Motorcycle specifications Spécial & FictionRockrider 5 2004

When you don't have a motorcycle (for a while), any excuse is a good one to rediscover simple, authentic pleasures. But does that mean you have to give up riding and the thrill of the open road? Certainly not!

For this new test ride, no riding gear, no gloves, and certainly no helmet... Man, alone and unadorned, facing the beast. In fact, an E.D.F.—a Crazy Machine—that looks unassuming but allows for all kinds of wildness. Minimal weight, power adjustable at will, unmatched agility: I present the Rockrider 5 mountain bike. Some are already laughing, others are brimming with curiosity. They won’t be disappointed.

Aesthetically, we find the fundamentals of cycling history. A minimalist tubular frame, handlebars, two wheels. It’s all there—nothing more is needed. The bike tested here features road-ready accessories: a bottle cage and a water bottle to quench your thirst. Incredibly sleek, its silhouette hints at unmatched agility. Yet, the initial ride is surprising. The saddle is firm, not very wide, and incredibly high. But that’s where the pleasant surprises begin. The seat height is adjustable over a range of 450 mm (no German bike can claim the same). The bike’s lightness (87 kg fully loaded, including the rider) enhances the riding experience. You feel at ease right away, allowing you to weave through even the tightest of spaces. The exceptional turning radius lets you make a U-turn in less than 2 meters. In all conditions, the Rockrider carves its way through, going where all other bikes give up. A toy that doubles as a tool.

The engine is fantastic. Maximum torque is available right from idle. It allows for explosive starts, though these are unfortunately quickly limited by a lack of power. This power, I should note, is scalable. It all depends on the rider’s physical condition. Currently, the machine has about 0.4 hp and 0.6 mkg. These figures should increase by at least 30% by summer. Since the bike’s dry weight is only 16 kg, all kinds of stunts are possible despite the lack of power. Imagine, it lifts in every gear. Stoppies and wheelies galore without even touching the clutch (in fact, there is no clutch). Thanks to its 21 gears, the gearbox—or rather, gearboxes—allow you to make the most of the available power. Alas, the transmission isn’t without its flaws. Jerks with every gear change if you don’t ease off the throttle, false neutral points, and finicky shifting. It’s a far cry from the standard of Suzuki gearboxes. With its total lack of protection, non-existent instrumentation, and overly limited top speed, the bike makes its intentions clear: this is no road bike.

Let’s head instead to the rough local trails. What a delight! Right in its element, the machine handles everything with ease. It clears bumps and dunes without a care. If the slope is too steep, simply shift down a gear and give the machine a hand. No hesitation and no unexpected surprises. On all types of terrain, the bike’s solid handling highlights its sporty and responsive nature. The telescopic fork steers impeccably and absorbs some of the minor bumps. While not as rigid as the front end of an R 1200 GS, it delays fatigue on very rough terrain. When it’s time to rein in its enthusiasm, the brake pads perform their job adequately. The brakes are powerful but lack feel and progressive response.

Suitable for both urban and rural use, the ATV can be enhanced with a host of options: fenders, wired or wireless instrumentation, additional lighting, a side stand, a comfort seat, road, sport, or all-terrain tires, disc brakes, a set of racing pedals... While the 26" spoked rims cannot accommodate tubeless tires, this isn’t a major issue since they don’t really need them. Any minor issue can be repaired in 5 minutes. It’s even possible to adjust the gear ratios to lengthen or shorten the drivetrain as desired.

Beyond its versatility, the Rockrider boasts some standout features: minimal maintenance (one tire per year, one chain kit every five years), zero fuel consumption, a range limited only by the rider, a ridiculously compact size, and an ultra-affordable price. For the city, it’s simply the perfect machine.

Information and image credits: M.B.