1940
NSU 251 OSL - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 824077 |
|---|---|
| Category | Sport |
| Make | NSU |
| Model | 251 OSL |
| Year | 1940 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | Open double steel |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Fronttyre | 3-19 |
| Rearbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Reartyre | 3-19 |
| Seat | Single spring-mounted |
| Wheels | Spoked |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 64.0 x 75.0 mm (2.5 x 3.0 inches) |
|---|---|
| Coolingsystem | Air |
| Displacement | 242.00 ccm (14.77 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Single cylinder, four-stroke |
| Fuelsystem | Carburettor |
| Gearbox | 4-speed |
| Ignition | Battery-Bosch |
| Power | 10.50 HP (7.7 kW)) @ 5200 RPM |
| Topspeed | 100.0 km/h (62.1 mph) |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 126.0 kg (277.8 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Overallheight | 1,000 mm (39.4 inches) |
| Overalllength | 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) |
| Overallwidth | 760 mm (29.9 inches) |
| Powerweightratio | 0.0833 HP/kg |
About NSU
Country of Origin:
Germany
Founder:
Christian Schmidt & Heinrich Stoll (NekarSUlm)
Best Known For:
Racing innovation, the elegant Max singles, and the ubiquitous Quickly moped
Company History
NSU journeyed from sewing machines and bicycles to world-class motorcycles, setting speed records and capturing GP titles before focusing on mass mobility. The Max series brought overhead-cam elegance to everyday riders—refined singles with superb road manners—while the Quickly moped democratized transport across postwar Europe with cheap, reliable commuting. NSU engineers were restless innovators, experimenting with rotary engines and advanced valvetrains; the company’s later merger path led into the Audi lineage. On two wheels, the throughline was clarity: machines that balanced engineering ambition with usability, supported by dealer networks that understood their communities. Historically, NSU helped define what a modern, reliable motorcycle felt like before Japan reshaped the market, and it embedded itself in daily life through the Quickly’s millions. Restored Maxes and Quicklys remain reminders that elegance and utility can share a badge—and that good engineering ages gracefully.