501 TS

1936 NSU 501 TS Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in NSU's allround motorcycle lineup, the 1936 NSU 501 TS features a 494 cc (30.1 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 14 HP (10.2 kW) at 4,350 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through chain final drive. With a specific output of 28.3 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 501 TS measures 185 kg (408 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.08 HP/kg (13.21 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,390 mm (54.7 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry.

Within MotoLibrary's NSU archive, this model family spans 7 indexed model years from 1930 to 1936, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.