317

1956 Hercules 317 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Hercules for the sport motorcycle segment, the 1956 Hercules 317 features a 197 cc (12 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, two-stroke configuration. 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).

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.