Across 15 covered model years from 1915 to 1929, the Harley-Davidson Model J motorcycle has supplied dry weights ranging from 299.8 lb (136 kg) to 418.9 lb (190 kg).
Harley-Davidson Model J weight overview
The weight is relatively manageable, so the bike should demand less effort than a heavyweight machine when backing up, parking or making slow-speed corrections. The comparison uses dry weight because a usable wet/running figure was not supplied, so the actual ready-to-ride motorcycle will be heavier.
Light Motorcycle
How heavy is the Harley-Davidson Model J?
dry weight
Using a model-level dry weight comparison, the Harley-Davidson Model J is lighter than about 67.9% of 14 Harley-Davidson allround models with compatible weight data.
Dry weight range
Bike + rider total weight
These totals use the model’s representative dry weight. They exclude riding gear, luggage and a passenger.
Harley-Davidson Model J weight & related specs
| Model years covered | 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929 |
|---|---|
| Dry weight | 299.8 lb (136 kg) to 418.9 lb (190 kg) |
| Engine displacement | 989 cc |
| Power | 17 hp |
Weight changes by model year
The 1915 model is used as the baseline where data is available. Only later supplied values that differ are shown below. A year pill does not mean every individual weight field was supplied for that year.
Useful weight calculations
| Horsepower per 100 lb | 5.32 hp / 100 lb |
|---|---|
| Pounds per horsepower | 18.8 lb / hp |
| Displacement per pound | 2.36 cc / lb to 3.3 cc / lb |
| Weight per 100 cc | 30.3 lb / 100 cc to 42.4 lb / 100 cc |
What the weight numbers tell you
Harley-Davidson Model J weight FAQ
What is the Harley-Davidson Model J dry weight?
The available dry weight is 299.8 lb (136 kg) to 418.9 lb (190 kg). Actual ready-to-ride weight will be higher after fuel and operating fluids are added.
Is the Harley-Davidson Model J lighter or heavier than other Harley-Davidson allround models?
It is comparatively light for this Harley-Davidson category. The model lands near the 32nd percentile for weight in the compatible dataset.
Which Harley-Davidson Model J years have different weight specs?
The supplied data shows different weight figures across the 1915-1929 model years. Use the year-specific changes section above for the exact value attached to each changed year.
What is the combined Harley-Davidson Model J and rider weight?
Using the model’s representative dry weight and a 180 lb rider, the combined bike-and-rider mass is about 499.7 lb (226.6 kg) before riding gear, luggage or a passenger.
What is the Harley-Davidson Model J power-to-weight ratio?
Available model-year data produces 5.32 hp per 100 lb. It shows engine output relative to motorcycle mass rather than just quoting peak horsepower.
Is the listed Harley-Davidson Model J weight ready to ride?
No. Dry weight excludes at least some operating fluids, so the actual ready-to-ride motorcycle will weigh more.
What is the Harley-Davidson Model J engine-size-to-weight ratio?
The available figures work out to 2.36 cc per lb to 3.3 cc per lb. This is not a performance rating, but it is a useful way to compare engine size against total motorcycle mass.
How far is the Harley-Davidson Model J from the median Harley-Davidson allround weight?
Compared with the median Harley-Davidson allround weight of 384.7 lb (174.5 kg), the model is roughly 65 lb (29.5 kg) lighter.
Where will I notice the Harley-Davidson Model J weight most?
Expect the weight to matter more off the throttle than at speed: garage movement, uneven footing and parking angle are the practical situations to think about.
Motorcycle specifications can vary by model year, market, equipment and the exact dry/curb-weight definition. Calculated fuel-weight and ratio figures on this page are estimates derived from the supplied specifications. Confirm critical figures in the owner’s manual or on the official Harley-Davidson website.