Across the 1952 and 1953 model years, the Harley-Davidson Model K motorcycle has a listed dry weight of 399 lb (181 kg).
Harley-Davidson Model K weight overview
This is neither unusually light nor extremely heavy. For most riders the practical weight question is more about seat height, center of mass and low-speed balance than the scale number alone. The comparison uses dry weight because a usable wet/running figure was not supplied, so the actual ready-to-ride motorcycle will be heavier.
Middleweight Motorcycle
How heavy is the Harley-Davidson Model K?
dry weight
Using a model-level dry weight comparison, the Harley-Davidson Model K is heavier than about 64.3% of 14 Harley-Davidson allround models with compatible weight data.
Dry weight
Bike + rider total weight
These totals use the model’s representative dry weight. They exclude riding gear, luggage and a passenger.
Harley-Davidson Model K weight & related specs
| Model years covered | 1952, 1953 |
|---|---|
| Dry weight | 399 lb (181 kg) |
| Engine displacement | 743 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 4.49 US gal (17 L) |
| Full-tank fuel weight (estimated) | 27.9 lb (12.7 kg) |
Weight changes by model year
Useful weight calculations
| Displacement per pound | 1.86 cc / lb |
|---|---|
| Weight per 100 cc | 53.7 lb / 100 cc |
| Fuel weight as % of bike weight | 7% |
| Weight with full tank | 427 lb (193.7 kg) |
What the weight numbers tell you
Harley-Davidson Model K weight FAQ
How heavy is the Harley-Davidson Model K?
Listed dry weight is 399 lb (181 kg). Because no usable wet/running figure was supplied, treat that as a lower starting point rather than the exact on-road weight.
Is the Harley-Davidson Model K heavy compared with other Harley-Davidson allround models?
It sits fairly close to the middle of the category. Its representative dry weight is around the 64th percentile among 14 compatible Harley-Davidson allround models.
Does the Harley-Davidson Model K weight change by model year?
Not in the usable weight data on this page. Across the covered 1952-1953 years, the supplied weight figure remains the same where comparable values are available.
How much does the Harley-Davidson Model K fuel weigh?
The listed tank capacity is 4.49 US gal (17 L). Using approximately 0.745 kg/L gasoline, a full tank is roughly 27.9 lb (12.7 kg). That is an estimate for fuel mass, not an official Harley-Davidson curb-weight calculation.
How heavy is the Harley-Davidson Model K with an average-size rider?
A 180 lb rider brings the simple bike-plus-rider total to roughly 579 lb (262.6 kg) using the representative dry figure. Gear and luggage would add more.
Can I treat the Harley-Davidson Model K dry weight as curb weight?
No. The usable figure is dry weight, so it excludes at least some operating fluids. Dry weight plus the estimated full fuel load is about 427 lb (193.7 kg), and oil/coolant or definition differences may add more.
How much heavier is the Harley-Davidson Model K with a full tank?
Using the listed dry weight plus the calculated fuel mass, the estimated weight with a full tank is 427 lb (193.7 kg). That still may not equal official curb weight because dry-weight definitions can exclude other fluids or equipment.
How many cc does the Harley-Davidson Model K have per pound?
Engine displacement relative to bike weight is 1.86 cc per lb. It can help compare motorcycles from very different displacement classes without relying on cc alone.
How does the Harley-Davidson Model K compare with the median Harley-Davidson allround weight?
The model sits about 14.3 lb (6.5 kg) heavier than the compatible median Harley-Davidson allround weight used on this page.
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.