Home with My New '03? Fighting Red Ruck! **Pics Added!**

Louse76 · Last edited by Louse76 on Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:40 pm; edited 5 times in total

EDIT: See second page for pics!

EDIT: See third page for contraversy/registration woes... Sad

Hey guys!

So I woke up this morning, decided to do a little more searching, and came upon a site that allowed me to search many craigslist sites all at once.

I came across a few that were interesting, but the one that caught my eye the most was a Red 2004 Ruckus with around 2000 miles for $1200.

I called him and found that there is no rust at all, never been dropped, kept indoors, great condition. Guy seemed very honest about it all, said he'd hold it for me over the weekend. I don't think he's a normal member here, but he was familiar with WAN, so he's at least visited.

I was quite excited since Red is really what I'm looking for and the one thing that is making me want to hold out for a new one - but all said and done, a new one is going to be a HUGE hassle and cost me at least double the price locally.

So I made about three plans, called anyone who could help, and within the hour had full plans settled. By the way, the guy is 250 miles away, that's why real plans were necessary.

So as much as I wanted to drive it home, my friends are going to load it into the back of their Honda Element. I'm paying for all gas and dinner. All said and done (before tags/tax), it should run me around $1350 with gas and dinner - not so bad (as long as it's in as good condition as it should be).

Expect me to be tired, but still posting pics and stories here late in the evening. So STAY TUNED!! Surprised

Any last minute tips before I head out?

Bango707 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:35 am Post subject:

glad you found something to your liking!

You do know that the '04's are slower than the '06+ right?
Just thought I would try to rain on your parade again! Wink

I still say $1200 is a bit high but its really not up to me.
One more thing, if you want to get this scoot going faster than 40MPH its going to cost you some $$$

Have a safe trip and enjoy your ruck! Cool

Nero · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:41 am Post subject:

$1200 for a color you like isn't bad at all, even for a 04. 2000 miles is low/average for that year.

Get that oil changed, you never know how long the bike has sat with that old oil! One of the easiest and quickest tunes you can do is to replace the air filter. Oh, and make sure you have a helmet ready to go, you'll want to ride it all the time and to everywhere the second you buy it.

Good luck
_________________
09 Vespa S150

Ruckless since 9-10-08

redwing24 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:47 am Post subject:

congrats man, glad you found something. I'm sure your as happy as a little school girl.
_________________
2008 Honda Ruckus(silver)
1999 Honda Integra(VSM)
guardsonduty.net

Louse76 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 10:22 am Post subject:

Hey again. I am posting from a friend's iphone. Typing really sucks. On our way to west of savannah.

As long as it is in great condition it is a fair price, especially with the FL Ruckus market sucking for buyers.

I know that 04 is slower but with a variator and cdi it should be same or better right? What else makes it slower?

And until then it will be easier for my girl to keep up in her Spree that was just given to her.

What should my first mod be? Thx!

zombot · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 10:29 am Post subject:

yay savanah!, i'd say swing by but i'm about to get out of here today.. Cool

if an 04 is all you can find, and you can't afford or wait for an 09, take what you can get.
the price is a little high, but hopefully it's in pristine condition. just know it's may take you the difference in cost of an 08 to get you up to current speed and condition.

first mod- (after the performance upgrade)
get a bigger horn. by a $30 alarm, install footpegs.
_________________
totalruckus's biggest footpeg advocate and
freelance illustrator for hire! zom-bot.com

Louse76 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject:

It MIGHT BE possible to find a better deal maybe but with the stress, time and everything it wouldn't end up worth it.

Once I make the changes, it will have the same potential as an 08, right? What needs to be changed beyond the rev limit? Are there any internal changes like compression?

If I decide that I want a new one, I don't think that I will have much of a problem - or I can just hand it down to my girl. My friends are all very interested as well.

Too bad we can't hang out today. If anything changes, we will be eating at sticky fingers in Savannah. Text me at 407.913.2580. That goes for anyone in the area. Do you know any other Rucks in the area?

Bango707 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 12:17 pm Post subject:

good point about trading up! the market for rucks is obviously high so Im sure if you decide you want a newer/faster ruck there will be someone willing to pay you $1200 to take it off your hands!

A variator, CDI, lighter flywheel, and new tires will all help you accelerate better and have a higher top end around 40MPH+/-. All this will probably run near $400 tho Sad

Louse76 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 12:33 pm Post subject:

Regarding mods, I think I will do the alarm. I assume its quite easy to do, but does it make CDI install any harder?

Also, do you think a new horn is necessary? I tried it yesterday and it seemed ok but without a helmet. But I bet cars with music wouldn't hear it.

About the foot pegs, I've seen them built into a brace that replaces the foot board. Is that the only way that they come? Around how much do they run?

How about performance? A variator and CDI should be the first steps to actually give power, correct? I believe KN is best unless I have big plans for 50 mph, but would the gearing of the Polini be better for long trips and gas mileage? And with those I won't need to re-jet, right?

zombot · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 12:38 pm Post subject:

alarm won't make cdi any harder.
footpegs are folding or rigid (like bmx pegs) and are personal preference or depending on how much you lean in turning.. range from super expensive to like $10 at a bike shop.
if you want them anywhere else than the frame holes, you need a floor rack or something. the plastic alone won't support them.

try driving at 30mph and toot your horn and see how quiet it actually gets in wind. a better horn is just as easy as an alarm, if not easier.. plus, it's just awesome to blow traffic away when they cut you off (and they will)

i can't tell you about cdi's or variators or anything because i don't have 'em/ Razz

_________________
totalruckus's biggest footpeg advocate and
freelance illustrator for hire! zom-bot.com

Louse76 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 12:40 pm Post subject:

Bango707 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 12:49 pm Post subject:

flywheel---> http://totalruckus.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12578

you can either have jc shave yours or I believe he ones that you can replace and ship him yours for a refund.

Anyhow it is on the opposite side of engine from the variator behind the radiator.

teamm_ap1 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 1:38 pm Post subject:

Glad you found one. Keep us updated!!

Louse76 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 5:24 pm Post subject:

Hi! This is me keeping you updated!

I'm on my way home now sitting next to my Fighting Red Ruckus!

The scoot looks great. Great overall condition, but has just a bit of scratches on the bar behind the seat.

It drove well goes up to about 37 with a 195ish lb guy on it. That is normal for a 2004, right?

It's got a couple of interesting extras but none performance. I will post pics later or tomorrow morning.

Does anyone know about how much a new seat bracket might be from honda in red? I could just repaint but I'm pretty anal.

More info later!

Bango707 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 5:41 pm Post subject: