MOZA R5 Review: The Best Entry-Level Direct Drive Wheelbase in Australia?
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If you're new to sim racing and want to find out what direct drive is all about without spending a fortune, the MOZA R5 Bundle is one of the most compelling entry points available in Australia right now. It's a complete package — wheelbase, wheel, and pedals in one box — built around a genuine direct drive motor, and it's aimed squarely at PC sim racers who want to make the leap from gear or belt-driven wheels without committing to a high-end budget. We've had it on our showroom rigs at Gamer Gear Direct, and here's our honest take.
Quick Verdict
The MOZA R5 is a great entry-level direct drive bundle for PC sim racers who want to experience what direct drive feels like without a big outlay. Force feedback quality is dramatically better than anything gear or belt-driven, the setup is straightforward with MOZA's Pit House software, and everything you need to get racing is in the box. If you're on a tighter budget and exclusively on PC, this is where we'd point you first.
MOZA R5 Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Torque | 5.5Nm peak, direct drive |
| Compatibility | PC only |
| Wheel included | 280mm ES Steering Wheel |
| Pedals included | SR-P Lite 2-pedal set |
| Software | MOZA Pit House |
| Mounting | Desk clamp included, rig-compatible |
| Quick release | Metal MOZA quick release |
| In the box | Wheelbase, ES wheel, SR-P Lite pedals, desk clamp, cables, hardware |
What is the MOZA R5?
The MOZA R5 is MOZA Racing's entry-level direct drive wheelbase, sold exclusively as a bundle with the 280mm ES Steering Wheel and SR-P Lite pedals. A direct drive wheelbase eliminates the gears and belts found in traditional sim racing wheels, connecting the motor shaft directly to the wheel. The result is force feedback that's cleaner, faster, and more detailed than anything gear or belt-driven can deliver — you feel road texture, tyre slip, weight transfer and kerb strikes the way they actually happen, not filtered through plastic gears.
MOZA comes from a real-world background in automotive chassis technology, which shows in the build quality. The R5 sits in a compact, aviation-grade aluminium housing that feels considerably more serious than you'd expect at this price point, and the metal quick release — the same system used across MOZA's more expensive lineup — adds a level of quality that makes the whole setup feel well beyond its entry-level positioning.
Hands-On: What We Think at Our Showroom
We've had the MOZA R5 running in our Dandenong South showroom and it consistently does exactly what a great entry-level direct drive wheel should do — it shows new sim racers what they've been missing.
The MOZA R5 is a great entry-level direct drive bundle. For customers who are new to sim racing and don't want to fork out a lot to get a feel for what it's all about, this is the setup we point them toward. It gets you into genuine direct drive territory without the sticker shock of a higher-end system, and for a first-time direct drive experience, it's genuinely impressive.
The force feedback is way better than belt or gear-driven alternatives — there's simply no comparison once you've felt it side by side. Road texture, mid-corner feedback, the feeling of a tyre starting to step out — all of it comes through the wheel with a clarity that cheaper systems can't replicate. It doesn't feel like random vibration anymore. It feels like real information from the car.
Setting up is easy too. MOZA's Pit House software is clean, intuitive, and doesn't require any technical background to get dialled in. Most customers are up and running within minutes of opening the box.
Who is the MOZA R5 For?
The MOZA R5 is for PC sim racers who are taking the hobby seriously for the first time and want to understand what direct drive can offer — without making a big financial commitment upfront.
It's the right choice if:
- You're new to sim racing and want a genuine direct drive experience on a budget
- You race exclusively on PC (iRacing, Assetto Corsa, F1, Gran Turismo on PC, etc.)
- You want everything in one box without sourcing components separately
- You want a setup that's easy to configure without deep technical knowledge
It's not the right choice if:
- You're on PS5 or Xbox — the R5 is PC only. For console racers, the Logitech RS50 is the better starting point
- You want more torque and feedback from the outset — the MOZA R9 V3 Bundle steps things up significantly
The MOZA R5 ES Steering Wheel
The 280mm ES Steering Wheel included with the R5 Bundle is a well-designed starter wheel. The microfibre leather grip is comfortable over long stints, the 22 programmable buttons give you everything you need for in-car controls, and the aluminium alloy frame and dial add a level of build quality that feels well above the R5's price point. The gear shift indicator LEDs are a nice touch too — configurable through Pit House for colour, brightness and timing.
The SR-P Lite Pedals
The SR-P Lite pedals are a solid entry-level set. High-strength steel construction, hall sensor technology for consistent readings, and adjustable spacing and plate height mean they'll serve you well as you find your feet in sim racing. When you're ready to step up, MOZA's SR-P pedals with load cell kit are the natural next upgrade — and they fit straight into the same rig without any modifications. The optional clutch add-on is also worth considering from the start if you plan to drive manual gearbox cars.
MOZA R5 vs MOZA R9 vs Logitech RS50
| MOZA R5 | MOZA R9 V3 | Logitech RS50 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torque | 5.5Nm | 9Nm | 8Nm |
| Platform | PC only | PC only | PS5, Xbox, PC |
| Pedals included | SR-P Lite | SR-P Lite | Not included (bundle available) |
| Best for | Budget DD entry on PC | Mid-range PC sim racing | Console + PC direct drive |
| Price | Check gamergeardirect.com.au | Check gamergeardirect.com.au | Check gamergeardirect.com.au |
The R5 is cheaper than the RS50 and delivers less feedback from the motor — that's the honest trade-off. For PC-only racers on a tighter budget, it's a genuinely strong option. For anyone on console, or anyone who wants the best value direct drive including console compatibility, the Logitech RS50 is the smarter choice.
MOZA Pit House: Setup Made Simple
One of the things we consistently hear from customers who've picked up the R5 is how easy it is to get running. MOZA's Pit House software handles all the wheelbase configuration — torque, FFB strength, steering angle, damper settings — through a clean, well-designed interface that doesn't require any sim racing expertise to navigate.
For first-time direct drive users, this matters. Getting into a new sim racing ecosystem can feel overwhelming, but the R5 with Pit House is about as straightforward as direct drive gets. Most customers who pick one up from our showroom are configured and racing the same day.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Genuine direct drive feel at an entry-level price
- Complete bundle — wheel and pedals included, nothing else to buy to get started
- Dramatically better force feedback than gear or belt-driven wheels
- Clean, compact aluminium build quality
- Easy setup with MOZA Pit House software
- Metal quick release — same system as MOZA's more expensive lineup
- Modular — upgrade pedals, wheel, or add accessories as you go
Cons
- PC only — no PS5 or Xbox compatibility
- 5.5Nm is the entry point of direct drive; more torque available if you step up
- SR-P Lite pedals are entry-level — a worthwhile upgrade path later
- Clutch pedal sold separately
What About Upgrading Later?
One of the smart things about the MOZA ecosystem is its modularity. The R5 bundle gets you started, and everything can be upgraded over time:
- Clutch pedal — the SR-P Lite supports an optional clutch add-on
- Wheel upgrade — all MOZA wheel rims fit the same quick release
- Pedal upgrade — MOZA's SR-P Pedals with load cell kit are a natural next step
Browse the full MOZA Racing range at Gamer Gear Direct to see the complete ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MOZA R5?
The MOZA R5 is MOZA Racing's entry-level direct drive sim racing bundle for PC, including a 5.5Nm direct drive wheelbase, 280mm ES Steering Wheel, and SR-P Lite pedals.
Does the MOZA R5 work on PS5 or Xbox?
No — the MOZA R5 is PC only. For console direct drive options, the Logitech RS50 supports PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S and PC from a single base.
Is the MOZA R5 worth it for beginners?
Yes — the MOZA R5 is one of the best entry points into direct drive sim racing in Australia. Force feedback quality is dramatically better than gear or belt-driven wheels, setup is easy with Pit House, and everything you need comes in the box.
What software does the MOZA R5 use?
The MOZA R5 uses MOZA's Pit House software for configuration — clean, intuitive, and suitable for first-time direct drive users.
What pedals come with the MOZA R5?
The MOZA R5 Bundle includes the SR-P Lite 2-pedal set (throttle and brake). A clutch pedal add-on is available separately.
How does the MOZA R5 compare to a Logitech G29 or G923?
The jump is significant. Direct drive eliminates the slack and mechanical noise of gear-driven systems and delivers force feedback that feels like real car information — road texture, tyre slip, weight transfer — rather than generic vibration.
Where can I buy the MOZA R5 in Australia?
Gamer Gear Direct stocks the MOZA R5 Bundle with Australian warranty and local support. Visit our Dandenong South showroom to try it, or order online at gamergeardirect.com.au.
Ready to take the leap into direct drive? Browse the full MOZA Racing range at Gamer Gear Direct — Australian warranty, fast delivery, and if you'd rather try before you buy, visit us at our Dandenong South showroom.
Written by Kurt Ebrado, Sales Manager at Gamer Gear Direct. With over five years of hands-on experience across sim racing and flight simulation gear, Kurt has helped hundreds of Australian sim enthusiasts find the right setup for their space, budget and goals. If you've ever called the GGD showroom for advice, there's a good chance you've already spoken to him.
