BMW R50 2 vs DKW SB 500 (1969)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R50 2stacks up against the DKW SB 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBMW R50 2DKW SB 500
Model year19691939
Price
Engine494 cc494 cc
Horsepower26 hp15 hp
Weight165 kg
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-speed
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Expanding brake (drum brake)
Tires3.50-18 / 3.50-18 3.5-19 / 3.5-19

BMW R50 2 vs DKW SB 500 — which should you buy?

Picking between the BMW R50 2 and the DKW SB 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R50 2 brings 26 hp, while the DKW SB 500 counters with 15 hp at 165 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: