BMW R50 5 vs AJS Model 18 500 Statesman (1969)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R50 5stacks up against the AJS Model 18 500 Statesman. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R50 5 | AJS Model 18 500 Statesman |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1969 | 1965 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 498 cc | 498 cc |
| Horsepower | 32 hp | 28 hp |
| Torque | 39 Nm | — |
| Weight | — | 172 kg |
| Seat height | 34 mm | — |
| Fuel capacity | 6.3 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | — |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake). Duplex full hub | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake). Simplex full hub | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.27-19 / 4.02-18 | 3.25-18 / 3.25-18 |
BMW R50 5 vs AJS Model 18 500 Statesman — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R50 5 and the AJS Model 18 500 Statesman usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R50 5 brings 32 hp, while the AJS Model 18 500 Statesman counters with 28 hp at 172 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: