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NSU 350 OT

NSU1940

NSU was founded in the German town of Riedlingen in 1873, and later production was moved to Neckarsulm. The brand originally started with the production of sewing and weaving machines, and gradually expanded to the production of cars and motorcycles. The first motorcycle from NSU came in 1901, and it had an engine from the Swiss manufacturer "Zedel".

NSU was a significant German manufacturer of motorcycles, in line with BMW and Zundapp . The factory located in Nekcarsulm produced motorcycles and mopeds until 1963, and cars until 1969. The two-wheelers were both fast and technically advanced. NSU was a force to be reckoned with both on the road and not least on the racetrack. Neckarsulmer Motorenwerke AG has a long and distinguished history, and the motorcycles from NSU distinguished themselves early on as very fast and reliable. As previously mentioned, the factory was established in Riedlingen in 1873, and the first products were knitting machines.

Germania pedal bikes

In 1884, production moved to Neckarsulm, and in 1886, pedal bicycles were produced under the name “Germania.” The first NSU motorcycle was produced in 1901, placing the factory among the pioneers of motorcycle production.

Among the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers

In 1938, production reached 61,000 motorcycles, which was the peak year for NSU . By the beginning of the 1950s, NSU had shaken off the ravages of war and was, together with BSA , one of the world's largest manufacturers of mopeds and motorcycles.

Triumphs on the racetracks

As mentioned, NSU left its mark, and in the 1950s they had great success in the TT races on the Isle of Man. This decade NSU set no less than 3 world records, respectively in 1953, 1954 and 1955. It was the “Rennsport” model in particular that brought the brand to the top of the podium in racing. NSU had its greatest commercial success with the moped “Quickly” which was produced in approximately 1.1 million copies.

The 4-strokes OT, OS and OSL

In the early 1930s, NSU came up with a series of small, single-cylinder 4-strokes that became very popular. Three of these models, with displacements of 201 cc, 251 cc and 351 cc, were fast and easy to drive. The three models looked very similar at first glance, and many of the parts were the same. The model designations OT, OS and OSL helped to distinguish them from each other in terms of specific displacement, weight and power. The largest models in the 4-stroke segment were 500 and 600 cc.

NSU ; part of Audi AG

Despite its good name and reputation, and triumphs in racing, sales figures declined towards the end of the 1960s. The Japanese motorcycles were knocking on the door. The hourglass was now running out for NSU , which after 1969 became the subject of various mergers, until they disappeared into what was in 1985 Audi AG.

  • Technical data NSU 350 OT, 1940 model:
  • Engine: 1-cylinder 4-stroke, OHV
  • Displacement: 331 cc
  • Power: 12.5 hp at 5020 rpm
  • No. of gears: 3
  • Weight: 150 kg
  • Top speed: 105 km/h