ruckus tuning potential...

[rohorn]

I'm entertaining the thought of getting a Ruckus/Metro motor for a project, but the lack of current tuning potential has me a bit concerned. It seems that I can still get an older Elite 50 - and get it to go 60+ mph with little problem. I'm under the impression that seeing 45 mph is a bit of a stretch for even a modified Ruckus.

Is the tuning market for the 4 stroke Honda 50 scooter motors still in its infancy? Or are the 2 strokes always going to be the way to go fast?

I haven't messed with mini motors in a while. My old Kawasaki AR-80 was a fun little machine - it was happy spending the day at 60mph. The old early '80's US spec MB5 (a street motorcycle, not a scooter) was a lot faster than the new Ruckus.

Anyway, I would apreciate any insight/rude comments/etc.. on the subject.

In the mean time, thanks for the forum - and the enthusiasm you guys have for the subject!

[Tigermon]

It does seem like these things have limited potential. We are in fact giving up half of the power strokes when compared to a two stroke. I just hope tuning will yield some results. Four stroke engines need forced induction. I suppose a new cam and cdi designed to run at high revs may yield some power. This board seems like a good way to exchange ideas and experiences.

[abe]

If you want power and not economy the 2 stroke is the way to go. A 4 stroke does make about 50% less power. A 50cc 2 stroke is also like a 100cc 4 stroke. The other thing is with a 2 stroke installing a "pipe" is like adding a supercharger to a 4 stroke. I wish superchargers cost $150

for me the low MPG, noise and hassles of 2 stroke operation keep me away.

Keep your eyes and ears open because I'm working on a powerhouse Ruckus motor ;D

[rohorn]

Even with its large stroke, the motor, in theory, should be able to turn 15,000 rpm before the piston starts to "overspeed" (4500 fpm). Whether or not the rest of the motor can handle that sort of RPM is a mystery to me. But 8000 rpm for such a small 4-stroke is pathetic.

The motor also seems like it has some good re-sleeving potential. A 85cc / 15,000 rpm motor should have no problem putting out 12+ hp.

In the mean time, I'm going to mess with an Elite 50 motor - but I will pay close attention to this crowd. It's only a matter of time before the dead end nature of 2 stroke developement and demand from the 4 stroke market gets things rolling. But from what I've just heard, that won't be any time soon.


Thanks for the input!

[ratpak07]

i saw the word supercharger, i was thinking , just an idea , i dont have the money to do it , but on ebay, they sell universal 12 volt superchargers, i think one of those might do the trick, i just bought my ruckus this sat
04-16-05, and now im broke, but its worth it , mabye someone with a little more money than me might be able to supercharge there ruckus, that'll be sweeeeet, im sure that you will have to jet the carb and get an exaust, but like i said , a supercharged ruckus will rule

[abe]

Don't bother. If you want that thing go to a Marine store and buy a blower motor. It's the same thing. Even if it did work the Ruckus electrical couldn't run it.

Hope this doesn't sound harsh I'm not trying to be mean it's just all the scammers on Ebay make me nuts.

[Dandy Dan]

I was trying to find a blower at a discount used auto parts store and I did find one that would have fit perfectly but the Ruckus electrical system could never have handled it. I'd need a wagon and a 20 hp Honda Generator in tow in order to run it which would cancel out most of my gains.

[abe]

I wouldn't be so sure. If you could harness that 20hp somehow....... You'd have a 25hp Ruckus

[Kami no Chiizu]

And that would be hype!