The Peugeot Bima
In April 2019 the Velosolex 1010 was nearing completion and the French mobylette av48 was stripped for repainting, we spotted another typical quirky French moped up for sale in Hastings. Advertised as a 1960s Peugeot Bima in good condition and 90% complete we were fascinated by the fact that unlike the Velosolex, this was a rear wheel roller driven 50cc moped. At a little over £100 it seemed that this quirky French design should be added to the collection.
The frame was originally produced by Peugeot but instead of buying one of the many proprietary engines around at the time, they opted to make their own. Released to coincide with Paris Salon of 1951 and it as seen as cheap affordable transport. Post war there was a big market for autocycles and cyclomotors and Peugeot wanted a slice of this market.
Whereas the Velosolex had a motor over the front wheel, the bima has a motor mounted under the frame that has a roller that engages with the back wheel. The early engines had a chain drive around the pulleys to drive the motor. But problems of wear and chains snapping led to a fundamental change in the 60s with the chain being replaced with a belt. We were lucky to have both engines arrive in with ours. In terms of speed the Bima is capable of a respectable 30mph however hills and adverse weather slow that down.
History
Not much information could be obtained from the seller as our bikes history but we understand it was purchased from France in the early 80s and there the remains of a dealers ‘stamp over the front mudguard which we are trying to read. It was purchased by a buyer from Suffolk where is remained for the next 20 years in a barn. Before finding its way to Hastings where t has been stored ever since. about 6 months ago a second engine was found in Holland. We believe that our machine is about 1964 which makes it a late mark and the fact that gear lever is so high up is typical of that period.
Colour scheme
Our machine is in a Powder matt blue grey colour that appears to be original but over the years many colour schemes have been applied to Bima’s . It would be nice to keep ours original which will require us to match the original colour. However there is the possibility we could put it in a striking Cream and brown scheme. But presently no decision has been made.
Rear light
The rear light is a simple French design of a bulb in a red dome and gives a bright rear light but under French law it only needs to be visible . In the UK the law is different and the rear light must also illuminate the rear number plate. So to comply fully to get it road worth we are likely to change the French one for a standard Wipac design.
Paperwork
Our machine was imported before the Nova scheme was introduced. And so there was no need to worry about import regulations. But all motor vehicles on a UK road must have registration documents and a valid number plate. Since 2008 the DVLA will not issue a registration to a foreign machine without a valid NOVA certificate. Strangely our machine being 48.5 cc is below the 49cc limit and exempts from the need of a Nova . Our other problem is verifying the exact age of the bike. DVLA will require v75 to go with our NOVA and that needs to be done by a recognised authority. In this case it’s the EACC. We have joined the EACC and are waiting on their document. Finally with all 3 hurdles past we can apply for a UK age related number plate and registration document. Sounds like a lot of red tape and it is.
The future
Our Bima is not in bad condition and 90% complete missing no major parts and all tinwork intact . Once complete we expect the Bima to join both the Velosolex and Av48 as a trio of French motorcycles at shows and displays as well as being a vintage run workhorse for Comet Restorations.