An Awesome Adventure On the Rieju Aventura 307 Rally, Lightweight Adventure Bike.

Rieju, the bold Spanish brand, storms into the lightweight adventure bike world with the Aventura 307 Rally. Assembled in China yet brimming with Spanish soul, this bike channels Rieju's rich tradition of motorcycle ingenuity. Road Tests and Reviews push the Aventura beyond the ordinary, seeking thrills on winding trails and open roads alike.

Exploring the trails is a pleasure no matter the circumstances, so even amidst the most challenging weeks of relentless rain, RTR eagerly embraced the opportunity to review a new model bike. The Rieju Aventura 307 Rally was put to the test on the picturesque paths of the Surrey Hills, where it transformed an ordinary day into an exhilarating adventure. As we navigated through the lush, mud-kissed terrain, the bike displayed exceptional capability, handling the rough conditions with confidence and agility. Not to mention, it comes at a surprisingly reasonable price, making it an appealing option for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank.

The Rieju Aventura 307 Rally's suspension feels notably firm at first. While this stiffness might initially seem excessive, a few straightforward adjustments to the compression damping can transform its performance. Once fine-tuned, it effectively balances comfort and control for both on and off-road adventures.

With a commendable long travel of 235mm, the suspension minimises excessive pitch, allowing the bike to glide over potholes, tree roots, and other rugged obstacles with an ease that surpasses many of its direct competitors. In off-road situations, it takes on a personality reminiscent of a smaller trail bike, demonstrating capabilities that sometimes outshine those of even dedicated trail models.

The bike's wheelbase is relatively short—35mm less than a Honda CRF and 90mm shorter than the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450—contributing to its nimbleness. This design choice grants the Aventura a remarkable sense of balance, particularly evident when manoeuvring through wet, slushy trails during our mid-winter evaluation. It confidently charges along unpaved tracks, even at a steady third gear, seamlessly absorbing the rough terrain and extracting more grip than one might expect from its basic Helios trail tyres.

When navigating challenging terrain, it's remarkably effortless to adjust your weight, allowing you to maintain momentum while keeping the bike upright and minimising the need for dabs. This confidence-inspiring capability not only enhances your riding experience on trails but also ignites a sense of adventure, encouraging you to explore more winding byways.

The riding position offers generous space whether you stand or sit, and as someone who stands 6 feet tall with a 33-inch inside leg, I found it comfortable with no issues. Riders who are shorter, around 5-foot-8-inch, will also find it easy to reach the ground thanks to the bike's narrow stand-over height. The seat, while initially firm and slightly uncomfortable for the first few miles, becomes more accommodating as you ride, providing decent support for extended journeys of a couple of hours without compromising your body position when you're standing on the pegs.

Standard features include ABS, which is active by default to comply with regulations but can be conveniently turned off. To deactivate it, switch to off-road mode on the dashboard, then press and hold the ABS button on the control switches. This thoughtful design lets you tailor your riding experience to the demands of off-road adventures.

The brakes perform admirably, instilling confidence in the rider. When the ABS engages on the road, it does so with surprising finesse; the activation is neither abrupt nor heavy-handed. This is particularly noteworthy given that it is a basic system lacking lean-angle sensitivity. Riders can confidently apply the brakes until the front tyre emits a telltale howl, and when the ABS does intervene, it gently eases off the brake pressure rather than delivering a jarring response.

This motorcycle also excels in various riding conditions. The small-brand tyres grip the pavement effectively, even in rainy weather, showcasing their impressive capabilities. Its easygoing demeanour makes it equally adept at navigating bustling city streets as at exploring winding country lanes. This versatility makes it an excellent choice not only for daily commuting but also for adventurous weekend trips that blend on-road and off-road riding experiences.

The engine produces a measured output of 24 brake horsepower and 16 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheel, which, while modest, serves its purpose well for green-laning and casual trail riding. Although it may struggle with steep climbs and exceptionally technical terrain, this bike is not designed for such extreme challenges; instead, it excels in more gentle and accessible off-road environments.

This powerplant is derived from the tried-and-true KLX250/300 engine, the result of a collaboration between Loncin and Kawasaki that began over 10 years ago. This design has a solid track record, as Loncin has successfully utilised it in their own model, the Voge 300 Rally. Rieju’s variant, which proudly features branding on the side covers, has been refined with a different piston, cylinder, and head configuration. These modifications add an additional 5.5 horsepower at the crank, enhancing performance while maintaining the reliability associated with this long-established engine design.

The engine truly comes to life in the exhilarating range of 5000 to 8000 rpm, delivering a thrilling burst of midrange power. The short first gear offers a brisk start, while the close-ratio second through sixth gears maintain a seamless flow of acceleration. It effortlessly lunges to 60 mph, displaying a rapid turn of speed that makes overtaking sluggish vehicles feel almost effortless. When cruising on the motorway, reaching 70 mph on the speedometer is straightforward, though pushing beyond that speed becomes a sluggish endeavour. The national speed limit is reached at 8000 rpm, just 900 rpm shy of the engine's peak performance, marking a point where the thrill begins to taper off.

When the Rieju Aventura 307 is pushed to its limits with high-speed riding or vigorous trail excursions, it typically consumes approximately 49 miles per gallon (mpg). Under such demanding conditions, riders can expect a range of around 220 miles before needing to refuel. However, this is less than ideal; many owners have reported that, under moderate use, the motorcycle can achieve fuel efficiency exceeding 60 mpg, offering an even greater range for adventure seekers.

This vehicle truly excels in off-road situations, as one would expect from a machine designed for such environments. The transmission features a first gear that feels too short for practical use, which may initially frustrate drivers seeking immediate power. However, shifting into second gear transforms the experience, allowing the vehicle to pull away seamlessly with an impressive surge of acceleration. Notably, if you find yourself in third gear and come to a brief stop, a gentle slip of the clutch can help you regain momentum effortlessly, making it easy to navigate through various terrains.

When it comes to the shifting quality, there is a noteworthy distinction. The upshifts are generally smooth and should not pose any issues for most riders, providing a comfortable acceleration experience. In contrast, the downshifts may exhibit some clunkiness, particularly when you are at a complete standstill. This can lead to mild frustration, especially when quick gear changes are required. Additionally, you might experience a slight jerkiness when closing the throttle, but this is a minor concern that does not significantly detract from the overall riding experience. The bike maintains a relatively mild demeanour, allowing you to focus on the ride itself.

You can confidently let the engine dip into the low RPM range without fear, as it continues to respond reliably. It glides through muddy patches with ease, minimising the risk of excessive wheelspin or losing control. For seasoned trail enthusiasts, this vehicle offers ample power and traction to tackle a wide variety of conditions, including steep inclines, rocky paths, and tricky obstacles. On the other hand, novice off-road riders will find the bike reassuringly approachable and user-friendly, designed to accommodate their learning process while still providing the excitement of this exhilarating discipline. Ultimately, this balance of power, control, and ease of use makes the vehicle exceptionally well-suited for riders at all levels of experience, enhancing the joy of off-road adventures.

The key factors driving Rieju ownership are value and performance capabilities, in that order. The only more affordable option is its half-sibling, the Voge 300 Rally, which is priced at £3,799. This makes it significantly cheaper than its main competitors: the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (£5,750), KTM 390 Adventure R (£6,199), and Honda CRF300L Rally (£6,599).

For this price, you get a bike that performs much better off-road than the Enfield, although it may not be as comfortable at higher speeds. The KTM features a more refined chassis and better handling at speed, but its rev-happy engine can be less user-friendly on trails.

As for the Honda, it's known for its reliability and dependability, but it doesn't offer any performance advantages to justify the extra £2,000. It's due for a significant update to remain competitive; the last outstanding feature it had over rivals was its lightweight, manageable feel, which the Rieju also offers.

The Rieju Aventura 307 Rally is unmistakably designed with a strong inclination towards off-road adventures, setting itself apart within the adventure bike community. Unlike its closest competitors—the Honda CRF300L Rally and the Voge 300 Rally—it boasts a sophisticated TFT dashboard and elegantly backlit switches that lend an air of sophistication suited for on-road travel.

While it's not a magical all-purpose machine, the Aventura 307 Rally can reach 70 mph, though it demands a high rev of 8000 rpm in top gear to do so. This level of performance comes at a cost, as fuel consumption drops significantly, and consistently riding at such high speeds could jeopardise the longevity of its small single-cylinder engine. Instead, riders are encouraged to maintain a more moderate pace, ideally keeping it below 60 mph. This approach allows for exploration of wind-swept country roads, seamlessly transitioning to winding trails and rugged fire roads—perhaps the quintessential experience sought from a compact adventure bike.

The Aventura 307 Rally excels on paved surfaces and demonstrates a surprisingly robust performance when venturing off the beaten path. Its capabilities show minimal compromise for its value, making it an appealing option for those who appreciate the thrill of dual-sport riding without breaking the bank. Although we have yet to pit it directly against its rivals, its notable off-road focus suggests that it may not emerge as the most well-rounded or sensible choice in the category. However, there is no doubt that the Rieju Aventura 307 Rally stands out as an exceptional value among small adventure bikes on the market today.

£4600 for the more road suitable version