The new 2018 Rieju Strada 125 is now available in UK dealers, and looks to pack in a decent amount for a relatively low price. The Spanish manufacturer offers a pretty wide range of 50-200cc machines these days. And the Strada slots into their ‘Sport’ range as more practical alternative to their stripped down Tango 125. Or the more expensive Century scrambler, inspired by the 1950s Rieju 175.
And you get a more historic name than buying one of the flood of Chinese learner motorcycles. Rieju was originally started in 1934 with two Spaniards starting a bicycle accessory firm, and then creating their first moped in 1947. And their geared machines are still built in Spain. Although some components are sourced from Italy, including the Aprilia engine that powers various bikes in the Rieju range.
As the sensible option, the new 2018 Rieju Strada 125 is up against the likes of the Honda CB125F. They’re both around the same price, and aim to be a practical solution for learners and commuters who don’t want a race replica or supermoto machine. But do want a motorcycle rather than a scooter.
So there’s no claims about the sportiness of the four-stroke air-cooled 125cc engine. The learner legal 15hp should be fine around town. But instead, the 2018 Rieju Strada 125 is about smoothness and fuel economy. The motor features a balance shaft to minimise vibrations. And the claim is 148mpg (1.9 litres per 100km). Given that the Strada has a relatively massive 18 litre tank, that means you’ll be riding past petrol stations while other 125cc owners will be stopping.
For example, that’s 5 litres more petrol capacity than the CB125F, which would give you around 250km/155 miles extra, based on the claimed Rieju fuel economy. Given the average UK commute is just under 10 miles each way, that’s another week before a visit to the petrol pump.
The rest of the specs on the new 2018 Rieju Strada 125 match up reasonably well. There’s a combined digital and analogue dash. The bike is Euro4 compliant, with a catalyser in the exhaust. And it has a decent seat height (750mm), and dry weight (130 kg). So the tubular steel cradle frame should handle pretty well.
Also on the handling front, the 2018 Rieju Strada 125 comes with 37mm telescopic front forks, and twin rear shock absorbers with damping reservoirs and adjustable pre-load. Stopping is courtesy of the 265mm wavy front disc and 220 rear disc brake, which are linked with the Combined Braking System (CBS). Not quite ABS, but a common way for smaller motorcycles to meet standards and provide help for newer and more inexperienced riders.
The 2018 Rieju Strada 125 comes in either Black or White, and will cost you £2699. It comes with a two-year manufacturers warranty. That puts it £100 than the Honda CB125F, and £200 than the Yamaha YS125. Not a huge difference, but it’s competitive, and has a much larger tank than either of the Japanese manufacturer options. And if you want something much sportier in a roadster style from a big motorcycle name, then it’s something like the Aprilia Tuono 125, which is in a much higher price brack altogether. If I was looking for something to commute and nip into town with, I’d certainly be considering the Strada right now.
2018 Rieju Strada 125 Specifications:
Engine Type: 124cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, single cylinder
Fueling: Electronic injection
Starting: Electric
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Chassis: Tubular steel cradle
Suspension
Front: 37mm telescopic forks
Rear: Dual shock absorbers, with damping reservoir and pre-load adjustment
Tyres
Front: 90/90-17″
Rear: 110/80-17″
Brakes
Front: 265mm Disc
Rear: 220mm Disc
Dimensions
Length: 2035mm
Height: 1070mm
Width: 785mm
Seat height: 750mm
Dry Weight: 130kg
Fuel capacity: 18 litres
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