Honda Ruckus
The Ruckus is a motorscooter developed by Honda and introduced in America in late 2002 (2003 model year); the Japanese model name for the same design is called a Zoomer. The Ruckus and Zoomer differ from more traditional scooters because of their rugged design including:
- tires that are thicker and have deep treads
- a skeleton frame that intentionally lacks an enclosed storage compartment
Specifications
(Taken from TotalRuckus.com)
- Model: Ruckus (NPS50)
- Engine Type: 49cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
- Carburetion: 15mm CV with automatic choke
- Ignition: CD
- Transmission: Automatic V-Matic belt drive
- Front Suspension: Twin-downtube fork; 2.2 inches travel
- Rear Suspension: Single shock; 2.6 inches travel
- Front Brakes: Drum
- Rear Brakes: Drum
- Front Tires: 120/90-10
- Rear Tires: 130/90-10
- Wheelbase: 49.8 inches
- Seat Height: 29.1 inches
- Dry Weight: 181 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 1.3 gallons
Colors
- 2003 models: red or black
- 2004 models: yellow, black, or camo (brown camouflage)
- 2005 models: black or silver camo (gray camouflage)
- 2006 models: white or silver camo (gray camouflage)
(At time of posting, the Honda site showed color schemes for both 2004 and 2005 model years. For fun, a Honda Japan site dedicated to the Zoomer includes a Macromedia Flash game that allows a user to colorize a Ruckus in a wide variety of ways using computer painting tools.)
Interest Groups
Ruckus owners are proud individuals. The Ruckus has been affectionately referred to as a Battlescooter and jokingly categorized as an urban assault vehicle. The stock Ruckus looks and rides very much like a two-wheel ATV, but that doesn't stop Ruckus owners from "tricking" or "modding" their vehicles.
Internet forums dedicated to Ruckus owners include:
These forums are helpful for those experiencing problems with their Ruckus that may not require professional mechanical work. They are also good places to find pictures of Ruckuses with special mods and ideas for modding a Ruckus.
Side note: In late 2004 (2005 model year), Honda introduced the "Big Ruckus" to America. It possesses a 249-cc engine and has a different design to accommodate the change in engine size. It still retains, however, the overall Ruckus mindset. Unlike its little brother, the first US Big Ruckus included no color options and came standard as yellow.