NSU 501 OSL vs Harley-Davidson Model X8 (1939)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the NSU 501 OSLstacks up against the Harley-Davidson Model X8. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecNSU 501 OSLHarley-Davidson Model X8
Model year19391912
Price
Engine494 cc494 cc
Horsepower22 hp
Weight150 kg
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)
Tires3.25-19 / 3.25-19

NSU 501 OSL vs Harley-Davidson Model X8 — which should you buy?

Picking between the NSU 501 OSL and the Harley-Davidson Model X8 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the NSU 501 OSL brings 22 hp in a 150 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson Model X8 counters with its own power figure.

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: