RIEJU RS1 (1997 - 2004) Review

Item: RIEJU RS1
Rating: 4
Author: MCN Staff

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Owners' rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Power:	9 bhp
Seat height:	Low (30.7 in / 780 mm)
Weight:	Low (243 lbs / 110 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Rieju RS1 is a screaming, old-school, supersports, 50cc sixteener, with all the bluster, mayhem, carnage, testosterone and manicness that implies, but thankfully a whole lot cheaper than rivals like Aprilia and Cagiva. Yes it’s Spanish and a little brittle, but it’s also well-equipped, massively cool and impressively affordable.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Now superceceded by the roomier, higher spec RS2 (which came out in 2006) but the the Rieju RS1 is still near-as-dammit the closest thing to a GP bike a 16-er can get. Steering and brakes are razor sharp, yet comfort, for short hops at least, is surprisingly decent, too.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Rieju RS1 has a screaming hell-or-glory wasp of a motor with all the fun and life-expectancy (of the engine that is) that implies. In truth it’s a fairly run-of-the-mill yet state of the art liquid-cooled reed-valve two-stroke single. Rev the nuts off it and it delivers nigh on 60mph. But it needs looking after, too…

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Let’s get this straight. The Rieju RS1 is a sports moped, built in Spain, down to a price, so just don’t go expecting BMW style durability, OK? What’s more, bikes like these probably get more unsympathetic thrashing than any other. On the whole, they’re not bad, with no common weakspots, but be warned when viewing used…

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

When new, the Rieju RS1 was fair dinkum value, but used, especially now it’s been superceded by the RS2, it’s a reet bargain. Good 18month old examples can be had for well under a grand, whioch, when you’re starting out in biking, is vital… Find a Rieju RS1 for sale.

Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

For the price, the Rieju RS1 is only bettered by the more recent RS2. Top notch suspension and brakes front and rear, neat cast alloy wheels and sporty tyres, a race style exhaust and closts and pukka fully-enclosed bodywork. When you’re 16, who could want for more?

Specs
Engine size	50cc
Engine type	Two-stroke single, 6 gears
Frame type	Steel tube double cradle
Fuel capacity	9 litres
Seat height	780mm
Bike weight	110kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload
Front brake	Single 260mm disc
Rear brake	200mm disc
Front tyre size	90/90 x 16 in
Rear tyre size	120/80 x 16 in

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	40 mpg
Annual road tax	£20
Annual service cost	-
New price	-
Used price	-
Insurance group	2 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	9 bhp
Max torque	9 ft-lb
Top speed	60 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	25 secs
Tank range	90 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1998: Rieju RS1 launched.
2004: Rieju RS1 discontinued.

Other versions

RS1 Castrol: Launched 2000. Basically unchanged but with race replkica paint job.
RS1 Race: Launched 2001. With uprated brakes and suspension.

Owners' reviews for the RIEJU RS1 (1997 - 2004)

1 owner has reviewed their RIEJU RS1 (1997 - 2004) 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 RS1 (1997 - 2004)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Engine:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Value vs rivals:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment:	4 out of 5 (4/5)