Henderson was a manufacturer of 4-cylinder motorcycles from 1912 until 1931. They were one of the largest and fastest motorcycles of their time. Many of the Henderson “DeLuxe” engines were converted by the Heath Airplane Company as Model B-4s which featured a modified lubrication system, different valves, and removal of the transmission. The B-4 mainly powered the small and economical Heath Parasol monoplane, which Heath sold in kit form for homebuilders in the 1920s and ‘30s.
The Heath Airplane Company’s Model B-4 was an in-line, four-cylinder, air-cooled Henderson motorcycle engine converted for use in aircraft by modifying the lubrication system and the valves. The B-4 mainly powered the small and economical Heath Parasol monoplane, which Heath sold in kit form for homebuilders in the 1920s and ’30s.
The low-cost, reliable Henderson motorcycle engine was well-suited for the Heath airplane design because it helped make sport flying affordable for many people. Service was simple and economical because parts were cheap and easy to obtain throughout the country.
Type: Reciprocating, In-line, 4 cylinders, air cooled
Power rating: 30 hp / 22.4 kW at 3,000 rpm
Displacement: 83 cu in / 1400 cc
Bore and Stroke: 70 mm (2.8 in.) x 89 mm (3.5 in.)
Weight: 119 lb / 54 kg
Length 64.1 cm (25.25 in.)
Width 36.8 cm (14.5 in.)
Height 61 cm (24.0 in.)
