The Honda Ruckus scooter has been a rider favorite for years. It is an appealing alternative for individuals looking for a fun, useful, and aesthetically updated vehicle due to its continual feature enhancements.
If you’re considering purchasing a Honda Ruckus, it’s important to keep in mind that the Honda Ruckus top speed is around 35-40 mph. It is an excellent choice for riders that value simplicity, as it boasts a user-friendly setup. Because of the automatic gearbox, the engine runs smoothly and quietly, providing enough power to get around town without needing gear adjustments.
In addition, the scooter’s fuel efficiency contributes to significant savings at the pump, making it an economical option!
With this scooter in tow, you’ll have a great time riding without all the stress. Its battery and oil are readily accessible, so you can keep up with any necessary maintenance.
In this article we’re going to discuss all about the Honda Ruckus top speed features, specification & its performance. Continue reading to learn.
Honda Ruckus Top Speed 150CC Features!
- Die-cast, two-piece aluminum frame
- The upper rear frame is steel.
- Cast-aluminum, one-piece swingarm
- Downtube-twin front forks
- Only one shock absorber in the back
- Drum brakes both at the front and the back
- Stainless steel hubs
- Oversized, flat-free tires
- Both the front and back wheels are 10 inches.
- Twin Halogen headlights with a 35-watt bulb
- Auditory direction indications
- Console for Analogue Instruments
- Four-stroke cycle, single-cylinder engine
- Liquid-based cooling
- Automatically choking 18 mm CV carburetor
- CD Ignition with V-Matic Automatic Transmission
- Belt-type drive with an automatic centrifugal clutch
- Starts with the Push of a Button
Key Specifications of Honda Ruckus
| Price | $2,899 |
| Engine | 1-Cylinder, 4-Stroke |
| Displacement | 49cc |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Power | 4.3 hp |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.3 gallon |
| Seat Height | 28.9 inches |
| Curb Weight | 194 pounds |
How’s the Performance & Capability of Honda Ruckus?
The Ruckus is propelled by Honda’s V-Matic automated gearbox and a liquid-cooled, four-stroke thumper. The under-square engine’s compression ratio is 11.9:1. It also has a 37.8 mm bore and a 44 mm stroke. This gives it a nominal displacement of 49 ccs and a strong preference for higher-octane fuels.
The two-valve head is timed by a cam located above it. The 4.3-horsepower and 3.35-pound-feet of torque figures for the Honda Ruckus are as follows. It gets an astounding 114 miles to the gallon, but its top speed varies from 35 to 41 miles per hour. This depends on factors like load, elevation, and whatnot, so you must stick to the slower routes. You can go off-road if you need to.
To its credit, Honda mounted a reliable Kickstarter to the drive unit, giving you one less thing to worry about while venturing off the main road. Even though you still click a button to get the engine going, you won’t have to install a bulky starter unit. The alternator does the hard lifting while the starter turns into a power generator.
Review of Honda Ruckus!
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Design
A “minimal” description of the Ruckus would be an overstatement. The skin provides minimal protection while still hiding the chassis. An extended front fender keeps debris from flying off the road, while a close-fitting mudguard keeps debris from flying off the back wheel.
The front blinkers are high and out of harm’s way, while the headlights are symmetrical and round, mounted side by side, and use 35 watts each. Even wearing a helmet, you can still hear the turn signals, ensuring that you won’t be “that guy” who only turns left. The single instrument is an analog speedometer with the standard set of idiot lights and a low fuel indicator. A small fairing conceals the helm, and the step-through’s flat deck makes getting on and off the boat a breeze.
Even the shortest riders will feel secure because the well-padded seat, supported by a pipe frame, sits 28.9 inches from the deck. In addition to the flat deck between your toes and the helmet hook, open-air storage is available between your seat and the torso.
Like forward-mounted headlights and turn signals promote safety, rearward-mounted taillights and turn signals do the same for oncoming traffic. It also protects the lights from being knocked off their mountings or dropped from uneven parking garage surfaces. Clean, stylish airspace beneath the seat emphasizes the basic structure.
Engine & Transmission
It shares the Honda Metropolitan’s 49cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine. Small overhead cam (SOHC) engines are often lightweight and efficient due to their usage of liquid cooling. The gasoline for the engine is fed through an automated choke 18mm CV carburetor.
The Honda Ruckus’s V-Matic automated gearbox makes it easy to get around town without stopping to change gears. Its engine features 11.9:1 compression and CD ignition. The ruckus scooter’s electronic control unit regulates the spark plug gap, activates the ACG starter, powers the scooter’s electric fuel pump, and activates the automatic choke.
| Engine Type | 1-Cylinder, 4- Stroke, SOHC |
| Engine Displacement | 49cc |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel Supply | 18mm CV carburetor with automatic choke |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooling |
| Bore | 37.8 mm |
| Stroke | 44 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.9:1 |
| Valves Per Cylinder | 2 |
| Starting | Electric |
| Ignition | CD |
| Transmission | V-Matic |
| Clutch | Centrifugal clutch |
| Final Drive | Belt |
Chassis
The Ruckus’s close-fitting body conceals a two-piece, die-cast aluminum front frame section, and a steel rear frame, which provide the vehicle’s underpinnings with the necessary strength. The 26.5-degree front rake is on the most elegant end of the scale, making the bike handle like a motorcycle, but the incredibly low trail of about 3 inches gives the game away.
The mono-shock in the back has a 2.6-inch stroke, and the telescopic forks up front have 1.9 inches of journey, so the bike rides rather smoothly. The large tires should be able to soak up some impact energy on and off the road. Cast-alloy wheels accommodate a 120/90 in front of a 130/90, both in a somewhat diminutive 10 inches in diameter. Wide stealth knobbies on the tread ensure reliable performance on paved roads and rocky terrain.
Mechanical brakes with cable-operated drums measuring 95 millimeters on either end are antiquated. ABS is not an option on this vehicle, so you must rely on your ability and judgment. This bike is a surefire way to acquire some if you lack some.
| Body Type | Scooter |
| Chassis | Die-cast aluminum frame |
| Front Wheel Travel | 1.9 inches |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 2.6 inches |
Body and Suspension
The aluminum swingarm is part of a two-piece lightweight chassis. The upper rear frame is made of steel, while the front frame is made of die-cast aluminum. Ruckus’s innovative frame design contributes to the bike’s responsiveness in turns and smooth riding feel.
The front suspension on the Honda Ruckus consists of twin down tube forks with 1.9 inches of travel. The aluminum swingarm at the back is connected to a single shock absorber. The suspension system provides a smooth and well-balanced ride.
| Front Suspension | Twin-tube forks |
| Rear Suspension | Single shock absorber |
Horsepower and Top Speed of Honda Ruckus
This scooter’s powerplant may be small, but it packs plenty of punch for zipping about town. The maximum power for the Honda Ruckus is 4.3 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, and the maximum torque is 3.35 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm. The V-Belt automatic gearbox in it ensures a silky-smooth acceleration. Honda claims the fuel economy of this scooter to be approximately 114 (ca. 183 km) per gallon. Thanks to its dependable power. Honda Ruckus scooters can reach 40 mph, which is amazing.
Dimensions
The combined dimensions of this scooter are a mere 73.2 inches long and 28.2 inches across. The Honda Ruckus features a 49.8-inch wheelbase and 5.7 inches of ground clearance. Because of its shorter wheelbase, it is more maneuverable and quick off the mark. Despite its tiny 1.3-gallon fuel tank, it provides a respectable range for a motorbike thanks to its excellent MPG.
With its stock features and a full gasoline tank, Ruckus weighs only 194 pounds at its curb. The low 28.9-inch seat height makes it easy for riders to put both feet on the ground when stopping.
| Wheelbase | 49.8 inches |
| Length | 73.2 inches |
| Width | 28.9 inches |
| Height | 40.4 inches |
| Seat Height | 28.9 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 5.7 inches |
| Curb Weight | 194 pounds |
Wheels and brakes
The brakes on a Honda Ruckus are mechanical drums measuring 95 millimeters in diameter on each wheel. The braking system is adequate but doesn’t include anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control.
The Ruckus scooter has metal-sheet wheels that are 10 inches in diameter up front and back. This scooter’s big tires provide outstanding traction on the paved road. The front tire is 120/90-10, and the back is 130/90-10.
| Front Brake | Single mechanical drum |
| Rear Brake | Single mechanical drum |
| Front Brake Diameter | 95 mm |
| Rear Brake Diameter | 95 mm |
| ABS | NO |
| Front Wheel | 10 Inch, sheet metal |
| Rear Wheel | 10 Inch, sheet metal |
| Tire Type | Tubeless |
| Front Tire Size | 120/90-10 |
| Rear Tire Size | 130/90-10 |
Pricing Of Honda Ruckus Pricing and Competitions
The base price of a 2024 Ruckus is $2,899. This is $100 more than in 2023. Both a beige and a black option are available, with the latter featuring black upholstery and a green subframe.
The Mad Dog is a distinct beast with an exposed frame and a lot of it. Ice Bear installed a brake system with discs on the tire up front to give credit where credit is due. Both have a 50 cc engine and a kick/electric starter, but Ice Bear stands out thanks to its larger 12-inch wheels. Ice Bear has a competitive list price of $1,750, but it might need to be more popular to compete with Honda’s name recognition.
However, its main rivals are the Yamaha Zuma, Aprilia SR 50, and Vespa Primavera 50cc. Currently, this scooter has no serious domestic rivals in the United States.
Comparison with Other Models: Honda Big Ruckus Top Speed!
The peak speed of the Honda Ruckus is rather modest compared to other scooter types. For instance, the Honda Big Ruckus top speed is around 75-80 km/h (47-50 mph), but the Honda Metropolitan has a top speed of about 40–45 mph. Scooters from other manufacturers, like Vespa, Yamaha, and Piaggio, have peak speeds that are much greater, between 70 and 100 mph.
It’s crucial to remember that when buying a scooter, high speed is not the only thing to consider. Additionally, consideration should be given to aspects like the overall design, handling, and fuel efficiency.
It has a 40 mph Honda Ruckus with an 8000 rpm engine. A 49cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine drives this motorbike, which has 114 mph fuel efficiency and a light weight of 194 pounds.
The CVT gearbox needs no input in this scenario. For the front suspension, there are two downtube forks. This scooter has drum brakes in the front and back for safety.
It is a less expensive variant and lighter than the Honda Grom. This bike should be chosen above its rivals on the market for those who value comfort and are on a budget. All you need to ride this bike is a valid driver’s license.
Honda Ruckus Top Speed: Drawbacks
Wind
The Ruckus’ resilience to the wind is one of the features that ardent riders appreciate. However, like everything that moves, it will go far slower in severe headwinds than its peak speed of 40 mph.
While it is undoubtedly dangerous and not a recommended riding style, some riders attempt to prevent this by drafting behind semi-trucks, leading to the Ruckus traveling faster than its declared top speed.
Grade
Since the Ruckus’s motor only makes 4.3 horsepower, hills are the main factor that affects how fast it goes. On a steep uphill, the scooter can reach 45 mph, but on a steep downhill, it will likely slow to under 30 mph.
Weight
The Ruckus has a surprising capacity for weight, with a maximum weight of 220 pounds for one person. Even yet, heavier loads will always result in slower speeds, especially uphill.
Although the scooter itself doesn’t weigh more than 200 pounds, users who weigh more than 150 pounds frequently experience diminished power.
What is Honda Ruckus GY6 Top Speed?
Of course, some Ruckus fans take things a step further and modify the scooter itself to achieve faster speeds. Changing the 49cc engine for a 149cc GY6 engine is the most notable upgrade some owners make. However, on average, a Honda Ruckus GY6 top speed ranges between 55 to 60 mph (88-96 km/h).
Additionally, many Ruckus owners want to stretch out or disassemble the frame to make it lighter, although this may be risky. For improved traction and higher speed, they also install bigger tires.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to achieve Honda Ruckus top speed 150cc but Honda Ruckus can achieve a higher top speed, typically ranging from 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h), depending on the modifications made.
How to make the Honda Ruckus faster: Ways Explained!
Many riders wish to wring every last bit of power out of their Honda, so here is a rundown of the most frequent techniques for doing just that, using the Ruckus. This list is arranged from simplest and least expensive to most complex and costly, and I have provided links to further resources wherever they are relevant.
If you’re looking for a fast scooter, you shouldn’t buy a stock Ruckus unless you can quadruple your money. The Ruckus’s top speed is close to the limit set by legislation for mopeds and scooters in many U.S. states.
Fill the tires to the right level.
Any two-wheeled vehicle will significantly decrease performance if the tires are underinflated. Your Ruckus’s tires are simple to keep at the right pressure.
Keep the oil at the right level.
If the Ruckus’s engine oil is too full, the vehicle’s top speed will be reduced. Ensure you’re filling the Ruckus’s engine with the right oil.
Sweep the filter clean.
If you improve your engine’s airflow, it will perform better. Most engines are like this. Adjusting the jets in the carburetor may be necessary if you make significant adjustments to the Ruckus’s air intake, but keeping the air chamber and filter clean will also help.
Lose some weight
The Ruckus can have some of its weight reduced by eliminating non-essential components. You can improve your riding performance by shedding pounds. The Ruckus clocks in at around 190 pounds. The scooter’s weight can be reduced by roughly 3% for every 5 pounds taken off of it. Some considerations are as follows:
- Five-pound lead acid batteries. There are lightweight batteries out there.
- The plastics on the main floor weigh 5 pounds.
- Standard factory exhaust systems add another pound or more to the vehicle’s total mass.
- It’s 5 lbs. total with the rack and front lights.
Insert a microchip
The Ruckus’s ignition circuit may be easily modified with a CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) box. The Ruckus computer has a rev limiter. However, some of these devices will turn it off. Because of this, the engine can reach higher revs than usual.
Put in a variable-speed motor.
The Honda Ruckus uses a belt variator for its clutch. A belt pulley with variable size is formed by joining two metal cones. These two variator parts have a taper that can dramatically alter the drivetrain. Variators can adjust belt diameter and riding height, increasing top speed. This update cannot boost maximum speed without a CDI box.
Air in, fuel out, and heat out.
There will always be discussions over whether or not performance can be improved by installing aftermarket exhausts. Pod filters can be installed in place of the air box. In this helpful MT thread, the air box removal procedure is detailed. Only upgrading two of these may result in a noticeable performance boost. Improving the engine’s airflow (with an intake and exhaust upgrade) and supplying more fuel (with a larger carb) simultaneously will.
Alter the ratios
Increasing the Ruckus’s top speed at the expense of acceleration can be achieved by swapping out the final driving gear inside the gearbox. The gears on my Honda Metro fit perfectly, and this is a fantastic overtaking lane.
Put in a set of oversized pistons.
Displacement can’t be replaced with anything else. The engine displacement of the Ruckus may be increased to over 60 cc by installing new pistons and a cylinder head; a quicker engine has a larger displacement.
Change the motor out.
Changing the Ruckus’s motor is the most expensive and reliable way to increase speed. The most common motor upgrade is a Chinese GY6 150cc scooter engine. It’s possible to find a Yamaha Zuma engine, which is a two-stroke, that will fit instead of your Honda’s without removing the motor.
Remember to make modifications to increase speed and improve your braking system. Modifying the Honda Ruckus to increase speed beyond factory settings renders the brakes ineffective. Ensure your brakes are up to speed with your vehicle and calibrated correctly.
Conclusion:
The Honda Ruckus top speed is around 35-40 mph. Even though the Honda Ruckus has a slower peak speed than other scooter models, it is still a great option for navigating city streets due to its small size, basic appearance, and focus on urban transit.
For riders who must travel long distances on highways or open roads, the Ruckus might not be the greatest option, but for quick journeys within the city, its peak speed of 35–40 mph can be adequate.
Ultimately, a rider’s choice of the Ruckus depends on several variables, including personal tastes, intended use, and other characteristics beyond peak speed.
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FAQs
What is the top speed of the Honda Ruckus?
The Honda Ruckus has a top speed of around 35-40 mph, depending on factors such as rider weight and road conditions.
How does the Honda Ruckus top speed compare to other scooter models?
Compared to other scooter models, the Honda Ruckus has a relatively low top speed. However, its compact size and design make it an ideal choice for navigating city streets.
Is the Honda Ruckus a good choice for highway or open road travel?
Due to its low top speed, the Honda Ruckus may not be the best choice for riders who need to travel longer distances on highways or open roads.
What other factors should be considered when choosing a scooter besides top speed?
Factors such as reliability, fuel efficiency, handling, and overall design should also be taken into account when choosing a scooter.