<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 29,
1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-29-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-29-1996
<CASH>                                      59,520,000
<SECURITIES>                                15,183,000
<RECEIVABLES>                              105,179,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                216,930,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                           444,089,000
<PP&E>                                     788,552,000
<DEPRECIATION>                             411,498,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             829,350,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                      193,830,000
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                       289,000
<OTHER-SE>                                 487,102,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               829,350,000
<SALES>                                    161,731,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           161,731,000
<CGS>                                      143,762,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                              143,762,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                            24,499,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           1,952,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                            (8,482,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                               (3,220,000)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                        (5,262,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                               (5,262,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.18)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.18)