Honda Ruckus vs. Grom: Bike Showdown

If you’re in the market for a small bike, chances are you’ve come across the Honda Grom and the Honda Ruckus. Both of these two-wheelers are known for their lightweight frames, off-road capabilities, and impressive fuel efficiency. However, they cater to slightly different riding experiences. In this comparison, we’ll dissect the key features of each bike and help you determine which one suits your needs best.

Grom vs. Ruckus Data Table

Model	Engine	Top Speed	Horsepower	Fuel Economy	Transmission	Suspension
Honda Grom	125 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder	62 mph	10 hp	134 mpg	4-speed manual	Inverted front, rear mono-shock	Front & Rear
Honda Ruckus	49 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder	40 mph	4.3 hp	114 mpg	CVT	Twin-downtube fork, rear single-shock	Front & Rear

Now, let’s delve into the specifics of these two remarkable bikes.

Honda Grom

The Honda Grom has been a favorite among riders for nearly a decade, winning accolades such as Motorcycle USA’s Motorcycle of the Year Award in 2014. Its popularity is attributed to its exceptional fuel efficiency-to-power ratio, capable of reaching speeds of up to 62 mph with a 10-horsepower engine while averaging 134 miles per gallon.

Notable Features:

• 125 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, ideal for beginners;
• Impressive top speed of 62 mph in optimal conditions;
• 10 hp at 7,000 rpm;
• Exceptional fuel economy at 134 mpg;
• User-friendly 4-speed manual transmission;
• Inverted front suspension with 3.9 inches of travel;
• Rear mono-shock suspension with 4.1 inches of travel;
• Reliable front and rear disc brakes.

Honda Ruckus

The Honda Ruckus stands out as a rugged and robust scooter, equipped with larger tires featuring deeper treads and a lightweight skeletal frame. These design elements make the Ruckus an excellent mode of transportation for various environments and scenarios while delivering an enjoyable riding experience.

Notable Features:

• 49 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine;
• Achieves a top speed of 40 mph;
• Generates 4.3 hp at 8,000 rpm;
• Remarkable fuel efficiency at 114 mpg;
• Lightweight and manageable at just 194 pounds;
• Smooth CVT transmission;
• Twin-downtube fork front suspension with 1.9 inches of travel;
• Rear single-shock suspension with 2.6 inches of travel;
• Dependable front and rear drum brakes.

Honda Grom vs. Honda Ruckus: Head-to-Head Comparison

Both the Honda Grom and the Honda Ruckus are exceptional bikes, but they excel in different aspects of their design. Here’s a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one suits your riding preferences.

Comfort

Winner: Ruckus

The Honda Ruckus offers a more comfortable riding experience with its lower seat, higher handlebars, and wide foot platform. This relaxed seating position is especially favorable for commuting and prevents discomfort on longer rides. In contrast, the Grom, resembling a sports bike, leans the rider forward, enhancing speed and handling but potentially causing fatigue during extended journeys.

Looks

Winner: Both

Choosing between the Grom and the Ruckus in terms of style is a matter of personal preference. The Grom’s sporty design exudes speed, excitement, and modernity, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Ruckus boasts a unique, rugged appearance that sets it apart in the scooter category, making it equally eye-catching on the road.

Price

Winner: Grom

While the Ruckus comes with a slightly lower price tag, the Grom offers more power, speed, and fuel efficiency for a slightly higher cost. With multiple price points, the Grom provides excellent value and superior fuel economy, potentially offsetting the initial investment with long-term savings on gas.

Display Dash

Winner: Grom

The Grom features a comprehensive digital display that includes a numeric speedometer, tachometer, graphic fuel gauge, digital odometer, clock, and oil and temperature indicators. In contrast, the Ruckus offers a basic dash with only a speedometer and odometer, lacking a fuel gauge. The Grom’s informative dash provides a more user-friendly experience, especially for new riders.

Off-Road Experience

Winner: Ruckus

Surprisingly, the lightweight Ruckus offers an enjoyable off-road experience, thanks to its wider tires with deeper treads, skeletal frame, low center of gravity, and responsive handling. With tire upgrades, the Grom can also handle off-road adventures, but the Ruckus shines in this category.

Handling

Winner: Ruckus

Both bikes excel in handling, but the Ruckus gains a slight edge due to its lighter weight. Weighing in at under 200 pounds, the Ruckus provides intuitive handling and steering, making it an excellent choice for riders of all experience levels. Although the Grom offers improved cornering with its higher seat, it requires a more forward riding position, which can be challenging for new riders to adapt to.

Passenger Riding

Winner: Grom

Neither bike is designed for carrying passengers comfortably for extended periods. However, the Grom offers a longer seat and a maximum weight capacity of 340 pounds, allowing for more comfortable two-up riding. While it’s possible to upgrade the Ruckus to a dual seat, be aware of state laws that may require a motorcycle license for passengers on bikes with engines smaller than 50 cc.

Fuel Economy

Winner: Grom

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Grom outperforms the Ruckus, achieving an impressive 134 mpg compared to the Ruckus’s 114 mpg. This is particularly noteworthy considering the Grom’s larger engine, higher speed, and increased power.

2022 Upgrades for Honda Grom and Honda Ruckus

Honda has made significant upgrades to the Grom in recent years, enhancing its engine, speed, and acceleration. The 2022 Grom boasts a slightly larger engine with a higher compression ratio of 10:1, resulting in 9.7 hp and a maximum speed exceeding 60 mph. Improved acceleration is attributed to an upgraded rear sprocket with 38 teeth, up from the previous 34. Additionally, the 2022 Grom is slightly lighter at 227 pounds and features a removable oil filter.

In contrast, the Ruckus has seen minimal changes over its production lifetime, with 2022 primarily bringing new color options to the lineup, including midnight blue/tan, gray, and white/pearl blue.

Video Guide

To give you an even more detailed understanding of this topic, we have prepared a special video for you. Enjoy watching it.

Conclusion

Both the Honda Grom and the Honda Ruckus are excellent small bikes that cater to different riding preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for in-town transportation, versatility, or off-road capability, both bikes deliver.

Here are our recommendations based on specific circumstances:

• For longer-distance travel and better fuel economy, opt for the Grom;
• If you’re new to motorcycles and prefer an automatic CVT transmission, choose the Ruckus;
• For short-distance commuting around town with a relaxed seating position, the Ruckus is a great fit;
• In dense city environments with tight corners, consider the Grom for superior handling;
• If off-roading is your passion, the Ruckus offers better tire performance;
• When carrying a passenger, the Grom’s higher weight limit and longer seat make it the practical choice.

Ultimately, your choice between the Grom and the Ruckus should align with your personal tastes and riding requirements. If you lean towards the sporty side, the Grom is your go-to option, while the Ruckus appeals to those seeking a distinctive scooter experience.

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