All Tests – Peugeot Django 125 scooter test: neo-retro-work-sleep – Parisienne Walkways, Django version

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Peugeot Django 125 scooter test: neo-retro-work-sleep

All Tests - Peugeot Django 125 scooter test: neo-retro-work-sleep - Parisienne Walkways, Django version

Unveiled at the Eicma 2013 Show, the Django will finally land in Peugeot dealerships. Skilfully blending retro and modern, development in France and production in China, this new scooter has just been presented in Paris.. MNC was there: test.

Parisienne Walkways, Django version

At idle, the engine – which starts with a flick on the right stalk or with a sharp kick! – happily tosses the handlebars and its mirrors, but the rest of the scooter is perfectly fixed: no crackling reaches the buttocks or the ears.

If Peugeot has chosen this engine, it is precisely for its sobriety, from every point of view: manufactured by Sym – Peugeot’s partner in this field – the 125 cc is powered by a small carburetor and cooled by air. Relatively quiet, it only develops 10.2 horsepower but "consumes on average only 2.9 l / 100km", assures the manufacturer.

Django, what a funny name !

When asked about the origin of the name of their scooter, its designers replied that the word "Django was chosen because it evokes, for many, the 50s through the famous guitarist Django Reinhardt". They specify in passing that"the film by Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained, came out when we had already validated the name of the scooter"…

Meaning "I wake up" in Romani, Django "also contains the terms DJ and Go which, for the moment, are well in tune with the times. But above all we wanted to personalize our scooter"Peugeot officials assure. The scooter is also customizable. But that’s another story … to read on the next page !

When the light turns green, the start is not quite immediate. Not very nervous, the Django requires a bit of anticipation, especially if you count on the go-around to straighten the scooter at the exit of an intersection, in which it was previously thrown very easily thanks to its wheels. of 12 inches and its 129 kg (dry) low placed.

In the busy traffic of the capital, the Django is therefore far from being overwhelmed: very agile, it rivals in terms of acceleration with most of the two (or three!) Wheels. A brief foray on the N118 allows us to verify that 80 km / h is easily reached, even on a steep climb..

On the flat, the 115 km / h "counter" can be stalled (on 120 maxi according to the analogical meter which is also very readable), but the stability of the machine then becomes less than that of the 125 GT and / or sports cars more upscale. "The Django is above all designed to travel in urban areas", we had warned the managers of the brand.

Wedged in the back of his large saddle and leaning behind the small windshield (standard on the Evasion and Allure models), the rider could see himself leaving "on a getaway on the French Riviera by taking the national 7", as Peugeot evokes in its brochure…

But now is not the time to stroll: Site is neither on vacation in St-Tropez, nor on a weekend in Deauville, but indeed on the Paris ring road to do its job … while the Django is doing its own, both in terms of relaunches and handling as we have seen, but also in terms of braking !

"We have developed the SBC (Synchro Braking System) on the Citystar", informs us the product manager,"and it was important that this system is present on the Django (on three out of four versions as a reminder, Editor’s note) to reassure customers who may be attracted by the look of the Django, but have never driven a motorized two-wheeler".

By pulling only the left lever, the novice driver unknowingly activates both the rear brake (190 mm disc) and the front brake (200 mm disc). The confirmed biker feels that the machine is braking on both wheels.

The SBC’s automatic metering is so good that it allows you to grip the lever without ever pushing the rear wheel out. A small remark which is important: the Django benefited during our test from optimal driving conditions and the grip of the tires in the wet could not be tested..

In an emergency, you can obviously use the right lever (front brake only). But after having tested its bite and its power, both convincing, MNC did not request it any more: the Django does not incite to the attack.

In terms of driving pleasure, the new Peugeot scooter outperforms many of its competitors thanks to its very smooth transmission. A passage on cobblestones confirms that its suspensions are finely calibrated for a machine of this category and for a driver weighing 75 kg fully equipped.

But whatever his size, the – or the! – pilot feels comfortable aboard the Django. Thus, the short-on-legs are delighted with the low saddle height (770 mm). Conversely, the high-perched appreciate the large space devoted to the knees, and welcome the presence of notches in the apron which allow precious centimeters to be glued to the level of the feet. !

The feet are therefore naturally housed under the gas hatch (left) and the storage compartment with a 12 V outlet (right). The opening of these two spaces is intuitive: all you have to do is insert the key in the central lock, then tilt it to the left or to the right depending on whether you want to fill the gas tank (8.5 liters ) or the battery of his smartphone which is wedged in a small receptacle.

The real storage space is of course under the saddle, which can be opened via the switch with a simple flick of the key. The capacity seems generous at first glance, but the Django unfortunately does not accommodate a full face helmet, and even less a modular.

"Most of our customers travel by Jet", points out a member of the Peugeot Scooters team. However, this type of helmet is not ideal for protecting the smile, which is widely worn on the handlebars of this nice scooter! A Jet, therefore, easily finds its place , as well as a pair of gloves and rain pants.

On the practical side still, the Django misses the mark in terms of indicators: the control is first of all too far from the left thumb and it is not easy to reach it at the beginning. We even come to momentarily take our eyes off the road to start them !

Second fault of these indicators: their sound reminder too strident. If it effectively prevents any forgetfulness on the part of the driver, he risks not putting them on at all, especially when crossing peaceful alleys! Therefore counterproductive according to MNC, the system is also apparently difficult to disconnect. Pity…

To go up the lines, we will not forget this time to activate the warnings … and to watch the mirrors which are at the same height as those of the majority of cars: be careful not to damage the beautiful sometimes gray hulls , sometimes black, even chrome on the Heritage version.

Be careful with sidewalks too, because the Django does not have a great ground clearance. And finally, beware of roundabouts, where the crutch can end up rubbing (one of our colleagues had the bitter experience) … Site, which was content to walk around Paris, however not had to complain about this last point.

Consumption point of view, MNC did not have the opportunity to empty a tank and check if the Django has a maximum range of 290 km. The instrumentation does not indicate any consumption (average or instantaneous), but the essential is there.

Time, outside temperature, odometer or partial trip, fuel gauge: all this information is displayed in large characters on the central digital screen. By switching on the ignition, the driver is even warned of the distance between him and his next service.

In the end, the Django turns out to be a very charming urban and peri-urban scooter: its successful plastic sticks wonderfully with its small but voluntary motor, the coupled braking ensures – in the dry at least – efficient and safe decelerations, and its prices are reasonable regardless of the version chosen.

According to Site, the most annoying fault of the latest addition to the Peugeot Scooters family is undoubtedly the "beep" of its indicators. MNC also regrets not being able to accommodate a "real" motorcycle helmet in its trunk. Finally, some customers – to whom we repeat the benefits of "Made in France" at length of JT – will regret that this scooter is stamped "Made in China" … Even neo-retro must live with the times…

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