2023 Honda Ruckus Review: Specs, Features + Changes Explained! | 49cc Scooter Buyer’s Guide

OEM Honda Powersports Parts Discount Code - Motorcycles, ATV, SxS, UTV, Scooters, Side by Side

– 2023 Honda Ruckus 50cc Scooter Review / Buyer’s Guide: Specs, Price, Colors, Features, Engine & Performance Info + More! (NPS50) –

2023 Honda Ruckus Scooter Review / Specs + Changes Explained | Pearl Blue / White - NPS50 / 50cc Automatic Scooters

The 2023 Honda Ruckus has been announced and… are there any 2023 Ruckus changes for you to get excited about?

Nope! This 49cc scooter from Honda for 2023 sees a “rinse and repeat” from last year with the same color options to choose from and mechanically, it’s the same bike as well. However, there are some changes to the 2023 Ruckus and it’s not something any of us get excited about and that’s because the only change to the Ruckus scooter for 2023 comes in the way of a price increase. Last year its MSRP was $2,799 and for 2023, the Ruckus price jumps up to $2,899. Enough about that though, let’s get started on going over all of the details on the 2023 Ruckus as that’s why you clicked on this page.

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It’s time to jump in on the 2023 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 2023 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.

2023 Honda Ruckus Scooter Review / Specs + Changes Explained | Midnight Blue / Tan - NPS50 / 50cc Automatic Scooters

Quick 2023 Ruckus Info (for those in a hurry):

  • 2023 Honda Ruckus Model Options / Variations:
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus (just one model configuration)
  • 2023 Honda Ruckus Pricing:
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Price / MSRP: $2,899
  • 2023 Honda Ruckus Performance Info:
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Horsepower: 4.3 HP @ 8,000 RPM
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Torque: 3.35 ft/lb TQ @ 7,000 RPM
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Top Speed: 35-41 MPH
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus MPG: 114 Miles Per Gallon
  • Misc 20122 Honda Ruckus Info / Specs:
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Weight: 194 lbs (curb weight)
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Seat Height: 28.9 inches
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Fuel Tank Size / Capacity: 1.3 gallons
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Fuel Range Per Tank: 148 miles (approximately) 
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Announcement Date: March 2022
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Release Date: April 2022
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Colors: White / Metallic Blue, Gray, Midnight Blue / Tan
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Model ID: NPS50
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus VS 2022 Ruckus Price Increase: +$100
    • 2023 Honda Ruckus Changes: The only changes for this year come in the way of a $100 price increase

2023 Ruckus Review Contents:

    • Ruckus Engine / Drivetrain
    • Ruckus Chassis / Suspension
    • Additional Ruckus Features
    • Ruckus Pictures / Photo Gallery
    • Technical Specifications

2023 Honda Ruckus Scooter Review / Specs + Changes Explained | NPS50 / 50cc Automatic Scooters

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 2023 Ruckus’ engine, drivetrain, frame, suspension and more additional features:

Ruckus Engine / Drivetrain

2023 Honda Ruckus Engine Review / Specs | Horsepower, Torque, Top Speed, MPG + More!

  • 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.

2023 Honda Ruckus Engine Specs: Horsepower, Torque, Top Speed, MPG + More!

  • 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.

2023 Honda Ruckus Review / Specs: MPG, Price, Horsepower & Performance Info, Colors | NPS50 Zoomer | Automatic Motorbike / Motorcycle

  • 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.

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:

 

 

 

Ruckus Videos

 

 

 

2023 Ruckus Pictures / Photo Gallery

Technical 2023 Honda Ruckus Specs

2023 Honda Ruckus Specifications
Model NPS50
ENGINE  
Type 49cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Valve Train OHC two-valve
Bore x Stroke 37.8 mm x 44.0 mm
Compression Ratio 11.9:1
Induction 18 mm CV carburetor w/ automatic choke
Ignition DC-CDI
Starter Electric and kick
Transmission Automatic V-matic
Clutch Automatic centrifugal
Final Drive Belt
SUSPENSION  
Front Telescopic fork; 1.93 in. travel
Rear Single shock; 2.56 in. travel
BRAKES  
Front Single 95 mm mechanical drum
Rear Single 95 mm mechanical drum
TIRES  
Front 120/90-10
Rear 120/90-10
MEASUREMENTS  
Rake (Caster Angle) 26.5º
Trail 75 mm (2.95 in.)
Length 73.2 in.
Width 28.9 in.
Height 40.4 in.
Seat Height 28.9 in.
Ground Clearance 5.7 in.
Wheelbase 49.8 in.
Fuel Capacity 1.3 gal.
Color White/Pearl Blue; Gray; Midnight Blue/Tan
Curb Weight* 194 lbs.

* Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride. Meets current EPA standards. Specifications subject to change.

OEM Honda Powersports Parts Discount Code - Motorcycles, ATV, SxS, UTV, Scooters, Side by Side

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