Peugeot 500 M
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing, Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1810 |
| Founder | Armand Peugeot |
| Headquarters | Sochaux , France |
| Products | Motorcycles, Automobiles |
The Peugeot 500 M (1913–1914) represented a pioneering French racing motorcycle engineered by Ernest Henry. It holds the distinction of being the first motorcycle equipped with a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) alongside a four-valve-per-cylinder configuration, signifying a major breakthrough in motorcycle design.
Development and technology
Ernest Henry transformed his acclaimed 1912 Peugeot four-cylinder racing powerplant into a parallel twin-cylinder configuration for the 500 M. This power unit utilized gear-driven dual overhead camshafts and incorporated four valves per cylinder, establishing it as the era’s most sophisticated motorcycle engine. Nevertheless, the materials technology of the period was insufficient to fully support this innovation, resulting in issues such as valve seat fractures.
While the engine was technologically advanced, power delivery was restricted to a single-speed direct belt drive. The motorcycle also featured a pedal-activated rear drum brake and employed front suspension through a girder fork system.
Test drives
During 1913, Peugeot showcased the 500 M’s capabilities by setting a world record speed exceeding over the flying kilometre within its engine displacement category. Although Peugeot entered motorcycles powered by reliable two-cylinder V-engines with simpler valve arrangements in the 1913 French motorcycle Grand Prix, the groundbreaking 500 M participated in various competitions but was ultimately impeded by the onset of World War I.
Later redesigns
Post-war, in 1919, Peugeot recommenced development based on Henry’s initial 1913/14 design. Significant modifications led by Marcel Grémillon relocated the DOHC gear drive to the side of the engine and introduced a three-speed transmission with clutch engagement. By 1923, Lessman Antonesco further refined the model into an overhead cam (OHC), two-valve engine utilizing shaft-and-bevel camshaft drive mechanisms. This iteration became noted for its superior speed and reliability. However, by 1925, Peugeot divided its motorcycle and automobile departments, bringing an end to the Grand Prix twin-cylinder project.
2010 reproduction
To commemorate the centenary of this model, electronics engineer Jean Boulicot undertook a reconstruction between approximately 2000 and 2010, faithfully following Henry’s original schematics and employing personal lathe and milling tools. This faithful reproduction was unveiled at Salon Rétromobile in 2010.
