New (to me) old Ruckus - needs love

[abider]

Hi - I just got myself an '03 Ruckus with about 4500 miles, it's in good condition and the previous owner is a good guy so I'm not overly worried that it hasn't been maintained well.

But, as with any used vehicle I would like to pamper it a little so I am starting off right.

What would be prudent? I'm thinking an oil change so I am at year (month) zero there, a filter, spark plug, tire pressure and fluids.

Maybe get the belt tension checked?

The one problem I have inherited is it consistently loses power at full throttle, easing off even the slightest corrects this. The previous owner said he believes it to be the fuel pump but I don't know, I will do a search here and see but while I have the floor - would a fuel pump give up after this many miles?

Thanks.

[sponfit]

try cleaning the carb

[Dandy Dan]

Sounds like you are on the right track with the oil change, new plug, filter and checking the tire psi and other fluids.

In addition, you should really check the valve gaps and adjust those back into spec. Valve gaps that are off can make a Ruckus hard to start and lose power.

You don't need to check the belt tension.

Regarding the loss of power at full throttle, it could be the fuel pump but it seems unlikely that the fuel pump can't keep up. To check this, disconnect the fuel line from the side of the carb and then flick the key on. If things are working well, pulses of fuel should squirt/drip out. A fuel pump should last way longer than 4500 miles....my first Ruckus (a 2003) has around 30,000 miles on it with it's new owner.

For the loss of power, I would first do all the tune up things we've mentioned. Then I would clean the carb as mentioned. You could run some carb cleaner or you could remove the carb, take off the bowl and have a look to see if anything is clogged. Your power loss is very likely related to the air/fuel mix. So if it's not a carb problem, it could be an airfilter that got wet previously or perhaps there's a leak somewhere in the intake.

[nobodysdog]

I'd second checking the valve gaps. Honda made it REALLY EASY to change the shims on the valves for a reason... They need it often!

Most bikes you have to remove the CAM to change the shims, on the Ruckus the rocker arm just slides to the side and rests on a detente.

With your symptoms - I'd guess valves gaps or the fuel filter is due and restricting fuel flow. While you've got it apart you might as well do BOTH a reshim(if out of spec) and replace the fuel filter.