Traveling by Scooter

I recently rode my new Honda Ruckus scooter over 150miles in one day and had a great time. I rode form Columbus,Ohio to Akron, Ohio on a trip home after working in Columbus for the past 5 months. This was quite an undertaking due to the fact the Ruckus tops out at about 40mph so I had to ride the back roads the entire trip. The trip took a total of 6h 10min which included stopping for lunch, gas, and to figure out where I was and where I needed to go. On the plus side the Ruckus gets 100mpg and is a blast to ride.

My inspiration for buying this scooter and making this trip comes from one person, and his name is Wan. Wan is from South Korea and in last October he came to the US to travel to entire country on a Honda Ruckus. He has since put over 17,000miles on his Ruckus and will be heading back to Korea in July. His amazing story has been fully documented on TotalRuckus.com a forum dedicated to the scooter. Many members of the forum have supported him along the way, by allowing him to stay in their homes, eat their food and be tour guides to many locations across the US. A map of his journey with links to all of his posts and inspiring pictures is here Wan's Route I would recommend reading through all 160+ pages of parts 1 and 2 of this epic story. I guarantee you will be inspired by the good will of everyone evolved with his travels.

I wanted to go over a few tips I came up with during my recent travels so that if you ever make a trip like this you can be a little more prepared. My advice comes from my limited experience but I hope it can help

Step 1: Plan Ahead

Before you start a long distance scooter ride you need to at least make a few plans, and have some sort map. I have used Google directions in the past and had reasonable luck, but things didn't turn out to well for this trip. Google directions allows you to drag your route on the map which is what I need because I can only ride on certain roads but the directions only gave road names not route numbers. This is import because most road names are not shown in rural areas. I did some more research and found that yahoo maps allows you to drag the path and gives directions with route numbers.

One good tip would be to give someone else a copy of the directions. So if you get really stuck you can call them and explain where you are. I gave what I thought was one set of the directions to my Dad before I left but I actually gave him two copies of the first page of the directions and one copy of the second page. All I had was a copy of the second page and two copies of the thrid page, not very helpful.

So I had to make my own way using the GPS and the map. I remembered some of the routes but an import part of navigating in this manner is using the good'ol compass. I knew I needed to go Northeast, so if I was heading north, east, or even better northeast, I was making progress.

I tried to stay on main roads. Riding though neighborhoods and on county roads will make things more difficult then they need to be. Ride right through the center of towns and look for junction signs for the next route.

Most of the roads I took had a 55mph speed limit so I was getting passed by cars the whole time. Just watch your mirrors and pay attention when someone is approaching.

Comments

[enicolay]

Hey, I am planning a 1500km (aprox. 900 miles) trip in December. I've got a 2007 Yamaha BeeWee 100cc, got advices? Oh, and there will be a point in my journey where filling stations are rarely seen. Email me to [e-mail] to give me tips please ;)

[11tillr]

i love the idea of the ruckus, i have a drz400, but i have always wanted to find a cheap ruckus and modd it out, they look like soo much fuuuun!

[stormy0314]

I rode my Ruckus for 40 miles one day and my butt was so sore I couldn't sit down for a week. What's the answer to a comfortable long ride?

[CivilianX]

A lowered seat. You can get one at Battlescooter or elsewhere on the Interwebs. Checkout TotalRuckus.com.

[Shai Gar]

I've already got 21000 km's on mine. I've only owned it since September 2008.

[spylock]

Back in the 80s I had a moped,and I too at 16 years old would take long day trips,it for me was Freedom,it was one of the best investments Ive ever made,I logged a few thousand miles the summers of 85 and 86 and would recomend it to the young and young a heart alike.The scooters are alot more reliable and are a little faster from what I hear,only now you have to wear a helmet in VA. and we didnt back then,I think I may buy a scooter this year and do it again,its such fun.

[skylardewil]

Do I spy a light- up Indiana Jones spoon? Those are the best...

[stevepuk]

I had a 125cc motorbike until recently when someone decided I wasn't going fast enough and tried to overtake me while there was an oncoming truck, he then knocked me off, wrote off the bike and injured me and my girlfriend quite badly. So another tip I would say is if some jerk behind you seems to want to get past consider pulling over. It might cost you a minute, but better that than spending months with nasty infected open wounds which you will have because you don't seem to be wearing protective clothing. So there's another tip wear protective clothing. I got a new motorbike now a 650cc, that still gets over 60mpg and my girlfriend got a new 125 that can go a bit faster than the old one and manages 110mpg!

[kevlar557]

I have a 84 Honda Aero 125, and when it runs right, I do some good 50+ mile trips, and it gets up to about 60 mph. Only problem is, is they only made it one year in the US, and parts are impossible to find.

[andygreyrider]

Honda Aero's are used on a daily basis at present in Turkey. The Aero shares its engine with other Honda models. I have 2 Honda NX50 Caren's in England and they are known as Express SR's in the USA. Parts are readily available for all small cc Honda's, It's just knowing where to look. Try MopedArmy, MopedMayhem, CMSL in Netherlands and 50cc.eu as a few to get you by with. The best thing about Honda's and the Chinese are now copying them, is that their models supercede each other, in other words, they change the style of the scooter but maintain the engine workings. The engine's have only been modified with removable restrictors to get them through the emission's law. I am a qualified Engineer and Motorcycle Technician; I have always found that people around the world love to share their moped, scooter and motorcycle experience's more than they do want to get involved with political and/or religious debate. It's comrarderie that we share unlike those who drive their 'tin box' auto's and hurl abuse at each other.

[Derin]

Are you Turkish as well?

[Rishnai]

Great instructable. Being an insatiable tinkerer, I'm in the early stages of a plan to make a an under-50cc scooter do 65 for long distances, more than once. I've got some pretty wild mods on the list. Any ideas that might help even the slightest?

[I smell bacon]

Convert it to run on methanol, that should speed it up easily!

[Rishnai]

Hmm... I had thought about that, since the effective "octane" of alcohol is higher. The loss of gas mileage wouldn't be a big sacrifice, but fueling it up when on the road could be tricky. E-85, perhaps.

[shark54]

i think hes drunk

[Balaszi]

Get a motorcycle!! j/k cool post...but ask yourself, are you a mod or a rocker?

[dbc1218]

I've got one. A 76' Honda CB200T, but its not running right now. hopefully in a few weeks though. So where does that put me, more mod or more rocker

[I smell bacon]

I would say more rocker, but how about the Aprilia Mana, full or semi-automatic transmission, and a phoney fuel tank. But then again it does have a V-Twin. Motorcycle or scooter? Mod or rocker? Does anyone care?

[Balaszi]

Hmm, it's pretty small but at least your legs are on the sides and not in front...haha! I suppose once it runs you'll be leaning more rockerly.

[ottorax]

Ya, good article. I always travel prepared, but hadn;t thought about a hydration pack. good call! I have a honda c70 and was looking into an 89 mile trip home myself on backroads.

[ShaiGar]

I'm considering doing a cross Australia trip on my Sym VS 125 scooter. Australia isn't as populated as America and I'm starting from Darwin, NT. Me thinks I'm going to have to tinker with your plan somewhat.

[fitztrev]

That's awesome! Looks like a great trip and a lot of fun!

[walkthewalk]

I used to have a Little Ruck but didn't really feel safe in traffic-- a little too slow. I now have a 125 which is much better for around town.

[CRYROLFE]

Anyone know how to get a little dog on ruckus? Is there a carrier or something like that? He is about 20lbs and is a Boston.

[Alarmnbob]

Well, Here in Kansas we put them in a basket. Have you tried a pet "tote". I would think that you could mount it to the Ruckus. I used to ride my scoot with my dog in my jacket but did not feel this was safe. I made a tote from a soft sided Large thermal cooler. I just cut a hole for her head to stick out. Samantha is a weiner dog and the tote is large enough for her to lay down in or poke her head out to see what is going on.

[mail]

how long ago did you get this ruckus? the newer ones only come in the 50cc models that have a top speed of 40 mph for some reason *cough*gascompanies*cough*. the big ruckus is practically the same thing as a ruckus -other than the fact that it was a bigger and a hell of a lot faster (75 mph)- it even had the same gas mileage as today's ruckus.

[Possum Living]

*cough*What exactly do the "gas companies" have to do with the top speed of a 50cc motorscooter? Physics plays no part, huh?*cough*

[mail]

hey! your the person who made all of those clean energy projects! i really like the solar panel one.

[mail]

I'm not complaining about the speed of the scooter itself. I know that motors like this can't put out as much energy as larger one. the only thing I was complaining about is that the big ruckus still had a pretty good gas mileage and was cancelled.

[Possum Living]

I doubt politics played a part. I liked the Big Ruckus too, but it was way more expensive than the regular Ruckus, and that's probably what killed it. Too bad they don't make a Ruckus with a CT-110 powertrain, including manual tranny and dual range. Those things were bulletproof, got 100 mpg and would at least do 55.

[mail]

i only recently figured out about the big ruckus. i didn't know they were expensive. i have only seen the prices for the ones on sale today and they were for about $5,000.

[Possum Living]

I've seen the regular Ruckus on sale at a dealership for as little as $1295. A couple of days ago I saw a 1962 ad in an old magazine, for the Honda Trail 50. Not the later Mini-Trail 50, but an adult-sized bike similar to the later Trail 90. It was factory rated at 65 mph top speed, and up to 200 mpg. Several companies in China are building licensed copies of those old Honda engines; they could build that bike and sell it for $1000, and they could sell a million of them. I would buy one.

[mail]

wow. thanks!

[dbc1218]

The big ruckus was only sold for two years in the US, 05 and 06. It went faster than then the ruckus because it had a 250cc engine, and got roughly 55-70mpg, which is less than the 100mpg I have been constantly getting on the ruckus. More info on the Big Ruckus from an owner of one can be found here, Big Ruckus FAQ

[mail]

thanks... i just saw that you replied to my message.

[killarowa]

You took your passport on a road trip through Idaho? Well if your an immigrant ok, but if not, isnt that a bit much? And as for the pictures of food, this was in your backpack? mmmm, sterno and ramin

[Crucio]

In case you haven't figured it out yet :) that wasn't him or his stuff. It was Wan's...

[toncezs]

hello guys do you have Honda XRM euro style and Honda DIO 3 scooters there in US it can go for up to 90 to 140Mph for Honda XRM - 0 to 140Mph top and for honda Dio 3 or ZX - 0 to 90Mph top but you can add some access. to it if you want more power and style i'm sorry for my english but i have one pic. to show this is a Honda XRM show type set-up not for racing but still it punch some power over 160Mhp just add new sport muffler to gain more speed this pic. is taken from the philippines hope you will be inspired in scooter thanks

[krakchris]

I have one thing to say about the taking pictures thing. When I am traveling I want to enyoi the moment and I dont want to be looking at the back of my camera. Just take one or two pictures of the most beutiful spots. Otherwhise you will end up with a lot of useles photos. Yust my opinion. Great instrucable !!!

[corey_caffeine]

im making my own scooter some time soon i hope to be able to go somewhere cool. do you think the cops would mind a 15 y/o on the back roads

[Rishnai]

In Colorado, you have to hold a valid license to operate something with a motor on a public road. But if you're not impeding traffic and not creating ahell of a racket, I don't think you'd get stopped. Unless you're being a tard.

[skunkbait]

In Arkansas kids 12 and up can legally ride a 50cc or smaller on the road. At 14 you can drive a 250cc or smaller. But all states are different.

[dbc1218]

Check you local laws about scooters and mopeds. some states are fairly lax and you might be able to get away with it.

[corey_caffeine]

thanks

[dacker]

I enjoyed your Instructable! I bought a Honda Metro just a few weeks ago an have been having a ball with it. The core of a Metro is the same as the Ruckus but with 'classic' (e.g. Vespa) styling. At 300 total miles, I'm getting 1bout 110-120 MPG. I've taken a fair number of 10-15 miles trips; nothing approaching 150 miles. As you point out, planning even an inter-suburbia trip requires some forthought due to the ~40MPH max speed and spped drops down to about 20MPH on steep hills. Maps.google.com is one of my essential tools. I let it plan my routes and then "Drag to change route" to rework my route to avoid higher-speed or highly congested streets. My speedometer lies; it's 2-3MPH high. I've been through several 'advisory' radar traps, which agree with each other. As someone else pointed out, the brakes are not so hot. Why the cheap Cinese scooters can have disc brakes and Honda does not is beyond me. The gas gauge lies also, but I'm sure you know that by now as well. I have to plan on a gas stop within 10 miles when the gauge read 1/4-tank. I get about 2MPH better speed if I improve my aerodynamics by crouching-down over the handlebars and pull-in my elbows. Above 45MPH, it does not matter; that seems to be my terminal velocity. For your long-haul rides, the Honda owners manual recommends a slightly different spark plug (hotter, IIRC.) You many want to RTFM. Somewhere on the 'net, I ran into a simple mod for Honda's 49cc engines. If the photos I saw were accurate, there is a plate in the exhaust system which restricts the exhaust flow, hence restricting the top speed. I need to go find that site again....

[dbc1218]

Sounds pretty similar to the ruckus, but the ruskus doesn't have a gas gage, just a low level warnning light thats comes on when you have .3 gallons left. Mine seems to work fairly well. My speedo seemed to be right on when I checked it against my GPS. 45mph is the max speed on down hills and 20mph on steep up hills. The brakes are lacking but just make sure you keep them adjusted as they wear. I'm going to adjust mine when I do the 600mile oil change.

[dacker]

No gas gauge? I guess it goes along with the rugged minimalist image. My on/off road bike from 1976 did not have one because you could just look into the tank one foot below your face. If you forgot to keep an eye on the gas, it had a 'reserve' position on the tank's valve which let gas drain from the bottom of the tank instead of an output a half-gallon's worth above the bottom of the tank. I'm glad the Metro has a gauge, though it's far from linear. If they cannot make it linear, they should at least reposition the gauge's 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 marks so they are true. I can get 40MPH on the straight-and-level when I'm in a crouch. Like you, I can do 45MPH on a slope. Yes, the brakes are disappointing; I wonder if there are aftermarket pads which improve them. I too plan to adjust them at the 600 mile interval. Did I read the the manual you have to use a non-detergent oil? It sounded like something you cannot readily buy at an auto parts or mass-market discount store. I am curious if a synthetic oil is OK or not as well. I'm kicking-around the idea of getting a second, larger scooter. The Metro is actually my daughter's high school grad present, but I've been putting more miles on it than her. I drive it 10.2 miles to work 2-3 times/week. I have my motorcycle endorsement and am interested in something I could carry a passenger and get up to freeway speeds. Honda's website shows the Helix and Reflex may have been discontinued after '07 and the Silver Wing has not been updated with '09 info (and is too expensive.) My intent is to save gas and have fun in the process. I'm getting that from the Metro, but would like a bit more oomph and better brakes.

[lasersage]

20mph on hills!!! not trying to be rude but do you weigh a lot? 2-3mph over is pretty standard for a speedo, I've had many read similarly. Every bike I've owned with a fuel gage stays on full for half the tank and then very quickly dies away, just reset the trip each time and you can guess by the mileage when things are getting low. My bike reads full to about 90miles, then half by about 110-120, a quarter by 130 and empty by 160miles. As for brakes, drums actually bite better and often make more sense than all that hydraulic nonsense. Trouble is drums heat very quickly and then braking power fades. I'd trust an old cable pull drum more than a chinese machined brake calliper. Still not trying to be rude, but if you're brakes are behaving poorly are you overloading (to heavy for) you bike?

[dacker]

For the record, I weigh 183 pounds. Pretty average. IIRC, all the 49cc Honda scooters are rated for up to 250 pounds. There are hills, and there are HILLS. I'm not talking about a gradual climb -- the hill that dropped me to 20MPH has a 4-way stop at the bottom, so I'm starting at a dead stop and don't have inertia to help me on the climb. Also, it rises about 150' in less than 1/4-mile. I have to drop my 2-liter 5-speed car into 3rd gear to climb. Honda's 49cc scooter brakes are indeed somewhat lacking. Just a quick benchmark is that it's impossible to lock them up and skid on clean, dry pavement. I don't think this is meant to be an anti-lock brake feature! {grin}

[corey_caffeine]

thats all the engines are is 49cc??

[dacker]

Scooter engines (and the physical size of the scooters themselves) come in different sizes. Honda, for example has models with 49, 80, 250, and 600cc engines. A 49cc engine is common because many US states require motorized vehicles with engines 50cc and larger to be operated by a driver with a motorcycle endorsement.

[Rishnai]

Yep, that's all they are. It never made sense to me, but I was always partial to Big Twins. I suppose it's for getting around in urban areas with crazy good mpg. My uncle had a 125cc two-stroke scooter that would do about 60-ish in top gear, at the "redline." It did that for 150 miles and died. My dad pushed him the rest of the way to Taos with his foot on the rear fender.

[lasersage]

All sounds fair enough to me, sorry to imply you were weighing it down :)

[BuffaloSabresBrewer]

I have just over 1000 miles on my Schwinn Valo 150. What a great time. Im thinking of a trip from east of Buffalo to Bowling Green, Ohio sometime in August. I dont know what kind of storage the Ruckus has( I considered it but decided against it) but take a look at revpack.com. Some really nice saddle bags and youd be able to carry so much more. I dig the instructable.

[jollygreenryan]

I'm going to get a Ruckus this summer, I was looking to get a gas gauge for it, anyone know a good place to get one?

[hunter13309214]

I just bought a schwinn (the bycycle company) newport 150 cc and have been thinking about a trip myself, good ideas and tips. These little machines hold up really well and I think, are the wave of the future for travelers. mine gets 70 mpg or better. loved your article. Hunter

[cinderbelle]

I need some advice from all of you. I will be getting a Genuine Buddy 125cc here in a couple of days. It is air-cooled and automatic transmission, 60 mpg. I'd like to take it on a ~150 mile road trip from Fort Worth, TX to La Grange, TX (famous for the Best Little Whore House in Texas, but that's not why I'm going). My main question is: Do I have to stop at certain mileage intervals in order to let the engine rest? I plan on using Google Maps at first to create my route. Do any of you suggest something different? This was a great Instructable for me to see that a road trip is definitely possible in a scooter! Thanks!

[skunkbait]

Definitely follow the "break-in" suggestions from the manufacturer, but other than that, listen (and feel) what your machine is trying to tell you. If it feels hot, smells hot, or loses power, slow down for a mile or so, then park it for a while. My backside will only let me do about 30 miles at a time on those little machines anyway. But, once it's broken in properly, there's no reason a machine like that shouldn't be able to go 45 MPH all day long.

[sabbott]

If it's a new scooter, you should avoid doing this to the engine during the break-in period. (I say this as a new Vespa owner.) Check with the dealer, but the manual will probably suggest you not run it that fast during the first 1000 km. or so.

[cinderbelle]

Excellent suggestion. Thanks for reminding me of that.

[lasersage]

You'll know if you're cooking it, it'll probably start to loose power in the worst overheating. Things tend to give warning signs, slowing down might mean that the piston is so hot its starting to bind, keep riding and it'll seize. Of course on such a little bike slowing down could also be a hill or head wind, use your common sense I guess. It should be designed to run continuously without stopping, but if you ride it wide open, like full speed all the way, don't be suprised if you cook it. If it does 40-45mph with the throttle wide open, then you probably don't want to cruise above 35mph if you like your engine.

[dbc1218]

After checking out the Buddy, i don't see any reason why you would have to stop for the engine, but you could ask the dealer when you buy it. The engine is air-cooled so its actually better when you are moving because air is flowing over the motor which cools it off. I would compare google and yahoo maps to see which one makes the most since to you. Hope your trip goes well.

[innomind]

Great post...
I found Moped Laws WikiMoped Laws Wiki that tell you everything about operating a moped in any US state.

Is the seat on the Ruckus comfortable for long rides?

[wokwithme]

Might want to bring along a pack of JB Weld JIC the Duct Tape / Krazy Glue might not be strong enough for fix.

[hondagofast]

My motorcycle is sadly barely faster than a scooter... my 1967 Honda CB160 Horsepower: 5.5 Top speed: 55 Gears: 3 I need to rebuild the carbs on it to get it running again.

[strannik]

I know a bunch of guys who regularly do long scooter trips - coast to coast, San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas, etc. If you are going to make touring a regular thing, you might want to think about a larger scoot like a Vespa GTS 250 or Honda Reflex......

On the other end of the touring spectrum there are these guys who rode from San Francisco to Tierra Del Fuego (tip of South America):
http://www.mopedtosouthamerica.com

[dbc1218]

The guys who went to south America are awesome!! My cousin and I thought about making that same trip but I doubt it will happen. Still its good to know its possible. I hope their movie gets out so that I can see it.

[mweston]

First bikes, Now scooters? Don't be crashing into any trees now :-P

[dbc1218]

Haven't hit any trees on the scooter and hopefully never will. I have hit many trees while riding my mountain bike though, not very forgiving those trees

[mweston]

Ahh, something I have experienced as well :-\

[Lego man]

How many gallons of fuel does a Honda Ruckus hold?

[dbc1218]

The tank holds 1.3gallons. The specs for the 08 and new 09 models are here Honda Ruckus

[Lego man]

Thanks, I was looking around Honda and I think the Metropolitan is best for me. Esp. for the cargo area and holding backpacks for school. Plus fuel economy and capacity is the same as the Ruckus. (and its cheaper)

[benthekahn]

Nice Instructable, but I think your forgetting something serious from your list-Duct tape.

[dbc1218]

Yeah, I should have had some. Duct tape and zip ties can fix anything

[benthekahn]

And super glue. That can fix anything too.

[dacker]

And a Leatherman!

[Lego man]

Do You need a motorcycles license to operate a scooter?

[dbc1218]

I need a motorcycle license but the laws vary from state to state.

[mtverbal]

I do everything on my Vespa. Take a look at this blog entry on going to Costco:

http://blog.andymcelfresh.com/2008/02/10/how-to-use-a-vespa-to-go-to-costco/

[Whatnot]

Not bad, nice and tidy tips, not over the top or self-congratulatory but practical.

[sabbott]

These are great tips, especially about route planning. I want to add that you should wear gloves when riding a scooter as protective gear. (As well as a jacket and jeans and footwear that comes to the ankle). You'd be shocked at the loss of flesh you can experience in a fall at 40 mph, to say nothing of broken bones. I say this as a committed Vespa owner (although I haven't done a trip that long, and way to go!)

[dbc1218]

Gloves are a good tip. I wore them but none of my pictures show them. I have a pair of Mountain biking gloves that work well, good ventilation but not very protective.

[Llewner]

(removed by author or community request)

[mje]

Over the past 30 years I've used both the original Space Blanket, which is made from a woven, aluminized fabric, and the disposable mylar varieties. Both work if you use them properly. The lightweight mylar varieties are great used as heat reflectors- I suspend one beneath my Hennessey Hammock and it both reflects heat back and blocks heat loss from radiation, and increases comfort. You can use the woven type as an extra layer between a liner bag and larger sleeping bag. You don't want to use the mylar type here because it will block moisture from escaping. In an emergency, you can prevent hypothermia by wrapping a space blanket around you tightly, and they're included in trauma kits for that reason. I keep one in my car, along with other emergency supplies. What you can't do is use a mylar space blanket by just draping it over you like a quilt.

[dbc1218]

I've never actually used the space blanket, but i had it so I took it.

[DrBlind]

I just bought a BMW R1200C (not the same MPG but better then my Truck). How long did it take to go 150 Miles at a max of 40 MPH on the back roads? what did you do about the "Iron Butt" syndrome? How much planning (ie. two hours on maps.google.com and stuff like that)?

[ColumbusGEEK]

hello from a fellow Columbus native.

[sleeping_gecko]

Really cool tips, and sounds like the trip was fun! I'm in the process of getting my Indiana motorcycle endorsement (I have the permit, I just need to get a helmet, a bike, and pass the skills test...). I was looking into a scooter (in Indiana, the law is as long as the 2 or 3 wheeled vehicle has a cylinder capacity of under 50cc, it's a "Motorized Bicycle," and you don't need a special license or registration for it). The Ruckus was one that I really liked the looks of when I was shopping around, trying to decide between a scooter or a motorcycle.

[Yerboogieman]

too bad it doesnt at least go 55 or 60mph

[pindalanderz]

ya, you just drop a tooth or two in the sprocket then tighten the chain.

[n4zou]

No chain or sprockets! It has a CVT.

[pindalanderz]

That's cool. Is that why you don't need a motorcycle's license to drive it? (it might vary in your state but in North Dakota that is how it is.)

[n4zou]

It depends on engine size and state law. Generally; 150cc scooters, motorcycles, and mopeds do not require a motorcycle endorsement. Some states do not require a drivers license or registration for mopeds 50cc or lower. I have a 250cc "automatic" CVT motorcycle with scooter styling. It had to be registered as a motorcycle and requires a motorcycle endorsement. As CVT systems improve higher displacement engines may be used. Q-Link has a new 400cc automatic motorcycle with a CVT capable of high speed cruising above 100 MPH. google "Q-link" and check out there new line of products.

[dbc1218]

I do need a motorcycle license, tags, and insurance in Ohio. but not because of the CVT, its because it doesn't have pedals like a moped. In ohio if its got a motor and no pedals its a motorcycle.

[SWV1787]

There are slight modifications you can do to get it up to ~50MPH but you need to get different brakes for it since the stock ones are not that good for a much higher speed than ~35MPH. the simplest modification is altering your overdrive gear ratio by grinding down a spacer some in between two shivs on the CVT (Continually Variable Transmission) you can also get new bearings and shiv springs that will alter your overall top speed at the sacrifice of some of your MPG.

[glorybe]

Honda also builds the Big Ruckus which has a similar look but goes much faster.

[dbc1218]

they only sold the big ruckus for one year, I believe 2005. it had a 200cc motor and could do highway speeds. I my opinion its not nearly as good looking as the original ruckus

[beingjane]

Love this story! I recently bought a Yamaha Vino-it has a 125CC engine and can do 90K (I'm Canadian) I drive it 32K to work daily and I am embarking on a 126K ride this weekend-your list of essentials will really help-but I don't have a gps so am mapping my route with Google.

[Thornburg]

You got a beautiful bike

[FireBAT]

Excellent trip! There's a website called www.mopedarmy.com that has great info and support for "smallbore" cycle travelers. If I could get my 1978 Motobecane licensed in Pennsylvania, I'd ride it a lot.

[SWV1787]

Nice instructable! I love riding and the Ruckus is a strong little bike. Great job planning your supplies for the trip too. The Honda Ruckus is awesome I bought one back in '05 and I swear I am never selling it... But I however have not taken it on such a length journey I think my record is like ~50 mi in a single trip and I have rode it all day at a fairgrounds putting well over 100mi. on it then but not really going anywhere.

[Sandisk1duo]

Awesome instructable (and Scooter!) too bad it's slow, if i bought one, I'd probably make it fueled by propane, and maybe add some NOS 40MPH is a little slow

[JakeTobak]

Is that an Adventure Spoon in step 3?

[dbc1218]

Nope, its just a regular spoon

[JakeTobak]

It's certainly no regular spoon, there's something special about it. It has a unique destiny. Here's the spoon I was thinking of:
http://bp3.blogger.com/_tJJEi1zseDI/SCkGTUtnZkI/AAAAAAAABA8/_5cZDNapgFI/s1600-h/adventurespoon+002.jpg

[dbc1218]

Oh you mean that spoon, I didn't even realize it was in there

[dbc1218]

I want to get one of these, Titanium Spork

[frollard]

A great idea indeed - only complication: Many states/provinces have laws against small bikes which are incapable of keeping up to be on any non-urban highway -- of course for the safety of the rider and other drivers. Is that scooter a 50cc, or larger? Good writeup with good tips!

[dbc1218]

yep its got a 50cc liquid cooled engine and CVT transmission

[axia]

I would guess that it is a 49cc, seeing as he said it only goes 40mph. In most states in the US, you can ride these on any road just no interstates I believe.

[dbc1218]

I'm pretty sure your right. As long as I don't get on any highway I'm good.

[Sgt.Waffles]

SASHSA!

[LinuxH4x0r]

I want to buy a moped! I love those things

[jakee117]

i know i do too!

[nireves1]

nice! i rode my honda mt5 from amsterdam to berlin a couple of years ago 1000km!

[ll.13]

really nice scooter. =)

[amishskate]

Great story. I rode a honda Elite 250 from Denver to New Orleans one year, the trip out shined the event I was going to by far.

[skunkbait]

That's awesome! 150 miles on a scooter is something to be proud of. I ride a full-size Harley these days, but I sure used to enjoy those little things. I've ridden scooters in the U.S., Singapore, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. I still have an old Suzuki Shuttle, and you've kind of inspired me. I'll try to get it out later this summer and take a day trip somewhere on it. Wan's story is unbeleivable! That's an epic journey, and Honda should use him in their advertising.

[Mr. Rig It]

Very nice. I like they way you planned it. I also like the way you laid out all of your supplies in the photos and you had all of the essential goodies PB&J and pringles. One suggestion, you need more trip photos. I plan similar trips on my ATV and take all back roads and trails. I like that scooter too.