Ruckus

HONDA RUCKUS (NPS50)

Utilizing a long case version of the GET 2 engine also found in the Honda Metropolitan/Jazz, Honda introduced an entirely new take on the scooter, the NPS50. Initially released in 2001 in Japan as the Zoomer, the NPS50 made it to North America for the 2003 model year as the Ruckus.

From 2003 to 2005 the Ruckus remained unchanged, save for new colors each year. For 2006 Honda addressed a long standing crankshaft bearing failure problem with the GET 2 engine by introducing a new PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system that dramatically reduced oil contamination. Honda also made a few other changes that resulted in a top speed increase from 37mph to about 41mph.

The Ruckus holds a soft spot in my heart because this is the scooter that got me into this scene. I picked up a new black 2003 Ruckus in spring 2004 and rode it everywhere. I put on about 15,000kms (9000 miles) that first year. I rode it year round for the two years I owned it which is a difficult feat in Canadian winters. Largely as a result of that winter driving, I decided to sell my slightly rusty Ruckus and get a new white 2006 one. I poured my heart into modifying that Ruckus and had just finished it when this picture (below) was taken in spring, 2007. Sadly, this Ruckus was totalled about a week after that when a car pulled out in front of me.

Okay enough about me! How is the rest of the scooter? Well there are a lot of things to love and a few things to complain about.

One of the greatest aspects of the Ruckus is it’s technologically advanced motor. This motor has ultra low emissions due to being a 4-stroke and because of the catalytic converter in the muffler. It also is extremely quiet and fuel economy is amazing. You can expect an honest 90-100mpg while driving around at full throttle. This motor also features a number of technological advances. This is the first scooter engine to mount a tiny radiator on the side of the motor. This radiator is fan cooled by fan on the flywheel. This design is very compact and elegant compared to scooters with the rad located elsewhere and thus have cooling hoses running all over the bike. Secondly, the Ruckus run current in reverse through the alternator to start the motor. This entirely silent ‘starter motor’ saves weight and adds simplicity to the design.

Other great aspects about the Ruckus include its confidence inspiring handling due to its super low center of gravity. By using a horizontal motor and by locating the fuel tank inside the floorboard Honda kept all the weight very close to the ground. Almost nothing is above the wheels. This scooter also has great headlights and it has the potential to carry a lot of stuff if you are the creative sort. I’ve seen mountain bikes, surf boards, lumber and bags of golf clubs all secured to the Ruckus.

The lack of enclosed storage is also a downside though. Because the Ruckus doesn’t have any enclosed, lockable storage, you can’t store a lunch anywhere or keep a rain suit handy for that unexpected rain shower. The other big downside to the Ruckus is

that its kinda slow. The 2003-2005 Ruckus’s top out around 37mph and the later model ones can do 40-42mph but it takes a while to get there. The Ruckus is not restricted like many 2-strokes. All 4-stroke 50’s are fairly slow but the Ruckus is one of the slower examples. Yamaha’s 3-valve fuel injected 4-stroke engine (found in the current Vino 50 and C3) is supposedly noticeably peppier. The lack of power is probably the biggest complaint in the Ruckus community. Ruckus fans have long been asking for a more powerful Ruckus but Honda’s response was the clunky Big Ruckus which was too big, expensive and it lost the charm. Other minor complaints with the Ruckus include no front disc brake, cheap suspension and the lack of a fuel gauge. The Ruckus simply has a low fuel light that comes on when you have 1 litre (.25 gallons) left.

Overall, the Ruckus has been successful because it’s a great looking, practical and totally unique scooter. It’s urban warrior look is awesome. Everywhere you go people ask where they can get one. The downsides to the Ruckus that I’ve mentioned are all things that can be addressed by the budding aftermarket scene for the Ruckus. You can get bolt in 150cc engine, big bore kits, cams, forks, shocks, rims....pretty much anything you want. This makes owning a Ruckus a very enjoyable (and expensive) hobby..

Pros:
* Looks great
* Reliable (2006 - Pres.)
* Great headlights (35w x 2)
* Vibrant aftermarket parts and online forum scene
* Honest 95-100mpg
* Liquid cooled

Cons:
* Crankshaft bearing problem (2003 - 2005)
* Slow, even for a 4-stroke 50cc.
* No enclosed storage
* No fuel gauge
* Suspension

One of the great things about the Ruckus is the online community and the aftermarket parts scene. Check out the links below to learn more about the Ruckus.

Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about your scoot.
Ruckus Central - The original and tech oriented Ruckus forum
TotalRuckus - A vibrant community of Ruckus enthusiasts
Battlescooter Store - A great source for aftermarket parts
Bowls LA - Another great online parts resource
Jiang Wayne - A Canadian online scooter shop with many Ruckus parts
BikeBandit.com - Good for looking up OEM parts

If you have any info to add, email me at dandurston@hotmail.com

Key Specs:
* Engine: 49cc, 2-valve, SOHC, liquid cooled single
* Years: 2003 - Pres.
* Power: 4.9HP @ 8000 rpm, 3.35 ft/lbs torque @ 7000 rpm
* Top speed: 37mph up to 2005, 41mph 2006+
* Fuel Tank: 5 litres / 1.3 gal
* Fuel Range: 160km / 100 miles when the light comes on, 200kms, 120 miles dry.
* Weight: 185lbs dry / 196lbs wet
* Load Capacity: 220lbs
* Weight: 185lbs (dry), 196 (wet)
* Tires: 120/90-10 (front), 130/90-10 (rear)
* Valve Gaps: Intake = 0.10mm (+/- 0.03mm), Exhaust = 0.19mm (+/- 0.03mm)
* Carburator: Keihin 18mm CV with 75 main jet, 35 slow jet (all years)
* Idle: 2000 RPM +/- 100 RPM
* Wheelbase: 49.8 inches
* Seat Height: 28.9 inches
* Wet Weight: 194 pounds
* Fuel Capacity: 5L / 1.3 gallons

Colors:
* 2003: Red, Black
2004: Yellow, Black, Desert Camo
2005: Black, Urban Camo
2006: White, Urban Camo
2007: Black, White/Urban Camo
2008: Black, Silver
2009 Red, Matte Grey Metallic

Timeline
* 2001 - Introduced in Japan
* 2003 - Introduced in North America
* 2005 - Introduced in Europe with 4 valves (from 2) and Fuel Injection
* 2006 - North America Ruckus is mildly revised with a new engine ventilation system, higher redline and a few other tweaks that improved overall power and oil life.
* 2007 - North American Ruckus gets enlarged Honda logo on seatback and revised Ruckus logo's on main frame. Japan Zoomer gets a Deluxe Edition with new paint options and white rims and seat coverings.
* 2008 - Fuel Injection Added to Japanese models. North American models get a new colour for the turnsignal indicator light.
* 2009 - Early release (July 2008) for 2009 models due to extremely high demand in North America.
* 2010 - Model year skipped in North America due to excess inventory of 2009 models resulting from recession.