1956 Harley-Davidson KH
Harley-Davidson released the 1956 Harley-Davidson KH in 1956 with a 883cc SV V-twin powerplant making 38hp — a definitive standard motorcycle.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- SV V-twin
- Displacement
- 883 cc
- Cylinders
- 2
- Power
- 38 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque
- 52.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 76.2 × 96.8 mm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel System
- Linkert carburetor
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel double loop
- Front Suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension
- Twin shock
- Front Brake
- Drum
- Rear Brake
- Drum
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 4-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top Speed
- 155 km/h (96 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 200 kg (441 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 218 kg (481 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 720 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1450 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 13.0 L
History & Story
In 1956, Harley-Davidson launched the 1956 Harley-Davidson KH — a standard motorcycle that would come to define an era of motorcycling. Hailing from United States, it combined United States engineering with standard motorcycle appeal.
The 1956 Harley-Davidson KH is motivated by a 883cc SV V-twin twin-cylinder unit delivering 38hp at 5500 rpm. Breathing through Linkert carburetor and kept cool by air-cooled, the engine drives through a 4-speed transmission with chain final drive.
Weighing 200 kg (441 lbs) dry, the 1956 Harley-Davidson KH uses a steel double loop frame, telescopic fork front suspension, and twin shock rear suspension. The braking system comprises drum front and drum rear units.
Performance-wise, the 1956 Harley-Davidson KH achieves a claimed top speed of 155 km/h (96 mph). With a fuel capacity of 13.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 720 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
Today, the 1956 Harley-Davidson KH is considered a respected classic that attracts serious collector interest and continues to appreciate. Parts availability is rated as difficult, making ownership a dedicated pursuit. It remains an icon of Harley-Davidson motorcycling from 1950s.
The 1956 Harley-Davidson KH is motivated by a 883cc SV V-twin twin-cylinder unit delivering 38hp at 5500 rpm. Breathing through Linkert carburetor and kept cool by air-cooled, the engine drives through a 4-speed transmission with chain final drive.
Weighing 200 kg (441 lbs) dry, the 1956 Harley-Davidson KH uses a steel double loop frame, telescopic fork front suspension, and twin shock rear suspension. The braking system comprises drum front and drum rear units.
Performance-wise, the 1956 Harley-Davidson KH achieves a claimed top speed of 155 km/h (96 mph). With a fuel capacity of 13.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 720 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
Today, the 1956 Harley-Davidson KH is considered a respected classic that attracts serious collector interest and continues to appreciate. Parts availability is rated as difficult, making ownership a dedicated pursuit. It remains an icon of Harley-Davidson motorcycling from 1950s.
Known Issues
- Oil leaks considered normal on vintage models
- Generator and voltage regulator issues
- Primary chain tensioner adjustment
- Period-correct fasteners and hardware hard to find
Fun Facts
- The 1956 Harley-Davidson KH was produced in Harley-Davidson's United States facilities
- The 1956 Harley-Davidson KH featured a steel double loop frame typical of 1950s design philosophy
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Difficult
- Collector Rating
- 7/10
Resources & Parts
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