BMW R50 5 vs AJS Model 20 500 (1969)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R50 5stacks up against the AJS Model 20 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R50 5 | AJS Model 20 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1969 | 1959 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 498 cc | 498 cc |
| Horsepower | 32 hp | 20 hp |
| Torque | 39 Nm | — |
| Weight | — | 178 kg |
| Seat height | 34 mm | — |
| Fuel capacity | 6.3 L | 3.6 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 | 3.25-19 / 3.25-19 |
BMW R50 5 vs AJS Model 20 500 — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R50 5 and the AJS Model 20 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R50 5 brings 32 hp, while the AJS Model 20 500 counters with 20 hp at 178 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: