Okay, so I finally jumped on the mini bike bandwagon and decided to get myself a Ruckus. I’ve always thought they looked cool, and after seeing so many customized ones online, I knew I had to have one. So this is how it all went down.
Finding the Right One
First things first, I needed to actually find a Ruckus. I started by looking on places, you know,local seller websites and all that. I saw a few that were okay, but nothing really grabbed me. Some were too beat up, others were way overpriced. I wanted something that was in decent shape, but also didn’t cost a fortune since I planned on doing a bunch of modifications anyway.
I expanded my search and lucked out! Found one about an hour away that looked promising. It was a few years old, but the owner said he mostly just used it to putter around his neighborhood. The pictures looked good, so I decided to make the drive and check it out in person.
The Inspection and The Deal
When I got there, the bike was pretty much as advertised. A few minor scratches, but nothing major. The engine started right up, sounded good, and everything seemed to work fine. I took it for a quick spin around the block, and it felt solid. After a little bit of back-and-forth on the price, we struck a deal, and I loaded it up into my truck.
The First Few Rides
Once I got it home, I couldn’t resist taking it for a proper ride. I spent the next few days just cruising around my area, getting a feel for the bike. It’s surprisingly zippy for such a small engine! And it’s so easy to maneuver, it’s a blast to ride. Super nimble.
Time for Some Changes!
Now for the fun part – the modifications! I had already been browsing online shops and forums, getting ideas for what I wanted to do.
- Lowering it: I definitely wanted to lower the bike, I think it looks way better slammed to the ground.
- New exhaust: The stock exhaust is pretty quiet, so I wanted something with a little more rumble.
- Stretched it:Thinking about stretching the rear swingarm a few inches.
I started ordering parts, and let me tell you, it’s addictive! There are so many options out there for customizing these things. It’s crazy.I started with the basics – lower the seat, and installed a set of rear shocks. That made a huge difference in the look already.
Then I tackled the exhaust. I found a used pipe online that looked pretty cool and got that installed. It definitely sounds better now! It’s not obnoxiously loud, but it has a nice, throaty growl.
The Next Steps
I’ve still got a long way to go with this project.I plan on getting a new set of wheels and tires, maybe some custom paint, I’m not sure yet. And I’m still debating whether or not to stretch it. I’m taking it one step at a time, learning as I go. It’s been a really fun project so far, and I’m excited to see how it turns out!
It’s a pretty great feeling to take something and make it your * little Ruckus has been a total blast to work on, and it is even more fun to ride!