Rieju Marathon 200 Pro [2012-2017]: A Lightweight Champion for Trail and Tarmac
Introduction
The Rieju Marathon 200 Pro, produced between 2012 and 2017, is a motorcycle that defies easy categorization. Built by the Spanish brand Rieju—a name synonymous with rugged, no-nonsense machines—this bike straddles the line between hardcore enduro weapon and urban supermoto fun. At its core lies a Yamaha-derived 200cc engine, a proven powerplant that gives it a reputation for reliability in a segment where durability matters. Over a week of riding through muddy trails, rocky paths, and even city streets, the Marathon 200 Pro proved itself as a versatile companion for riders who crave agility without sacrificing grunt. Let’s dive into what makes this generation a standout.
Design & Build Quality: Function Over Flair (But It Looks Good Anyway)
The Marathon 200 Pro’s design screams “purpose-built.” Its steel perimeter frame is minimalist yet robust, with a detachable rear sub-chassis that simplifies maintenance—a thoughtful touch for off-road riders who might need to swap parts after a rough day. The bike’s dimensions are compact, with a wheelbase of 1,405 mm (55.3 inches) in its enduro trim, making it flickable through tight singletrack.
Two variants exist within this generation: the Enduro/Offroad model (21-inch front/18-inch rear wheels) and the SM Pro supermoto (17-inch street wheels). Both share the same DNA but cater to different terrains. The Enduro version rides on chunky 80/90-21 front and 110/80-18 rear tires, while the SM Pro swaps these for sticky 100/80-17 and 130/70-17 street rubber.
Standout features include:
- Inverted 40mm R16V front forks: These offer 250 mm (9.8 inches) of travel in enduro spec, soaking up rocks and ruts with confidence.
- Galfer Wave Disc Brakes: The 200 mm (7.9-inch) discs bite hard, whether you’re sliding into a dirt corner or navigating traffic.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A surprising luxury in this class, providing clear readouts for speed, odometer, and trip data.
At 121 kg (266.8 lbs) dry, the Marathon feels almost toy-like when compared to modern dual-sports. The seat height—890 mm (35 inches) for the Enduro—is tall but manageable for riders above 170 cm (5’7”). Shorter riders might tip-toe, but the narrow seat profile helps.
Engine & Performance: Yamaha Heart, Spanish Soul
The star of the show is the 200cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine, a Yamaha design that’s been bulletproofed over decades. Fed by a Keihin 39S carburetor (a rarity in today’s fuel-injected world), this single-cylinder mill delivers linear power that’s perfect for technical trails.
Key specs:
- Bore x Stroke: 63.0 x 58.6 mm (2.5 x 2.3 inches)
- Power: Estimated 24–26 HP (based on Yamaha WR200 comparisons)
- Gearbox: 6-speed, with a notably short first gear for crawling over obstacles.
On the trail, the engine shines. Throttle response is crisp, and the carburetor’s slight lag compared to FI systems is forgivable once you learn to anticipate it. The powerband builds smoothly from 3,000 RPM, with a satisfying pull between 6,000–8,000 RPM. On pavement (in SM Pro trim), the engine hums comfortably at 80 km/h (50 mph), though it’ll protest if you push beyond 100 km/h (62 mph).
The six-speed gearbox is a highlight. Sixth gear acts as an overdrive, making road sections less buzzy. Clutch action is light, a blessing during long off-road sessions.
Handling & Off-Road Capability: Where the Marathon Earns Its Name
Take the Marathon 200 Pro off-road, and it transforms into a mountain goat. The suspension setup—40mm inverted forks and a PRS gas mono-shock—is plush enough for trail abuse yet firm enough to handle jumps. I launched it over fallen logs and carved through loose gravel, and the bike remained composed.
The Enduro’s 21-inch front wheel rolls over obstacles effortlessly, while the 18-inch rear provides stability on uneven terrain. Standing up on the pegs feels natural thanks to a well-positioned handlebar and grippy footpegs. At slower speeds, the lightweight chassis lets you pivot around trees with minimal effort.
On rocky ascents, the engine’s low-end torque keeps momentum alive. Just keep the revs above 4,000 RPM, and the Marathon claws its way up. Descending steep hills is equally confidence-inspiring—the rear brake offers excellent modulation, and the front brake (with a dual-piston caliper) never feels wooden.
On-Road Manners: Supermoto Fun (SM Pro Version)
Swap the knobbies for street tires (as on the SM Pro), and the Marathon becomes a hooligan’s dream. The 17-inch wheels and lower-profile tires sharpen the steering, making it a blast on twisty backroads. The same suspension that eats up trail whoops now delivers sportbike-like lean angles.
Braking performance is stellar for a 200cc machine. The Galfer wave discs (200 mm front and rear) shed speed quickly, though aggressive riders might crave a larger front rotor for repeated hard stops.
Competition: How It Stacks Up
The 200cc enduro/supermoto segment is niche but competitive. Here’s how the Marathon 200 Pro compares:
- Yamaha WR200: The Rieju’s engine donor. The WR200 is slightly heavier and lacks modern touches like inverted forks. However, Yamaha’s dealer network is broader.
- Honda CRF230L: More road-biased, with softer suspension and less aggressive ergonomics. Better for beginners but less thrilling.
- KTM 200 Duke (Supermoto): The KTM offers fuel injection and more power (28 HP) but at a higher price point. Maintenance costs are steeper too.
Rieju’s Edge: The Yamaha-derived engine offers proven reliability, while the suspension and brakes outperform rivals in this price bracket. The SM Pro variant also undercuts dedicated supermotos like the Suzuki DR-Z400SM in weight and flickability.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Marathon Healthy
Owning a Marathon 200 Pro is straightforward if you’re diligent:
- Carburetor Care: The Keihin 39S carb is reliable but demands seasonal cleaning if the bike sits. Consider a carb rebuild kit from MOTOPARTS.store if throttle response gets sluggish.
- Oil Changes: Every 1,500 km (930 miles) with 10W-40 semi-synthetic. The filter is easily accessible.
- Air Filter: Clean every 500 km (310 miles) off-road. Upgrade to a high-flow foam filter for dusty conditions.
- Chain Adjustments: The O-ring chain stretches predictably. Lubricate every 300 km (186 miles).
- Brake Pads: Galfer wave discs last ages, but sintered pads improve bite.
MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations:
- Pro-Taper Handlebars: Reduce vibration on long rides.
- Aftermarket Exhaust: Unleash the engine’s throatier notes (and save weight).
- Skid Plate: Essential for rocky terrain.
Conclusion: A Forgotten Gem
The Rieju Marathon 200 Pro [2012–2017] is a reminder that simplicity often breeds greatness. It’s not the fastest or most technologically advanced bike, but its Yamaha heart, rugged chassis, and dual-purpose flexibility make it a joy to own. Whether you’re threading through forests or scraping pegs on asphalt, this Spanish machine delivers grins per dollar—and with MOTOPARTS.store’s catalog, keeping it in peak condition is half the fun.
Ready to upgrade your Marathon? Explore our curated selection of aftermarket parts and let your Rieju shine brighter than ever.
