Motorcycle specifications Peugeot103 1971 French star

The famous 103 is not a motorcycle. Why is it on this site? Because it's an iconic Peugeot model. Because the brand is the world's oldest in motorcycle history - Peugeot Moto: 1898 / Indian: 1901 / first Triumph motorcycle: 1902 / Harley-Davidson: 1903. Because the lion of Sochaux was one of the world's greatest motorcycle manufacturers. Because many youngsters began their mechanical passion on this machine. Because Richi had one, and it was thanks to him that I was able to take my first turns on the wheel.

Introduced at the end of 1971, the Peugeot 103 has marked several generations and become a French icon. In 50 years, this moped, originally created for utility purposes, has become a symbol of freedom and a veritable fashion and lifestyle icon. It also enabled Cycles Peugeot to become France's leading manufacturer and the world's second largest moped manufacturer at the time.

After the many models of mopeds with gears or auxiliary engines, and the 101, 102, 104 series, the 103 found the right technical and economic compromise to become the most widely produced 49.9 cm³ two-wheeled two-stroke in the world today.

History

The Peugeot 103 began its quiet career by adopting the original mechanical parts of its big brother, the 104. With its articulated rear engine arm, clamshell intake and power output of 1.9 hp at 5,500 rpm, the 103 won over and set itself apart from the competition. In 1974, three years after its homologation, the 103 broke all sales records with over 550,000 units sold, becoming a youth icon!

The keys to success

robust , easy to use and maintain, recognizable design, affordable price: the Peugeot 103 is the most accomplished moped produced by Cycles Peugeot from 1971 onwards.

Over the years, the 103 would evolve, adapting to new legislation and constantly benefiting from technical and aesthetic improvements: refined lines, improved visibility with a new headlight, engine power increased from 1.9 hp to 2.3 hp, new aluminum protective casing, etc.

Thanks to this high level of acceptance by French customers, the brand has been able to take advantage of this to develop its international business and achieve record figures.

Key figures:

- The Mandeure plant was built in 1925, and by 1969 Cycles Peugeot had almost 4,000 employees
- 1973: 786,137 units produced, making the Lion brand the French market leader
- In the same year, the brand exports 150,000 mopeds, representing 40% of French exports in the sector
- 1980: Peugeot 103 wins the "24 Heures Cyclo" with Vincent Briottet and Frédéric Pelletier
- 1984: Peugeot 103 wins the "24 Heures Cyclo" with Michel and Philippe Pelletier
- An industrial success story, the plant's five assembly lines produced up to 2,000 vehicles a day
- Peugeot 103: the world's most successful single-motor moped to date, with over 3 million units sold

In the early '80s, regulations made it possible to develop pedalless models, and volumes rebounded with the 103 SP, SPX and RCX. The same mechanics were even equipped with liquid cooling for the sportiest riders, while the MVL and MVC versions favored comfort, protection and standing! Countless professional versions were produced for public authorities all over Europe, and by 1993, not even the modern Peugeot FOX with its scooter engine could dethrone the famous cyclo.

With the rise in living standards, the advent of anti-pollution standards and the development of the modern scooter, moped sales have dwindled considerably nowadays, but the 103 remains a symbol for all French people and a flagship piece treasured by many collectors and enthusiasts.

Credits and images: Peugeot