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Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Co Announces Loan

23 December 1998

Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company Announces a $5 Million Working Capital Loan Agreement With Dakota Bank

    BELLE PLAINE, Minn., Dec. 22 -- Excelsior-Henderson
Motorcycle Manufacturing Company today announced that it has
entered into a $5 million working capital loan agreement with Dakota Bank,
Mendota Heights, Minn.  The loan is guaranteed by the United States of
America, with an eighty-percent loan guarantee issued by the Rural
Business-Cooperative Service.
    "The proceeds of this working capital loan will be used primarily to fund
the Company's working capital needs as we move into production of the Super X
motorcycle," said Thomas M. Rootness, Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer.  "This is an important accomplishment within our financial
plan as we move from a development stage company to an operational company,"
added Rootness.
    Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company is a pre-revenue
company which plans to manufacture, market and sell premium heavyweight
American cruisers and touring motorcycles, as well as related parts, apparel
and accessories branded with a name that evokes an authentic American
motorcycling heritage and lifestyle.  The Company will distribute its products
through a quality, nationally recognized dealer network.  Excelsior-Henderson
is one of only two authentic American motorcycle companies exclusively
committed to the manufacture of motorcycles.  The production-intent 1999 Super
X motorcycle was unveiled August 3, 1998, during Sturgis Rally and Races.
Motorcycle production is scheduled to begin during late fourth quarter of 1998
or January 1999.

    Notes Concerning Forward Looking Statements:
    This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the plan
of the Company to produce and sell 1999 Super X motorcycles during the fourth
quarter of 1998 or January 1999 that involve risks and uncertainties.  The
Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in
these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors set forth below
and the factors described from time to time in the Company's reports on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 1998
and the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended April
4, July 4, and October 3, 1998.
    Factors that may affect the timing of production of the Super X include
problems in acquisition, installation and successful operation of the
motorcycle production equipment, the ability of the Company to locate
competent suppliers or obtain adequate quantities of components and supplies
at reasonable costs, the ability of the Company to obtain working capital
financing as needed, the ability of the Company to hire additional qualified
personnel and the ability of the Company's engineering and manufacturing staff
to design, engineer and produce the Super X.  In addition, for the Company to
be successful, its products must be manufactured to meet high quality
standards in production volumes.  The transition from prototype to mass
production will involve various risks and uncertainties that may not be
apparent at this time and there can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to successfully react to unanticipated difficulties and commence mass
production as anticipated.  In addition, the Company will be required to
obtain certain government approvals and certifications prior to sales of the
Super X.  Potential delays and costs that could result from obtaining such
approvals could result in a delay in motorcycle production.