First look: Rieju MR 300 Ranger – Enduro without the race focus
Rieju Motorycles have announced a ‘new’ Ranger, a user-friendly 300cc two-stroke Enduro model previously seen in the GASGAS range aimed squarely at the less focused off-road rider – initial launch prices under €7000.
As a user-friendly bike for everyone, the MR 300 Ranger is a bike which lays its cards on the table with an honest, “I’m not here to win races, I’m here for a good time.”
How do we know this about Rieju’s new bike? Because we tested the Ranger in its GASGAS guise a couple of years back and were impressed. In essence, it is the same chassis and engine as the more race-ready Rieju MR models with a flatter power curve, a lower seat height, softer suspension and brakes.
At the time it struck us how competent a bike it was, not a soft-hearted trail bike you might expect it to be but more a de-tuned enduro bike. The whole design concept from GASGAS was to make an easier to ride enduro bike and that, for us, made it not a bike to easily dismiss but a damn useful tool.
You can read that original test here: 2019 Gas Gas ECR Ranger Tested
Rieju MR 300 Ranger in a nutshell:
- Lower price point
- Same basic engine and chassis as Rieju’s MR ‘Hard Enduro’ models
- KYB suspension detuned for softer feel, 46mm USD forks and linkage suspension
- 925mm seat height
- Electric and kickstart
- Exhaust system designed for more torque and less top-end power
- Excel rims
Many riders aren’t into racing and Rieju have done the right thing resurrecting this 300cc two-stroke. Docile and easy to handle, suitable for all rider types and friendly, this is a bike for those weekend trail rides with your mates not race heads.
As a softer version of the bikes already in the Rieju ‘Hard Enduro’ line-up, the MR 300 Ranger is a direct rival for the popular Beta X-Trainer in price and outlook – cheaper to produce and cheaper to the customer.
Prices are currently only set in Rieju’s home market (Spain) at a healthy €6999. That may differ depending on which country you live in, but not to vary by much.
Technical specifications
Engine: 299.3cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled, two-stroke
Bore x stroke: 72 x 72mm
Start: Kick and Electric
Ignition: Digital CDI - Euro5
Gearbox: six-speed
Clutch: Multidisc wet, Magura clutch pump
Intake system: Direct reed valve, VForce 4
Exhaust muffler: PowerCore 2.1- RIEJU Powered
Chassis: Central spine in Chromium Molybdenum Steel, aluminum subframe and swingarm
Suspension: KYB 46mm inverted fork, 270mm travel
Suspension: KYB shock absorber, 121mm travel
Handlebar: Double diameter
Bodywork: Unbreakable plastic
Front wheel/tyres: Excel rim, 1.6 X 21, VEE Rubber tyre, 90/90-21
Rear wheels/tyres: Excel rim, 2.15 x 18, VEE Rubber tyre, 120/90-18
Front brake: J JUAN Clamp & Pump Assembly, NG disc 260mm
Rear brake: J JUAN Clamp & Pump Assembly, NG disc 220mm
Length x width x height : 2145 x 810 X 1215mm
Wheelbase: 1475mm
Fuel: 9.8L
Dry weight: 105kg
Seat height: 925mm
More information: www.rieju.es