BMW R51 vs DKW Block 500 (1940)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R51stacks up against the DKW Block 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R51 | DKW Block 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1940 | 1933 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 494 cc |
| Horsepower | 24 hp | 15 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 L | 3.3 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | 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 | 3.5-26 / 3.5-26 |
BMW R51 vs DKW Block 500 — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R51 and the DKW Block 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R51 brings 24 hp, while the DKW Block 500 counters with 15 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: