BMW R51 3 vs NSU 501 TS (1954)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R51 3stacks up against the NSU 501 TS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R51 3 | NSU 501 TS |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1954 | 1936 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 494 cc |
| Horsepower | 24 hp | 14 hp |
| Weight | — | 185 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | — |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.50-19.00 / 3.50-19.00 | 3.50-26 / 4-27 |
BMW R51 3 vs NSU 501 TS — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R51 3 and the NSU 501 TS usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R51 3 brings 24 hp, while the NSU 501 TS counters with 14 hp at 185 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:

