Rieju is returning to the US market for 2024 with a list of smaller changes to its MR Ranger, MR Racing and MR Pro models.
Rieju is not a familiar name to many American motorcyclists, but it’s very well-known in the enduro scene in Europe, particularly in Spain, where these bikes are made. The machines are actually patterned off old GasGas designs. When Pierer AG (KTM’s parent company) bought GasGas, they moved enduro production out of Spain (GasGas trials bikes are still made there). Rieju bought those older enduro designs, which have proved themselves in casual riding and competition for many years. As its lineup has grown in recent years, Rieju has attempted to beef up its international sales, including here in North America.
While most of the world has gone to EFI, even for two-stroke machines, Rieju is still selling carbureted motorcycles in 2024. Some riders may prefer this, as it makes tinkering and repair easier for some DIY types. Given the teething pains of some EFI enduros in recent years, trusty carburetion may indeed be welcome for many riders tired of finicky fueling.
Changes for 2024
Rieju says the MR models no longer have a large multi-function cluster switch on the left handlebar. That sort of thing is common on Euro enduros, where they might be ridden on the street between trails. The American-market bikes get a much simpler wiring harness with street equipment like horn and odometer stripped off. You get a starter button, killswitch and headlight on/off switch on your handlebars, and that’s it.
The cooling system is also simplified. On older bikes, Rieju says the thermostat would sometimes stick and its housing could even melt under extreme conditions. The 2024 models have a simple, straight section of radiator hose, which is supposed to be more reliable.
As well, the choke lever mount is gone from the clutch master cylinder cap. The bikes now use a choke plunger on the carburetor, which may be a bit more awkward to use while riding, but it’s also much less fragile.
The MR Racing and MR Pro get a new FMF exhaust, replacing the Tecnigas exhaust off the 2023 models. There’s new 13/50 final gearing, and those bikes get a FunnelWeb air filter as well, with new number plate and graphics.
And, all bikes in this series get a Made In Spain grapgic on the headlight mask and side panels, for those who are somewhat, errrrr, self-conscious about the origin of their rare-ish bike, and are tired of explaining it to other people (“No, I didn’t buy this off Amazon!”).
More details
The 2024 Rieju models are supposedly en route from Spain right now, and may be in dealerships as early as the first week of July. For more details on the lineup, dealer network and other information, head to Rieju-USA.com.
