]

Was not a fan of his late night show, but wow is this guy awesome when he talks about his car knowledge. keep it up Jay!

[@santassassin1354]

I love learning about these old vehicles long ago

[@Krisiun111]

Jay, do you ever come across a car in your collection where you're like "Whoa, I didn't even know I had this one!" ?

[@ClayLoomis1958]

"You can ride it just like a modern bike, as long as you don't plan on doing any stopping!" Handy riding tip, Jay. Only take it out on a "no stopping" day.

[@ricktonge]

I like how Jay loves both cars and bikes, old or new.

[@toddhenderson2998]

Awesomely beautiful!!!

[@dextermorgan9703]

i was just thinking that paint looks so dam good for being so old

[@gazt445]

Fantastic, enjoyable video, thank you 😊

[@123sheepdip]

What a sounds. Sounds more like a car than a bike. Wonderful.

[@garylee4171]

Great clip Jay, beautiful bike.

[@WS-gw5ms]

His garage is so big it echoes when he honks the horn. I am so jealous. If I had money my garage would mirror Mr Lenos

[@sangeeth666]

I am so happy to discover this channel.

[@hh65flyer]

My g-pa told stories about riding with the suicide clutch in LA traffic back in the day. He would get so mad at my g-ma for leaning the wrong way at a stoplight forcing him to take his foot off the clutch to keep the bike upright. I guess they ended up in a heap a few times as the bike lurched during this procedure. Great video Jay.

[@E-s.thoughts]

Insanely beautiful motorcycle this Henderson. Although this American motorcycle was early with a four-cylinder, it was little Belgium that actually put the first inline four-cylinder motorcycle into production in 1905; the legendary FN Four.

[@jaygdav]

Best channel on youtube right here! Hope he has an old Kawasaki Triple and does a show about it!

[@tyrssen1]

Wonderful! Grinnin' ear to ear!

[@GingerPhilG]

Awesome! Such a smooth sounding engine.

[@maximpozdnyshev2013]

Nice bike! Thank u Jay to keep it run. Always wait new videos. Greetings from Russia!

[@volvobrynk]

Very nice bike! And nice story too. Since you like 4 cylinder bikes, you should have a look at the only Danish commercial success in motoring the made it big outside Denmark, the Nimbus C model. There is a North America club for more info. They where 750cc, 4 banger, 3 speed, OHV, conceived in early 30s, and has a prop shaft driven rearend. Made from the mis-30s to late 50s. You make a great show and I enjoy watching it!!

[@mashed9603]

Absolutely wonderful

[@deborahchesser7375]

Your the best Jay, anything with a motor !

[@jclar3565]

You’ve got a lot more energy in these older shows. This is all supposed to be fun don’t get burnt out

[@glennhertel1165]

Hey Nice Bike, Really Nice Demonstration/Ride

[@rcnelson]

I don't know why but old bikes' exhaust notes always sound better than I expected. The Henderson especially so.

[@randyhutchinson9910]

you just taught me, how to properly use a suicide side shift, with a foot clutch, thankyou, nobody else would talk to me about that

[@stevenbarboza5434]

Thanks Jay.Very cool toys and educational.

[@russelltrabakino1314]

This is my dream bike of all other vintage bikes out there

[@GuhbsBeats]

Incredible video again!

[@2davewh]

Never heard of a Henderson bike before. Very enjoyable video. Do you have any AJS bikes - I almost had enough saved to buy a 250 in 1967 - but it did not happen - sigh. Really like your garage, every time I visit its a learning experience. Thanks Jay - Dave fromCanada

[@delamalasie]

just saw a local guy riding ajs this morning in my hometown in malaysia, its beautiful

[@sebbbe9308]

Those old Hendersons are so cool

[@hammered0184]

My dad born in 1913 told me he was riding with his cousin in a big Nash Touring Car back in early 30's when they met 3 boys DRUNK on a Henderson in a curve. The bike struck the old Nash driver's side shearing spindle and wheel off the Nash and breaking his cousin's arm. The boys on the bike were unhurt. Dad helped them get bike out of ditch. They fired it up and rode away!! An amazing motorcycle!! LOL! The old Nash was junked.

[@thevozz]

God what I would do for a Henderson!! Beautiful just Beautiful...

[@carlaskillings4312]

Awesome collection buddy, and your also a great rider

[@Hop7]

your always funny J ..thanks for the history's !

[@laohantun7404]

So cool...thanks Jay....

[@TheThinker39]

A wonderful, beautiful old bike! I too like original and unrestored IF the bike is in good shape. And this one IS!

[@dougefresh133]

I love the sound of the bike.

[@scootosan]

Sounds of a symphony...play on Jay

[@RetroWorkShop773]

7:38 he's saying brakes in the back only, but isn't that a brake drum I see in the front? If not, what's that little pull lever on the hub for?

[@arturasstatkus8613]

Super,Thank You,Sir.

[@QQTrick1QQ]

It is a manual timing cable for the distributer where newer bikes and autos had springs and weights in the distributer, the faster it turns the more the weights move out from centrifugal force adjusting the timing,now mostly electronically controlled.

[@jaratt85]

and you still haven't seen a video about that Guzzi sitting there

[@ValerieprimcessAmanda]

I love it and wow an 80 cubic inch 4 cylinder in 1931 that bike is awesome

[@hell_pike9150]

I am impressed considering the year this is pretty incredible

[@michaelsmith1094]

Wow a Henderson I can't believe I have never heard of it! Springers go through the fender, amazing. What a beautiful bike, Hey Jay, if ya ever want to sell that to a very blue collar guy, let me know, and I'll hop a freight train and head toward where ever you live. LOL, Heck no I'm serious.

[@Shortgrauzis]

oh man. sound is great and it looks so comfortable cruising around in it! want one! :D

[@Gazpacho8]

He does! There is an excellant video on his official website.

[@Uncletoast52]

Grease that top end. Great video. Thanks J

[@SlowEarl1]

Great bike would love to see more vintage American Bikes.

[@gilmangels]

Nice ride and good information Jay. I like how the camera man does his best to always show the bike instead of you, which not all documentary filmers have mastered. Makes me want to get out my 31 KJ today even though it is heavy freezing fog and 24 degrees. I need to find a rack like that Jay so I can mount a first aid kit for a locally filmed movie using a early 30's cop bike. I can come up w/ a spotlite w/ red lens out of my storage vault, but would also like to find a rear mount probably wheel drive siren. Other than that, it is an original running barn find pre- owned by Mike Smith of Antique Motorcycle Works, Portland, Or,. although his son has moved the business to Montana. See part of our bikes by googling miracle of america museum and there are 2 pages. I'll have to take off the Goulding Rocket sidecar because it is too new for the movie. Would like to visit sometime. Gil

[@fidelcatsro6948]

great 4 cylinder marvel for the last century!!! I wish I owned one of these!

[@jadakissboi]

Awesome piece of machinery

[@amritt1989]

The low rumble,it's beautiful

[@dakimberlin4457]

Thanks jay great video

[@ThePollaxtroy]

Love the speedo set up on that bike.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Nice sounding bike too, really mellow.