Peugeot BB3 50cc – 1962
Manufacturer Overview:
- Manufacturer: Peugeot Motorcycles
- Country: France
- Founded: 1898
- Specialization: Peugeot is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorcycles, and their designs were known for combining practicality with innovation. In the 1960s, Peugeot motorcycles were popular in Europe, particularly in France, where mopeds and small-displacement bikes were widely used for transportation.
Specifications:
- Engine: 49.9cc, 2-stroke, single-cylinder
- Power Output: 2.5 HP at 6,000 RPM
- Top Speed: Around 60 km/h (37 mph)
- Transmission: 3-speed manual gearbox (hence the “BB3” name, indicating 3 gears)
- Cooling System: Air-cooled
- Weight: Approximately 55 kg (121 lbs)
- Fuel Capacity: 6.5 litres
- Brakes: Drum brakes front and rear
- Suspension: Front telescopic forks, rear swingarm with twin shocks
- Frame: Steel tubular frame
- Fuel Economy: Very efficient, with over 100 mpg due to the small displacement and lightweight build
Design:
- Step-Through Frame: The Peugeot BB3, like many mopeds of the time, featured a step-through frame design. This allowed for easy mounting and dismounting, making it popular with a wide range of riders, including commuters and urban dwellers.
- Compact and Light: The BB3 was designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to manoeuvre through narrow European streets. Its minimalistic design was paired with the practicality of a small engine, ensuring ease of maintenance and affordability.
- Functional Aesthetics: Peugeot kept the design simple but stylish, incorporating a small fuel tank, narrow frame, and slim profile. It often came with colour schemes that included pastel tones, reflecting the fashionable trends of the 1960s.
- Utility Focus: A rear luggage rack was often standard, allowing riders to carry small loads. This practicality further cemented the BB3’s place as a commuter favourite.
Legacy:
- Popular Commuter Bike: The Peugeot BB3 was incredibly popular in France and other parts of Europe where mopeds were frequently used for daily transportation. Its affordability, ease of use, and fuel efficiency made it a go-to option for working-class individuals and students.
- One of Peugeot’s Most Successful Models: The BB series was highly successful for Peugeot, and the BB3, with its 3-speed manual gearbox, was a step up from earlier BB models that featured automatic or 2-speed transmissions. It was seen as a more versatile and higher-performance option within the range.
- Contribution to Moped Culture: The BB3 was part of the larger moped movement that took over Europe in the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, small motorcycles and mopeds provided affordable transportation for the masses, helping millions of people commute without relying on cars or public transport.
- Collector’s Item: Today, the Peugeot BB3 is considered a collector’s item. Its nostalgic value and classic French design have made it a sought-after model among moped and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.
Most Interesting and Important Facts:
- 3-Speed Innovation: The BB3 stood out due to its 3-speed manual transmission, which gave riders more control over the bike compared to the simpler 2-speed or automatic variants. This allowed for better performance, especially in hilly areas or when carrying extra weight.
- Peugeot’s Dedication to Mopeds: By 1962, Peugeot had solidified itself as a leader in the moped market. The BB3 exemplified the company’s dedication to creating practical yet stylish transportation solutions for the urban rider.
- High-Performance for its Class: For a 50cc moped, the BB3 was considered quite powerful. The 2.5 HP engine could push the bike to a top speed of 60 km/h, making it one of the faster mopeds in its category at the time.
- Cultural Icon: In post-war Europe, mopeds like the BB3 symbolized freedom and mobility for young people. The low cost of ownership and ease of use made mopeds accessible to a wider audience, contributing to the rise of a vibrant riding culture in countries like France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
- Peugeot’s Engineering Excellence: The 2-stroke engine, while common at the time, was highly efficient and easy to maintain. The BB3’s simple yet robust design allowed it to remain in service for decades, with many examples still being used or restored today.
The Peugeot BB3 50cc – 1962 is a shining example of Peugeot’s prowess in the small-displacement, utilitarian motorcycle market. It perfectly captured the essence of European moped culture in the 1960s, with its blend of practicality, performance, and style. Its legacy endures in the form of its collector status, and it remains an iconic piece of French motorcycle history.