2009 Honda Ruckus Review

While the current motorcycle market is saturated with many different scooters, the 2009 Honda Ruckus offers unique specifications that make it unlike any bike currently on the road. For any rider hoping to combine a clean look and one-of-a-kind riding experience, the Ruckus is the bike for him.

The 2009 Honda Ruckus certainly has a unique name, but hardly causes a ruckus to its owners, thanks to its durable, yet sharp-looking, sleek plastic body and the red coloring of its exterior. With a seat height of just 28.9 inches and a wheelbase of a mere 49.8 inches, this bike is appropriately sized for all riders. Its 184-pound dry weight makes it easy for any driver to maneuver the scooter, regardless of skill level or riding experience. Soft vinyl seats give the Honda Ruckus plenty of comfort to go along with its class.

While the 2009 Honda Ruckus may have a small stature, it packs a large punch when it hits the open road. The bike comes equipped with a four-stroke, 49cc, liquid-cooled engine, with a 12:1 compression ratio and 1.49 x 1.73 bore and stroke. A continuously variable transmission allows riders to navigate in and out of traffic at a speed most suitable for them.

Despite the power that the engine provides, the suspension and steering on the Honda Ruckus help to create a smooth and balanced ride when out on the street. This scooter’s telescopic fork front end suspension and 2.2-inch front travel combines with its single-sided swing arm rear suspension and 2.6-inch rear travel to create a comfortable riding experience for drivers of all skill levels. In addition, a single shock absorber helps the rider maintain control of this scooter, even under harsh road conditions.

Beyond just the suspension and steering, the wheels and tires on the 2009 Honda Ruckus also help to create easy riding conditions. The Ruckus comes equipped with a pair of 10-inch steel wheels and a slightly larger rear tire (130/90 R10) than what's up front (120/90 R10), which allows for a safe and balanced ride when cruising at top speeds. Front and rear drum brakes allow for quick, smooth stops, regardless of road conditions.

The 2009 Honda Ruckus comes with a number of advanced features to help further improve the experience of riding this bike. The Ruckus is equipped with exterior guards, a temperature warning light, an odometer, and a speedometer, which ensures the rider isn’t cruising above the legal speed limit. In addition, a fuel level warning light also guarantees that the rider will be never let the bike’s 1.3-gallon fuel tank verge on empty.

For safety purposes, hand grips provide the rider with something to squeeze onto under adverse riding conditions, while floor boards are there to protect the rider’s feet. Front and rear fenders provide an additional security measure on both ends of the bike. Lastly, lockable storage and a rear rack allow the driver to store extra supplies for those especially long riding expeditions.