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Excelsior-Henderson Announces Sale of Convertible Preferred Stock

22 January 1999

Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company Announces the Sale of $3 Million of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock

    BELLE PLAINE, Minn., Jan. 22 -- Excelsior-Henderson
Motorcycle Manufacturing Company today announced the closing of
a private placement of $3 million of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock to
an investment fund managed by Rose Glen Capital Management, L.P., the same
institutional investor that purchased $10 million of the Company's Convertible
Preferred Stock on September 3, 1998.  The financing was arranged by Shoreline
Pacific Institutional Finance, the Institutional Division of Financial West
Group of Sausalito, Calif.
    "The proceeds of this private placement will be used primarily to fund
working capital needs and for general corporate purposes," said Thomas M.
Rootness, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  "This represents
another milestone accomplished within our financial plan," added Rootness.
    The conversion price of the Series C Preferred Stock is $9.92, a 10%
premium over the recent market price, and is fixed until September 3, 1999.
Thereafter, the conversion price may vary based upon the market price of the
Company's Common Stock during the period immediately preceding conversion.
    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 high quality, nationally recognized dealer network.  Excelsior-
Henderson is one of only two authentic American motorcycle companies
exclusively committed to the manufacture of motorcycles.  The Company plans to
begin production and sale of the Super X motorcycle during 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 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.