BMW R51 3 vs NSU 501 TS (1954)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R51 3stacks up against the NSU 501 TS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBMW R51 3NSU 501 TS
Model year19541936
Price——
Engine494 cc494 cc
Horsepower24 hp14 hp
Weight—185 kg
Fuel capacity4.5 L—
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-speed—
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Expanding brake (drum brake)
Tires3.50-19.00 / 3.50-19.00 3.50-26 / 4-27

BMW R51 3 vs NSU 501 TS — which should you buy?

Picking between the BMW R51 3 and the NSU 501 TS usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R51 3 brings 24 hp, while the NSU 501 TS counters with 14 hp at 185 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: