NZ 500

1939 DKW NZ 500 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1939 DKW NZ 500 allround motorcycle, DKW utilizes a 489 cc (29.8 cu in) air-cooled twin, two-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 18.5 HP (13.5 kW) at 4,200 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through chain final drive. With a specific output of 37.8 HP per liter, the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the NZ 500 measures 195 kg (430 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.09 HP/kg (10.54 kg per horsepower).

Within MotoLibrary's DKW archive, this model family spans 3 indexed model years from 1939 to 1941, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.