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NSU Sportmax 250
Late in 1954 NSU announced that it was withdrawing from world
championship racing. As justification for its decision the company cited the
complete success of its sports program and the evident superiority of its
motorcycles. From that time on, both the Rennfox and the Rennmax disappeared
from the racing scene. But in 1955 NSU prepared, in an unofficial manner, a
sports model based on one of its production motorcycles. It was called the
Sportmax 250.
In the Sportmax version the NSU technicians got 29 h.p. from
the engine, while the production model was less than 20 h.p. The Sportmax 250
had a fine chassis and bell fairing that made it comparable to the Rennmax. The
Sportmax was highly ma-neuverable and stable, thanks in part to its light
weight—about 240 pounds. Herman Muller rode the motorcycle to the 250-class
world championship in 1955. This was the first time in the history of motorcycle
racing that a vehicle not specially built to compete for a title had the speed
and endurance to win a world championship.
NSU did not return to racing in 1956. But for some time individual German and
British racers—John Surtees and Mike Hailwood among them—continued to compete
with the Sportmax, riding against the Italian MVs, Mondials, and Guzzis.
Motorcycle: NSU Sportmax 250 Manufacturer: NSU, Neckarsulm Type: Racing,
derived from production
model Year: 1955
Engine: NSU single-cylinder, four-stroke, with single overhead distribution
shaft, controlled by connecting rods. Displacement 246.8 cc. (69 mm. x 66 mm.)
Cooling: Air
Transmission: Four-speed block Power: 29 h.p. at 9,600 r.p.m. Maximum speed:
About 130 m.p.h. (with
bell fairing) Chassis: Single-bar in stamped plate,
with engine projecting and suspended.
Front wheel, swinging-link suspension;
rear wheel, telescopic suspension Brakes: Front and rear, central drum with
double cam
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