RIEJU MARATHON 200 (2010 - on) Review

Rieju’s new MRT200 LC is a road-legal enduro machine. Think of it as a modern-day version of the much-loved old Kawasaki KMX200. Powered by bored-out Yamaha YZR-R125 engine, the Spanish machine has lots of punch, is equipped with some top-notch parts and is genuinely good at tackling the dirt as well as the tarmac. It’s the perfect choice for new riders who want to get muddy. 

On tarmac the Rieju is fun, likes to wheelie, but is ultimately compromised by its soft, long travel suspension and off-road tyres, which wobble and move around if pushed hard. The seat is like a plank of wood and there’s zero wind-protection. Off-road it’s a different story - it’s hugely capable. It’s never going to compete with a proper competition enduro machine, but it’s more that good enough to learn your mud-plugging skills on. It’s light, easy to manage and has enough power to get up steep hills and over obstacles.

Using a 19bhp liquid-cooled 183cc four-valve single-cylinder engine, produced by the same company who make all of Yamaha’s small capacity engines, the Rieju can be ridden on a restricted licence. It has a decent amount of punch, sounds throaty and the throttle response from the single carb is spot-on. 

There are some cheap touches on the bike, like the pillion pegs, just one mirror and the side-stand that flicks up as soon as you take weight off it. The engine should prove reliable as it’s a Yamaha unit and generally the cycle parts are high quality.

What you’re getting here is effectively two bikes in one: a funky road bike and a machine that's genuinely fun off-road. It’s a lot of bike for the money and an excellent choice for new riders.

Find a Rieju for sale.

For your hard-earned cash you get a steel beam frame, aluminium black-rimmed spoked wheels, ‘factory’ sponsor stickers, 40mm upside down Marzocchi forks, a fully-adjustable rear shock, Galfer wave discs front and rear, Domino handlebar grips, hand guards and an electric start. It also has pillion pegs, but rather you than me on the back of that razor thin and rock-hard seat. There’s a base model: the MRT200 LC Pro, which has non-adjustable suspension, lower seat height, no sump guard and plain colours for £300 less. Compare and buy parts for the Rieju MRT200 in the MCN Shop.