2004 Honda Ruckus Review

The Honda Ruckus has a barebones look that makes it look…well…ugly though kinder souls refer to its look as ""urban warrior."" This little scooter out-nakeds the naked motorcycle, with a frame that is totally open. Even the area under the seat, where most scooters have lockable storage, is open. The Honda Ruckus has its own distinct look; for sure it will never be mistaken for a Vespa as so many retro-styled scooters are. It is this look however, that gives rise to one of the biggest complaints about it: no storage. Riders who want to carry things around with them will have to wear a backpack or jerry-rig a storage compartment under the seat. At least one rider reports using a small cargo net to carry items under the seat. Honda doesn’t provide any top cases for this model, though riders may be able to find something in the after-market.

Motorcycle reviewers have little good to say about the Ruckus, but their reviews apparently aren’t very well read, as owners love this 49 cc motor scooter. They say it is highly reliable and comfortable to ride. They love the great gas mileage of 90 mpg. They say it corners well, and makes a great entry-level scooter. The wide wheels mean a more comfortable ride on gravel roads; some owners have even ridden it offroad. The Honda Ruckus is not a scooter for those who like or need to go fast. It’s a four-stroke, which means it won’t have the power that a two-stroke 49 cc scooter will have. Scooter riders will be lucky to get 30 mph out of the little engine. This isn’t always a disadvantage, however, as some states do not require riders to have motorcycle licenses unless the scooter goes more than 30 mph. Still, with speeds like these, the Ruckus doesn’t live up to the name it was born with. When Honda introduced it in Japan in 2001, it was known as the ""Zoomer."" Honda introduced it to the United States and Canada in 2003 as the Ruckus. The Japanese manufacturer has made few changes in the Ruckus since 2001; the only changes concern color. In 2004, the Ruckus was available in camouflage, black, and yellow. The Ruckus has a simple instrument panel, consisting of only a speedometer, with warning lights for temperature and fuel level.