2009 Honda Ruckus NPS50 Scooter SOHC

2009 Honda Ruckus NPS50

The Ruckus caused a, well...ruckus when it was first introduced, with an exoskeletal chassis that didn't resemble anything else and the look of a rough-and-ready utilitarian unafraid of getting dirty. It uses a clean, quiet, 49cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine to propel its claimed 194 pounds of mass. It rolls on strong cast-aluminum wheels with dual-sport-ish tires. That sturdy sensibility even extends to the easy-to-clean textured-rubber floormats that look rugged enough for camping or hunting.

It's light and nimble, but not very fast, and neither is it in a hurry to get to its 40-mph top speed. After taking some major thoroughfares on the way to work, I was convinced the side-street-shuffle was the way to get where I needed to go. With that tactic, the Ruckus was perfect for my four-mile ride to the beach; I could weave my way through slower side streets almost all the way. Once there, parking was never an issue for me; I could always find a spot and pop the Ruckus onto its centerstand. In the worst case, I would just stick it into a bike rack. Wetsuit, towel and work clothes fit nicely under the seat, and the bare-bones design makes the Ruckus easy to clean. [Mark Cernicky]

Engine/Drivetrain

Lightweight 49cc four-stroke OHC liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine provides ample power for in-town riding.
Fuel-sipping constant-velocity (CV) carburetor with automatic choke.
Maintenance-free ignition system.
Starter system utilizes the engine's brushless alternator (ACG) for starting, eliminating the need for a separate starter motor. This simple design requires no maintenance and further reduces overall weight for even better fuel economy.
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) provides control for ignition timing, alternator regulator, ACG starter, electric fuel pump and automatic choke.
Lightweight, maintenance-free, magnetically driven water pump eliminates the need for mechanical seals.
Compact, engine-mounted radiator has aluminum fins for optimal cooling in all riding conditions.
Electromagnetic fuel pump is located adjacent to the fuel tank under the floorboard of the Ruckus.
Ultra-quiet exhaust system.
Automatic Honda V-Matic belt-drive transmission provides spirited acceleration and smooth operation.

Chassis/Suspension

Two-piece, die-cast aluminum front frame with upper steel rear frame.
Twin-downtube-fork front suspension provides 2.2 inches of plush travel for a well-controlled ride.
Single-side aluminum swingarm with single-shock rear suspension has 2.6 inches of travel for a compliant, comfortable ride.
Front and rear drum brakes offer predictable stopping.
Oversize tires offer a secure grip on the road.

Additional Features

Well-padded seat boasts a low 28.9-inch seat height for added confidence at stops.
Instrumentation includes analog speedometer, odometer and indicator lights for fuel, coolant temperature and low/high beams. Fuel-indicator light comes on with 0.3 gallon remaining.
Audible turn-signal indicator.
Parking brake.
Helmet holder locks helmet into place under seat.
Backup kickstart lever.
Dual headlights with two 35-watt bulbs. Low/high beams provide ample nighttime illumination.
Maintenance-free battery.
Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

2009 Honda Ruckus NPS50 Specifications