R 200

1957 Hercules R 200 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Hercules's scooter motorcycle platform, the 1957 Hercules R 200 relies on a 191 cc (11.7 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, two-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 10.2 HP (7.4 kW) at 5,250 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 53.4 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 R 200 measures 144 kg (317 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.07 HP/kg (14.12 kg per horsepower). The 11-liter (2.9 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 98 km/h (61 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Hercules archive, this model family spans 10 indexed model years from 1955 to 1966, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.