Peugeot 1912ca 2½ HP Type MD 333cc 2 yl AIV 3411

Peugeot 1912ca Motocyclette Légère 2 ½ HP Type “MD” 333 cc AIV V-twin frame # 16287 engine # 24484

 In 1910 Peugeot brings out a light V- twin motorcycle that will become an enormous success. The “Moto Légère MD” is equipped with a 333 cc (55 x 70) 45 degree V-twin engine with automatic inlet valves, direct belt transmission, Bosch magneto, single lever Claudel carburettor and Truffault front forks. The little machine proves easy to start, easy to handle and is very reliable. Moreover, it weighs only 40 kg, is a good hillclimber and able to sustain a practical running speed of 60 km/h. For model year 1913 the stroke is enlarged from 70 to 80 mm which results in a capacity of 380 cc and a speed of 70 km/h. This machine is catalogued as “MD2” and can be recognized by the horizontally placed spark plugs. In 4 years some 10,000 machines are sold and the “Moto Légère” or Light Motorcycle will become the most popular pre-1915 French motorcycle model. The machine has 2 brakes on the rear wheel which are applied by levers on the handlebars. The Claudel carburettor is operated by a single lever next to the left hand grip; near the right hand grip we find the valve lifter and the magneto cutout.

This older restoration veteran is fitted with aluminium footrests and comes with “Belfort” bulb horn, tyre pump and “Peugeot” acetylene front lamp. Special features are a tank top mounted extra oil tank and a cleverly made drip feed lubrication system that some owner in the little bike’s history has fabricated.