BMW R52 vs DKW NZ 500 (1941)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R52stacks up against the DKW NZ 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBMW R52DKW NZ 500
Model year19291941
Price
Engine486 cc489 cc
Horsepower12 hp19 hp
Weight195 kg
Fuel capacity3.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission3-speed
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)
Tires3.50-26.00 / 3.50-26.00 3.5-19 / 3.5-19

BMW R52 vs DKW NZ 500 — which should you buy?

Picking between the BMW R52 and the DKW NZ 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R52 brings 12 hp, while the DKW NZ 500 counters with 19 hp at 195 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: