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Post by dieseldude on Nov 16, 2011 1:49:48 GMT -5
Hi all, looking to get myself a Ruckus here pretty soon and there are a few for sale locally here in the SF bay area ranging from 2003 to 2011. I know that in '06 there were some changes, and I am trying to find out what changes were made, and also how performance is affected. Is there a "grail" year(s) for the ruckus? Is pre-'06 preferable in any way to post-'06? Vice versa?
I don't want to bomb the thing out, I was to keep it reasonably reliable while at least providing it with the ability to get out of its own way (with me on it!). There is an '03 that just came up for $1400 obo with 6000 miles on it that looks well taken care of, and I want to maybe make an offer, but I want to check first if there's anything I need to look out for, or if I will be sacrificing any amount of mod-ability.
With the limited reading I've done so far I'll likely want to do a variator, CDI, maybe re-jet, but not too much, no big bores or anything.
Thank you!
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Post by dieseldude on Nov 17, 2011 2:26:28 GMT -5
anybody???
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Post by chanito on Nov 17, 2011 9:30:35 GMT -5
 Having computer problems at home. I will try a quick answer here  Early ruckus (pre'06) had primitive PCV systems, plastic drive oil pumps and large diameter exhaust pipe to muffler, and they suffer from oil hi temps in the crankcase and some got crankshaft bearing failure due to that. In '06 Honda decided to fix that problem and used computer (ECM) controlled PCV system to allow fresh air into the crankcase, so vapor could burn easier and lower temps in the combustion chamber, a better oil pump drive, a redesign muffler with smaller diameter from the engine to it, to make exhaust flow faster away from the exhaust port, specially with a good working PAIR system (bigger is not always better) some minor changes to the carb and the ECM. Honda felt so confident that they also raised the rev limiter allowing for 850 more rpms giving you a slightly faster scooter. So a later model is a better option 
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Post by dbhspeed on Nov 18, 2011 20:56:01 GMT -5
i was looking to go used route myself.did not find anything up to my standards. all used scoots i looked at were not in good shape( houston tx ) so i saved my O.T.$ to buy a new one 2011. must say it is all smiles on my face.Chanito is OG in this game of ruckus. he has helped me with my questions and my question to come. thanks JUAN.scoot on
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Post by dieseldude on Nov 19, 2011 2:22:01 GMT -5
Thanks Chanito! I think I'll hold out for an '06 +. There are a few for sale locally, looks like it will be a better idea to hold out for the right deal.
On a side note, I went to check out an '07 the other day and it turned out to be a total bust. Everything was wrong with it and a few mods had been done (CDI, daytona drag, etc.), but everything looked so half-@$$ed it was ridiculous, all of the fairings were removed, it had bike hanbdlebars, no tail light, etc. etc. etc. When I got on it to test it out it cut out on me at the first stop sign and wouldn't go again. Guess for $900 that was all to be expected. I'll keep on searching. THanks for the info!
P.S. If the owner of that particular ruck is on here I'm sorry, but that thing needs some serious help!
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Post by blackdeath on Nov 20, 2011 19:28:11 GMT -5
bike handlebars are the norm, and most ive seen are half assed too
seems like people that buy these have no experience in wiring, or even the correct tools
so just expect to see taped wires in the box, and things like that
best thing is to find a stock scooter if you plan on modding it, just easier to do it that way
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Post by dieseldude on Nov 20, 2011 22:16:23 GMT -5
Totally with you there, now the only ones I'm looking at are stock ones over 2006 with low mileage, I wanna start with as clean a slate as possible forgoing an actual brand new one. I'll soon be joining you all...
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Post by dieseldude on Nov 23, 2011 18:58:32 GMT -5
Alright, just picked up an '06! ;D With a failed engine  Oh well, winter project, I'm up for it. $400, good condition otherwise. The mechanic told the lady that the compression was around 12, I guess normal is 83ish? Who knows if this is accurate, mechnics will say stuff sometimes. It just up and wouldn't start on her one day, and that's what they said when she took it in there. Here we go! My question is this: Will an '08 engine work with an '06 ECU? I have the ability to procure a fairly cheap and not so hardly used '08 engine, but only if there will be complete ECU compatibility. Who can answer this for me??? Thank you!   |
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Post by dieseldude on Nov 23, 2011 19:30:27 GMT -5
also, if anyone has any suggestions as to where I should start looking for problems, it would be appreciated, thanks!
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Post by Natron on Nov 23, 2011 23:11:26 GMT -5
Don't take MY word for it, but I believe the 08 engine will be fine with the 06 ECU.
How much do they want for the engine? Low mileage GET engines go for 200-300$ all the time on TR...
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Post by dieseldude on Nov 23, 2011 23:15:51 GMT -5
Umm, so, uh, yeah. The battery was drained. That's all. I hooked up my charger to it for 30 mins just for giggles, then went to start it and up she started. You can imagine my excitement.
Maybe.
I'm pretty excited.
$400. Perfect condition ruck........
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Post by Natron on Nov 23, 2011 23:32:32 GMT -5
That is a killer deal! Webike of Japan has the KN Aftermarket variator for very cheap with free fast shipping. New belt, maybe spark plug, rollers shaved for your weight, religious oil changes, and u got yourself a bomber. You can also shave your drive face down to get the belt higher for more top end. I have minimal engine mods and I've hit 52 mph!
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Post by dieseldude on Nov 23, 2011 23:37:15 GMT -5
Ok, so I'm about 195 pounds after a big lunch, and I'm curious what variator will likely best suit my needs, I've heard good things about the daytona drag, and polini so far, would the KN be a good match for me? I'm looking into a posh CDI locally too to go with whichever variator I go with...
Also, are those iridium spark plugs the way to go? And those kevlar drive belts, also the way to go?
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Post by Natron on Nov 24, 2011 0:00:51 GMT -5
Okay so for your weight I would personally say that the KN is the way to go. KN is better for the big boys. Polini is also very good, but I think KN would do u better and it works great with the drive face shave. It's also WAY cheaper!! Kevlar belts are better. Alot of ppl rock and love the "gates" brand belts, but they suck. Go for a Kitaco belt. I wouldn't worry about getting a special spark plug unless its really cold where u live then it wouldn't hurt getting a cold weather plug just for the winter. Id wait to get the CDI until you've got your variator on and your rollers tuned to your weight and preference. This is all opinion mind you, others may disagree. But for the most part this is FACT. If you're interested in the KN variator I can give u a link to the Japanese site "webike." They have it for super cheap, theyve been running free shipping for months, when u make an account u get a discount, and the shipping is crazy fast! I "edit profanity" u not that stuff arrives from Japan faster than places ship in the states. They have all sorts of rare expensive stuff for rucks/zoomers too, like trike kits and crazy weird frame extensions. Hope this helps!
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Post by Natron on Nov 24, 2011 0:13:04 GMT -5
I'm going back to TR for the night. If u have any questions u can pm me there (user: NatronOrDie) or my email is natronordie@gmail.com
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Post by dieseldude on Nov 24, 2011 0:38:31 GMT -5
Thanks for all of the info! I'm looking into the KN variator now...
Need to keep reading that article on battlescooter about weights and variators and CDI's and so on and really let it sink in.
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Post by Natron on Nov 24, 2011 1:49:45 GMT -5
I lied I'm back. Thats always a good idea. I'll hit u with some links.
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Post by Natron on Nov 24, 2011 1:51:58 GMT -5
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