Barn Find 1949 Peugeot Model 156

This 1949 Peugeot model 156, a 150 cc two stroke single cylinder rigid frame motorcycle, features front girder forks. The photo depicts the "as found" original paint. Tucked away at the back of friend's shop for years, gathering dust and waiting for another chance to run again, the bike was saved from a restoration. Instead, we would make sure it was preserved to maintian its original parts so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.

What appeared to be painted lines on the fuel tank were instead old tape that was removed with great care.

Most examples I found on the web featured restored machines like the two similiar bikes below.

Early two stroke lightweights from Peugeot were very similiar. Elegant, stylish and practical designs that offered more than just basic transportion.

1949 Peugeot lightweights model 54, 55, 56 and 156 were featured in period advertising.

On this final incarnation of the 56/156, telescopic forks were added, but the basic design was further developed for optimization. Production of this model ended in 1958.

So, once a sympathetic overhaul was decided on instead of restoration, I handed the job over my friend Gil Paterson. He took a serious liking to the machine despite his unfamilarity and plunged into the job. The bike was photographed, then methodically dismantled. Each part was cleaned, re-conditioned as neccessary and stored until we were ready to reassemble it.

One of the studs had been replaced before and was inserted on an angle meaning the head was very hard to pull off. The stud and head were repaired.

The leg shields were in need of a major cleaning, and in the end, we decided not to keep them on the bike. They are ready to put on with just two bolts per side, but I do like the look better without the guards in place.

Dismantled, the engine internals were revelaed, all systems go. Or so we thought. Turns out, more than a little work was needed to resolve prior repairs.

There's a dent on the top of the fender.

This was repaired when the front wheel was off for for new tires and tubes.

The girder front forks were cleaned and lubricated before reassembly.

The left side engine cover had many small dents, this was reworked and looked great after cleaning.

Shift lever covers needed to be replaced. These were wrapped in blue ductape.

Left side footpeg was severly bent and needed repair . It was one of the few areas that needed paint.

The mufflers on Peugeots of this period were painted to match the bike at the factory.

The tips were beat up and bent before Gil's deft touch set them straight again.

The centerstand is the only stand on the Peugeot 156. The center support had broken and was repaired and made operational again.

Test fitting of the new tires, 3.00 X 19 front and rear

A test mock up before the engine received new bearings, gaskets, seals, piston wrist pin and more.

The Peugeot will be at the 63rd Annual Pebble Beach

Concours d' Elegance in California in August 2013. They have a "Preservation Class" and are celebrating French Motorcycles, so this is a rare opportuntity to see a rare 1949 Peugeot model 156 in its original finish.

The French esthetic was always decidedly different from other countries. It may not have always been understood and appreciated outside of France. Eventually the scooters would prove to be the two-wheel salvation of the company for the next fifty years. Will Peugeot ever return to full motorcycle production?