Peugeot Speedfight 3 - Roadtest

Performance

Handling

Comfort

Looks

Equipment

Value

Overall

Technical summary

List Price:

£1,899

Insurance:

Group 4

Engine:

50cc two stroke

Performance:

31mph top speed (restric

Power:

2.3bhp

Weight:

90kg

MPG:

70

Range:

N/A

Review

Peugeot has made the latest Speedfight 3 sharper handling, slicker looking and better equipped than ever before.

This fresh edition of the popular entry-level 50cc two stroke has a longer wheelbase, larger 13-inch wheels and bigger forks to improve its handling. Even on slippery roundabouts, the Speedfight feels more planted than its predecessor. It also has an innovative under-floor fuel tank which aids the lightweight machine's weight distribution, helping to make it impressively agile and nippy.

And Peugeot certainly knows its market. It's offering an optional sound system, complete with under seat sub-woofer, to pump out tunes on the go. This Mega Watt stereo system is compatible with iPod's, mobile phones and most other MP3 players and even has handlebar-mounted controls. It's a cool £287.50 option that'll no doubt appeal to the Speedfight's mostly teenage audience. Only problem is, the kit looks very nickable, housed as its is underneath the flimsy seat.

The headlights and cosmetics are much sharper than they were before, making this Speedfight an appealing little thing. There's more room for taller riders too, thanks to a redesign that's made the scoot 120mm longer.

The front brake's got plenty of feel and more than enough stopping power too. That's useful because you can squeeze a bit more pace from the liquid cooled two stroke engine thanks to its 500rpm higher redline - and you need all the urge you can get on a 50cc scooter! An air-cooled version is also available. Either way, the Speedfight will manage 55mph in derestricted form, but is held back to 31mph for provisional license holders (who will make up the bulk of buyers). Naturally, the two-stroke is noisy and buzzy so more mature scooter buyers might be better suited to four-stroke bikes like the Piaggio's Vespa.

No doubt though, if you've got a couple of thousand in the bank from your paper round, the Speedfight 3 makes an excellent first bike.

Verdict

Recommended. Lively scooter comes with bigger wheels and a clever under floor fuel tank to improve handling, plus an optional sound system