DK's Ruckus/Zoomer build

[DK Wolf]

Sup dudes, as some of you might know.. I picked up a Ruckus the other day.

The Scoob has been good to me, but I'm starting to feel the bite from low MPG. So I went looking for a decent alternative, decided on a dope-tastic scooter that I could take back to the states with me.

So I began hunting around with my friend, we had a list of 8 Ruckus's for sale at the dealers on Okinawa. And we decided to hit each and every single one to see which would give us the best deal.

This was the first Ruckus we looked at
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/976330_419041018203480_1028384146_o.jpg

She was in awesome shape, and the price was fair. Guy wanted 155k Yen (about 1550 bucks) (talked him down to 130K) there were some slight issues and I noticed the electrical had been ****** with. Mileage was a tad high (an outstanding 27,000km) but if I thought it was reasonable. I asked that he repair the wiring and throttle cable (that was also loose when I tested it) and I would come back to look at it again. So I spent the rest of the day hunting all over island, saw about 6 different Ruckuses (a few shops... were totally hidden, couldn't find them... such is life) and I ended up finding a gem at the scooter dealer right off base (totally missed it).

Guy had one for sale, with only 12,000km on it (by far the lowest I had seen that day. Average one had about 20k) it had some superficial rusting and the paint wasn't really my thing (it was beige). Guy was asking 130k which was a great deal. I sat there and haggled and this guy was the most aggressive negotiator I had ever seen. I offered 80k at first, he told me to go screw myself and to get out of his shop. So I asked him whats reasonable for him.. he scratched his chin and did the typical okinawan "suck air through teeth" when something isn't going his way.. and shot out......... 125k... I laughed.. HARD. I said I'd be willing to do 90k. He starts cussing profusely in Japanese and pushes me out the door. I pull out a wade of cash (cash speaks in Okinawa.. it's amazing, everyone thinks you're just busting their balls until you show them you're ready to really deal) and I told him I can buy this.. NOW.. he just has to give me a good offer. So he says.. hokay... 120.. best deal.. excellent deal for you. I said that isn't good enough and told him how I had spent all day looking at other scooters and had gotten better prices for better conditioned ones (total crap) so he gives me the worst stink eye ever.. I say I can do 100k and that's it. He said.. I do.. 105k.. I laughed. Said 100 again.. he told me to get the hell out. So I'm standing outside, with the most bewildered look on my face.. and just decided to screw it.. I bought it, it was the lowest price I had gotten all day for the best condition Ruckus.

So I finally took it home today.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/980591_420575911383324_734731798_o.jpg

and immediately began a tear down so I could start painting the parts to black.
Within an hour and a half she was already totally in half and I was working on getting the engine off of the frame.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/943416_420633958044186_632816302_n.jpg

I still have the main engine mount left and gotta take care of some plumbing before shes totally cut in two but I'll be prepping her for paint within the next couple days.




plan for this thing is paint it black, do some light modding with the 50cc engine (intake, chip it *or CDI*, exhaust, and maybe a new variator along with some nice cosemetic pieces)

once I get to Virginia I'll be doing the GY6 swap to take me from home to work on the higher speed limit roads instead of taking rural streets all the way to base.

[slyskiller]

This is going to be awesome. Subscribed for sure!

[tsingson]

Lookin' tough on that hog man! Will definitely be keeping an eye on the thread.

[SM16RMSM]

I always wanted one but I might just get run over in Orlando with it. Can't wait to see how it turns out. I see them all the time.

[DK Wolf]

So, I'm taking color suggestions.

I was thinking of painting the frame, and seat rail gloss black, and the battery cover and the little bars over the headlights matte black. It's a safe coloration choice, however if anyone had an awesome enough idea, I'd go with it.

[kung fu jesus]

Blasted, clearcoated clear. as industrial as that design is, raw metal showing would look interesting.

[DK Wolf]

Blasted, clearcoated clear. as industrial as that design is, raw metal showing would look interesting.

Hmm... I really like that idea. I'd have to get in touch with one of the painters out here to see if the clearcoat would hold out of rust until I left. Oki-cancer is some strong stuff.

But that leaves the question of what to color the battery box.. it's plastic, and "metal" isn't really an option there... hmmm

[kung fu jesus]

leave it as is, or wipe acetone on it to remove the sheen.

[morr]

I honestly liked that cream/off white color it was. But since I'm guessing it's a stock color, I like KFJ's suggestion of the raw look.

[DK Wolf]

Hmm... I have no idea if acetone will eat through plastic.

I do like his idea however. Ill check to see if the guys here have anything clear to protect against rust.

Ill just need to pick a color for the casing. And I didn't like the creme, not to mention it has to get painted anyway due to rust and chipped a little everywhere.

[kung fu jesus]

Maybe a brushed metal look done in paint. That might look interesting with the blocky forms and exposed tubing structure.

[Pfunk]

But that leaves the question of what to color the battery box

Have an aluminum one fabricated.

[Pfunk]

Or go Panzer Grey: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1350/677667163_c59c4372c2.jpg

[DK Wolf]

OH SHIT! OR NAVY GREY!

Ok.. Black frame and rails, navy grey box.


It's done.

[kulluminati777]

That color scheme is gonna be HAWT! lol

[DK Wolf]

still in the middle of painting the ruckus so not too many updates will be coming up in the next couple days. However I did purchase this.. HMF exhaust from a member on totalruckus


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/yoshi_1r/2013-05-07140502_zpsda026575.jpg

I heard some youtube sound clips and it sounded pretty good. So I'm looking forward to throw it on there

[DK Wolf]

So after picking the Navy Battleship Grey, I was on the hunt for a good Ship Pendant to put on my Ruckus. I wanted to pick an interesting ship or a super badass one. At first I was looking at the USS Iowa, which is a monster..

but after speaking to my friend who is a Naval Captian across the street and running the idea past him. He suggest the USS Kitty Hawk. And I instantly knew the ship, the ship is infamous within the military as it's the focal point for most of the severe scandals within the Navy. It's commonly called the "shitty hawk"

I thought it'd be hilarious to slap on the ship pendant on my Ruckus and hereby call her the "Shitty Hawk" (I highly suggest you guys google some of the past stories.. some of them are pretty good!)


Anyway, I ran into some trouble. Since I plan on putting the 63 (ship's pendant) on my ruckus on the battery cover.. I was trying to draw up the font to give to the decal maker to make it for me.. however I ran into some trouble. I can't seem to find the font used in writing ship pendants and I couldn't successfully photoshop a good enough clear uncluttered copy that was flat to give to the decal maker. If anyone would like to give me a hand by either finding the appropriate font, or photoshoping a good enough 63 for me. That would be BALLER!

Here's the font I'm specifically looking for
http://www.allwoodships.com/MilitaryShips/AircraftCarriers/Image/CV-63,KittyHawk-island,port.jpg

[DK Wolf]

The "Shitty Hawk" is painted!!

[morr]

Chances are the numbers were hand painted back then. Your best bet is to look up some old school/collegiate style font.

[Pfunk]

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=385729

[XCLR8TN]

HMF is about an hour away from me :)

I still say put some small red accents!

Following...

[kung fu jesus]

Gimme a few minutes, I'll have those numbers drawn up.

[kung fu jesus]

Alright I took this image:

7930

and I drew this:

7931

I have it as an .AI/EPS file, so I can send that to you and you can give it to someone to cut the vinyl from.

Shoot me a PM and I'll email it to you or whatevs.

[kung fu jesus]

quick and dirty, not sure what the tank looks like straight from the side...


7932

[DK Wolf]

Dude, I am absolutely loving it! I wasn't sure how big I wanted the decals since I was on my way over there within the next couple days. But that size is absolutely perfect!

Thanks a lot man!

[DK Wolf]

So, what an insanely awkward moment today.

I went in to the sticker shop today to place my order for the 63 ship pendant. So I send them a jpeg to their email and sat there waiting for it to be my turn. The girl calls me up and I explain how I want my sticker made and stuff, and the older gentleman in the corner who does all the sticker stuff pipes up and says

"kitty hawk?"
me "huh?"
old man "you stationed on kitty hawk? I see 63!"
me "haha nope, not exactly. Just doing a little project!"
old man "my father fought with the Kitty Hawk.. POW! WWII! Very strong ship!"
feeling super awkward.. "really? That's pretty cool"
old man "great battle, father talked about how good american POW jails are! Very nice! VERY BIG!"

and at this point, I'm just nodding my head and saying ehh...



Dude.. you're telling me your dad was captured by American sailors in WWII, was a POW on the Kitty Hawk.. and me being an American troop, I feel really weird!


Anyway, this guy was apparently a huge Kitty Hawk fan since his dad talked to him about it alllllllll the time when he was younger.






I can't wait to show him the "Shitty Hawk"

HAHAHA

[Pfunk]

Well, at least you know he'll do a good job on the stickers!

[DK Wolf]

Well, at least you know he'll do a good job on the stickers!

Hahaha yep! looking forward to it.

anyway, quick update. Made a few small purchases.

purchased a polini variator and belt (to make it slightly faster) along with a new CDI to remove the rev limiter. Still picking an intake, and I'll be ordering my new jets for the carb within the week and start tuning that once they get here.

if I can get 70kmph I'll be happy and I'll stop modding powerwise.

I also purchased a bit of ol' fashioned FAKE carbon fiber!! WOO!
no but it's a key protector from battlescooter
https://battlescootershopping.com/shop/article_07BCKG/Battlescooter-Key-Guard%2C-Ruckus.html?sessid=KFtMQTYSP9HIUgnMSl9PbVy95D8Bw6c xeDNIgeUgYVIvJrnNZgEtHZ1fs8MI7U2X&shop_param=cid%3D16%26aid%3D07BCKG%26
https://battlescootershopping.com/.media/802803751972.png

I've been riding the scooter a lot for about a week and my keys have already rubbed away some of the paint on the bottom of the keyhole. I just purchased this to protect it. If I don't like the way it looks, then I'll probably get some vinyl.
shit.. it was only a dollar

I also purchased a underseat net so I can start holding stuff.. like a sandwhich or drinks or a jacket or something. Since I have zero storage capacity so far.

[kung fu jesus]

Saddlebags made from Navy rucksacks would be interesting.

[WASABI]

Saddlebags made from Navy rucksacks would be interesting.

I "Like" your post! Great Idea! Old brass buckles and leather. Hell, I would even paint some fake rivets, to make it more "ship like".

[kung fu jesus]

Maybe a simpler idea for the saddlebags; elastic/bungee cording nets, like the used below the fantail or observation areas. Keeps with the carrier theme.

[AntiochOG]

This is a super cool. I recently started riding my fiance's Metropolitan around town. It's a lot of fun and makes me really want to get a Ruckus, because they look so much more manly.

[kung fu jesus]

Always wanted on OG 3-4 speed Vespa.

[DK Wolf]

Maybe a simpler idea for the saddlebags; elastic/bungee cording nets, like the used below the fantail or observation areas. Keeps with the carrier theme.

I ordered an adjustable net for now. But Im looking for an idea. I could also weld together some sheet metal to fill the space under the seat, put rivets on the edges and paint it.

The saddlebags are an awesome idea. I might have to throw a couple ideas around.

I was also toying with a little leather bag on the front above the lights, like harleys do.

[DK Wolf]

This is a super cool. I recently started riding my fiance's Metropolitan around town. It's a lot of fun and makes me really want to get a Ruckus, because they look so much more manly.

do it. You could also get a metro and do a metruck build. (Google metruck totalruckus) they look sweet.

[DK Wolf]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKyu_mqf9zA

HMF exhaust installed!

[DK Wolf]

Oki ride for my birthday.

[WASABI]

"Like"

[DK Wolf]

Rode the Ruckus for about 4 hours yesterday. It was an awesome ride. Had a backpack filled with water and trail mix, went up to Katsuren castle then snaked my way around to Ike Island. I kinda sorta got some pretty bad sun burn (but it was worth it).

The exhaust is quite loud. I might consider getting another slightly quieter one.


Can't wait for my variator to come in and my CDI so I no longer have a low Rev limit
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/998593_429590083815240_288164018_n.jpg

[I<3flippyheadlights]

Damn, that must have been an awesome ride.

[DK Wolf]

Stickers should be made soon.

Been kicking around the idea of making a plate to hang behind the seat that says "Shitty Hawk" like how naval ships have it written on their sterns.

[DK Wolf]

Just like this

[Flyin 92]

A tramp stamp for a scooter? Might as well be a bullseye :teehee:

[DK Wolf]

I embrace all aspects of the Navy.. ALL... ASPECTS

[Flyin 92]

I embrace all aspects of the Navy.. ALL... ASSPECTS

FTFY

[DK Wolf]

I personally would have gone with

Gay-vee

[LostSoulMiata]

I kinda sorta got some pretty bad sun burn (but it was worth it).

Well, you gotta have the proper attire when riding a Ruckus....

http://i.dlisted.com/files/hsotdthongcapescooterman2013.jpg

[DK Wolf]

Not a huge sticker fan, but I added a few. And this will be the extent of my stickerness.

Finally got the 63 ship pendants back. Got a battle scooter sticker when I ordered my underseat net and key protector (certified fake carbon fiber!).



I ordered my CDI over a week ago, and it should be here by now.. but any day now it'll be here and I should be able to hit 65kmph if not more. Goal so far is just an easily attainable 70kmph.

http://i.imgur.com/kUUjK6H.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/P3H7nNO.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/BJ1J2FA.jpg

Big thanks to Kung Fu Jesus for helping me out with the pendant design!


Also, I absolutely love the cargo net. I opted for the net as opposed to a hard casing mostly because it was cheaper. But after further use. It seems much more practical. It doesn't obstruct the look, can be used with lowered seats, it can hold just about anything a hardened case can. And I think it adds slightly to the ruggedness.

[AntiochOG]

Looks good.

[Ihatecars]

This thread makes me want a Ruckus even more!
Keep up the awesome work.

[DK Wolf]

OH HEY! LOOK! I FOUND A RUCK-BRO!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1052921_437844862989762_1434491466_o.jpg



So I said my goal was over 70.. and I hit it.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1002247_437844536323128_2089776834_n.jpg




Put in my Kitaco CDI and a Polini variator with 6 gram weights.. next up is some rejetting and probably a new intake. Should be hitting 80 at that point.

[atank]

Progress so far looks good...........

[kung fu jesus]

I lol'd. Looks good!

[DK Wolf]

I did the equivalent of going to eleven

[kung fu jesus]

Well, 10.5

[kung fu jesus]

for the floor board?

8138

[DK Wolf]

That might go a little too far if I did that to the floor. I'm still thinking if I should get the footrest with pegs or not. If I do.. the current floor board gets tossed out and it has an exposed gas tank. I could try to find a decent diamond plate cover and have that painted.. I'm not sure yet.

Things have been messy at the Squadron recently and I'm bound to fly out to New Zealand within the next couple days. So progress might be a little slow. Then on top of that, I should be having my ruckus picked up next month to ship to Virginia. So it'll be there by the time I get there.

[DK Wolf]

There's a special moment of pride when you get off your scooter heading into the gym and a Navy Commander comes up to you and asks if I named my scooter.. I tell him I named it the "Shitty Hawk" and he looks.. and says


"You have a Naval Carrier themed scooter? That's awesome. Where can I get one?"



I told him I'd trade him information on how to snag a Zoomer in Japan if he'd sign me an Academic letter of recommendation for school.. BOOM

[DK Wolf]

Dk gonna die!

[atank]

^^Downhill or Flat...............................?

[DK Wolf]

you'd be amazed... flat with the wind at my back.


I just threw on a new intake and tuned it, and I see 75ish kmph very easily. Pretty happy with my speed as it is.

[DK Wolf]

Did an all night ride.. lasted about 6 hours. WOO!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/q71/s720x720/1004007_438814766226105_249081028_n.jpg

[Agent☣Orange]

That's pretty badass. I had no idea there was such a Ruckus crowd.

[afc2112]

^ It's the newest fad.

[DK Wolf]

I'm not doing it for the fad.. I'm doing it for the enormous savings it brings me.

Of course this doesn't mean I can't have a little fun with it.




I'm faster than a few of these rucks out here that are carb'd.. the locals can't believe all I have is a CDI and a variator (my intake is just a replacement pad, still using the stock design). There's one carb'd Ruck that blows me doors off but I'm not really racing these. As long as I can hit 70kmph I'm happy to keep up with traffic.

No crazy wheels or extension kits. Love the stock handlebars, I'm getting a lowered seat for comfort and that's about it. This thing is staying relatively stock.




If I'm too slow for Virginia streets, I might consider a GY6 swap.

[DK Wolf]

Also, quick little number crunch.


I bought my ruckus about two months ago. I was spending about 7000 yen a week in gas. Which is roughly 75 bucks.

I now spend 3.50 every two weeks in gas.

If I had kept using my WRX, I'd have spent 600 bucks in gas alone.
Instead, I've spent 28 dollars. That's 572 bucks I've saved.

I bought the zoomer for a little under a grand. I'll have paid this thing off with savings by the time I leave.

[afc2112]

I'm not saying you're doing it for the fad. I'm saying that having a modified Ruckus is the latest cool, "hipster" thing.

Which explains the scene that Yellow Yata is surprised to see. (I'm not)

[I<3flippyheadlights]

If I wasn't so afraid to die in Tampa, I would buy one of those in a heart beat. It is worth the savings in gas alone!

[DK Wolf]

Sold the Ruckus.

[tsingson]

What? I thought you were bringing that thing to VA?

[DK Wolf]

Yeah I thought I was. Until I found out a couple things.

VA doesn't allow splitting lanes (super lame).

And the probability of me getting a house that won't require accessing the base via a highway is extremely small. So I wouldn't be able to use the Zoomer on it.


But don't sweat it. I bought the dam thing for 900, sold it for 1600 and it probably only has about 150 in parts. Amazing what some Americans will pay.

[tsingson]

Good come up man! When you get in town, the VA guys and the RDU guys have to try and meet up.

[DK Wolf]

Yeah dude, for sure. I'm more than down. I just hope there are a couple decent roads in the vicinity.


Maybe even a little escape where I can roll out for a few hours, enjoy a cigar and do some homework in peace.