BMW R51 3 vs DKW SB 500 (1954)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R51 3stacks up against the DKW SB 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R51 3 | DKW SB 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1954 | 1939 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 494 cc |
| Horsepower | 24 hp | 15 hp |
| Weight | — | 165 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | — |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.50-19.00 / 3.50-19.00 | 3.5-19 / 3.5-19 |
BMW R51 3 vs DKW SB 500 — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R51 3 and the DKW SB 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R51 3 brings 24 hp, while the DKW SB 500 counters with 15 hp at 165 kg.
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: