Planet Minis

like2lean · 08-30-2009, 08:04 PM

I just paid $2500 for a new 2009 ruckus for my grandson and thought I'd put a few comments out for anyone looking to buy one.

It's very well built and should give many years/miles of great service. It actually handles well on turns, but the rear shock was very, very weak. I weigh 165 and smashed the rear spring on a small bump. The brakes were adequate considering you could flintstone it with your feet no faster than this thing will go.

I was taken by it's futuristic, off road like looks (it is a GREAT looking scooter) but it does give you the mistaken impression it should be at home on the trail, and that's a complete misrepresentation of it's ability.

This bike is shockingly underpowered. WTF were they thinking?? They already had the Metro for an in town 45 mph bike, why sucker people in with a trail like appearance and absolutley NO balls to back it up? It would be a fantastic offering it it only had more power...not even alot more, just alittle would have been awesome! If they had put a 90cc split range, or god forbid a 125cc in it, this thing would have been the cats ass! But they top out at 35 mph...if there is no wind and no incline at all. You'll hear of people getting 45 plus, but that's rare and many have put several hundred dollars into them to get there. I did get mine to 43 once going down hill with the wind. And no, I didn't get a bad one, it wasn't broken, or any other excuses you'll hear, it ran great...that's just all they do. And if that is all you need (like the gentleman I sold mine to) then you'll love it, it's a very cool looking, weak ass little scooter that will be right at home on a college campus, or anywhere else you don't need to go over 35 mph.

I say this to inform people before they buy based on the same hype I read. And just maybe if enough complaints make to Honda, they'll boost the cc's a bit, put a stonger shock on it, and get it up to about 50 mph where we could feel safe driving one on a city street!!

96Justin · 08-30-2009, 08:17 PM

I think the reason they keep them under 50cc is because most places you dont need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter under 50cc (hense the ruckus being 49cc). Thats what draws a lot of people to buying them.

Yes, they are incredibly underpowered though but still a great bike that will last a lifetime. You wouldnt catch me dead on a scooter, but ive driven my friends around and it still is pretty fun for such a funny lookin machine. Plus like mini bikes there are TONS of aftermarket parts for them!

dirttrackin280h · 08-30-2009, 10:21 PM

My buddy just purchased an 09' Ruckus a few months ago. I ride a Honda Z50/Monkey.
Him and I go all over the place, you wouldn't believe. We do a lot of riding in "hill-type areas" on the road. Yes, it is a bit under powered, but it hasn't missed a beat.

He's had his top out at 43mph..completely stock. It does climb fairly well. IMO, it has great brakes. My buddy weighs in at a little over 200lbs, and he has bottomed it out on a few pot holes. He does mention he needs stiffer suspension. But, the thing is just a tank. You can carry a lot of cargo on it. We carry a cooler underneath the seat, and an extra 1gallon fuel can on the back.

For a taller rider like myself, 6'3"...in stock form it isn't the most comfortable as you are restricted with leg room. The bars are not adjustable, you must buy aftermarket.

Overall, i'd say it's a great low-maintenance machine...it is a bit underpowered as I said, but it still gets him to where he wants to go.
Still have yet to take it offroad.

mattmofob · 09-01-2009, 12:01 PM

You probably had too much oil in the crankcase. My 2009 can go 43mph stock on a flat road no problem, 45mph down a hill.
It is not a speed demon but it is only a 50cc 4-stroke.
I rode mine to niagara falls and back, about 160 miles with no issues. Do some research before you buy a scooter or motorcycle.

Branyers · 09-01-2009, 12:31 PM

Yamaha Zuma might have been a better choice as far as power goes. I've heard that they are peppy. They also come with a front disk brake. Looks like they may be capable of a little mild off-roading. There is a 4-valve 125cc EFI version available.

Honda has just added a few badly needed TnG scooters to their lineup, a 110cc Elite and 150cc SH150. But of course, both require helmets and licensing and are a bit more expensive than the Ruckus and Metropolitan.

08-30-2009, 08:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
like2lean PM Newbie Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1	Honda Ruckus Review I just paid $2500 for a new 2009 ruckus for my grandson and thought I'd put a few comments out for anyone looking to buy one. It's very well built and should give many years/miles of great service. It actually handles well on turns, but the rear shock was very, very weak. I weigh 165 and smashed the rear spring on a small bump. The brakes were adequate considering you could flintstone it with your feet no faster than this thing will go. I was taken by it's futuristic, off road like looks (it is a GREAT looking scooter) but it does give you the mistaken impression it should be at home on the trail, and that's a complete misrepresentation of it's ability. This bike is shockingly underpowered. WTF were they thinking?? They already had the Metro for an in town 45 mph bike, why sucker people in with a trail like appearance and absolutley NO balls to back it up? It would be a fantastic offering it it only had more power...not even alot more, just alittle would have been awesome! If they had put a 90cc split range, or god forbid a 125cc in it, this thing would have been the cats ass! But they top out at 35 mph...if there is no wind and no incline at all. You'll hear of people getting 45 plus, but that's rare and many have put several hundred dollars into them to get there. I did get mine to 43 once going down hill with the wind. And no, I didn't get a bad one, it wasn't broken, or any other excuses you'll hear, it ran great...that's just all they do. And if that is all you need (like the gentleman I sold mine to) then you'll love it, it's a very cool looking, weak ass little scooter that will be right at home on a college campus, or anywhere else you don't need to go over 35 mph. I say this to inform people before they buy based on the same hype I read. And just maybe if enough complaints make to Honda, they'll boost the cc's a bit, put a stonger shock on it, and get it up to about 50 mph where we could feel safe driving one on a city street!! Last edited by like2lean; 08-30-2009 at 08:10 PM.

08-30-2009, 08:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
96Justin 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada Posts: 770 My Mood:	Re: Honda Ruckus Review I think the reason they keep them under 50cc is because most places you dont need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter under 50cc (hense the ruckus being 49cc). Thats what draws a lot of people to buying them. Yes, they are incredibly underpowered though but still a great bike that will last a lifetime. You wouldnt catch me dead on a scooter, but ive driven my friends around and it still is pretty fun for such a funny lookin machine. Plus like mini bikes there are TONS of aftermarket parts for them!

08-30-2009, 10:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
dirttrackin280h 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Oakley, California Posts: 1,007	Re: Honda Ruckus Review My buddy just purchased an 09' Ruckus a few months ago. I ride a Honda Z50/Monkey. Him and I go all over the place, you wouldn't believe. We do a lot of riding in "hill-type areas" on the road. Yes, it is a bit under powered, but it hasn't missed a beat. He's had his top out at 43mph..completely stock. It does climb fairly well. IMO, it has great brakes. My buddy weighs in at a little over 200lbs, and he has bottomed it out on a few pot holes. He does mention he needs stiffer suspension. But, the thing is just a tank. You can carry a lot of cargo on it. We carry a cooler underneath the seat, and an extra 1gallon fuel can on the back. For a taller rider like myself, 6'3"...in stock form it isn't the most comfortable as you are restricted with leg room. The bars are not adjustable, you must buy aftermarket. Overall, i'd say it's a great low-maintenance machine...it is a bit underpowered as I said, but it still gets him to where he wants to go. Still have yet to take it offroad.

09-01-2009, 12:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
mattmofob 1st Gear Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 103 My Mood:	Re: Honda Ruckus Review You probably had too much oil in the crankcase. My 2009 can go 43mph stock on a flat road no problem, 45mph down a hill. It is not a speed demon but it is only a 50cc 4-stroke. I rode mine to niagara falls and back, about 160 miles with no issues. Do some research before you buy a scooter or motorcycle.

09-01-2009, 12:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
Branyers 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Piedmont, MO Posts: 322 My Mood:	Re: Honda Ruckus Review Yamaha Zuma might have been a better choice as far as power goes. I've heard that they are peppy. They also come with a front disk brake. Looks like they may be capable of a little mild off-roading. There is a 4-valve 125cc EFI version available. Honda has just added a few badly needed TnG scooters to their lineup, a 110cc Elite and 150cc SH150. But of course, both require helmets and licensing and are a bit more expensive than the Ruckus and Metropolitan.

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