351 OT

1938 NSU 351 OT Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around NSU's sport motorcycle platform, the 1938 NSU 351 OT pairs a 331 cc (20.2 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 12.5 HP (9.1 kW) at 5,020 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 351 OT measures 150 kg (331 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.08 HP/kg (12 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,285 mm (50.6 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 12.3-liter (3.2 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 105 km/h (65 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's NSU archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 1936 to 1939, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.