1956 NSU Supermax

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John Gary Brown’s 1956 NSU Supermax is a willing runner. Light and nimble, it’s perfect for running quick errands.
John Gary Brown’s 1956 NSU Supermax is a willing runner. Light and nimble, it’s perfect for running quick errands.
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Illustration of a NSU Supermax from promotional materials.
Illustration of a NSU Supermax from promotional materials.
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John Gary Brown’s 1956 NSU Supermax is a willing runner. Light and nimble, it’s perfect for running quick errands.
John Gary Brown’s 1956 NSU Supermax is a willing runner. Light and nimble, it’s perfect for running quick errands.
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Classic bike, classic marketing: NSU’s promotional materials put the company’s products — and its target audience — in the best light; young, modern and cosmopolitan.
Classic bike, classic marketing: NSU’s promotional materials put the company’s products — and its target audience — in the best light; young, modern and cosmopolitan.
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John Gary Brown's 1956 NSU Supermax.
John Gary Brown's 1956 NSU Supermax.
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Promotional material for the NSU Supermax.
Promotional material for the NSU Supermax.
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Classic bike, classic marketing: NSU’s promotional materials put the company’s products — and its target audience — in the best light; young, modern and cosmopolitan.
Classic bike, classic marketing: NSU’s promotional materials put the company’s products — and its target audience — in the best light; young, modern and cosmopolitan.

1956 NSU Supermax
Years produced:
 1956-1963
Total production: 15,000 (est.)
Claimed power: 18bhp @ 6,750rpm
Top speed: 78mph
Engine type: Overhead cam, air-cooled single
Weight: 174kg (383lb) dry 
Price then: $700 (1956, est.)
Price now: $3,000-$7,000

True love kept John Gary Brown and his 1956 NSU Supermax together. Well, that and a dead coil. 

When unanticipated health care expenses forced Brown to part with most of his collection of classic German motorcycles several years ago, he faced an agonizing choice to sacrifice either the NSU Supermax or a 1956 Adler MB250.

Each bike had its virtues. Although the single-cylinder NSU is slow and underpowered by modern standards, Brown saw timeless beauty in its engineering, fit and finish, especially the unorthodox workings of its 250cc power plant. But the teenager in his brain was screaming at him to keep the Adler, which could kick the living sauerkraut out of the NSU in speed and quickness.

Watch the NSU Supermax in action

  • Published on Aug 21, 2009
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