This NSU is called the Supermax because it was simply a superior 250cc roadster of the 1950s and early ‘60s. NSU built the smoothest, fastest, best-handling and most reliable 250 in the industry by the 1950s, with a unit-construction, 4-speed motor that was virtually unbreakable in a pressed-steel chassis with leading-link forks styled gracefully with deep fenders and rounded chrome fuel tank. Chief NSU engineer Albert Roder designed his own system for driving the rocker gear of the Max series of roadsters, which first appeared in 1952 as the Model 251 OSB Max. Rather than using pushrods or a chain-drive OHC or a shaft-and-bevel OHC, Roder created a unique valve train using a pair of connecting rods running alongside the cylinder that gave positive OHC valve operation he called the Ultramax system. The system proved easy to tune, and the factory offered a Sportmax production racer version of the Max series that shared its pressed-steel chassis and simple single-cylinder motor, at a time when the NSU factory absolutely dominated the 250cc class of the World Championships.

The ultimate roadster version of the Max series was the Supermax of 1956, which dropped the Max’s original underslung, cantilevered rear swingarm suspension in favor of a more conventional twin-shock design; the change made it more of a luxury 250 than a sports machine, but its high top speed of 80 MPH could be maintained seemingly indefinitely, as the motor was tireless and the chassis very comfortable. It also had a paper oil filter, improved hand controls and an 18 HP motor. It was a very popular model with around 97,000 of the Max series sold over 11 years.

Our Supermax is a nice original example in the less common blue color. It is not restored but rather well preserved showing less than 14,000 miles since new. We have serviced it at our shop and it is in excellent running and riding condition. It is a personal favorite of Blue Moon's owner, John Landstrom and has been in his collection the past 20 years. Now it is offered for sale for the first time.