Motorcycle specifications Rieju 125 RS3 2012 His turn to bite

the war of the sportboats has never been so violent. The big 1,000cc cruisers are packing so much heavy artillery that it's beyond frightening. But now, small 125cc fighters are taking a leading role in the battle. The 4-stroke 8-liter front, non-existent 10 years ago, has become strategic for most generals. Introduced in 2008, the Yamaha YZF-R 125 is already the oldest. Facing it are a new version Honda CBR 125 R, a brand-new Aprilia RS4, and Rieju's new terror: this RS3.

replacing the RS2, this little sports car is carefully preparing its weapons. More modern, the design is sharpened in an eye-catching style. The long, imposing fairing panels have been replaced by very straight elements, with a rigor more Germanic than Spanish. You can almost feel the R6 face in the style of the fork head. The rear end is much slimmer, ending in a stylish LED headlamp. Sitting side by side with its rivals, this RS3 isn't afraid to put up a fight.

it's just that it's grown in stature, or rather in size. It's no longer a laughing matter around the wheel, especially with an inverted fork, 280 mm disc, radial caliper and aviation hoses - gear that wasn't even seen on the NSR 125, which produced far more horsepower.
Arg....! Let's stop lamenting the abandonment of the 2-stroke and salute the close collaboration between Rieju and Minarelli. This engine builder not only supplies the Spanish manufacturer, but also the giant Yamaha. The heart of this RS3 is a familiar engine, since it's the same block that powers theYZF-R 125. It's a state-of-the-art 4-valve, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled single with a healthy 15 horsepower. At 128 kg, the Rieju offers almost the same power-to-weight ratio as the Yam. But the Spanish model is less expensive, and its fork adds a more racing touch. The Japanese model, on the other hand, boasts an even more distinctive and terribly seductive style.

even if the engine spat out twice as many watts, it would be hard pressed to stress the sturdy aluminum swingarm. Less noble, the frame is made of steel, but its perimeter structure of triangular spars inspires seriousness and rigidity. This chassis will play with curves and trajectories with a laugh. It remains to be seen whether the suspension will be rigorous enough.
On the other hand, by becoming the RS3, the Iberian sports car has also become 1,000 euros more expensive. No fun for the kids' piggy banks.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos