BMW R51 vs NSU 501 TS (1940)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R51stacks up against the NSU 501 TS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R51 | NSU 501 TS |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1940 | 1936 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 494 cc |
| Horsepower | 24 hp | 14 hp |
| Weight | — | 185 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 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 | 3.50-26 / 4-27 |
BMW R51 vs NSU 501 TS — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R51 and the NSU 501 TS usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R51 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: