The Official Motorcycles/Scooters Thread
I've since cleared the battery box of the vinyls and got my seat covered.
The front whitewall is on the way for this week (hopefully)
and adding a CDI to bump me to the low-mid 50's.
as for the wheels, I don't know if I want to polish the front, or powdercoat the back.. or even if I want blue or purple. that'll come soon enough.
sorry for the blur. I think my phone had something crudding up the lens.
Last edited by Rockstar21; Jun 4, 2013 at 11:38 AM.
958 & 991
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,927
Likes: 1,294
From: South Florida
Wow, I must say Mugen's looks great but I never realized people tricked out scooters and stretched them. I have modded rockets so I was wondering, what kind of money are you dumping into these (stretch, rims, brakes, etc)? Can you really keep up with traffic on them?
Oh, every time it rained at a horse show, everyone had mud marks up their backs from their 70s or scooters. The Ruckus isn't too bad but with that set up, does everything just fly up and hit you in the back? I realize you probably don't ride in the rain and through fields but still.
Oh, every time it rained at a horse show, everyone had mud marks up their backs from their 70s or scooters. The Ruckus isn't too bad but with that set up, does everything just fly up and hit you in the back? I realize you probably don't ride in the rain and through fields but still.
Last edited by 1StGenCL; Jun 5, 2013 at 07:25 AM.
its not really a scooter thing as much as it is a Honda thing... if its a Honda, people will find a way to mod and aftermarket companies follow suit shortly after. it helps that they haven't changed the Ruckus in 10 years.
I stay away from inclement weather. but if you leave the stock fenders on you can stay high and dry on wet roads or through some dirt.
the stock motor can be pushed anywhere from 55-60 mph with mods.
stock they run 41-44 depending on your weight.
I have about $900 invested in mine thus far on top of the price of the scooter.
there are Bolt-on 150cc kits that will get the ruckus to 75mph with ease. (this is what most people eventually end up doing after realizing that 50+ just isn't fast enough)
I personally ride on roads that are 25mph-55mph most of the time.. so over 50 works for me.
Btw mugen.. what size tire are you running up front? 3.5x10 or 100/90/10?
edit: nvm, I see you're running a 12" wheel up front as well.
I stay away from inclement weather. but if you leave the stock fenders on you can stay high and dry on wet roads or through some dirt.
the stock motor can be pushed anywhere from 55-60 mph with mods.
stock they run 41-44 depending on your weight.
I have about $900 invested in mine thus far on top of the price of the scooter.
there are Bolt-on 150cc kits that will get the ruckus to 75mph with ease. (this is what most people eventually end up doing after realizing that 50+ just isn't fast enough)
I personally ride on roads that are 25mph-55mph most of the time.. so over 50 works for me.
Btw mugen.. what size tire are you running up front? 3.5x10 or 100/90/10?
edit: nvm, I see you're running a 12" wheel up front as well.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 641
Likes: 94
From: Phoenix, AZ
Thanks, I noticed yours browsing through the thread. I love your bike, and the helmet matches perfect!
Thanks for your kind words. With the right parts you can get these things running pretty good. I really have too many mods to list but then again this thing is very addicting. I have spent around 3k on parts alone, which really isn't that bad if you think of all the parts on the scoot. Im pretty new to the ruckus but have learned a shit load with a lot of research. Totalruckus.com is the place to look these up on
I don't ride in rain, but then again im lucky to even see rain where I live.
Yes correct im running 12x3.5 front with 120/70/12 tire and 12x4 rear with 130/70/12 tire.
Wow, I must say Mugen's looks great but I never realized people tricked out scooters and stretched them. I have modded rockets so I was wondering, what kind of money are you dumping into these (stretch, rims, brakes, etc)? Can you really keep up with traffic on them?
Oh, every time it rained at a horse show, everyone had mud marks up their backs from their 70s or scooters. The Ruckus isn't too bad but with that set up, does everything just fly up and hit you in the back? I realize you probably don't ride in the rain and through fields but still.
Oh, every time it rained at a horse show, everyone had mud marks up their backs from their 70s or scooters. The Ruckus isn't too bad but with that set up, does everything just fly up and hit you in the back? I realize you probably don't ride in the rain and through fields but still.
I don't ride in rain, but then again im lucky to even see rain where I live.Yes correct im running 12x3.5 front with 120/70/12 tire and 12x4 rear with 130/70/12 tire.
Love the color combo on your ruckus.
Now gotta figure out when I'll have time to install it.
I know it's nothing big ... removed the front side reflectors tonight. Hoping to add wheel tape to serve as reflective material for the sides in the near future. Amazing how much the Fender Elminator and the removal of the front side reflectors change the look of the bike.
Got the slipon installed this morning, will post details tomorrow. Dead tired right now. I took video on my crappy iPhone. I'm hoping it turned out okay. Akrapovic slipon sounds amazing! 
Money well spent.
Money well spent.
I'll do you one better .... video ...<object height="480" width="853"> (</object><object height="480" width="853">I apologize for shooting in portrait mode, didn't realize it until afterwards) 
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JSM5dssS0Fk?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="853">
Still need to go out and take my camera with me and take some nice pics of her. But now that I have a nice moto bag I'll be doing that soon. Here is the bag I picked up this past Friday ...
http://ogio.com/power/street-bike/no-drag-mach-3
</object>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JSM5dssS0Fk?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="853">
Still need to go out and take my camera with me and take some nice pics of her. But now that I have a nice moto bag I'll be doing that soon. Here is the bag I picked up this past Friday ...
http://ogio.com/power/street-bike/no-drag-mach-3
</object>
Thanks. Yea, the plan is to get a couple GoPros when my skills get better so that I can hit the canyons. May get the GoPros earlier just to run for documenting purposes (accidents, bad drivers, etc.)
Got about ~650 miles on the bike now. going to be getting the break-in service done tomorrow and then I am hoping to finally start using the bike on a regular basis, possibly for commuting. Will try it out a couple times to see how it goes. Ordered the touring windshield yesterday, a must for this bike as the wind blast with the standard windshield past 65mph is not fun.
Great vid.
Thanks!
No drag-chute, but I think that could be accommodated. It may be a good safety device. What if I could instead retrofit a parasail to get me out of dangerous situations.
No drag-chute, but I think that could be accommodated. It may be a good safety device. What if I could instead retrofit a parasail to get me out of dangerous situations.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
Anyone here commute on their motorcycle regularly?
There are several benefits of course... easy on gas, you can lane split, use the carpool lane... but I found out that maintenance and tires tend to even it all out. Let's assume that with a motorcycle you don't have another car to pay for.
There are several benefits of course... easy on gas, you can lane split, use the carpool lane... but I found out that maintenance and tires tend to even it all out. Let's assume that with a motorcycle you don't have another car to pay for.
958 & 991
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,927
Likes: 1,294
From: South Florida
Anyone here commute on their motorcycle regularly?
There are several benefits of course... easy on gas, you can lane split, use the carpool lane... but I found out that maintenance and tires tend to even it all out. Let's assume that with a motorcycle you don't have another car to pay for.
There are several benefits of course... easy on gas, you can lane split, use the carpool lane... but I found out that maintenance and tires tend to even it all out. Let's assume that with a motorcycle you don't have another car to pay for.
I commuted on my R6 to and from work as well as class for a few years but I did have a car too. I wish we could split in Florida but at least I could ride year round. It made me really look forward to my commute and I would almost always take the bike, rain or shine.
As for costs, the gas savings was nice but I never tracked savings and the maintenance was pretty minimal since I did it myself. If you grab a set of stands, you will find that everything from oil changes, brake fluid, tire changes (took them to get mounted after I removed them, which was cheap) are really easy to do and the dealer charges way to much for crappy work. I could change my oil for literally under $10 and in 20 mins or so and the dealer in Gainesville wanted over a $100. Tires were probably the biggest expense but even then, I got some good miles out of backs and great out of the front.
Problem is, you need a car IMO and obviously the bike, the stands, the gear, plus insurance, mods, etc. Will you 'save' money riding, no. Will you have a blast, yes.
Last edited by 1StGenCL; Jun 12, 2013 at 08:33 PM.
Anyone here commute on their motorcycle regularly?
There are several benefits of course... easy on gas, you can lane split, use the carpool lane... but I found out that maintenance and tires tend to even it all out. Let's assume that with a motorcycle you don't have another car to pay for.
There are several benefits of course... easy on gas, you can lane split, use the carpool lane... but I found out that maintenance and tires tend to even it all out. Let's assume that with a motorcycle you don't have another car to pay for.
I know im a scooter, but I commute 50 miles a day to work.
and at 115 mpg... I spend about $8 a week in gas.
it helps that replacement tires are around $40 and it takes half a quart of oil every 1,000 miles.
I save about $200 a month in gas alone.
Got the bike back yesterday afternoon from the shop, had the break-in service completed. Everyone at the shop liked what I've done to the bike so far, most notably the exhaust. They even showed it off to some customers. 
With the stricter exhaust laws that went into effect in January, they were all saying that it's good I put it on now because it will become increasingly more difficult to get them in California. Don't know how much truth there is to it, but we'll see.
Today I used the bike to commute to Pasadena, 90 mi round trip. Overall wasn't bad. Going to Pasadena I didn't have to worry too much about traffic. Coming back was another story. Took a stab at lane splitting in congestion, played it safe and stuck to the rule of approx 10mph or less over what others are driving and nicely passed by all the other suckers on the road.
I've got an order in for a touring windshield, but it's backordered.
It's just not comfortable riding this bike over 65mph without the touring windshield I think. From what I heard it makes a big difference. Also, after very long rides, my ears are ringing when I get home, probably due to the exhaust, but it definitely makes my presence known which is partly why I wanted it. I noticed at higher speeds, air pressure also affected my ears. Going to look at getting some good quality ear plugs for the long rides.
Next mods: Bar Ends (guys at the shop loosened the bolts for me. Even they were bitching they were on tight), LED indicators + Updated Indicator Relay. My rear seat cowl is still on backorder since I bought the bike in March.
As soon as I get that, I'll be doing the rear peg delete.
With the stricter exhaust laws that went into effect in January, they were all saying that it's good I put it on now because it will become increasingly more difficult to get them in California. Don't know how much truth there is to it, but we'll see.Today I used the bike to commute to Pasadena, 90 mi round trip. Overall wasn't bad. Going to Pasadena I didn't have to worry too much about traffic. Coming back was another story. Took a stab at lane splitting in congestion, played it safe and stuck to the rule of approx 10mph or less over what others are driving and nicely passed by all the other suckers on the road.
I've got an order in for a touring windshield, but it's backordered.
It's just not comfortable riding this bike over 65mph without the touring windshield I think. From what I heard it makes a big difference. Also, after very long rides, my ears are ringing when I get home, probably due to the exhaust, but it definitely makes my presence known which is partly why I wanted it. I noticed at higher speeds, air pressure also affected my ears. Going to look at getting some good quality ear plugs for the long rides.Next mods: Bar Ends (guys at the shop loosened the bolts for me. Even they were bitching they were on tight), LED indicators + Updated Indicator Relay. My rear seat cowl is still on backorder since I bought the bike in March.
As soon as I get that, I'll be doing the rear peg delete.
958 & 991
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,927
Likes: 1,294
From: South Florida
Ear plugs are key! I know some will argue that you aren't aware of your surroundings with them but you can easily hear horns and traffic and you wont go deaf with them.
Glad to hear the bike is treating you well, splitting seems great but I can see it getting sketchy
Glad to hear the bike is treating you well, splitting seems great but I can see it getting sketchy
Senior Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 169,104
Likes: 23,868
2013 Hamann Soltador Cruiser
Press release...
That the HAMANN-Motorsport team completely understands how to refine fourwheeled vehicles has been demonstrated very clearly by them in almost 30 years of automobile tuning. With the HAMANN "SOLTADOR" custom bike which HAMANN are presenting at the 83rd International Motor Show in Geneva (Hall 4, Stand 4233), the first time for a washable custom bike.
The finest components, and typical HAMANN design elements adorn the imposing figure of the Cruiser: Frame, rocker, air filter, exhaust and, in particular, the rims of the HAMANN "Anodized" Race Edition in XXL size unmistakably show the hand of the specialists from the southern German town of Laupheim near Ulm. The airbrushs (“paint & airbrush by Marcus Pfeil Custompainting, Austria”) applied at customer request with motifs from Porsche's history remain custom-made, though. But the bike will also only make a handful of bikers happy. HAMANN will limit their production of two-wheelers manufactured to the highest standards of craftsmanship to five copies.
The custom bike will be driven by a powerful 1900ccm² (series:1590ccm²) displacement Harley-Davidson Twin Cam B engine. Thanks to the finely machined channels, valves and valve seats the large volume two-cylinder engine will distribute a full 160 hp to the rear tyres in the 18 inch XXL size. This accelerates the 290 kg bike to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.
HAMANN-Motorsport has been refining exclusive automobile brands such as McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Range Rover since 1986. HAMANN is synonymous with production at the highest technical level, in conjunction with masterful workmanship and the finest materials. Harmoniously designed aerodynamic details, ultra-light aluminium rims and powerful engine performance increases form the basis of HAMANN's technology program. High-quality accessories and stylish interiors complement the range. In their 10,000 square metre workshop HAMANN develop and manufacture in accordance with the strictest ISO quality standards. Every HAMANN automobile and tuning part always undergoes extensive testing to guarantee quality and reliability. The highest maxim of all activities around drive and design is maximum quality in development and production. And of course, as suits manufacturing, in hand-finished craftsmanship.
Today, with more than 24 employees HAMANN meets almost every automotive desire of its exclusive clientèle. In Germany and from selected distribution partners worldwide.
Technical benchmark data:
Tyres:< /br> front : 130 /60/18"< /br> rear : 280/35/18"
Rims:< /br> Front : 4.5 x 18" HAMANN "Anodized" Race Edition< /br> Rear : 10 x 18" HAMANN "Anodized" Race Edition
Engine:< /br> Harley Davidson Twin Cam B engine< /br> Finely machined cylinder heads and valves.< /br> 60mm throttle valve body (series 38mm),< /br> Performance camshafts with 585 valve stroke,< /br> New engine characteristics with Thundermaxx EFI engine control unit,< /br> HAMANN "Race" air filter< /br> Displacement: 1900 ccm< /br> Power: 160 hp at 2380 rpm< /br> Gearbox: Harley Davidson 6 gear< /br> Primary drive: NH Power Belt drive< /br> Exhaust system: HAMANN “Race”
Bodywork:< /br> Frame: HAMANN Race Edition< /br> Paintwork: “paint & airbrush by MARCUS PFEIL CUSTOMPAINTING, Austria”< /br> Suspension: Airride system, RS forks with integrated handlebar, "Race" single-sided swing arm 24 carat motor screws, Motogadget mini tachometer, HAMANN "Race" footrest system, Glow headlights
Weight:< /br> approx. 305 kg fully fuelled< /br> Acceleration:< /br> 0-100 in 3.3 s< /br> V/max:< /br> sufficient< /br> Price:< /br> 120,000 EUR
The finest components, and typical HAMANN design elements adorn the imposing figure of the Cruiser: Frame, rocker, air filter, exhaust and, in particular, the rims of the HAMANN "Anodized" Race Edition in XXL size unmistakably show the hand of the specialists from the southern German town of Laupheim near Ulm. The airbrushs (“paint & airbrush by Marcus Pfeil Custompainting, Austria”) applied at customer request with motifs from Porsche's history remain custom-made, though. But the bike will also only make a handful of bikers happy. HAMANN will limit their production of two-wheelers manufactured to the highest standards of craftsmanship to five copies.
The custom bike will be driven by a powerful 1900ccm² (series:1590ccm²) displacement Harley-Davidson Twin Cam B engine. Thanks to the finely machined channels, valves and valve seats the large volume two-cylinder engine will distribute a full 160 hp to the rear tyres in the 18 inch XXL size. This accelerates the 290 kg bike to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.
HAMANN-Motorsport has been refining exclusive automobile brands such as McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Range Rover since 1986. HAMANN is synonymous with production at the highest technical level, in conjunction with masterful workmanship and the finest materials. Harmoniously designed aerodynamic details, ultra-light aluminium rims and powerful engine performance increases form the basis of HAMANN's technology program. High-quality accessories and stylish interiors complement the range. In their 10,000 square metre workshop HAMANN develop and manufacture in accordance with the strictest ISO quality standards. Every HAMANN automobile and tuning part always undergoes extensive testing to guarantee quality and reliability. The highest maxim of all activities around drive and design is maximum quality in development and production. And of course, as suits manufacturing, in hand-finished craftsmanship.
Today, with more than 24 employees HAMANN meets almost every automotive desire of its exclusive clientèle. In Germany and from selected distribution partners worldwide.
Technical benchmark data:
Tyres:< /br> front : 130 /60/18"< /br> rear : 280/35/18"
Rims:< /br> Front : 4.5 x 18" HAMANN "Anodized" Race Edition< /br> Rear : 10 x 18" HAMANN "Anodized" Race Edition
Engine:< /br> Harley Davidson Twin Cam B engine< /br> Finely machined cylinder heads and valves.< /br> 60mm throttle valve body (series 38mm),< /br> Performance camshafts with 585 valve stroke,< /br> New engine characteristics with Thundermaxx EFI engine control unit,< /br> HAMANN "Race" air filter< /br> Displacement: 1900 ccm< /br> Power: 160 hp at 2380 rpm< /br> Gearbox: Harley Davidson 6 gear< /br> Primary drive: NH Power Belt drive< /br> Exhaust system: HAMANN “Race”
Bodywork:< /br> Frame: HAMANN Race Edition< /br> Paintwork: “paint & airbrush by MARCUS PFEIL CUSTOMPAINTING, Austria”< /br> Suspension: Airride system, RS forks with integrated handlebar, "Race" single-sided swing arm 24 carat motor screws, Motogadget mini tachometer, HAMANN "Race" footrest system, Glow headlights
Weight:< /br> approx. 305 kg fully fuelled< /br> Acceleration:< /br> 0-100 in 3.3 s< /br> V/max:< /br> sufficient< /br> Price:< /br> 120,000 EUR
