
RIEJU RR50 (1998 - on) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 8 bhp |
Seat height: | Tall (35.0 in / 890 mm) |
Weight: | Low (194 lbs / 88 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Rieju RR50 has been around for a long time and it still has a basic, trials style appeal to many a 16 year old. Showa suspension, tall seat, big bike feel and a fair bit of speed ( once de-restricted ) from the Minarelli 50cc motor, which has 6 gears.
There was also an RR125 in the late 90s, which used a punchy Gas Gas trials sourced motor.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Rieju RR series use high quality Showa suspension from Honda, so the bike offers a classier ride than many budget trail style 50cc machines from the Far East. The seat height is a lanky 890mm, so you feel perched up on the bike, but that's no bad thing sometimes. Basic saddle on the RR series however, so comfort isn't that brill.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityFor a mere moped, the Rieju RR50 has plenty of zip, once you derestrict it, which should only be done once you're 17. Ahem. Moving on, the RR50 makes the same 8bhp as the RS2 Matrix Rieju, which has a racy fairing to squeeze another few mph from it, but the RR should be capable of 50mph. The RR125 uses the same trailie bike chassis, so it goes very well indeed and makes a useful off-roader.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe Minarelli water-cooled motor is used in all kinds of Italian, French and Japanese badged 50cc machines. It can take some serious stick and there are a few aftermarket tuning kits/upgrades about for it as well - might blow up once tuned to buggery however. The chassis is tough enough to handle regular off-
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe Rieju RR series are expensive machines for sure, but the prices of the 50cc models has fallen by a few hundred quid in the last few years as the Chinese trailies have arrived in large numbers. £1700 isn't a huge price for a such a stylish 50cc motorbike. The RR125 is getting a rare sight now, but makes a great used 125cc class buy if you can get a good one. Find a Rieju RR50 for sale.
Equipment
The RR Rieju machines look pukka, no doubt about it. Proper suspension, neat headlight and nose fairing, mirrors and disc brakes front and rear. It's a well equipped little bike, as you'd expect for something that costs two grand brand new.
Specs |
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Engine size | 49cc |
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Engine type | 2 stroke, single, 6 gears |
Frame type | Steel cradle |
Fuel capacity | 5.5 litres |
Seat height | 890mm |
Bike weight | 88kg |
Front suspension | Preload |
Rear suspension | Preload, rebound |
Front brake | 220mm disc |
Rear brake | 180mm disc |
Front tyre size | 80/90 x 21 in |
Rear tyre size | 110/80 x 18 in |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 75 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £20 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | £1,699 |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
1 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 8 bhp |
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Max torque | 6 ft-lb |
Top speed | 45 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 24 secs |
Tank range | 85 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1998: Rieju RR50 and RR125 launched at Cologne Show.
1999: Rieju RR50 Castrol appears; bigger brakes, beefier suspension.
2000: Rieju RR50 `Spike' Supermotard spec model appears.
2001: Rieju RR125 withdrawn from UK market.
2002: Rieju RR50 Spike Pro launched; polished steel exhaust, bigger disc brake, 2 pot caliper, £2200 though.
2004: Rieju RR50 Sport is the only Rieju RR model imported to the UK.
2006: Rieju RR50 Spike makes a return to UK, price down to £1900.
Other versions
Rieju RR125: 1998 - 2001
Owners' reviews for the RIEJU RR50 (1998 - on)
1 owner has reviewed their RIEJU RR50 (1998 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your RIEJU RR50 (1998 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
much better than a scooter, quality bike with loads of speed once freed up, leaves my mates standing with scooters, gets all the attention from the other sex, looks cool, got get one.