Highlights
- A rare and technically innovative Konsul I
- A highly original motorbike with a fascinating and age-appropriate patina
- Equipped with a classic sidecar to carry up to three people
- Matching engine and chassis numbers
- Registered in Italy with proper papers
The Attractions
Just before the Second World War, NSU was the world's leading motorbike manufacturer. Its motorbikes adopted state-of-the-art mechanical solutions and were robust and reliable: for these reasons, the German army used almost 20,000 of them during the war.
After the war, the situation was decidedly less favourable and the two-wheeler world became more difficult and competitive. However, this did not stop NSU from creating the Konsul I - also known as the 351 OS-T - which used the engine of the pre-war 351 OSL model, combining it with updated mechanics. In the immediate post-war period it was considered one of the most valuable and comfortable motorbikes.
This splendid 1952 Konsul I is a truly remarkable and characterful example, proudly displaying the fascinating patina it has acquired over the years. It is also accompanied by a classic sidecar that allows it to carry up to three people. The sidecar can be easily removed, allowing the bike to be used on its own. We have been informed that the engine and frame serial numbers match.
The seller told us that this bike works properly, that it rides, shifts and brakes well, and that it does not require any immediate work.
History and Documentation
- Registered in Italy in 1952
- Italian number plate and registration documents supplied
- Ready for transfer of ownership
- Engine and chassis have matching serial numbers
Conditions
Motorbike:
- The bodywork is in good overall condition, some signs of age can be seen.
- Among the visible signs is some patina on the chrome plating of the tank, shown in the photos
- Black paint on frame and tank in fair condition with some visible marks
- Chrome wheels in fair condition with some oxidation marks as shown
- Twin saddles are upholstered in black leather; front saddle shows some signs of wear
- NSU decals and instrumentation in original condition with some patina
- Some marks and dents can be seen on the chrome, including the exhausts, as shown in the photos
- The seller indicates that the exhaust silencers need to be replaced
- Tyres are quite dated and could need attention
Sidecar:
- Sidecar with a single seat covered in black vinyl
- Black paint with gold trim with some signs of ageing
- Spoked rims with matching spare wheel and vintage tyres as shown in the photos
- Grey carpets in good condition on floor and side panels
- Equipped with a small rear luggage rack
Mechanics
- Air-cooled four-stroke twin-cylinder overhead cam engine with light alloy cylinder head, 349 cc with 17.5 hp
- 4-speed manual gearbox
- Engine starts smoothly and runs properly
- The bike brakes well and the gearbox works properly; there were no reported problems
- The seller has told us that this bike has matching serial numbers
- Specifications include telescopic forks and tubular closed-bridge frame
- The seller reports that
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