BMW R50 OS vs BMW R51 3 (1962)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R50 OSstacks up against the BMW R51 3. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBMW R50 OSBMW R51 3
Model year19621954
Price
Engine494 cc494 cc
Horsepower35 hp24 hp
Fuel capacity6.3 L4.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-speed4-speed
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake). Duplex full hubExpanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake). Simplex full hubExpanding brake (drum brake)
Tires3.50-18.00 / 3.50-18.00 3.50-19.00 / 3.50-19.00

BMW R50 OS vs BMW R51 3 — which should you buy?

Picking between the BMW R50 OS and the BMW R51 3 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R50 OS brings 35 hp, while the BMW R51 3 counters with 24 hp.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: