BMW R50US vs DKW SB 500 (1969)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R50USstacks up against the DKW SB 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBMW R50USDKW SB 500
Model year19691939
Price
Engine494 cc494 cc
Horsepower26 hp15 hp
Weight165 kg
Fuel capacity4.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-speed
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake). Duplex full hubExpanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake). Simplex full hubExpanding brake (drum brake)
Tires3.50-18.00 / 4.02-18.00 3.5-19 / 3.5-19

BMW R50US vs DKW SB 500 — which should you buy?

Picking between the BMW R50US and the DKW SB 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R50US brings 26 hp, while the DKW SB 500 counters with 15 hp at 165 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: