Honda Ruckus reviews

Ever since I got my Ruckus, I just cant stop scootin'. It is very rugged... I grew up on CR dirt bikes, so I tend to ride this little guy hard. I jump it on railroad crossings, bunny hop it over pot holes, etc. It seems to take it like a champ. If I had my way, Honda would make a 79cc version with a front disk brake. Though it is pretty zippy, this is definitely a 49cc engine. You will notice it most on steep hills, or in high head-wind. If you want an uber-fast scoot, get a 125 or bigger. If you want a tough little cruiser, get a Ruckus. I got mine going 42 MPH on a long flat stretch with no head-wind. Generally speaking, 35 MPH is a more realistic cruising speed for stock models. It gets up to 20 MPH quite fast, then from 20-35 MPH takes a little time. The brakes do well... for drums. The shocks are better than most little scoot's, though I may invest in a better rear shock. Smooth tranny/clutch. Great lights... the brights will light up a small soccer field. Great tires. Loud horn is nice. Cool looking design, and easy access to all fluids, and basic maintenance areas. 4 stroke is nice... quiet, clean, starts easy, 93 MPG, near zero emissions. Brushless alternator/starter is maintenance free. Starts easy and silent every time. As for reliability, I only have 200 miles on mine, so I don't know how the long haul will look. I do have a hunch though... it's a Honda. Bottom line... If you want a great, multi-purpose scooter, that looks cool and is not afraid to be ridden hard (on or off road), get a Ruckus. I highly recommend it... top of its class. Show less

I am a motorcyclist with a Ninja ZX-6R. My wife used to own a Vespa ET4. For the longest time, you wouldn't catch me dead on a "scooter" because it seemed too Quadraphenia or British Mod for me. That is, until I saw this weird Hummer-looking contraption called the Big Ruckus on the showroom floor of my local motorcycle dealership. It was rugged, it was tough, and it would soon become the object of my affection. I had to have it, so I bought it. The rest is two-wheeled history for me. It's great in every catagory and I would do it all over again. Show less

I ride motorcycles and scooters, and have owned a Lil Ruck, a Vino 125, a Reflex and a Silverwing. The Big Ruckus is the most balanced, versatile, and all around best overall package of the bunch. Great ride!!! Show less

I admit it, this things is GREAT! 80-85 MPG, if you only have it at full throttle most of the time, better if you can stand going only 25 MPH. Needs a better rear shock if your over 185lbs or so. I drive mine to work 18 miles round trip and love every second of it. Plenty of aftermarket go fast parts available if you need more than 37 MPH. I may use lighter roller weights when the stock rollers wear out for better take-off, otherwise the performance is fine for me. I'm guessing I'll get 50,000 miles out of this trouble free. Get one and you'll never wipe the smile off your face. Show less

So I've only had it for a couple of weeks but. . . . This Thing Rocks! Great gas mileage, it's fast enough and it's very comfortable. Yes, your friends will bust on you and your "scooter" until they actually see the Big Ruckus. Then, they'll get it. Yep, it's a little pricy but so far, well worth the extra loot. The first tank of gas got me 68mpg and the second was right at 75mpg. It makes my 23 mile commute to work a heck of a lot cheaper then when I drive my 17mpg Escape. Show less

I was considering buying a motorcycle for a few years, but reality had kept me from it. I commute 25 miles each way to work partly through countryside, partly in highly congested city-center stop and go traffic, and who knows what in between. A manual transmission was something I gave up years ago. I had considered a scooter, but nothing out there really grabbed me as something I would ride on a daily basis (mini-gold wings and go-go gadget Vespa looking things). That all changed when I saw the Big Ruckus. I knew I had to have it, and once I got it, it surpassed almost every expectation. Speed was the first; this thing would actually do 60 mph with guts left for passing. Whooda thought it. 60-70 miles per gallon? Whoa, this thing is paying for itself in fuel savings alone. Comfort is pretty good, but I wish the adjustable seat would slide back about another inch or two, and I'm not that big. My only other complaint comes with the wind. It doesn't take much of a breeze to slow this thing way down and crosswinds really throw this lightweight around. The bike is simple to maintain (assuming you have basic mechanical skills). The automatic transmission (cvt) is always in its power band and is a dream come true in city traffic. I thought once it started raining this winter that I would store Mr. Big and revert back to the SUV, NO WAY! I suited up in my protective riding gear, threw a Columbia Sportswear Waterproof jacket and pants over the top, and arrived completely dry (underneath) at work. That settled it; I'm riding this thing till it snows (which it hasn't yet). My SUV has seen 350 road miles since I bought Mr. Big 10 months ago. I've been on a couple of motorcycle rally group rides and a Scooter group ride. Both groups seem to really embrace Mr. Big and have more questions than I can possible answer. The only grief I get is from some hardcore Harley guys and some of the Vespa purists. In my view, they aren't worth talking to anyways. SCOOT ON!!! Show less

I've now owned my BR for about a month and have put 350 miles on it. I love it! I rarely go out when somebody flags me down and asks me "What the heck is that, that is the coolest thing I have ever seen". The only reason I am not giving it a total 5 star rating is on the comfort issue. I used to have a Helix and when it rained I did not get wet due to the floorboards. The BR has foot platforms, but water spray does get your feet wet. Pro's--Great gas mileage, 75 MPG. Very practical, front and back rack. Very visible, bright yellow color. Wide tires have good footprint for riding in wet conditions. Adjustable seat.
Con's--A little on the light side, susceptible to winds. Seat back becomes a backrest, but it is not adjustable. Not many accessories available. Show less

What a scooter!!! My wife got the Metropolitan II (Metropolitan I wasn't available), and I wanted the "Ruckus". I think now she wishes she had gotten the Ruckus... hee hee! My only complaint is the storage space under the seat. I will have something made to fit the space. It's awesome and I'm having a great time with it! Only wish it came in better colors. Show less

I put 200 miles on my Big Ruckus today and I had a great time. I had forgotten how fun it is to explore all the back roads and small towns. It has been 10 years since an accident (not motorcycle) took me off of two wheels. Since my legs don't work very well now I can't operate the rear brake and shifter safely of a motorcycle. I thought my motorcycle days were over. But now that Honda is making these cool scooters I am back in the saddle. I really like my Big Ruckus, it seems to be made for the beginner with lots of safety features, and I especially like the huge Baja lights for night time riding. At 6'2" I am a little tall for it and would like a higher seat but I am getting used to it okay. It has plenty of power for me, it feels fine at 60 mph, but this is no highway cruiser and is better suited for lower speeds. I really like the rugged looks, and it gets lots of looks too. The most common question people ask is "what is that?" I am planning some long, low speed trips, it should be fun :) Show less

Who would have thought that a scooter could turn heads? I found that out at a campsite last week. I got smiles from children, adults and even people with larger dirt bikes! To top it off I get honda quality and reliability. Perfect 'errand runner' around campsites or dirt roads and it WILL climb hills! Just don't take on the main roads for long! I am going to buy another one so i don't have to fight over who rides it! Show less