Last week, Mark Berg from Central Powersports Distributing drove all the way from Texas to Southern California to deliver several bikes for testing in future issues of Dirt Bike magazine. As the U.S. distributor for Rieju, Electric Motion, SWM, and now AJP, Mark brought a variety of bikes, but the one that had everyone excited was the Rieju 300MR Racing. This bike is the standard edition of the 300 two-stroke model. Rieju is a Spanish brand that took over the production of the bikes previously known as GasGas. Stefan Pierer acquired a majority interest in GasGas three years ago, specifically for the trials bikes. During that time, the two-stroke off-road bikes were temporarily discontinued until Rieju took over.

What sets Rieju apart is its commitment to quality. The MR300 Racing, priced at $9,699, is not considered a budget brand. It comes with premium parts and is not associated with any Chinese parent company. While it may be less expensive than Husky’s TE300 model, it is by no means cheap. The bike has a slightly old-school feel, with a motor that dates back several years and lacks fuel injection and an electronic power valve. It is equipped with a Keihin Carb and an externally mounted electric starter. Rieju uses KYB suspension and includes an FMF silencer/spark arrestor as standard. One notable feature is the USFS-approved spark arrestor, which is uncommon on modern two-stroke bikes. The bike also features Nissin brakes, billet hubs, a backup kickstarter, map switch, handguards, a skid plate, and frame guards.

One of the standout features of the Rieju 300MR Racing is its spacious and comfortable layout, which resembles what a 300 two-stroke from Honda might look like. The motor offers excellent torque, with spot-on jetting. It’s worth noting that it may run a little lean on pump gas when the weather cools down. In terms of power, it falls between the KTM 300XC and the 300XC-W, with a more aggressive feel than the XC-W model, especially at lower RPMs, but not quite matching the sheer power of the XC. Many riders find the XC too aggressive for off-road use, particularly in the green map. The Rieju 300MR Racing is comparable to the KTM 300XC in the KTM’s mild map. While the Rieju has its own mild map, it primarily affects the top-end power while leaving the bottom-end mostly untouched.

On the downside, the Rieju motor vibrates more than KTM or Husky models, and the suspension can feel slightly stiff. Although the 2024 Rieju model hasn’t been weighed yet, last year’s model without fuel weighed 242 pounds, which is a bit heavy, but further testing will provide more accurate information. A full test of the Rieju 300MR Racing will be featured in the January 2024 print edition of Dirt Bike magazine.

AJP’S NEW DISTRIBUTOR

Central Powersports, the U.S. distributor for various brands, is now also the distributor for AJP. AJP is a Portuguese brand that sources parts and components from around the world. While its smaller bikes use Chinese motors, the flagship PR7 model comes equipped with an Italian-built SWM motor. The PR7 is reminiscent of the SWM Superdual X, which was tested in 2019 and shares similarities with the 2011 Husqvarna TE630. The AJP chassis is designed for rally use and features a tower that houses a GPS-linked tablet. Currently, the PR7 is intended purely for off-road riding, but plans for a dual-sport version are underway. Look out for a short riding impression of the PR7 in the upcoming Dirt Bike magazine.

CARSON BROWN’S KDX

Carson Brown and his father Duane share a passion for older bikes, frequently finding hidden gems and turning them into rideable machines. These bikes are not just for display—they are ridden hard. In their latest venture, they brought down a retro Kawasaki KDX220 last month. It was incredible to witness Carson’s skills on such an iconic bike from the past. Stay tuned, as there are big plans for this bike.

2024 HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901

Husqvarna recently unveiled its 2024 Norden, which boasts several updates. The Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) now offers ten different levels of rear wheel slip when the optional Explorer Mode is engaged. The bike also features a new USB port, hazard warning lights, and an updated exhaust system.

Technical highlights of the 2024 Husqvarna Norden 901 include:

• New grey and yellow graphics for a distinct appearance
• Revised Cornering sensitive Traction Control with 10 levels of adjustable rear wheel slip in Explorer Mode
• New exhaust system for EURO 5+ compliance
• New USB port on the side of the dashboard
• New hazard warning system
• Bosch Cornering ABS
• Chromium-molybdenum steel frame with engine as stressed member
• 889cc parallel-twin engine delivering 105 hp peak power and 100 Nm of torque
• Adjustable WP APEX suspension for exceptional comfort on and offroad
• Four selectable ride modes (Street, Rain, Offroad, optional Explorer)
• Ride-by-wire throttle with adjustable response (in Explorer mode)
• Standard Easy Shift function (up and down Quickshifter)
• PASC Slipper clutch
• Tubeless spoked wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires for balanced on and offroad performance
• Large 19-litre fuel tank offering a range of up to 400 km
• Optional Connectivity Unit for TbT+ navigation, phone calls, and music from a rider’s smartphone

That’s it for this week’s update. Be sure to check back for more exciting updates in the world of dirt biking!