1914 Peugeot Moto Legere 350cc Paris-Nice
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
frames. Peugeot's reaction was to modernize its smallest-capacity model, the
2.5 hp.
Evolution, Not Revolution
The 2.5hp Moto Legere ("Light
Motorcycle") gained mechanically operated side valves. Its elegant new flat
rank 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 Legere won its category in the 1913 Paris-Nice rally and was
catalogued as the "Paris-Nice" model.