2023
Sommer Diesel 516 - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 644399 |
|---|---|
| Category | Allround |
| Make | Sommer |
| Model | Diesel 516 |
| Year | 2023 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | Steel tube |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakes | Single disc. Optional drum brake |
| Frontbrakesdiameter | 280 mm (11.0 inches) |
| Frontsuspension | Telescopic fork |
| Fronttyre | 3.25-19 |
| Frontwheeltravel | 150 mm (5.9 inches) |
| Rake | 25.0° |
| Rearbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rearbrakesdiameter | 152 mm (6.0 inches) |
| Rearsuspension | Swing arm, twin shocks |
| Reartyre | 3.50-19 |
| Rearwheeltravel | 120 mm (4.7 inches) |
| Seat | Single seat |
| Wheels | Stainless steel rims, wire spoked |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 93.0 x 76.0 mm (3.7 x 3.0 inches) |
|---|---|
| Clutch | 5-plate in oil bath |
| Compression | 20.5:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Air |
| Displacement | 516.0 ccm (31.49 cubic inches) |
| Emissiondetails | Euro 4 |
| Enginedetails | Hatz 1B50 single cylinder engine |
| Enginetype | Diesel |
| Fuelconsumption | 2.50 litres/100 km (40.0 km/l or 94.09 mpg) |
| Fuelsystem | Injection |
| Gearbox | 4-speed |
| Greenhousegases | 58.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Maxrpm | 4000 |
| Power | 12.0 HP (8.8 kW)) @ 3500 RPM |
| Topspeed | 99.0 km/h (61.5 mph) |
| Torque | 27.5 Nm (2.8 kgf-m or 20.3 ft.lbs) @ 2000 RPM |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain (final drive) |
| Valvespercylinder | 2 |
Other Specifications
| Coloroptions | Black, red, light blue, blue |
|---|---|
| Comments | Modified Royal Enfield bike. Hand-made in Germany. |
| Electrical | Iskra 1 kW starter. Alternator 200W. |
| Factorywarranty | 2 Year Factory Warranty |
| Instruments | Analogue instruments |
| Starter | Electric |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 165.0 kg (363.8 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Fuelcapacity | 13.50 litres (3.57 US gallons) |
| Powerweightratio | 0.0727 HP/kg |
| Seatheight | 760 mm (29.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weightincloilgasetc | 180.0 kg (396.8 pounds) |
About Sommer
Country of Origin:
Germany
Founder:
Sommer Motorradtechnik (Friederich Sommer)
Best Known For:
Diesel-powered classic-style singles (e.g., Sommer Diesel 462)
Company History
Sommer carved a niche building diesel motorcycles with classic British lines—teardrop tanks, bench seats, and relaxed ergonomics—powered by industrial single-cylinder diesels known for longevity and thrift. These bikes are not about speed; they are about range, simplicity, and the reassuring thump of a slow piston. Owners value 2–3 L/100 km economy, tractor-like torque, and the ease of sourcing filters and parts from industrial suppliers. Frames and cycle parts are chosen for durability and service access, making long ownership realistic. Historically, Sommer shows how alternative propulsion can live happily inside traditional aesthetics: a practical, almost meditative approach to motorcycling that prizes patience and mechanical empathy over outright performance.