What’s it all about?
Spanish motorcycle manufacturers don’t tend to spring instantly to mind when considering the purchase of a new bike, certainly not in the UK anyway. Rieju, however, has a range of bikes that is starting to grab the attention of British buyers and the Marathon 125 Pro we look at here is one of them. Customers appear to like the bike’s off-road styling along with its excellent ability both on and off-road.
What does it cost?
Stylish, robust and good to ride both on and off-road, the Rieju Marathon 125 Pro will find a ready market here in the UK. With a manufacturer-recommended retail price beginning at just £3,199, there is a lot to recommend this well-equipped bike.
How does it handle?
Well balanced and relatively comfortable to ride despite its very thin and hard seat, the Rieju Marathon 125 Pro is a thoroughly modern machine featuring a steel beam frame, 40mm upside down Marzocchi forks, wavey brake discs by Galfer, braided steel brake lines, an aluminium swingarm, Domino handlebar grips and a two-way height-adjustable seat. The brakes prove to be well up to the task of stopping the Marathon 125 Pro up straight and square.
The Marathon 125 Pro is an extremely good-looking bike. Examine it at close quarters and if you were not aware of its origins, you’d probably think that it had been made in Japan, such is the overall quality of manufacture. Being manufactured in Spain, it’s built and finished to an impressively high standard in a modern factory renowned for producing solidly reliable machines. There’s full parts backup too and a network of dealerships across the country that can provide servicing.
Rieju’s new Marathon 125 supermoto is powered by the same engine you’ll find in Yamaha’s YZF-R125 and WR125 range, albeit fitted with a 30mm Keihin carb instead of fuel injection. The engine is smooth and responsive but a little lacking in outright power.
You can also get the Marathon 125 Pro Enduro, which is exactly the same machine, but with bigger wheels and knobbly tyres for exactly the same price.
Verdict
The Marathon 125 Pro is one of those products that does exactly what you expect it to do. It looks great, performs well within its remit, is well equipped and is also great value for money. With products like the Marathon 125 Pro, it is not surprising that Rieju as a manufacturer is starting to be taken very seriously.
Bike: Rieju Marathon 125 Pro
Price: £3,199
Top speed: 73mph
Weight: 117kg
Seat height: 900mm
Tank capacity: 7.4litres