TAKING IT TO THE MAX

My 1963 NSU Supermax was an official import and in its day was an expensive bike. Looking at period mags you could buy a 650 Matchless for the price of my German-made 250 when new, so you had to be a discerning type to purchase the Supermax. These motorcycles were first made in 1953 and designed by Albert Roder. It is a fairly unique design, as the overhead cam is driven by connecting rods and it is a very robust system. NSU were world 250 GP champions in 1953, ’54 and ’55 and the largest motorcycle factory in the world. The last year they won the championship was with one of the engines that powered the road-going single. It was meant as a clubmans racer, but was good enough to beat the Italians for the title.

For a 250 it is a heavy bike, but the performance was good enough to deliver over 75mph and you can hold it against the stop for as long as you like. Spares are easy to get from a couple of German dealers. There were three models: the original ’53 Max, followed by the Special Max which had improved brakes; both of these models had a pressed-steel frame and a monoshock. Then,

ABOVE: Richard’s NSU Super Max was expensive in its day and is a rare sight in the UK today