Honda Ruckus Buying Guide

Categories: Motorcycles | Ownership & Maintenance

Table of Contents

Honda Ruckus History and Overview
Honda Ruckus Features
Honda Ruckus Specifications
Honda Ruckus MPG, Fuel Capacity and Fuel Type
Honda Ruckus Price
Honda Ruckus for Sale
Honda Ruckus Top Speed
Honda Ruckus Colors
Honda Ruckus Warranty
5 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Honda Ruckus
Common Problems with a Honda Ruckus
Honda Ruckus Custom Modifications and Accessories
Frequently Asked Questions About the Honda Ruckus

Honda Ruckus History and Overview

First introduced to the U.S. market in 2003, the Honda Ruckus, also called The Zoomer in other countries, has attracted an almost cult-like following by scooter owners and enthusiasts. The Ruckus combines a rugged, minimalistic styling with Honda’s engine reliability for a compact but fun experience. It is a small, spunky scooter powered by the same liquid-cooled 49cc engine also found in Honda’s Metropolitan scooter. If your commuting needs are going to be limited to local, non-highway roads, the Ruckus should suit you just fine. If there is a knock on the Ruckus, besides the lack of enclosed storage space and no fuel gauge, we must take issue with the fact that Honda has never created a 150cc version of this little scooter.

Over the years, the Ruckus’ unisex design has remained relatively unchanged, which is another reason why it’s so popular with both male and female scooter owners. Although Honda claims the Ruckus can earn 114 miles per gallon, owners have reported logging 75 to 100 mpg under real-world conditions. Lastly, if modifying your Ruckus is something you wish to do, you’ll be more than happy with the wide number of aftermarket mod options available.

Honda Ruckus Features

• Reliable, liquid-cooled engine
• One-speed automatic transmission
• No shifting required, not even for parking or neutral
• Rugged, stripped-down minimalistic style
• Push-button electric starter and backup kick starter
• Electric choke for cold weather starts
• Oversized tires
• Dual 35-watt headlights

• Front and rear turn signals
• Left and right rear-view mirrors
• Tough tubular frame
• Small, open-air storage located under the seat
• Parking brake
• Analog speedometer
• Low fuel warning light (illuminates with 0.25 gallons left)
• Helmet holder

Honda Ruckus Specifications

• Model ID: NPS50
• Model years: 2003 - Present. Due to the pandemic, there was no 2021 model year.
• Engine type: 49cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
• Bore and Stroke: 37.8mm x 44mm
• Compression Ratio: 11.9:1
• Induction: 18mm constant velocity (CV) carburetor with automatic choke
• Ignition: CD
• Transmission: Automatic V-Matic ® belt drive
• Front suspension: Twin-downtube fork; 1.9 inches of travel
• Rear suspension: Single shock; 2.6 inches of travel

• Brakes: Drum, front, and rear
• Tires: Front - 120/90 R10; Rear – 130/90 R10
• Seat height: 28.9 inches
• Wheelbase: 49.8 inches
• Fuel tank capacity: 1.3 gallons
• Miles per Gallon (MPG): 114 mpg
• Curb weight: 194 pounds with a full tank of gas
• Maximum weight capacity: 220 lbs
• Ground clearance: 5.7 inches
• Dimensions: 73.2 inches long, 28.9 inches wide, 40.4 inches tall
• Recommended service intervals: First service at 600 miles, oil change every 2,500, valve inspections every 15,000 miles

Source: Honda Ruckus Specifications, Honda Ruckus manual

Honda Ruckus MPG, Fuel Capacity and Fuel Type

Honda Ruckus fuel efficiency:

Honda states the Ruckus can earn 114 miles per gallon, but owners report averaging 75-100mpg under real-world conditions. The Ruckus has a fuel capacity of 1.3 gallons and Honda recommends you use regular, unleaded gasoline.

Honda Ruckus Price

New Ruckus Price:

The base MSRP of a new 2024 Honda Ruckus is $2,899, which is unchanged from 2023’s MSRP price. This MSRP does not include tax, license, registration, a $300 destination and freight charge and any dealer installed options. Dealer prices may vary.

Used Ruckus Prices:

The Honda Ruckus is a scooter that has held its value, but you can find 2-4 year old used models for between $1,800 and $2,100. Prices have come down slightly after the pandemic but the value of these mopeds continues to be strong given their high demand.

Honda Ruckus for Sale

New

• 2024 Honda Ruckus Scooters for Sale
• 2023 Honda Ruckus Scooters for Sale
• New Honda Ruckus Scooters for Sale

Used

• 2022 Honda Ruckus Scooters for Sale
• 2021 Honda Ruckus Scooters for Sale
• 2020 Honda Ruckus Scooters for Sale
• Used Honda Ruckus Scooters for Sale

Find a Honda Ruckus dealer near you.

Honda Ruckus Top Speed

How fast is the Honda Ruckus?

The top speed of a Honda Ruckus is between 35 and 40 mph. Your actual top speed will vary depending on the driver’s weight.

Honda Ruckus Colors

There are three color combinations available for the Honda Ruckus.

White/Metallic Blue

Gray

Midnight Blue/Tan

Black

Beige

Honda Ruckus Warranty

1-year transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty coverage:

• Fuel System - Fuel Injection Control, Module, Fuel Injectors, Carburetors, Fuel Pump
• Electrical - Ignition Coils, Alternator, Regulator/Rectifier, Engine Control Module
• Cooling System – Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Cooling Fans
• Engine – Transmission, Crankshaft, Cylinder Heads, Pistons, Camshafts, Cylinders
• Brakes – Calipers, Reservoirs, Anti-lock Control Module
• Exhaust – Muffler, Exhaust Pipe, Variable Exhaust Control
• Chassis – Forks, Shocks, Swingarm, Frame

Optional Extended HondaCare Protection Plan® Pricing and Cost

Up to 250cc engines	12 months	24 months	36 months	48 months	60 months
Without Roadside Assistance	$320	$370	$440	$530	$670
With 24/7 Roadside Assistance	$370	$440	$530	$630	$790

Source: Honda Scooter Protection Plan

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Honda Ruckus

1. Rough and tumble styling combined with a minimalistic, stripped-down unique design.
   • What can we say? The cool factor is off the charts for the Ruckus. There is just enough swagger with this pint-sized moped which says, “I could go off-road if I wanted to.”
2. Honda’s reliable, liquid-cooled engine.
   • Reliability is a hallmark of all Honda engines from trucks, cars, lawnmowers, and scooters.
3. Consistently high fuel economy.
   • If saving money on gas is high on your criteria list, the Ruckus will routinely return around 100 miles per gallon.
4. A plethora of aftermarket modification parts and add-ons.
   • There are tons of mods with which you can customize your Ruckus with. If you’re more of a stock scooter owner, that’s OK too.
5. Most U.S. states only require a standard driver’s license to drive a Ruckus (no motorcycle license required).
   • Generally, scooters over 50cc require the driver to have a special motorcycle license, while scooters with engines of 49cc or less do not require one. Check with your state’s DMV for the laws and regulations as they apply to your scooter’s engine size.

Common Problems with a Honda Ruckus

These are some common problems users have reported with their Honda Ruckus:

• If you notice a ticking noise at top-end speeds, the valve shims may need to be replaced.
• Motors tend to throw the bearing around the 10k – 15k mark.
• The 2003 – 2005 model years were known for crankshaft bearing problems. Since 2006, the Ruckus has been very reliable.
• Pre-2005 models were known for their lack of engine ventilation.
• If the air filter isn’t perfectly fitted, the Ruckus may bog down at lower speeds.
• If you let the Ruckus sit for an extended period, you may have to clean your carburetors.
• Fuel pump problems, especially when the scooter is not driven regularly.
• Owners who live in colder climates have reported stalling issues and rough running engines, most likely due to the carburetor running lean with dense, cold air and/or the water-cooled engine needing time to warm up.
• The drive belt to the rear wheel can become mis-aligned resulting in striking the inside of the housing.
• If a variator with weights is installed improperly, when tightened, the original crankshaft can be damaged resulting in the entire crankshaft having to be replaced (an approximately $1,100 repair).

Honda Ruckus Custom Modifications and Accessories

These are some of the more popular “mods” and accessories Honda Ruckus owners have added to their scooters:

• Under-seat storage compartment or saddlebag
• Adjustable seat kit
• Sidecar kit
• Stretch kit
• 16mm or 26mm exhaust modification
• GY6A or GY6B 150cc motor swap
• Titanium performance valves
• Custom headlights and taillights
• Front forks and performance shocks
• Custom handlebars
• Wheels (wide or color wheels, etc.)

• Digital tachometer
• Performance CDI box
• CVT transmission kit
• Performance pod air filter kit with jets
• 20mm carburetor kit
• 58cc big bore kit
• Hidden GPS tracker (aka budget Lojack)
• Mobile phone mount
• USB charger
• Foot pegs
• LED-lit license plate holder

Published Jul 10th, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions About the Honda Ruckus

• How fast does a Honda Ruckus go?

  35 to 40mph is the average top speed of a Ruckus. The rider’s weight will impact the scooter’s top speed.

• What is the MPG of a Honda Ruckus?

  Honda states 114 miles per gallon, but owners report averaging 75-100mpg under real-world conditions.

• How much does a Honda Ruckus cost?

  A 2024 Honda Ruckus has a MSRP of $2,899, which was same as a new 2023 Ruckus. MSRP does not include tax, license, registration, a $300 destination and freight charge and any dealer installed options.

• Is a Honda Ruckus a moped?

  It depends on the state. Some U.S. states define a moped as a motor-driven cycle with an engine not exceeding 50cc. In such cases, the Ruckus is a moped since the engine is 49cc.

• How long does a Honda Ruckus battery last?

  On average, a Honda Ruckus battery should last approximately 2 to 3 years depending on care, usage, and how it is stored during non-use months.

• Is the Honda Ruckus street legal?

  Yes, the Honda Ruckus is street legal as it has all the DOT-required equipment.

• What size battery does a Honda Ruckus use?

  12V 5.5AH.

• Can you jump-start a Honda Ruckus battery using a car battery?

  No. According to the Ruckus manual, jump-starting using an automobile battery can damage the scooter’s electrical system and is not recommended. Bump starting is also not recommended. Also, you should only use a motorcycle battery charger on the Ruckus.

• How much does a Honda Ruckus weigh?

  It weighs 194 pounds with a full tank of gas.

• Do you need a special license to drive a Honda Ruckus?

  No. Most U.S. states do not require a motorcycle license to drive a Honda Ruckus. Check with your state’s DMV on the exact laws and regulations.

• What is the weight limit of a Honda Ruckus?

  220lbs.

• Does the Honda Ruckus come with a mobile phone mount?

  No, unfortunately it does not.