BMW R50 vs DKW SB 500A (1960)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R50stacks up against the DKW SB 500A. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBMW R50DKW SB 500A
Model year19601939
Price
Engine494 cc494 cc
Horsepower26 hp
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-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

BMW R50 vs DKW SB 500A — which should you buy?

Picking between the BMW R50 and the DKW SB 500A usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R50 brings 26 hp, while the DKW SB 500A counters with its own power figure.

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: