Peugeot Satelis 400 and 500

The arrival of these two new Peugeot is an event, as this is the first time that the French constructor launches in scooters to heavy-duty segment. Opponents of the two Satelis are Suzuki Burgman and Yamaha Majesty 400, Piaggio X 9 and Aprilia Atlantic 500… By good multiple engines and already well installed animated scooters on the market. We discovered the new Peugeot on their land of origin, in Franche-Comté.
Certainly, Satelis 125 and 250 are now part of the landscape French scooter, but aesthetics Peugeot, classy and without fuss, always fly. The last born did not escape this rule. They differ from other models by the 400 and 500 discreetly displayed entries on the bow, by Gill of the heat at the level of the deck, by a larger diameter fork, by larger brake discs and a rear 14 inch wheel. Equipped of a tire of 150, this last “fills” the scooter and gives him an air more than serious. The finish has increased and feels good racing experience of the constructor. Very rational edge table does not require navigating functions: the digital display provides all available information Office and remains perfectly readable! Frequent travellers can just regret the absence of a second trip. Designed for small or large size conductors, with the notches in the floor and the comfortable space between seat and deck, two Satelis show very welcoming. Long floor to the “comfort” coating allows optimal placement, and three positions of possible legs (front, flat and back) all reduce the risk of fatigue on long journeys. Low handlebar offers an excellent handling and ensures a good manoeuvrability in the city. However will need to adjust your size in the very statement, remote and non-adjustable driver seat pad in depth. It however takes full advantage of the comfort of a fairly well designed saddle. The passenger is also coddled and his pad mounted in series is beneficial when accelerating. Against a very seasoned competition, Peugeot wanted in any case leave nothing to chance. Listed ergonomics, it is successful! But let us see what are worth two Satelis road…

The optimized behavior DSL

Peugeot motorcycles has no homework on the cycle of the scooter part. To compensate some parasitic phenomena usually found on the cycle of large size scooters parts, Peugeot engineers have developed and patented a clever system, DSL (for Dual Swinging Linkage – double articulated link). It is a system of engine support mounted on silentbloc to attenuate vibrations and absorb a part of the parasitic movements of the single cylinder. In theory, it’s great, in practice the table is more contrasting, especially at high speeds. Satelis 400 and 500 are actually very intuitive, and neutrality as their natural stability make it easy to live. No hesitation in the city, placed in the eye, slow cycle part comfort prevails even at low and medium speed. Dare everything, including very tight u-turns, the Satelis runs smoothly. Small piegeuses roads that we met throughout the route between Ornans and Quingey, Boussières, our maxi scooter Peugeot were healthier than their counterparts in small displacements with no DSL. They have also proven their comfort of less rolling compared to that of the Burgman 400, was largely offset by a temperament more stringent and much more player. Regarding sports in their design, the Satelis compete with Majesty 400 question vivacity. They however show a much better level of suspension and a much higher protection. To conduct a Duet on the other hand, a small adjustment of the suspension is required. Side brake, there is a powerful and easily dosable back and before missing a little bite. The most demanding at this level, will not fail to choose the “Executive” version equipped with the system of coupled and assisted braking ABS/PBS. Satelis 400 and 500 to say so as excellent compromise for minnows travel good train on roads varied, without losing their interest in urban area. A famous compromise.

400 flâneur and 500 soldier

The engine block of 500 cc offers more than 400 cm3 conduct accreditation, because in addition to acceleration and much more sparkling occasions, it guarantees a lower vibration level. In addition, the first displays a maximum speed of 161 kph real against 152 km/h real for the second. Once slender, yet their behaviour are similar: they spin quickly towards their maximum speed, but the 500 has a thrust additional around 110 km/h while acceleration of 400 remains linear. But beware, the 400 does sentence not to cling to the pace in a fast rolling with colleagues. Is very pleasant on the two Satelis can roll very quickly without that protection be taken otherwise. Only a phenomenon has surprised us: maximum speed approaching, some test (400 and 500) models had a large enough vibration at odds almost level with the announced merits of the DSL system… Note also escaped to the sporting sound which releases a pleasant thud sound (but which could impede on long trip). Panoramic, legible and easily adjustable mirrors limit maximum blind spots. Level efficiency, only those who wish to conduct a muscular, to retrieve quickly a curve, driving duo or face major climbs will find the benefit of the 500. If you are young enabled (and therefore limited to 34 c.) or that you opt for the flexibility, 400 and its tariff to appeal widely enough. In the city on the other hand, the 400 seems almost perfect. Rest with a Yamaha X-Max 250, almost as well, more rigorous, but with a smaller chest, Satelis 400 City and Premium will hard to. Its price is far more attractive (4 €490)! Our preference is therefore naturally 500 primarily for its ability to travel, its availability in duo and its safer times.

A very positive balance

Fun and versatile, very well designed and well equipped, the Satelis 400 and 500 are a possibility of change for those who would be passed by the “125″ box. Compete in any case, they do not have to be ashamed at the level of performance of road behavior. Ease of handling made them serious challengers in the category of the maxi scooter equipped with a single-cylinder engine. The finishing is also the appointment and very studied tariff (between 5 299 and 6 €599 for 3 trim levels). In their Executive version, the Satelis can squarely be considered tight price luxury GT.