Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
6611
PEUGEOT
350cc 3.5 hp Type MT -1920
Mildly modernized
Apart from a 1914 500cc twin-cylinder racer with two overhead-camshafts and four valves per cylinder, Peugeot motorcycles have never been renowned for technical innovation.
Why Change a Winning Formula?
Peugeot was derided for its conservatism when it entered a bike with a side-valve engine and direct-belt drive for the 1913 GP of France - but it had the last laugh when this machine won!
Tried and Tested
This well-tried engine reappeared after WWI and from 1919 to 1922 was fitted to face-lifted motorcycles, which had simply been modernized by adding a gearbox. First seen in 1913, on the single-speed belt-drive "Paris- Nice" lightweight, this V-twin was fitted with a two-speed gearbox during WWI- on models that were never catalogued but very likely reserved for the French Army. In 1919, they appeared on the civilian market, with only one apparent mechanical modification- the adoption of a pressed-steel cover for the valve stems to prevent the rider from getting grease on his pants. The MT remained in production through 1922. Faced with competition from war-surplus Harleys and Indians, the Peugeot was given a beefier appearance. The flimsy Truffault fork was replaced by a robust leading-link unit, a bigger tank was fitted and tool boxes were fitted on the luggage grid. The new look wasn't enough – production of the MT still remained small.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 345cc (56x70mm) air-cooled fixed-head V-twin four-stroke; magneto ignition; total loss lubrication with semi-automatic hand pump
Power Rating: 6 hp @ 4000 rpm
Valves: side
Fuel System: Amac 2-lever carburetor (later models had single lever)
Transmission: 2-speed tank-shift, chain primary drive; belt final drive
Suspension: leading-link forks with optional leaf springing (front); rigid (rear)
Brakes: none (front); twin shoes on belt rim (rear)
Wheels: 600 x 65mm clincher (front & rear)
Weight: 154 lb
Maximum Speed: 40 mph
The post-WWI restyling of the 1920 3.5 hp Type MT effectively concealed the fact that this was really a warmed-over version of the "Light Motorcycle."