image: Honda Japan
sometimes we feel like the unofficial spokespeople for honda and im sick and tired of being bombarded with all these damn questions so we decided to write up an FAQ. honda are you listening?
Ruckus FAQ
1. what is it?
the honda ruckus is a 49cc, water-cooled, four-stroke, single-piston, motor-driven cycle. it produces close to 5hp @ 8k, gets around 100 mpg and uses a belt-driven auto trans.
2. where can i get one?
they can be had at any authorized honda motorcycle dealer.
3. how much are they?
hondas msrp is $2,045 but be prepared to pay in the neighborhood of about $2200-$2500 after b.s. taxes, assembly and delivery fees. used models can usually be fetched for about a grand to eighteen hun depending on year, mileage and condition.
4. how fast do they go?
03-05 models usually hit about 37 mph. 06 and up models get up to about 43 mph.
5. are they street legal?
yes, they may be operated on public roads but not on freeways.
according to the California Motorcycle Handbook a “motor-driven” cycle is a motorcycle with an engine displacement of 149cc or less. motor-driven cycles cannot be operated on a freeway. motorcycles above the 149cc size are motorcycles as opposed to “motor-driven cycles” and can be operated on CA freeways (source: DMV).
6. do I need a special license to ride one?
in the state of cali you must have an M1 license to operate any motor-driven cycle on public roads. you may obtain a learning permit by taking a written exam that will allow you to operate your ruck but you will not be able to ride at night, with a passenger or on freeways (the last two obviously do not apply to ruck owners). the permit is good for one year. taking the riding course at the DMV on a ruckus is fairly easy once you get comfortable with the bike. its way easier taking the riding test on a ruck than on a rice rocket.
if the overpaid idiot at the DMV tries to hand you an M2 license bring in your California Motorcycle Handbook and show them that you must have an M1 to operate your motor-driven cycle (source: DMV) fyi it says motor-driven cycle on the VIN plate located on your frame. believe me, its easier trying to explain this to the guy hiding behind bulletproof glass than it is to the guy hiding behind a badge.
7. where can i find more info on this thing?
official honda USA website
totalruckus.com
dont be dumb. im not a f’n lawyer so dont take this FAQ as law. each state and county has different laws so check with your local DMV or other hated government agency for the proper information in your area.
-b