BMW R50 5 vs Ariel KH 500 (1969)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R50 5stacks up against the Ariel KH 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R50 5 | Ariel KH 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1969 | 1948 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 498 cc | 498 cc |
| Horsepower | 32 hp | 28 hp |
| Torque | 39 Nm | — |
| Weight | — | 177 kg |
| Seat height | 34 mm | — |
| Fuel capacity | 6.3 L | 4.5 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | 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 | 3.00-20 / 3.50-19 |
BMW R50 5 vs Ariel KH 500 — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R50 5 and the Ariel KH 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R50 5 brings 32 hp, while the Ariel KH 500 counters with 28 hp at 177 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: