Riejuvenation!
By TMX Archives on 20th Feb 08
AMBITIOUS Spanish manufacturer Rieju has recently launched a raft of exciting new projects, the most significant, at least to T+MX readers, being a brand-new Yamaha-engined 450cc full-on enduro machine which is due to make its official public launch in April this year. The Rieju MRX450 is a dedicated, state of the art enduro weapon featuring the tried and
tested DOHC five-valve Yamaha motor wrapped in a tasty aluminium chassis (very similar-looking to the Italian TM) that is absolutely dripping with the very best ancillary components.
Up front is the top spec 50mm Marzocchi Shiver forks while rear suspension is taken care of with a link-type PRS system controlled by a cool Ohlins shock. Exhaust is taken care of with a classy LeoVince titanium system, then there's Galfer Wave brake discs, Excel rims, a factory-style aluminium tank and the claimed dry weight is 115kg which is definitely on the money.
Prototype production machines are currently being tested in Spain in the national championship series to ensure they hit the ground
running when they become available.
Rieju is not a name that many British off-roaders are familiar with. Based in Figueres, near Gerona, the company has actually been in existence since 1934 making two-wheelers in various guises, concentrating in recent years on small capacity 50cc/ 125cc trail and road bikes aimed squarely at the youth road bike market in Med countries.
But with the high profile MRX450 – which will also be offered with a Supermotard kit – and a new range of on-road scooters, shows that Rieju is on the move. This expansion also
coincides with a new marketing strategy – that other European factories are sure to be watching closely. In the company's own words: Following on from the successful switch from a third party distributor to factory direct distribution in both France and Italy, Rieju UK Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rieju, has been
created to provide marketing, distribution,
registration and aftersales support in the UK and Northern Ireland with immediate effect. The company is looking to expand its dealer network and interested parties can contact Rieju UK Ltd on 0208-1446058.
Rieju is entering a very competitive market because as well as Yamaha's own WR450 and the mighty KTM EXC there's an absolute plethora of comparable European offerings from the likes of Husqvarna, Gas Gas, Sherco, Aprilia, Benelli not to mention the radical upcoming Husaberg.
Meanwhile, T+MX looks forward to a first test on the exciting new Rieju MRX450 – just as soon as we get chance!