1951 NSU Delphin III Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown
At the heart of the 1951 NSU Delphin III sport motorcycle, NSU features a 498.7 cc (30.4 cu in) air-cooled twin, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 110 HP (80.3 kW) at 8,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 220.6 HP per liter, the engine character is placing it firmly in high-revving supersport territory where top-end breathing dominates.
On the scales, the Delphin III measures 220 kg (485 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.5 HP/kg (2 kg per horsepower).
Within MotoLibrary's NSU archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1951 to 1956, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
220.6 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.5 HP/kg (2 kg/HP)
Engine
Displacement498.7 ccm (30.43 cubic inches)
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke
Engine DetailsSupercharger, both a trochoidal inner rotor and epitrochoidal outer rotor
Power110.0 HP (80.3 kW)) @ 8500 RPM
Bore x Stroke63.0 x 80.0 mm (2.5 x 3.1 inches)
Fuel SystemTurbo
CoolingAir
Transmission
Gearbox4-speed
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Performance
Top Speed340.0 km/h (211.3 mph)
Chassis
Frame TypeStreamliner. Wind tunnel designed fairing with a drag coefficient of 0.19.
Front SuspensionParallelogram
Rear SuspensionTelescopic
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre3.25-18
Rear Tyre3.50-20
Front BrakesExpanding brake (drum brake)
Rear BrakesExpanding brake (drum brake)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight220.0 kg (485.0 pounds)
Power/Weight0.5000 HP/kg
Overall Height1100 mm (43.3 inches)
Overall Length3700 mm (145.7 inches)
Overall Width640 mm (25.2 inches)
Other
Color OptionsRed/white/black
Notes
Wilhelm Herz rode the bike to 211.4 miles per hour (340.2 km/h) at Bonneville Speedway in Utah, to break 200 mph (320 km/h) for the first time.
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
