"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
03/16/2019 at 06:20 • Filed to: None
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"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
03/16/2019 at 06:20 • Filed to: None | 2
| 14 |
Ruckus
Nibby
> Captain of the Enterprise
03/16/2019 at 09:00 |
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shop-teacher
> Captain of the Enterprise
03/16/2019 at 10:13 |
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I wish they'd stick a 150cc engine in those. I'd buy that in a heartbeat.
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Captain of the Enterprise
> shop-teacher
03/16/2019 at 10:31 |
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Yeah I’ve always liked them. My brother is thinking about buying one due to his new 1.5 mile commute to work. I sent him this one to look at:
Any advice or thoughts on that one? Neither of us have ever ridden a scooter either so we’re totally new to this. I’m good at doing repairs and fixing stuff so I think I could help maintain it or repair it. I told him if he does it he has to get a really good helmet at least.
i86hotdogs
> Captain of the Enterprise
03/16/2019 at 12:00 |
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I bought a Ruckus for the same reason. I have zero regrets on it. Especially in Michigan, you don’t need an endorsement because they’re technically registered as mopeds. Since it’s used, I would inquire on whether or not there’ s any modifications to it. Some previous owners will slap on modifications with little care that end up harming the performance or durability. I think it says about 5600 miles, which is not that much. There is a pretty heavy aftermarket for these too, whether it’s performance or cosmetic. Maintenance is pretty basic. Oil changes are simple, there’s a screen filter so all you need to do is drain the dark stuff and fill it with light stuff. You can ride the thing for a while and only change the oil, and gas it, for a long time. There’s no trans fluid, coolant does not have to be flushed for a long time, brakes will last you a while too depending on abuse. Drums on both ends, but no complex spring system like a car’s system. There’s a huge following for Ruckuses (Rucki?) and other scooters in Detroit. They ride regularly in season, and help each other out a lot. They even mee t at W oodward f or the cruise and cruise the strip 50 strong!
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i86hotdogs
> shop-teacher
03/16/2019 at 12:02 |
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There is a common engine sw ap for the Ruckus (called GY6) that gives it 150-180cc. It’s pricey, with a new engine, trans, wires, hub, etc. costs get near $5,000. You’ re better off finding one already swapped for less than that.
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shop-teacher
> Captain of the Enterprise
03/16/2019 at 12:09 |
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What kind of roads will he have to travel? Are they busy? Will traffic be moving quickly? How big is your brother?
The Ruckus has a 4-stroke 50cc engine, so they’re REALLY slow. If we’re talking about lightly traveled 25-30mph side streets, the Ruckus should be fine. Keep the fuel fresh and the battery on a trickle charger, if it’s going to sit for more than a few weeks. Change the oil a couple times a year, and it should need very little in the way of repairs over the years. They hold their value really well too.
Now, if he’s going to have to pull onto a street with a lot of traffic/that’s moving somewhat quickly , he’d be much safer on something with a 125/150cc motor. My biased suggestion (because I own one) would be a Yamaha Zuma 125. They’re the closest thing to having that offbeat rugged look, with a bigger engine and Japanese quality. Chinese Ruckus clones with 150cc engines are a dime a dozen, because they’re total garbage.
Also, if your brother is a big dude, even if he’s only riding on 25mph side streets, a Ruckus probably won’t be much fun because it will be so freaking slow. A 50cc 2-stroke would be a better choice, something like an ‘05 or earlier Yamaha Zuma 50 (they have more power than the newer ones, due to emissions changes). Sticking in the Honda family, the Elite 80 was made forever (something like ‘86-’07), and it’s 80cc 4-stroke is pretty peppy. I am 6' tall and north of 300 pounds, and have ridden/owned both of those, and they were a riot. I wouldn’t want to pull into traffic though.
If you’re willing to venture into Taiw anese scooters, the options open up. They’re not as good as Japanese scooters, bit they’re leagues better than the Chinese crap. The Genuine Ro ughhouse 50 is a favorite of mine. They’re funky and cool looking, and have a 2-stroke engine. They also made a version of the same scooter called the Blur, in 2009 only, with a 110cc 2-stroke. I really want to ride one of those, as it must scream. Kymco has several versions of their Agility and Super 8 models with 125 and 150cc engines. They’re pretty good, and can be had for a grand or sometimes less . My first scoot was a Super 8-150. I loved it, but sourcing parts was somewhat difficult, and the exhaust had a design flaw that made them weak, and was expensive to replace because there was nothing aftermarket for it.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to help.
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shop-teacher
> i86hotdogs
03/16/2019 at 12:16 |
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Yeah, but then you have a crappy Chinese engine. I know some people swear by them, but I've never been impressed by the ones I've ridden. I like to ride, not continual change cheap Chinese parts.
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i86hotdogs
> shop-teacher
03/16/2019 at 12:38 |
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That’s why I want to keep the stock GET engine. The motor will last forever as long as its taken care of. I’ve done some work to the gearing and variator, but will kep the motor stock as much as possible.
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shop-teacher
> i86hotdogs
03/16/2019 at 15:34 |
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Smart. Very smart.
I rode my Zuma 125 492 miles in one weekend this fall, in the Gambler 500- Illinois. It was fun, but I was wishing it could sustain highway speeds. I pondered doing an engine swap, when my friend said, “Are you nuts? You just rode 500 miles in one weekend, most of it at full throttle, and it didn’t even burn a drop of oil. Don’t touch it!”
He was right.
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Captain of the Enterprise
> i86hotdogs
03/16/2019 at 17:04 |
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Very cool! He’s in Ann Arbor working for the U of M basketball arena. Thanks for the info and tips on it too!
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Captain of the Enterprise
> shop-teacher
03/16/2019 at 17:11 |
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Thanks so much! He lives in Ann Arbor and works at the University of Michigan basketball arena. He’s 6’3” maybe 200 pounds (better than me at over 300). It would be some normal roads but no freeway or anything. Getting in and out of his apartment complex there is a hill.
I have similar concerns about the engine size especially if it was me riding it but it wouldn’t require insurance or a motorcycle license here in Michigan which I think is the big draw.
I was looking for me to get a project scooter and liked the Yamaha Yuma 125. It has the bigger engine which is good for my size and I like the look and the fact that I’ve worked on Yamaha engines before. I just don’t know where I’d ride it and still feel safe after having my serious car accident last April.
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shop-teacher
> Captain of the Enterprise
03/17/2019 at 00:35 |
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I’m sure the Ruckus would work for him, but I’d actually recommend an ‘05 or earlier 2-stroke Zuma 50. They still won’t require a bike license, but they have a lot more low end punch to get up that hill.
I adore my Zuma 125. For guys the size of us, they’re great for tooling around. I pretty much just ride mine around the neighborhoods. If you decide to take the plunge, I think you’ll enjoy it. If you decide riding isn’t for you, you can always sell a used Zuma for more or less what you bought it for, so it’s a low-risk purchase in that way.
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Captain of the Enterprise
> shop-teacher
03/17/2019 at 06:58 |
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Thanks! I’ll look into both, I really appreciate your advice! I’ll keep Oppo posted on both!
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shop-teacher
> Captain of the Enterprise
03/17/2019 at 09:50 |
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You're welcome! I look forward to reading about it :)