Neckarsulm Strickmaschinen Union (NSU) had its roots in the knitting machine manufacturing industry, starting in 1873. By 1892 they had moved to bicycle manufacturing and in 1901 they made their first motorized bicycle. This 1960 NSU 250 Supermax has been stored in a garage since the mid-1980s and, as you can see, it’ll need some work to get it back on the road again.

This bike has aftermarket leg shields, crash bar, and windshield, but other than that it looks pretty original. In 1953 NSU produced the 250 Max which had a pressed steel monocoque frame which was innovative for the time. By 1955, NSU was the biggest producer of motorcycles in the world.

I’m not sure what’s going on there, an electronic ignition or some sort of non-stock device that I would take off in the first seven minutes that I owned this bike. The seller says that the bike isn’t “running but does kick over”. This is a one-cylinder 247cc with 18 hp; quite a thumper for its day.

I think this is a great looking bike, especially with all of the shields and smooth-styling and those fun little saddle bags. And, that it’s a single-seater is great, usually they have a big, full-sized seat which really takes away from the sleek design, in my opinion. You could restore it or just get it running and drive it as it looks here.

This great project is on eBay with an asking price of $3,000 or make an offer. It’s in Parlin, New Jersey so if you’re on the east coast it’s a no-brainer, and even if you’re not it’s a great project for the summer. Would you restore this bike or just get it running and ride it as is?