Why NOT to MODIFY a HONDA RUCKUS EVER!!!

[@sabretooth717]

Dude this is what needs to happen... Honda needs to make a properly stretched version 150cc at stock height..with proper brakes and clip ons.. everything honda style,, honda quality..it would sell like mad.!

[@colinsview]

That would be very cool!

[@anthonyboberg4736]

There’s a Chinese company that has already done it it’s a company called ice bear and the model is called the mad dog. It’s 1k to 1500. And looks really cool but I still went and got a Honda ruckus because Honda’s are good vehicles and easy to work on and fix , Chinese scooters idk man just sounds like a bad idea. There’s no quality control on these builds parts are cheaply machined and assembled with shitty hardware I’m telling ya . Honda you don’t have those issues!

[@OTruthz]

It's better to buy a Chinese scooter for cheaper than a Honda and then modify it. You will feel less guilty doing it and maybe there's a better market for that... I bought a Chinese Grom clone and then modified it. Many of the chinese parts work well because the bike itself is Chinese...

[@colinsview]

@@anthonyboberg4736 very well said, thanks for the comment!

[@sonicjackalopeproductions3342]

They did make a 250 ruckus... and it failed in the US miserably. Just because you think it is cool doesn’t mean that it will sell the tens of thousands of units Honda wants to make a profit. If anything, they will attempt to make an electric one or simply cancel out the entire model from the US market.

[@Tor2Guh-]

I’d say, mod it if you know what you’re doing. I’ve had a slammed and stretched ruckus(which was cool at the time)but now I’m in older, I have a stock height ruckus with a tuned carb, FMF pipe, Cdi, variator and drive face. It hits 52mph reliably(on the 49cc engine!) I think the ruckus should be modified. But I can respect the loyalist oem stance 100%. There’s one thing about Honda, it’s fan base is a ruthless loyal bunch and we all respect each other in one way shape or form. Take care!

[@rdizzo1313]

Well said brother. Make it your own without ruining it. I have mine slightly lifted. The stretched body scraping scene has long gone… Not sure how it lasted that long.

[@Tor2Guh-]

@@rdizzo1313 How did you lift yours?! ive been trying to find a way for awhile now!

[@derekdavis6508]

Led lights exhaust and tune, that's all I'd do.

[@jankygarageracingchannel8077]

my lowered stretched ruckus runs/rides amazing everything works great breaks work amazing buy shit cheap parts get shit cheap results

[@Ethan.s..]

Hopefully your brakes don’t break though.

[@meademorgan6614]

You are entitled to your opinion, my Ruckus is done well and has zero handling, braking, acceleration, or riding issues. I like the way it looks, and apparently so does everyone that sees it. You keep yours stock, and I’ll build and ride mine how I like.

[@limsun3814]

I mounted an antique chair on my ruckus. Haha that’s the only mod I made. So comfy

[@chuckvt5196]

I am keeping my Ruckus mechanically stock and for exactly the reasons you mentioned. I am sure it is a lot of fun to go crazy and mod it out, but once all the money is spent and you have done all you can to it, when you sell it, you take a beating. On the other hand, a pristine and stock Ruckus brings more in resale than a modded one, and you didn't spend a dime on modifications. Of course, I have added under seat storage and had a seat cover made to cover and protect the original seat, but those are cheap and totally functional and do not lower the value one bit. My Ruck does light trail riding and streets. If you stretch it and lower the ride, it negatively impacts off road performance. If you put on street slicks, ditto! I think they are pretty damn perfect for all around use the way they are. However, I can totally understand the fun factor of doing all you can to wring every ounce of performance you can out of it, but it is because you love doing it and not because it will make it worth a lot more when you sell it.

[@Kcutthth]

Quick question and I hope you still are making videos. I’m purchasing my first scooter ever and it’s a Ruckus. I live in a suburban area. I plan on making the ruckus my primary mode of transportation. I can’t seem to find any solid information on locking it up for several hours during trips such as shopping or running errands. Overnight I’ll have it in a locked backyard and can secure it but during the day I need some tips.

[@Prepare2Survive]

I just bought a new 2020 ruckus for 3100 bucks out the door. I live in CT too so I don't need to register or insure it. I mainly got it for around the town riding on back roads to save on gas. Not planning on doing anything to it except buying an under the seat storage bag and maybe a rear rack. I'm also thinking about buying a service repair manual so I can learn how to make any repairs needed myself.

[@colinsview]

Sounds like a great deal and a helpful thing to add, I’m surprised but so glad that Connecticut is one of the more lenient states for scooter laws, good luck and stay safe!

[@Prepare2Survive]

@@colinsview Yeah, I'm surprised too considering CT is not lenient when it comes to a lot of other stuff.

[@Ethan.s..]

I live in CT too, Bristol. Lots of Chinese scooters around here, only seen one other Ruckus around.

[@JohnWaldron-cm7ce]

I totally agree. The Honda Civic is engineered well right out of the box. Why someone wants to mess with the engineering is beyond me. The radiator support was bent on my 2010 Civic Si due to low profile tires!-John in Texas

[@colinsview]

I completely agree! Thanks for the comment!

[@jerryli6690]

you are absolutely correct on the last one, i lowered the handle bar and the seat... it looks like i am squatting riding it.. giving me leg cramp after just 30 mins of riding in a squat position.. very next day put everything back to original and never again....

[@chrisjones1519]

Hi, loved your video but couldn’t help thinking how much you looked like the guy who played Jeffrey Dahmer the serial killer in the Netflix series! Haha!

[@MrDonaldstepp]

Variator and belt was worn, so I upgraded the variator, and replaced belt with stock. Even the guys who like to modify say the stock bando belt is the best.

[@ericgeorge8457]

I bought one with a lowered seat. It feels comfortable.

[@raymonds7492]

Soon as I get one I’m doing all the things you told me not to. And I’m painting it like a 50’s kitchen appliance.

[@jonnykingphish]

Nothing can be worse than the stock rear shock, nothing.

[@NRDEnt]

I thought I was the only one. Fuck that shock. Any tips on what I should get?

[@jonnykingphish]

@@NRDEnt ncy works great

[@NRDEnt]

@@jonnykingphish do you need a stretch for it to fit

[@jonnykingphish]

@@NRDEnt not at all. Just make sure the shock is as tight as it does. Also make sure it’s not a lowdown, those are for stretched rucks.

[@NRDEnt]

@@jonnykingphish thanks for the help 💯

[@ronmendoza1274]

I'm buying a Navi next year. And Yes I'm leaving it Factory Stock. No modding my Navi.

[@TheTonyElliott]

Nice video mate! Ride my ruck all summer up here in the Canadian rockies. Stock suspensions a bit rough, and the lights aren't very good if you ride at night. Other than that, the baby is mint 👌

[@jonahfleck4578]

is there a upgrade that you would recommend or one that would help the ruckus.

[@colinsview]

I think the way Honda built the ruckus works perfect for me but the only thing that I may add would be the netted storage under the seat. Any one else on here have any other suggestions???

[@xNiGhTxoP28]

Can I put a Harley V engine into my ruckus? Make a video on that pls. Great vid

[@colinsview]

A lot of things can be done but also should not be done hahah thanks for the feedback!

[@jmaclaren4147]

The only thing I changed was the front and rear suspension tae oil dampened shocks. The OEM ones make the scoot a very unstable and dangerous.

[@colinsview]

That is one of the few very good and tasteful modifications, great choice! Thanks for the comment

[@420bmore7]

This and I went with a 120 on the rear…got me all the performance I need for my hilly area…but the kenda k413 are fantastic for street only. Still haven’t hit the rev limiter with the 120

[@jmaclaren4147]

@@420bmore7 So ye went wi ae smaller diameter tyre on th rear? dis this raise th RPM intae th peak power band?

[@420bmore7]

@@jmaclaren4147 ya I really have no flats around here and I’m 250…never approaching rev limiter with the 130. With the smoother k413 tires and a 120 the rpm’s are getting way higher with no other changes. Much better acceleration on hills and have not hit the rev limiter yet. Even on the few flats I have I have gotten to 43 pretty fast…I’m not ever in a place to try and hope for steady speed increase from there. Also on steep hills I’m now getting to 20 fast and then slow gains from there..previously it would max at 15 and stay steady or slightly drop

[@JFrenchRennier]

Interesting comments concerning leaving a Ruckus pure stock while standing in front of a Ruckus which has had the air intake removed with an open filtered intake installed. Questions about this are, did you remove & block off the Pair valve & hoses ? Did you shorten & install a small inline filter to the ECR valve ? Did you remove & relocate hanging down the engine oil breather hose ? Have you added a small filter to the top outlet on the carb ? My Ruckus is my daily driver, I use it for everything in-town even grocery shopping. But mine is a full stage 2 plus performance clutch, performance carb, 265mm rear shock rated at 300lbs (stock rear shock rated at 220lbs & bottoms out) Where I fully agree with you concerning a stretched Ruck, there are a few of us who are real mechanics, I built dragsters & worked in the pits for stock car races. None of the parts I added are cheap knock-offs from China. I prefer Malossi when possible.

[@congerscott6064]

Im saving for a new one and keeping it all stock from factory, i don't need fast, i need reliability, besides, im 58 years old lol 👍.

[@timvandenbrink4461]

I’m 53 and I love mine. Keeping it stock and learning to do all maintenance and repairs through KZbin videos.

[@ronmendoza4916]

I agree 1000%. My 2007 has bolt on mods. Yosh exhaust K&N stock size air filter Heidanau stock size tires Slipstreemer CF-30 windshield Kijima floor board Ruc Rac rear cargo rack Still runs great after over 25,000 miles.

[@colinsview]

Very cool, great to hear about a great running ruckus with that mileage!

[@Conelite00]

Clearly not stock like Colins suggested...

[@ender2999]

How do you agree with him when he literally said the exact opposite of what you did?

[@David_loves_foods]

The original rear suspension bottom out all the time on small bumpy roads... a rear suspension upgrade is really something that I think is good. And what you rather be in life.. look ''good'' for the others or looking like a goof but having a big smile cause youre having a blast.

[@scottishzoomer]

Interesting video. I wouldn’t stretch my Zoomer (Ruckus) simply because I prefer the look of the stock design. I don’t think anyone buys a Ruckus as an investment, they’re a hobby and as such I don’t expect to get back what I put in (which is a lot 😖). Finally replacing stock parts with quality aftermarket alternatives actually improves the bike. I have replacement front and rear shocks which are straight swaps but much better than the OEM ones.

[@MrDonaldstepp]

Thanks for the experience on the forks. I think i will just rebuild the stock ones or get some high quality ones with disc. ( leave the rear stock , mechanical brakes more reliable)

[@Swany82]

Old or brand new I can get 06 for 1600 or a 2022 for 2700 what should I do? I live in Southeastern Minnesota

[@tosh2012]

Correct! The factory engineers usually know how to set up the chassis for the conditions you'll encounter, better than the accessories shops..and even YOU!

[@joshuataft5541]

I guess I was already subbed..I forgot ..lol..I enjoyed a diff vidio about your ruckus..I almost got one but had a hard time finding one so took a chance on a Chinese dongfang stt..only had it 2 days but dig it so far

[@410bmb]

Thinking of buying a 2022 ruckus is it worth it

[@Ethan.s..]

New colors are interesting. Otherwise buy a used one and save some.

[@ronmendoza1274]

My stock 2007 Ruckus has over 25,000 miles. Just rode it today for the first time in 2021.

[@humanbeingfromearth]

The engines supposedly last for around 30k miles

[@rickellithorpe7428]

Only thing I did was change the looks a little new seat cover and the honda wing stickers. I did try the polini vareator. But faster ate for me. So I went with 5.5 rollers in the stock vareator. It just gets me to the top speed faster...

[@MrTrevorkemp]

One thing I'm curious about is what is the actual real-world fuel economy so somebody who actually fills it up and makes note of the mileage and how many miles a drive between Phillips and how many gallons or tenths of a gallon they had between Phillips on one of these things that would be the type of person to give an accurate real-world fuel economy and somebody who rides wide open throttle versus somebody who cruises at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle or does both but on separate tanks of gas that would also give a good variation for what the actual fuel economy could be as well wide open all the time the worst fuel economy you can get on that cruising at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle much better fuel economy

[@sueevans19]

Lowered my seat because I’m only 5-2 and it just feels safer.

[@mikewiitala9462]

I did the same. I also narrowed my floorboard area for a safer feeling. There are times when your foot has to meet the ground immediately to avoid a spill and the wide floorboard interferes with that.

[@waynestore67]

So.... air box delete?

[@colinsview]

It is the last thing I am working on returning to stock, I bought my ruckus very cheap and it was totally modded out and not running because it that, good eye catching that though!

[@Ethan.s..]

Removing the air box is a great way to have a headache retuning your carburetor jets.

[@joshuataft5541]

Hey bro where in new England. I'm in vt.. I jst got a grom clone 50cc..a red fox stt..I like it..if u know anything about it I'd apriciate the info.i used to ride sport and dirtbikes. Got her bad in 08..so I'm jst getting back on 2 wheels and am exited..I'm trying to research what engine I have and maintenance type stuff..not much power but I dnt care as long as I'm on 2 wheels.. I'm gna subscribe..I love to support new England guys like myself..seems like I found the right channel..👍👍🤣

[@Conelite00]

If you buy a ruckus, return on investment should be the last thing on your mind. (Unless you are a deadbeat with no license that only has one bc you don't have a license) it's a toy, a hobby. Hobbies are about having fun, not so much about keeping track on how much you spent.

[@detroitrugcompany5972]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@Ethan.s..]

You can’t drive a ruckus legally with out a drivers license in the US. Better off with a electric skateboard in that case.

[@Ethan.s..]

@@austinlongoria7901 Texas law: To ride most 49cc scooters in Texas, you only need a basic Class C driver's license.. the same license that allows you to drive passenger cars/trucks. To ride anything above 49cc (and 49cc scooters not on the certified moped list) you'll need a motorcycle license. So you need a normal drivers license. Same thing here in Connecticut.

[@Ethan.s..]

@@austinlongoria7901 haha, anytime.

[@Swany82]

I’m a six foot tall fat guy. I was considering getting one I have a two block commute to work . Would it be sufficient?

[@nateg597]

The 2022 has a 220lbs weight limit

[@420bmore7]

If you still haven’t pulled the trigger I would recommend upgrading the front and rear suspension with heavier duty stock travel and put a 120 on the rear- way better acceleration for normal non aggressive driving

[@thechillest94]

Rule #3 is so true. I followed a guy on Instagram who built one up and man it was beautiful but I saw a photo of him riding it and I was like he looks so goofy cause he's tall

[@williamperdue7431]

I have a stock Black 2016 .... Love It ! Only thing I'd do if possible would be improve ( longer travel , stiffer ) fork & shock . Not enough travel / bottoms out easily . Haven't seen any upgrades though . RUCKUS'S RULE !!!

[@DC-rb5yu]

Great information.

[@Akibatai00]

Totally AGREE!

[@Ethan.s..]

Stretch kits IMO do look terrible and it can’t be helpful to the ride, but to each there own. Suspension for non track use probably shouldn’t be much lower then stock. There are good aftermarket front forks that do improve the ride and even handling though. If you put the time in you can find used aftermarket parts & you can keep your stock parts. If you decide to sell it you can resell your mods and put the stock ones back on. I have most of the go fast parts and the variator and the ecu mods are noticeable improvements. Put some Michelin Boppers on it and improve your handling and decrease your rolling resistance.

[@desf1844]

I understand your points but I feel like you’re attacking the “cheap” mods. There are some expensive mods that better the performance of the ruckus. Everyone has their own style, buy what you want. Just saying that adding mods can increase the value SIGNIFICANTLY, not decrease it.

[@gikox42]

Bros not going to like my ruckus 😂

[@MrCatalina31768]

I have a ruckus. It’s ok. I miss my ct70.

[@buj3n]

Yes, every cars and bikes are not supposed to modified.Especially on tires it’s for your own safety

[@ranzlemmer2557]

If "return on investment" is a concern for you

[@Benny46drift]

So… be short and buy one already modified, thank you. I’ll get on FB marketplace now

[@NaeMuckle]

People do it so they can put their energy into something they like. You aren't looking at yourself when you're riding either. That's everyone else's problem.

[@NaeMuckle]

@@austinlongoria7901 your mother had you and didn't down your at birth. Everyone loves something no matter how disappointing.

[@chipdoctorkent]

Drum brakes are stronger then disc but they get hot much easier then disc brakes

[@yigitalpalakoc]

They lock up and are much less predictable. There are slotted brake shoes being offered by EBC. If you are using such shoes, the brakes may feel better though.

[@SchmityFPV]

Ehhh no, get a Yamaha zuma bugeye or pre bug. If you would modify a ruckus I’d drop the junk engine and 2 stroke swap it, pretty sure a kits finally out.

[@RyanAnderson-jd5vh]

I will not do no modifications on mine why would you it looks awesome just the way it is. Coming from a military veteran I will not change a thing

[@Zenas521]

Mod with intelligence is a fine thing to do. Mod with your feels is a stupid thing to do.

[@milenkosoe]

Just like you I have my options too. Your stock ruck behind you decreased in value due to you shaving and relocating the turn signals. As for the mini bike look, any 6 foot rider looks like that on any 49cc scooter. And I’ve seen listed and sold rucks that sell for $3,000-$8,000 recently. I think you should modify everything you own that isn’t critical to your life. Now if you would have said never do an engine swap to a GY6 I would be with you 💯! But that’s because most swappers don’t change out the wiring harness or by the cheapest biggest motor they can. The tires, it all depends what you put on that fat ass rim in the back. You can put fatties on that corner better then the stock tires do. And nobody buys a ruckus as a investment. Mine is a hobby for sure and it’s not my only transportation. Thinking about your video, I think you made it just for the views and controversy it would bring, smart for the views, but BAD call on these reasons. None are valid. Be safe and watch those intersections!

[@Conelite00]

If anyone guys a ruckus for an investment, your priorities are Bass Ackwards, lol

[@Cantons561]

As with anything you can buy, the ruckus has room for some improvement. I just got a used 2017 for free that day for two years. Changed tank, filters and oil. Runs great but for a guy that customizes everything, I can see some things should change. First is rear shock, next is exhaust. Your video I’m sorry sir is misleading. I agree putting cheap parts is never a good idea but there are some nice options. Like most vehicles, you never really get back what you put in and to be honest a Ruckus is not an investment.

[@agent007_7]

By the time you spend to buy a brand new Ruckus out the dealer for $4,300 (California) you already lost value by more than half.

[@us-eb3info79]

Lightly modified is fine, stock is dangerously slow

[@ronmendoza1274]

Preach on Brother!!!!!!!!!! Amen!!!!!!! No Mods!!!!!!!!

[@colinsview]

Thanks for the comment! I appreciate it!

[@willdabeast9561]

No offense but you drive a black ruckus so nothing you say can be trusted

[@gerrynightingale9045]

*I see nothing wrong w/adding-on one of the 'under-seat' storage bins and a 'back-pack' or 'duffel'-type bag behind the bars resting on the floor-panel* ( *I carry an enormous amount of 'tool stuff' under the saddle on my '08 'Metropolitan' like a 'Red Fuel' jump-starter, a complete T-handle ratchet-driver set with every damned 'tip' there is, a folded-up flat bed-sheet to lay-on if I need to or use as emergency 'wrap' against cold & heat, a 'space blanket', a rain poncho, big vice-grips, adjustable 6" wrench, a 'shorty' hammer and flat-fix w/CO2 cartridges...it all fits plus more like extra sunglasses and hidden gas cash and more and more stuff* ) *I even have one of those 'squishy' zip-pouches with a ton of medical stuff in it stashed away* *There are also 'performance mods' done that can't be seen or heard except for the 'shorty' windscreen that turn my 'Darth Vader' gloss-black & gray scooter into a 'sleeper' that tops-out at 42-mph w/a 230lb. fat-ass 'old guy' on it!* ________ *I like the 'Ruck' but I want the sculpted fairings in front with a gigantic 'saddle-seat' for my old ass...I CAN fit the 'big tires' on the 'Metro' & they do have a certain amount of appeal but I like the ride and handling of the 'IRT's' on it now...but the tires I have DO NOT 'like' soft dirt at all and have a tendency to 'sink-in' because of 'too much weight' on them* ( *That 'liquid-cooled 'Mighty Fifty' from Honda will run for a lifetime with proper care & maintenance ...I checked the valves at 12000-miles and they were still 'on-spec' and clean w/no carbon build-up and to me 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'* ) ________ *IF I had a higher 'top-end' I think I would convert to a front-disc...but for my speeds I don't really see the need to spend $400 to $500 for it*

[@dannydillon997]

Completely disagree, the fun in it, is customize it to make it your own. I don't have cheap parts I have the best parts. My ruckus is 100 times better modified then it was stock I did keep the original 2016 get engine. I have almost 30,000 on the odometer now. I will never sell it so not worried about resale, I want a work of art, when my ruckus is next to your stock ruckus you will see all the blood sweat and tears, I put in work. I am doing these mods to make a functional work of art built for me. Have some courage y'all, build a build learn how wrench and work on your scooters. It's so much fun to modify if you don't know what you're doing you can easily learn, this is all simple stuff here with the Honda ruckus.

[@malikdevine]

Dude you are confuse which season you are in 😊

[@Swany82]

I probably could drive it five months out of the year

[@gradyvanness9646]

anti-theft and under seat storage

[@0214Bub]

Companies pay out millions of dollars on designers and engineers and some dude comes along, buys a product, and starts trying to figure out how to make it better. This is not to say some aftermarket products aren't improvements, because sometimes they are. However, more times than not they are a waste of money. Same goes for Ruckus mods.

[@colinsview]

I agree, a lot of the aftermarket parts for these are only visual and actually end being downgrades compared to authentic Honda parts, thanks for the comment!

[@Conelite00]

For most, a Bone stock Ruckus is too slow for even normal roads. Ive taken Bone stock ruckus that can barely muster 40mph MAX and with less than $200 get them cruising 45mph with ease. Ive gone 50+ with around $300. Big money comes when yes, you do all the Show parts (ie. Billet everything, custom this and that) but to improve performance and Ride comfort is never a bad thing.

[@0214Bub]

ConElite In my comment you will notice I said some aftermarket improvements may have value. Yes the Ruckus is slow by almost any measure in stock form, but if speed is a worry one would be better served to move up to the 125 offerings. A larger scooter or Monkey maybe. These still won't break any land speed records, but do give more travel options.

[@Conelite00]

@@0214Bub I totally Agree. I have my PCX150 for most rides. But there is something magical smashing 50mph on a 50cc bike.... Even crazier when I was smashing 60+ on a 50cc. Pushing the limits of what you got is Hot Roddin 101

[@greghartley5722]

@@Conelite00 I just got one, any suggestions to get it there with ease!?

[@MrKILLAKA]

Just baught a 0 mile 2022. Drove my friends who did the whole nine, lowered, stretched and some other fancy shit. It felt like when you crouch down and sit on a razor scooter lol imma keep mine stock