– 2022 Honda Ruckus 50cc Scooter Review / Buyer’s Guide with Specs: Price, Colors, Features, Engine & Frame info + More! (NPS50) –

The 2022 Honda Ruckus has been announced / released… but are there any changes to the Ruckus for you to get excited about in 2022? That depends. Do new color options get you excited? If so, then you’ll love the new 2022 Ruckus as Honda rolled out some new color options but those are the only changes you’ll see on the 2022 Ruckus. It’s odd to see Honda label this one as a 2022 when they announced the newly redesigned PCX on the same day but it’s a 2021 model year. Could Honda be giving themselves enough time to completely revamp what used to be their hottest selling scooter? Could we see changes on the 2023 Ruckus since it’s only February of 2021 and they’ve got some cushion to iron out the new upgrades to the Ruckus? Enough guessing on what will be next though and let’s get started on going over all of the details on the 2022 Ruckus as that’s why you clicked on this page.

It’s time to jump in on the 2022 Honda Ruckus and go over all of the nitty-gritty details behind this 50cc scooter. Well, technically the Ruckus is a 49cc scooter but a lot of times they are generically referred to as a “50”. How did this odd-looking little scooter come to fruition? Honda originally released what we now know as the Ruckus back in 2001 in Japan and it was called: Zoomer. The Ruckus (model ID: NPS50) made its trek across the big pond and to our shores here in the USA in 2003. It has always been a great seller for Honda but it did have a slow start, fast forward to today though and the Ruckus has been one of the best selling scooters around and has been for more than a decade.

First up, let’s go over some quick facts about the 2022 Ruckus from Honda. These are a few of the key points of information that people look for when doing research on a certain scooter that they’re interested in buying below.

Quick 2022 Ruckus Info (for those in a hurry):

• 2022 Honda Ruckus Model Options / Variations:
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus (just one model configuration)
• 2022 Honda Ruckus Pricing:
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Price / MSRP: $2,799
• 2022 Honda Ruckus Performance Info:
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Horsepower: 4.3 HP @ 8,000 RPM
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Torque: 3.35 ft/lb TQ @ 7,000 RPM
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Top Speed: 35-41 MPH
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus MPG: 114 Miles Per Gallon
• Misc 20122 Honda Ruckus Info / Specs:
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Weight: 194 lbs (curb weight)
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Seat Height: 28.9 inches
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Fuel Tank Size / Capacity: 1.3 gallons
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Fuel Range Per Tank: 148 miles (approximately) 
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Release Date: April 2021
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Colors: White / Metallic Blue, Gray, Midnight Blue / Tan
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus VS 2020 Ruckus Price Increase: +$50 (The 2020 Ruckus came in at $2,749 and the 2022 Ruckus is $2,799)(Honda did not build a 2021 Ruckus for the USA) 
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Model ID: NPS50
  • 2022 Honda Ruckus Changes: Yes. The 2022 Ruckus changes come in the way of new color options and a price increase.

2022 Ruckus Review Contents:

• • Ruckus Engine / Drivetrain
  • Ruckus Chassis / Suspension
  • Additional Ruckus Features
  • My Opinion / Your Thoughts?
  • Ruckus Pictures / Photo Gallery
  • Technical Specifications

What makes the Ruckus so popular? It can tick a few boxes. It’s extremely easy to ride thanks to its fully automatic transmission as there is no clutch so all you have to do to ride the Ruckus is twist the throttle and go with both your front and rear brakes being easy to grab and even though its brakes may seem dated due to the being drum brakes, they do stop this gem pretty quick thanks to its weight only tipping the scales at 194 pounds. Another box it ticks is that it’s genuinely weird. In a good way though. It’s a look that’s not intimidating and doesn’t really lean towards being aimed at one gender over the other unlike the Metropolitan for example that are usually liked by females over men when it comes to styling. That’s not to diss the Metropolitan by any means as I know plenty of guys that ride them and customize them as well into some awesome looking scooters. Another box I would say the Ruckus checks off that many others don’t is that it wrecks well. I know that sounds crazy but eventually you’re going to end up dropping your bike or should I say scooter, it’s not if but when as it happens to the best of us. Thanks to the way Honda did the styling on the Ruckus you don’t have the typical plastic fairings, body panels etc that most scooters or motorcycles have that will be damaged when you drop it but that’s where the Ruckus shines. It doesn’t have any of that! It barely has any plastic at all anywhere on it and the the turn signals are rubber-mounted so they can bend at a 90 degree angle without breaking off.

Now, we’ll dive into some more details and highlight certain pieces of information regarding the 2022 Ruckus’ engine, drivetrain, frame, suspension and more additional features:

Ruckus Engine / Drivetrain

• Lightweight 49cc four-stroke OHC liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine provides ample power for in-town riding.
• Fuel-sipping constant-velocity (CV) carburetor with automatic choke.
• Electric starter system allows easy push-button starting.
• Maintenance-free ignition system.
• Simple push-button electric starter.
• Electronic Control Unit (ECU) provides control for ignition timing, alternator regulator, ACG starter, electric fuel pump and automatic choke.
• Ultra-quiet exhaust system.

• Automatic Honda V-Matic belt-drive transmission provides spirited acceleration and smooth operation.
• Starter system utilizes the engine’s brushless alternator (ACG) for starting, eliminating the need for a separate starter motor. This simple design requires no maintenance and further reduces overall weight for even better fuel economy.
• Lightweight, maintenance-free, magnetically driven water pump eliminates the need for mechanical seals.
• Compact, engine-mounted radiator has aluminum fins for optimal cooling in all riding conditions.
• Electromagnetic fuel pump is located adjacent to the fuel tank under the floorboard of the Ruckus.
• Automatic cam-chain tensioner requires virtually no maintenance.

Ruckus Chassis / Suspension

• Two-piece, die-cast aluminum front frame with steel upper-rear frame.
• Twin-down tube fork provides 2.2 inches of plush travel for a well-controlled ride.
• Single-side aluminum swingarm with single-shock rear suspension has 2.6 inches of travel for a compliant, comfortable ride.
• Front and rear drum brakes offer predictable stopping.
• Well-padded seat boasts a low, 28.9 inch seat height for added confidence at stops.
• Instrumentation includes analog speedometer, odometer and indicator lights for fuel, coolant temperature and low/high beams. Fuel-indicator light comes on with 0.3 gallon remaining.

• Oversize tires offer a secure grip on the road.
• Maintenance-free battery.
• Easy-to-use parking brake.
• Helmet holder locks helmet into place under seat.

Additional Ruckus Features

• Instrumentation includes analog speedometer, odometer and indicator lights for fuel, coolant temperature and low/high beams. Fuel-indicator light comes on with 0.3 gallon remaining.
• Audible turn-signal indicator.
• Parking brake.
• Helmet holder locks helmet into place under seat.
• Backup kickstart lever.
• Dual headlights with two 35-watt bulbs. Low/high beams provide ample nighttime illumination.
• Maintenance-free battery.
• Handlebar switches and controls use internationally approved ISO graphic symbols.
• Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan extended warranty.
  • Meets current EPA and CARB standards.
  • California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.

My Opinions / Your Thoughts?

What are some potential downfalls or negative things to mention about the Ruckus in my opinion? It’s still packing a carburetor. A Keihin 18mm CV carb with an automatic choke so you don’t have to worry about using a manual choke every time you fire her up. To some people having a carb will be a benefit though and to some it won’t be. Some people prefer having a carb because they are easier to work on. The downfall to having a carb is that we are seeing ethanol percentages in fuel increase and increase over time and it can lead problems if not cared for correctly. Other than that, it’s really difficult to say much negative about the Ruckus as long as you know what you’re getting into right off the bat and not expecting some little mini sport bike that’s going to do 50+ MPH etc or a dirt bike with suspension that will handle you sending it off the roof of your house etc then the Ruckus is hard to beat. Well, one more quick thing – if I were just looking for negative things to say then I would add that I wish it was a little cheaper as its MSRP is knocking on the price of the Honda Grom which has more technology and is faster on every front while also delivering a better MPG rating but you lose the ease of having a fully automatic transmission as with the Grom you’re stepping into a motorcycle with a clutch and manual transmission. Now, Honda has done a few price increases on the Grom since its introduction to the model lineup in 2014 which has spread the Ruckus versus Grom price difference out a bit. Back in 2014, the Ruckus was $2,649 and the Grom was $2,999 whereas now the 2022 Ruckus is $2,799 and while the 2022 Grom price hasn’t been officially released yet – the 2020 Grom came in at $3,399. All in all, it’s hard to beat the fun factory of these things with them being so small and light to where you can just twist the throttle and keep it wide open all day every day haha. I just suggest you know what you’re getting into on the performance side of things and be real with yourself on what you want and you’ll love the Ruckus!

Now, I’ll be a “negative Nancy” for a minute. Will we ever get some new Honda Ruckus changes thrown in the  mix? This scooter has been the same for almost two decades now in the USA. I mean, it still has a carb… That dates is just a bit haha. I’m sure there is a long answer to that question and why Honda is doing what they are doing, I just wish I knew. That’s the kind of info that really fascinates me. All of the behind-the-scenes info that goes into deciding what they are going to do with this model versus that model and when will this one get changes versus that one etc. I’d love to be a fly on the wall for some of these discussions. 

(* Disclaimer: I’m not hating on carbs, I know some people prefer them. I used to as well. However, I’ve been spoiled by EFI and the tuning capabilities are so easy now compared to tuning carbs. AKA: I’ve gotten lazy haha).

Part of the fun for so many people with owning a Ruckus is being able to customize it and the endless options you have with aftermarket companies to really turn the bike into what you want and make it your own so-to-say. Here’s a quick (3) video example on how easy it is to throw custom parts on your Ruckus:

2022 Ruckus Videos

2022 Ruckus Pictures / Photo Gallery

Technical 2022 Honda Ruckus Specs

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