Little lionheart: Peugeot set to return to bikes with new PM-01 models

Peugeot – who built their first motorcycle way back in 1898 and are best known for scooters – are re-entering the small-displacement motorcycle market with their new PM-01 models available in 125cc and – later in the year – 300cc variants, featuring angular lines and distinctive lights.

The 125 produces 13.7bhp at 9500rpm and a tad over 8lb.ft of torque at 7500rpm, both of which are less than the small displacement competition from the likes of KTM, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha.

A black, tubular chassis holds the engine in place while a blacked-out exhaust system runs underneath.

Up front 41mm upside-down forks supply the damping to the 17in front wheel booted with 110/70 tyres. Size wise the forks match those on the Honda CB125R and Yamaha MT125.

Damping on the rear is taken care of by a single shock with adjustable preload, while a six-speed gearbox transfers power to the 17in rear 150/60 tyre – meaning plenty of decent tyre options.

A single 280mm disc, which is the smallest amongst the aforementioned competition, provides the stopping power up front. At the rear a 240mm disc, the largest disc among its competitors, helps to bring proceedings to a stop. Dual-channel ABS is standard, rather than the linked system often favoured on affordable 125cc models.

Weighing in at a claimed 152kg, the PM-01 is 8kg heavier than the next heaviest, (Kawasaki’s Z125) and a whopping 22kg heftier than the CB125R. Added to the fact it has less power, torque and front stopping power it is hard to see how Peugeot expect to the PM-01 to compete within the 125cc market.

Styling may be one answer as the PM-01 features clean angular looks and a distinctive, three-claw, LED headlight design encased in a colour-coded cowling. An LED rear light and USB port are also standard. A TFT screen with connectivity and a low seat height of 810mm are also positives, as is the decent 12.5-litre tank.

The 125 is expected in showrooms in the second quarter of this year in Jet Blue, Sharp White or Matt Black and priced at £3999.

The 300cc variant is also due for release later in the year and will share front and back suspension, lighting, fuel tank, brakes, wheels and tyres with its smaller sister model. Power will increase to a claimed 29bhp, while torque reaches 18lb.ft with a kerb weight of 162kg.

Peugeot PM-01 in detail

• Eye of the lion: The striking three-claw LED headlight design is a nod to the company’s lion logo which it first introduced in 1905, will make the PM-01 stand out.
• Angular styling: The lines begin with the headlight cowl and move along the squared off tank to the minimal rear faring. It will be available in three colours.
• Dual channel ABS: While the disc on the front is small compared to its rivals the rear disc is larger, so combined should bring the 152kg 125cc model to a safe standstill.
• Pay and display: The TFT dash with connectivity and a USB port as standard will appeal to those seeking some 21^st century tech on their 125.
• Shared components: The 300cc version coming later this year will share many components of the 125cc including the TFT dash, front and rear suspension, the same LED lighting and a 12.5L tank.