BMW R50 vs BMW R5 (1960)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R50stacks up against the BMW R5. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBMW R50BMW R5
Model year19601937
Price
Engine494 cc494 cc
Horsepower26 hp24 hp
Fuel capacity4.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-speed4-speed
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Expanding brake (drum brake). Single
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Expanding brake (drum brake)
Tires3.50-18 / 3.50-18 3.50-19.00 / 3.50-19.00

BMW R50 vs BMW R5 — which should you buy?

Picking between the BMW R50 and the BMW R5 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R50 brings 26 hp, while the BMW R5 counters with 24 hp.

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: