Dakar 2027: Rieju Enters a Production Rally 307
The newsroomUpdated on November 4, 20263 minDakar 2027: Rieju fields a showroom Rally 307 (293 cc, 33.5 hp), ridden by August Castellà, the engineer who developed it. The goal is to reach the finish.
Key point
Rieju is going to the 2027 Dakar with a showroom Rally 307 ridden by the engineer who designed it: the aim is not to win, but to see how far a production bike can go.
Rieju, the Catalan brand from Figueres, will line up at the 2027 Dakar. Announced on 3 November 2026, the entry is unusual: a showroom Rieju Rally 307, ridden by the engineer who developed it, August Castellà. It is not a prototype built for competition, but a bike prepared from the model customers can buy.
A light trail bike against the 450 cc machines
The Rally 307 is a light trail bike designed for travel and everyday riding. Its engine is 293 cc and 33.5 hp, while top rally-raid bikes run 450 cc engines. The Dakar project starts from that platform, with official accessories that will also be offered to customers.
Motorpasión Moto, which puts the bike at around 5,000 euros, stresses the approach: Rieju is not building a special machine. Marca calls it an unusual proposal for the toughest rally in the world.
Castellà, the engineer at the handlebars
August Castellà has led the Rally 307's development from the R&D department. Before the bike reached dealerships, he took a prototype through a rally across Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal. That experience led to 127 improvement points being added to the model.
He then completed the Rallye du Maroc, a round of the world rally-raid championship, which allowed the Rally 307 to be measured against the 450 cc bikes that dominate the discipline.
"And if that means doing the Dakar, it won't be the bike that holds you back," he says, explaining that he has spent almost two years preparing this challenge.
The goal: see the finish
Rieju is not chasing victory. The aim is to validate that the bike can overcome the Dakar's obstacles, last every day of racing, and that the rider has the endurance and mindset to bring it home. The project is a full-scale test of the technical solutions of a trail bike built for adventure.
What it means for the Dakar
The 2027 Dakar takes place in January, in Morocco according to Marca. A production bike against specialised 450 cc machines brings a new angle: the democratisation of rally raid.
Key takeaways
- Rieju enters a production Rally 307 in the 2027 Dakar.
- 293 cc and 33.5 hp engine, against 450 cc for the top bikes.
- Rider: August Castellà, development engineer.
- Goal: finish the race, not win it.
Frequently asked questions
Which Rieju is racing the 2027 Dakar?
The Rally 307, a light trail bike sold in dealerships with a 293 cc engine and 33.5 hp, prepared for rally raid from the production model.
Who rides the Rieju at the 2027 Dakar?
August Castellà, the engineer who led the development of the Rally 307 in Rieju's R&D department.
Is Rieju aiming to win?
No. According to Motorpasión Moto, the goal is to finish as many stages as possible and see how far a production bike can go against the 450 cc machines.
Sources
- Motorpasión Moto — Rieju returns to the Dakar with a dealership bike
- Marca — To the 2027 Dakar on a production Rieju
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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