2023 Peugeot Django 150 from New Zealand
Summary:
Cheap and fun retro bike style
Faults:
The problem of the engine stalling at traffic lights or when stopped when the engine is hot is a symptom that the valves are too tight, and a valve clearance adjustment is needed to correct it.
Excessive vibrations in the handlebars.
The riding position is somewhat hard and slippery. The rear view mirrors are small and offer limited visibility. The handlebar controls can be difficult to reach.
Low power on steep slopes.
Using the center stand requires considerable effort due to the weight of the motorcycle.
General Comments:
What I like most about the motorcycle is its retro style. Someone actually told me that it “doesn’t look like a Vespa.” Well, it doesn’t because it isn’t a Vespa. The Django boasts its own design, very much different from the retro scooters we’ve been used to in our market. It’s a well-designed model.
I particularly like how bulky this thing looks. You wouldn’t think this was just a 150cc scoot. The beefy fairings on the front give the bike a unique silhouette, and it matches the equally chunky rear end. The grille—which lights up along with the headlamp—accentuates the front end quite nicely. I was skeptical about that trim at first, but I admit that it looks better in the metal. The more I stare at it with its lights on, the more I understand why at some point somebody asked if the scooter was electric.
The Django doesn’t look retro just for the sake of being retro—the design actually pays homage to the S55, a scooter from decades past that marked a significant time in the brand’s history. That also explains the ‘55’ decals on the side.
The seats are somewhat hard but comfy and practical. The material is soft, it provides excellent cushioning, and there’s plenty of space whether for the rider or the backride.
One important thing to note here is that the bulky seat can make straddling the scooter a bit difficult.
The bike is propelled by a 150.6cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine capable of 11.3hp at 8,000rpm and 11.2Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. It’s a pretty punchy powertrain. Dragging isn’t too noticeable, and the scooter can reach highway speeds in a jiffy. It’s quicker than I expected, to be honest, and it’s easily capable of cruising at speed.
The biggest surprise I got from the scooter was its handling. Don’t let the retro looks deceive you (this is a rather sporty scooter). Not only is it quick, but it’s also very agile. The dual disc brakes and the ABS up front give you a lot of confidence to go hard on the throttle, too.
It also offers a pretty comfortable ride. The vibrations may be significant on the handlebar, but the suspension—especially the rear—does an excellent job of absorbing road bumps. Pillion riders are going to appreciate that a lot.
The analog speedometer is paired with a small digital display that shows the fuel gauge, single trip meter, ambient temp, and time. It’s simple yet very helpful.
While its price when new isn't exactly low, the motorcycle itself is remarkably fuel-efficient, economical, and doesn't have any serious problems beyond the typical issues of small motorcycles, which are easy to fix. It's highly recommended for daily use in the city.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th February, 2026