At the heart of the 1953 Hercules 317 sport motorcycle, Hercules relies on a 197 cc (12 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, two-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 11 HP (8 kW) at 5,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through chain final drive. With a specific output of 55.8 HP per liter, the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.
On the scales, the 317 measures 120 kg (265 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.09 HP/kg (10.91 kg per horsepower). The 13-liter (3.4 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 95 km/h (59 mph).
Within MotoLibrary's Hercules archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 1953 to 1956, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
