the beginning
in 1934, two enterprising young men, Don Luís Riera Carré and Don Jaime Juanola Farrés, began their entrepreneurial adventure by manufacturing bicycle accessories. From the fusion of the two family names, the Rieju brand (RIEra + JUanola) was born.
they began by buying the land on which to build the factory, but the Spanish Civil War complicated their plans. The Republican government requisitioned the company, which had not yet been completed, for use as a truck park. During the war, a second floor was built over the factory, seen as a payment of interest on the future.
end of the Spanish Civil War
at the end of the Spanish Civil War, Rieju resumed its industrial activity, with the creation of bicycle accessories in early 1934.
beginning of machine manufacturing
in 1942, Salvador Dalí's father is the notary responsible for setting up the company RIERA ET JUANOLA, S.L. (Rieju), incorporated as a limited company with a share capital of one million pesetas.
subsequently, Rieju manufactures and markets components (Helium for electrical equipment and Rigit for handlebars), and begins building the first Rieju bicycles, using the EMPORIUM and MARATHON brands. By this time, 30 bicycles a week were being produced, with a workforce of around 35 (this was the business plan presented to the Delegation of Industry).
Birth of the first moped, the nº1.
what later became known as a "moped" was Rieju's first product in 1945: a bicycle with a 38cc. 4T auxiliary engine (French Serwa engine), direct transmission to the rear wheel and two gears. Developing 1 HP, reaching 40Km/h, N°1 arrived with a chromed, hand-welded fuel tank, with varnish, and ... an assembly resembling the "Rolls Royce" idea. One piece assembled after another with Excellence made the Rieju adventure the beginning of a success story in the world of motorized two-wheelers.
1949: Successful engine design for the No. 2
from the N°1 of 1945, the brand went on to manufacture its first Rieju moped with a small 4T engine of French origin, with independent transmission, in which the 50cc. engine was already coupled by means of a clutch and gearbox. Designed and developed by Rieju, this N°2 arrived in July 1949.
The N°2 was one of the best-known motorcycles of its time, and undoubtedly one of Rieju's most popular historic mopeds.
The constant evolution
the following year, 1951, saw the appearance of the N°3: a moped completely different from its predecessor, especially in terms of its engine. Then, in 1952, the N°4, with aesthetic modifications compared to the previous model. Progress and improvements followed in rapid succession, perfecting the Rieju engine package and equipping it with the technical features necessary for the machines of the time. Between 1950 and 1955, more than 21 prototypes were produced, and the factory began to use technological quality control processes. For Rieju, the commitment to quality was a clear objective from the outset: competitive value to make the difference.
The first 100% Rieju motorcycle.
1953 saw the birth of the Rieju 175cc. with AMC 4T engine. The model was matte black with gold trim. It was fitted with suspension (hydraulic telescopic front forks and oscillating rear suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers). For the motorization, it was necessary to reach an agreement with engine manufacturer AMC, and also with FITA of Figueres -who manufactured it under license- since Rieju had little experience in this type of engine to be able to manufacture it directly. The 175 was based on the GIMA 175, but after adaptation and manufacture by Rieju, the aim was to make it lighter, easier to handle and, above all, more comfortable. In addition, Rieju's improvements to the engine ensured very reasonable fuel consumption, leading to an explosion in sales of this model. 5,000 machines were built between 1953 and 1961, leading to the commercial success of the frame adapted to other engines (the Spanish Villiers) for another 4 years, during which 1,000 machines were produced annually. Strong demand from distributors, combined with the reliability of the 175cc, brought the Rieju brand recognized prestige.
thanks to this successful model, Rieju humbly survived, while in Spain some of the giants of the sector disappeared.
the unaccepted scooter
in 1956, Rieju began designing a scooter based on the AMC 50 and 125cc engines, using the French Sulky large-wheel scooter as a reference. In 1958, Rieju presented the commercial version of this scooter project under the name ISARD: a hybrid between a motorcycle and a scooter, with a very clean aesthetic. Unfortunately, this model led the brand to a minor disaster. The risky aesthetics of introducing a high-quality finished product to the market, exaggerating the selling price, and the poor mechanical accessibility, led Rieju to abandon production as early as 1960, after rather disappointing sales.
unfortunately, it was no more successful than the TAHON SPORT 125, a slightly modified copy of the French Derny Taon with an AMC 2-stroke engine. Strangely enough, however, today it is one of the most admired motorcycles in the collection - for its original aesthetics - notably at the "Motos d'après-guerre" exhibition held in February 2006 and 2007 at the "Museu de la Moto de Basella".
better times
in 1958, Rieju added the JACA Sport 125cc model to its range. Very sporty for its time, with aluminum rims, racing handlebars and seat, and a cooled brake drum: a luxury accessible only to the elite, as the price was very high. Rieju soon realized why this much-admired machine was not meeting with the expected commercial success.
in 1959, Rieju launched the JACA 125cc Touring version, without the extras of the SPORT, and it quickly became very popular with the public.
italy and the moped
registrations in Spain fell sharply from 1960 onwards. The 175cc. engine no longer appealed to the public, who demanded a new model in the image of those triumphing in Italy at the time: small-displacement vehicles. The moped. Aware of this concern, Rieju looked for solutions in Italy, and reached an agreement with MOTORI MINARELLI under which Rieju became the exclusive importer of the brand's engines for Spain.
1964. The second Rieju stage
the second Rieju stage began in 1964, when the 1960 agreement enabled Rieju to start manufacturing machines with Italian engines in Figueres. This marked the beginning and the end, since Rieju still assembles all its mopeds with original MINARELLI engines.
this began with the permission of Minarelli engines at the FITA factory in Figueres, followed by a plan to progressively produce the entire engine. The first fruit of this motorization was a JACA version with a 3.5 HP engine and a top speed of 70 Km/h. This was later limited to a maximum speed of 40 km/h by a new law on mopeds. After restricting its engines far below their potential, Rieju finally made them almost "indestructible", attracting the interest of official bodies such as the Spanish Post Office, which began to use Rieju models.
1976 and 1977 saw the appearance of new, constantly evolving models, culminating in the first off-road motorcycles. With these, Rieju would later enter the world of competition and achieve its first successes. These years saw the birth of the CONFORT and TT 503, CONFORT 501 and TT 504 models, following aesthetic evolutions of earlier models.
competition
when, in 1978, the TT 406 appeared with its 74cc MINARELLI engine, Rieju decided to take this model from the first off-road machines to the highest level of off-road competition.
Rieju began a thrilling and interesting adventure, taking part in its first Spanish Enduro Championship in the 75cc class. Over the years, Rieju went on to win a total of 12 national championship titles in this category.
that same year, an attempt was made in the automatic moped sector, but without much success.
marathon series
1979 also marked a milestone in Rieju's history. The birth of the TT 505 (with raised cross-type exhaust). This is a MARATHON series in 50 and 74cc. presented at the Barcelona Motor Show that same year. These machines eventually gave the brand an identity and a color: Green, symbolizing off-road machines for the public, associated with the success achieved with these machines.
Today, this color remains associated with the mythical name MARATHON and Rieju in the minds of enthusiasts right up to the 90s. Its characteristics and successes are now part of Spanish motorcycle history. Production of the 50 KS AUTOMATIQUE began in 1979.
marathon 80cc.
1980 saw the launch of the MARATHON 80cc Enduro and Cross, with which numerous sporting successes were achieved. Then came the road model, the STRADA 75, with 5-speed gearbox and front disc brake. For Rieju, competition was an exceptional testing ground, which was used to create the MR80 in 1984: a worthy successor to the MARATHON. This machine is the fruit of all the experience gained during these years of competition.
new models
in 1985, at the Barcelona Motor Show, new models make their mark. The SPRINT is a new automatic moped, inspired by the aesthetics of the MARATHON. The SUPER MARATHON 50 also drew inspiration from this model to create the RV 50 in 1986. That same year, Rieju was awarded the Spanish Government's Silver Plaque of Merit in Motorcycling for his runner-up finish in the Enduro World Championship. That same year, Rieju also won the Spanish Enduro Championship in the 80cc class, and the Junior Speed Championship in the 80cc class.
while production in 1987 reached 8,000 units, by 1990 it had reached 15,000 mopeds sold - almost all with gearboxes - putting the factory at the top of the sector.
the 50th anniversary
in 1992, Rieju celebrates its 50th anniversary with the launch of the new WINDY model: an automatic moped with separate scooter engine, disc brake and under-seat helmet storage.
the Drac for a new generation
in 1993, another famous Rieju vehicle was born: the 50cc all-terrain moped DRAC, which completed the market with the RR 50 , a model with a more design-oriented body and inverted forks. The result of a collaboration agreement with CASTROL Spain, the same year sees a "CASTROL version". These are machines assembled using the very best latest-generation components for the brand's top-of-the-range products.
for Rieju, the Drac model was a new triumph, being the answer to the new generation of moped users. At the time, engine and chassis conversions were the norm. It was the start of new services designed to personalize the machine, which Rieju seized upon at the right moment.
the European year
in 1994, Rieju entered the French market, participating in the Paris Motor Show and starting to export the same year. Innovations such as the new versions of the RR 50 model with 6-speed, separately lubricated engine, help Rieju to establish itself.
following Rieju's presence at the 1994 Cologne Motor Show, the first machines were exported to Austria, Germany and Hungary.
at the 1995 Barcelona Motor Show, Rieju presented its first scooter, the FIRST, an evolution of the F-12 model made by Italian manufacturer Malaguti, thus cementing the commercial relationship with this manufacturer. The vehicle was equipped with 12" wheels, disc brakes and aggressive styling. Also presented at the show were the CROSSER and F-10, manufactured by Malaguti, but marketed by Rieju under its own name exclusively in SPAIN.
the FIRST scooter was an opportunity to sell a Rieju scooter outside Spain, in view of the boom in this type of machine. Unfortunately, due to a disagreement with Malaguti's interests, the vehicle was never mass-produced. Commercial relations with the Italian manufacturer became difficult.
rS1. the start of a success story
in 1996, the renewal of the road range with the new RS-1 model brought a small revolution with its racing aesthetics. Based on the chassis of the RST model - the fruit of collaboration with Malaguti - it was, however, entirely redesigned in Barcelona. It was a "little racing machine". In the same year, several projects for entirely new motorcycles began to emerge, including the future MRX 50.
for young people
1998. An old bicycle assembly line is converted, and a 3rd line is dedicated to the new MX50: Rieju's first off-road children's model in this segment. The brand's logo underwent a major facelift, abandoning the horse to adopt the brand's new stylized "R".
also in 1998, the brand signed an agreement for the exclusive import and distribution in Spain of scooter models from the Italian brand Benelli. The collaboration lasted until 1999, importing a total of 2,000 units.
consolidating internationalization
in 2000, Rieju consolidated its export activities with 40% of its annual production. This percentage will continue to rise, reaching 70% in 2007, in line with the constant increase in production. The same year sees the creation of an in-house support department to provide direct assistance to the 300 dealers spread across the French market, effectively improving Rieju's after-sales service. At the 2nd Motorcycle Show in Madrid, the Supermotard and RR with Progressive Racing System (PRS) suspension are presented. Technical improvements introduced without increasing the selling price of these models.
the first supermotard championship
proud to help promising young talent and new riders, Rieju organized its first National Supermotard Championship in 2000, with the support of "Solomoto" magazine. In this championship, everyone rides under the same conditions and at minimal economic cost to the participants. Such was its success that the following year another Cup was organized and extended to the Principality of Andorra. And so, for 4 consecutive years, the Rieju Supermotard Cup produced riders who would go on to compete in the World Speed Championship. Pol and Aleix Espargaró (winner and 3rd respectively in the 2000 Rieju Cup), and Ricardo Cardús are the best examples.
perimeter chassis
2001. A major upgrade of the MRX model with perimeter chassis (only the RR range is equipped with the double-cradle tubular chassis). The 2001 MRX model features innovative off-road styling and the latest-generation components, plus a version with improved engine power curves. The brand's "TOP" products are now called PRO.
a new addition to the family
the year of birth of the RS2: 2002. Even though it was a tough year due to a sharp drop in sales that affected all Spanish manufacturers, production of this new model was launched. A road-going machine with avant-garde aesthetics, powered by the MINARELL AM6 engine. Initially designed to cover both 50cc and 125cc displacements, it was first presented in 50cc. This version won first prize in the prestigious MOTORCYCLE DESIGN ASSOCIATION 2004 international award for the sub-200cc category.
in November 2002, following the conclusion of an agreement, the MRX and SMX 125cc 4T models were introduced, powered by Yamaha engines. Based on the idea of developing models adapted to our new era and to new users for fun and low consumption, Rieju decided to develop comfortable, easy-to-handle and reliable all-terrain machines. Thanks to their neat, futuristic looks and racing-sporty character, these models have been well received in a crowded market.
for those who prefer to have fun
in 2003, Rieju sold 19,530 units, an increase of 161.47% on the previous year. The Rieju brand is now well established in the most important EU countries, thanks to products such as the MRX-PRO (equipped exclusively for Rieju with a special, higher-powered cylinder) and the RS2-MATRIX.
2 MRX 450cc. and MRX 250cc. prototypes are presented at Intermot.
increasing market share
in 2004, exports accounted for 67% of total production. Rieju distributes its motorcycles and cyclos directly in Spain and France, and uses importers for the rest of Europe. This constant growth in exports has earned Rieju the Girona Chamber of Commerce's Export Award.
the new B1 option
at the end of 2005, Rieju presented the Naked NKD125: a very balanced 125 4T derived from the stripped-down RS2 at a competitive price, available in 2 finishes: Classic with round headlight or Streetfighter with headlight plate and engine cowling. It was at this point that Rieju launched its new communications strategy, introducing to the press its new identity "For every day Adventure", or "L'Aventure au Quotidien" as a motto for its near future.
2006: reversing the future
living up to its motto of "adventure with a happy ending", Rieju introduces its new TANGO 125cc concept bike. An unprecedented innovation manufactured entirely in the Figueres factory, with the exception of the MINARELLI - YAMAHA engine. Designed on the basis of our experience, it's a machine somewhere between Enduro and Trial, with extreme agility and a feeling of absolute safety thanks to its advanced position and finish.
full of new features. A step into the future
2007 is an important year for Rieju. The TANGO 125 is presented in its new PRO version, and a 50cc 2T rural version appears. The MRX and SMX PRO 50 adopt the new Minarelli NG2 engine. Finally, an electric Bicycle and the RRX SPIKE - a 50 supermotard with alloy wheels - complete the range of New Products for 2007.
at the end of the year, the definitive model of the 450 4T MRX competition bike will arrive, presenting a new concept in off-road machines. And last but not least, the latest evolution of the brand's youngest and most dynamic model, the TANGO, offers the possibility of customizing its machine into a unique model, thanks to the "Design, Try and Buy it" system, by adapting Rieju S.A.'s production and assembly facilities. This new line of customized products has been christened "TANGOO! ".
The Rieju brand
In short
Website
International website
French website
French website
Types of manufactured motorcycles
Enduro
Sport
On-Off Road
Naked
Sport
On-Off Road
Naked
Country of origin
Spain
Years of service
1934
- today