Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
911
PEUGEOT
Moto Iégère 350 cc Paris-Nice - 1914
Starting over from the bottom
Peugeot's 1912 models were reliable and well-developed, but technically they were beginning to pass their "best-by" date, with such archaic features as automatic inlet valves and round, limited-capacity fuel tanks. Their competitors, on the other hand, offered mechanically-operated side, and even overhead, valve engines in more modern
rames. Peugeot's reaction was to modernize its smallest-capacity model, the 2.5 hp.
Evolution, Not Revolution
The 2.5hp Moto Légère ("Light Motorcycle") gained mechanically operated side valves. Its elegant new flat tank curved downwards at the rear to lower the saddle height and also boasted nickel-plated fittings and maroon paintwork lined out in gold. Elsewhere, traditionalism still reigned supreme. Peugeot knew better than to frighten its clientele with too much rapid progress.
The Cheapest French Twin
The direct belt drive was retained (with a variable ratio engine pulley which could only be adjusted when the bike was stopped) and Truffault spring forks, which had a long travel but wore out quickly. Sold for just 1050 francs (approximately $190) with a complete tool kit, the Moto Legere was the cheapest twin cylinder bike on the French market and its chief rival was the Terrot Motorette No.3, which was only a single-cylinder but cost 985 francs ($178). The new Moto L€~gere won its
category in the 1913 Paris-Nice rally and was catalogued as the "Paris-Nice" model.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: air-cooled 345cc (56x70mm) 45 degree V-twin four-stroke with magneto ignition
Power Rating: 6hp
Valves: Side-valve
Fuel System: Claudel carburetor
Transmission: belt
Suspension: Truffault leading link (front); rigid (rear)
Brakes: two brake shoes on belt pulley rim
Wheels: wire clincher
Weight: 132 lb
Maximum Speed: 44 mph
Produced between 1913 and 1915, the Paris-Nice was offered with a range of options, such as a Peugeot rear bub clutch (125 francs), a Britishmade Armstrong 3-speed bub with tank change (350 francs) or a sidecar (325 francs).