Peugeot Satelis 125 Compressor

[Busaberke]

Peugeot's new 125 GT model is now available in Compressor version, with a supercharged engine enabling engine pick-up worthy of a 250 cc. At £2,599, the Satelis Compressor is the most high-performance scooter in its category.



© PeugeotA first on a GT scooter

Launched on the sporty Jet Force scooter in 2003, the volumetric compressor technology (cf. box) used by Peugeot Motocycles on a 125cc scooter engine has, until now, remained relatively confidential on account of the exclusivity of the machine on the one hand and the excessive fuel consumption and noise generated by the volumetric compressor on the other.

And yet performance has been there from the outset, enabling those who use car/motorcycle licence equivalences (in France, Italy, Spain, Belgium and Austria) to benefit from the pick-up capacities of this type of engine on expressways.

Today, it is a profoundly revised version II of the Peugeot Compressor which takes its place on the Satelis, a GT scooter launched at the start of the season and which has already met with very promising success.

The casings of the volumetric compressor are visible on the right-hand side of the engine.

© Peugeot15 or 20 hp versions
The Satelis 125 Compressor is available in two versions. One is limited to 15 hp, the maximum output allowed for a two-wheeler ridden with a car driving licence (plus CBT) in the UK. The other is an unrestricted version delivering 20 hp, and therefore reserved for holders of a motorcycle licence.

The 15 hp Compressor version, however, remains more high-performance than the un-supercharged engines of the same output, since it develops torque in excess of 33%. With 1.6 kg-m (compared with the 1.2 kg-m of the best GT scooters at present) of maximum torque, acceleration and engine pick-up going uphill, or with a passenger, are worthy of a 250 cc model. A distinct advantage in terms of riding safety, particularly for those who often use expressways.

The top speed of the 15 hp version is no higher than that of the standard Satelis version. Its 115 kph (71.4 mph) timed top speed (125 kph/77.6 mph on the speedometer) is, however, sufficient for most uses. On the other hand, the 20 hp Compressor version allows a top speed that is 10 kph (6.2 mph) higher, and even more sustained acceleration (60% extra torque compared with a classic 125 cc).



Peugeot Compressor version 2
The operating principle of the volumetric compressor is as follows: the air drawn in through the side air scoops is pressurised by a Roots-type compressor, cooled by heat exchanger, then sent into the combustion chamber. This supercharging uses an electronic injection system, combined with a lambda sensor and 3-way exhaust catalyser. On low capacity machines, the volumetric compressor makes it possible to obtain increased performance from low revs, unlike the turbo, which favours high revs.
Compared with the Jet Force's version I, the version II of the Compressor which equips the Satelis has been modified to reduce its operating noise - now more discreet but still as distinctive - and petrol consumption (Peugeot mentions an average of 4.5 l/100 km). This engine is Euro 3 emissions compliant.



The filter of the compressor's heat exchanger occupies part of the underseat storage compartment, though it is still big enough to take a full-face helmet.


© PeugeotDiscreet integration
Visually, the Compressor version of the Satelis is distinguishable from the un-supercharged version by a black front, and above all by two wide side air scoops for intake of air intended for the compressor, whose casings are visible on the right-hand side of the engine.
The scooter's equipment remains identical to that of the un-supercharged version, except in one particular aspect: luggage capacity. In effect, the compressor's heat exchanger requires an air filter, which occupies part of the underseat storage compartment. It nevertheless remains sufficiently large to contain a full-face helmet (two helmets on the standard version). The car-type hatchback can be opened from the ignition, or from a distance by remote control. It is still possible to carry a travel or shopping bag on the centre tunnel.



© PeugeotABS braking system on the Executive version
To cope with the increased performance and extra 12 kg on the back axle, the Satelis Compressor benefits from reinforced suspension, but the frame remains identical to that of the standard version. The road holding is very good, combining stability on fast roads with great ease in town.
The Executive trim (£2,999) boasts an ABS-PBS (Powered Braking) system. It combines three types of assistance: anti-lock system on the front wheel, automatic distribution of brake force between the two wheels (using the left-hand lever alone) and electronic amplification of the force exerted on the lever. With the 14-inch front wheel, this system gives full satisfaction, but still requires some caution when using the brakes in manoeuvres at low speed because of the abruptness of brake force.
The Premium and City* trims have unassisted braking.
A well-placed price
At £2,599, the Satelis Compressor benefits from a price positioning that is perfectly in line with the top-of-the-range 125 scooter market. There's no doubt, in these circumstances, that its unusual performance will create great interest. The City trim with built-in anti-theft chain has a price tag of €4,659 (approximately £3,200), and the Executive trim with ABS braking system costs £2,999.

*The City trim is not available in the UK.
Technical data
Engine: liquid-cooled, supercharged 4-stroke single cylinder, 2 valves
Engine capacity: 124.8 cc
Fuel supply: electronic injection
Starter system: electric
Maximum output: 15 hp at 7,700 rpm (20 hp at 8,500 rpm)
Maximum torque: 1.6 kg-m at 8,000 rpm
Front suspension: hydraulic fork ø 37 mm; Rear: 2 adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers, 100 mm travel
Front brake: 260 mm disc, two-piston caliper; Rear: 210 mm disc, single-piston caliper (ABS-PBS on Executive trim)
Front tyre: 120/70 x 14; Rear: 140/60 x 13
Seat height: 784 mm
Fuel tank capacity: 13.5 litres
Dry weight: 172 kg
Practical
Colours: grey, red or black
Warranty: 2 years parts and labour, unlimited mileage
Price: from £2,599
Place of manufacture: France
Web site: www.peugeot-motocyles.com

OUR MEASUREMENTS:
Timed top speed: 115 kph (71.4 mph)
Average fuel consumption: 4.5 l/100 km
Average fuel range: 300 km (186 miles)