Rieju X-Over 357 test: One more step in the evolution of Rieju
To talk about Rieju is to talk about one of the great stories of the Spanish motorcycle industry. Founded in 1934 by Luis Riera and Jaime Juanola – from whose surnames the company’s name comes from – it is today the only Spanish motorcycle brand with 100% national capital that has maintained its activity uninterruptedly for more than nine decades.
If there is something that characterizes Rieju, it is its ability to reinvent itself without losing its essence. For many fans, the Catalan brand is part of the usual landscape of towns and coastal areas, where its mopeds and small-displacement motorcycles have been protagonists for decades. However, today Rieju is much more than that. Its range includes enduro motorcycles, rally motorcycles, electric models and now also medium-displacement scooters with which it aims to carve out a niche in one of the most competitive segments of the market.
The Catalan firm is also going through one of the sweetest moments in its recent history. The spectacular commercial success of the new 307 Rally, whose reservations have far exceeded initial forecasts with more than 4,000 units ordered in just a few months, confirms the good health of a company that dominates the European market for 50 cc motorcycles with gears. Not in vain, of the approximately 20,000 motorcycles it produces annually, about 90% are exported outside our borders. A growth that has already driven the construction of a new factory that will increase production capacity to 50,000 units per year.
Now, Rieju seeks to transfer that same ambition to the scooter sector with the launch of the new X-Over 357, a model that stands out for a very attractive combination of equipment, load capacity, features and price. Enter this to face rivals such as the Honda €).
Rieju X-Over 357 test: Lots of equipment and great loading capacity
At first glance, the X-Over 357 surprises with its robust and modern aesthetics, with muscular lines and generous volumes that not only provide visual personality, but also improve aerodynamic protection and everyday functionality.
One of its biggest arguments is precisely practicality. The enormous space under the seat allows two full-face helmets to be accommodated, a feature that is increasingly rare in the segment and that many users value even above performance.
But the X-Over is not far behind in technology. Rieju has opted to offer its own equipment of higher categories:
- 7-inch TFT color screen.
- Full LED lighting.
- Keyless system.
- Heated grips as standard.
- Traction control.
- Tire pressure control.
- Manually adjustable windshield.
- Double USB and USB-C socket.
- Two front glove boxes.
- Mobile connectivity
- Rieju Connect with route, maintenance and vehicle status information from your smartphone.
All this with a promotional launch price of 4,659 euros, a particularly competitive figure taking into account the level of equipment offered.
Rieju X-Over 357 test: On paper, we already like it
The heart of the X-Over 357 is a 330 cc single-cylinder engine developed on a platform from QJ Motor, one of the manufacturers with the greatest industrial capacity in the world.
Its main figures are:
- Maximum power: 30 HP.
- Engine torque: 32 Nm.
- Displacement: 330 cc.
- Declared weight: 191 kg fully loaded.
- Liquid cooling.
- CVT automatic transmission.
- BOSCH traction control and ABS as standard.
- 14.8 liter tank
On paper, the figures promise a very attractive balance between performance, comfort and ease of use both in the city and on interurban trips.
Rieju X-Over 357 test: This is how the Rieju X-Over 357 goes
After a good pile of kilometers through the city, mountain roads and highways, the new X-Over 357 has proven to be a much more serious proposition than its price might lead you to think.
From the first meters it stands out for its very successful ergonomics. The driving position is natural, relaxed and comfortable, allowing you to face long journeys without fatigue. The height of the seat facilitates maneuvers and allows you to reach the ground well. Of course, the considerable width of the seat, necessary to accommodate the enormous cargo space under it, may force shorter drivers to lean on tiptoe. In my case with 180, I arrive with both plants supported without problem.
Its 190 kilos move easily, we only miss a handbrake in case we park on a hill or if we require it in some maneuver.
But where this scooter really shines is in its engine. The 330 cc and 30 HP engine stands out for its refinement, smoothness and acceleration capacity. The power delivery is progressive when riding calmly, but forceful when maximum performance is required. The response of the electronic accelerator is especially successful, without abruptness or the annoying “on-off” effects that we still find in some rivals.
The features are clearly above what you would expect in an economical scooter. The engine pushes hard from low revs and allows you to easily exceed the legal speed limits, reaching speeds close to 150 km/h. This translates into an enormous feeling of relief when driving at 120 km/h, where the unit works in absolute comfort.
Another notable aspect is consumption. During our test we recorded figures of less than 4 liters per 100 kilometers in normal driving. Even maintaining high rates, it is difficult to exceed 4.3 liters, really good data considering the available features.
In the cycle section, the X-Over 357 conveys a pleasant sensation of stability. Its generous wheelbase (1,520 mm) provides great confidence in curves and remarkable confidence when the pace increases. On twisty roads it is noble and predictable, while on the highway it stands out for its good stability and contained vibrations.
We like the front suspension. Work correctly, keeping the front axle well seated. Very predictable at all times. Behind, the double shock absorber complies, although it is dry when overcoming pronounced potholes or urban speed bumps. It is not uncomfortable, but it is one of the aspects that could be improved on the whole.
Another detail that we believe could evolve in future versions is the management of the instrumentation from the left pineapple. Although the scooter has a complete TFT screen and a high level of technology, the keypad offers limited functionality while driving. It is not possible to comfortably navigate through the different parameters of the on-board computer while driving, something that we do find in some of its direct rivals.
Data such as consumption, trip information or certain screen functions are not available while driving. Even when stopped, navigation through the menus is complicated and very unintuitive. This is not a major problem in daily use, but it is an aspect that clearly could be improved in a set that stands out precisely for its high technological endowment.
As for braking, it is at the level of performance. The equipment offers sufficient power and good dosage, transmitting safety even under heavy braking. The front ABS is hardly intrusive and allows you to take full advantage of the braking capacity before intervening. The rear acts more quickly, although it does so progressively and without altering the stability of the scooter.
We were also positively surprised by the CST tires fitted as standard. Its level of grip is high both in quick supports and in strong braking, always offering a feeling of confidence greater than expected.
In the city it also demonstrates one of its best virtues: maneuverability. The turning radius is excellent and allows you to navigate between cars or make U-turns in very tight spaces with surprising ease for a scooter of this size.
Finally, aerodynamic protection deserves special mention. The wide body, adjustable windshield and heated grips as standard make the X-Over 357 an excellent companion for daily commuting all year round. We love the protection on legs, torso, shoulders and even helmet. This is a plus on cold days where you will go with a Premium level of comfort.
Nor should we forget the comfort of the passenger. The rear seat has generous padding, sufficient space and solid side handles that allow you to travel safely and comfortably even on long trips.
