BMW R50 vs BMW R51 3 (1960)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R50stacks up against the BMW R51 3. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBMW R50BMW R51 3
Model year19601954
Price
Engine494 cc494 cc
Horsepower26 hp24 hp
Fuel capacity4.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-speed4-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 3.50-19.00 / 3.50-19.00

BMW R50 vs BMW R51 3 — which should you buy?

Picking between the BMW R50 and the BMW R51 3 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R50 brings 26 hp, while the BMW R51 3 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: