Honda Zoomer
Manufacturer | Honda |
---|---|
Also called | Ruckus |
Production | 2002- |
Class | scooter |
Engine | 49 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke |
Top speed | Template:Auto km/h (2006) |
Power | 3.65 kW (5 hp) @ 8000 rpm |
Torque | Template:Auto Nm @ 7200 rpm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Brakes | Front and rear drum |
Wheelbase | Template:Auto mm |
Weight | Template:Auto kg (dry) |
Fuel capacity | 5 L (1.1 imp gal; 1.3 US gal) |
The Zoomer is a motorscooter developed by Honda and introduced in America in late 2002 (2003 model year); in Canada and the USA the model name for the same design is Ruckus. The Zoomer/Ruckus differs from more traditional scooters because of its rugged design including tires that are thicker and have deep treads, and a skeleton frame that intentionally lacks an enclosed storage compartment.
Specifications
- Model: Zoomer(NPS50)
- Engine Type: 49 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
- Carburetion: 18 mm CV with automatic choke
- Ignition: CD
- Transmission: Automatic V-Matic belt drive
- Front Suspension: Twin-downtube fork; 55 mm (2.16 in) travel
- Rear Suspension: Single shock; 65 mm (2.55 in) travel
- Front Brakes: Drum
- Rear Brakes: Drum
- Front Tires: 120/90-10
- Rear Tires: 130/90-10
- Wheelbase: 1265 mm (49.8 in)
- Seat Height: 740 mm (29.1 in)
- Dry Weight: 82 kg (181 lb.)
- Fuel Capacity: 5 L (1.32 gallons)
- Mileage: 2.75 L/100 km - 2.25 L/100 km (85-105 mpg)
- Top Speed: 70 km/h (43 mph) (2006-up) or 60 km/h (37 mph) (2003-2005)
- Horsepower: 3.65 kW (4.9 hp) at 8000 rpm (2003-2005)
- Torque: 4.5 N·m (3.31 ft·lbf) at 7200 rpm (2003-2005)
- Redline: 8850 rpm (2006) or 8000 rpm (2003-2005)
Colors
- 2003 models: Red or Black
- 2004 models: Yellow, Black, or Camo (brown camouflage)
- 2005 models: Black or Silver Camo (gray camouflage)
- 2006 models: White or Silver Camo (gray camouflage)
- 2007 models: Black or Silver Camo (gray camouflage)
- 2008 models: Black or Metallic Silver (gunmetal)
- 2009 models: Matte Gray Metallic or Red
Maintenance
Engine Oil
Engine oil should be changed every 500-2500 miles. The Ruckus Owner's Manual states that the oil should be changed every 2500 miles; however, the oil becomes very dirty after only 500 miles and often times has metal shavings in it also.
Engine oil capacity for Honda Ruckus: At draining - 0.6 liter (0.6 US quart); At disassembly - 0.7 liter (0.7 US quart) 10w-30 oil should be used in climates below 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 10w-40 should be used if the climate is any warmer.
Coolant
Coolant capacity for the Honda Ruckus: Radiator and engine holds 0.48 liter (0.51 US quart) ; Reserve tank holds 0.28 liter (0.30 Us quart)
Tires
Kenda K761 tires come on the Ruckus from the factory. These Kenda tires should last roughly 10,000 miles. For better on-road performance, the tires can be replaced with any similarly sized tires. Commonly used tires include Michelin Boppers and Pirellis.
Correct tire pressure adds to better handling and reduces tire wear. The front and rear tires should both be filled to 25psi.
Spark Plug
The spark plug should be replaced every 5000 miles.
HOW TO READ NGK SPARK PLUGS: CR7EH9 - Cold Climate CR8EH9 - Normal CR9EH9 - High Speed
First Character - [C] - Thread Size (10mm) Seccond Character - [R] - Resistive Type Third Character - [8] - Heat Code (2 Hot, 12 Cold) Forth Character - [EH] - Thread reach (Partial thread of 19mm) Sixth Character - [9] - Gap (0.9mm)
If you wanted an Irridium Plug, use CR8EHIX9 or CR9EHIX9 (high speed) or for platinum, use CR8EHVX9 or CR9EHVX9 (high speed)
NOTE: Platinum plugs are discontinued and replaced by irridium series.
Aftermarket Accessories
Exhausts
The Ruckus has many different exhaust options. Some brands include Yoshimura, Daytona, Leo Vince, Kitaco, Super Trapp, NCY, RPM, BEAMS, NR Magic, WirusWin, Moriwaki, ZERO-Racing, and more.
Variators
An aftermarket variator is the best way to improve performance on a Honda Ruckus. Some brands include Polini, KN Kikaku, Malossi, Posh, and KRS.
Extension kits
Extension kits sets the rear wheel back a couple inches to rid of the stubby stock look. Brands include NCY, Kijima, Hurricane, and NR Magic.
CDI
CDIs increases timing and removes the factory rev limiter. The most widely used and popular brand is POSH.
Windshield
A windshield or windscreen can reduce drag. One made especially to fit the Ruckus is the Chanito Screen.
Suspension
NCY offers an adjustable Rear Coilover for the Ruckus/Zoomer, which comes in white or chrome.
Brakes
NCY offers a Big Brake front Disc Conversion Kit, which removes the not-so-good front Drum brake setup in favor for a better disc brake setup. No others brands offer this as of right now.
Wheel options
Frame braces and seat lowering frames
NCY offers a seat lowering frame, and a racing seat frame, for those who aren't happy with the stock height of the seat.
Big Ruckus
The Honda Big Ruckus is a scooter sold in Canada and the USA in 2005 and 2006. It was marketed as a 'full-size' version of the popular 49cc Ruckus/Zoomer scooter, with a 249 cc engine and seating for two. Unlike the smaller Ruckus, the Big Ruckus included no color options. The 2005 model had yellow tubing with black panels, and the 2006 had silver tubing with black panels.
Distinctive features include a rear seat that folds up to provide a backrest for a solo rider, a hand-lever parking brake, and a linked brake system, where the rear lever also actuates the front brakes.
In Japan the Big Ruckus is known as the PS250 and was in production from 2004 through 2007. While the early models had contrasting colour schemes of painted tubes and black panels, the last models were produced in solid colors only, with a choice of tan, dark green, and black.
Culture and Enthusiasts
For one reason or another, people have been drawn to the uniqueness of the ruckus. Because of this, a culture of open minded and creative people have been created. Communication around the world happen on community made forums,where discussions of modifications, accessories, journeys and much more take place. Some would argue these websites and its members have created a bond between their scooter, co-members, and the site(s) themselves.
Wan and Total Ruckus
In late 2007, a South Korean named Wan became the first and only known individual to ride a Little Ruckus (49cc) across the United States. Wan began his journey on the East Coast in Fayetteville, North Carolina and rode south to Florida. The cities he went through followed in this order: Fort Lauderdale to Miami, then south to the Florida-Keys before traveling through the southern states on his way to California. After a brief trip to Hawaii, he continued on northward to the Pacific Northwest, lingering approximately a week in the Seattle, Washington area. Wan then headed back east, traveling through Wyoming on his way to Fort Collins, Colorado, then Denver, Colorado. Wan also visited Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and Washington, DC. After over 8 months of travel, Wan returned on July 12th, 2008 to where he started, having ridden over 18,000 miles through 32 states and 17 National Parks, using $640 in gas. He raffled off his Ruckus, donating the proceeds (US$5000.00) to the Make-A-Wish foundation. His journey can been seen on TOTAL RUCKUS under the user-name "drinkbeer9".
External links
- Honda Japan official Zoomer page
- Honda Power-sports USA Official Ruckus Page
- Total RuckusRuckus enthusiast Site
- direct link to Wan's story