601 OSL

1940 NSU 601 OSL Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1940 NSU 601 OSL allround motorcycle, NSU utilizes a 562 cc (34.3 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 24 HP (17.5 kW) at 4,950 rpm. With a specific output of 42.7 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 601 OSL measures 150 kg (331 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.16 HP/kg (6.25 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,420 mm (55.9 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure.

Within MotoLibrary's NSU archive, this model family spans 6 indexed model years from 1936 to 1941, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.