Are you in the market for a fun, reliable, and efficient two-wheeler that adds excitement to every ride? Whether you want to cruise around town, make your daily commute more thrilling, or just find the perfect companion for weekend adventures, Honda has two incredible options: the Honda Ruckus and the Honda Grom. But which one is right for you?
In this ultimate showdown, we’ll dive into every aspect of these compact rides—performance, comfort, fuel economy, and more—so you can decide which bike is the perfect match for your lifestyle. Grab your helmet, settle in, and let’s figure out which one deserves a spot in your garage. Let’s dive into this Honda Ruckus vs Honda Grom comparison.
A Quick Introduction to the Honda Ruckus and Honda Grom
Honda Ruckus is a rugged little scooter with a look that instantly sets it apart. It has a skeletal, minimalistic frame that gives it a distinctive edge. It’s powered by a small 49cc engine, making it very beginner-friendly. The Ruckus isn’t about speed—it’s about practicality, comfort, and the simple joy of riding. It’s easy to use, no fuss, and has a lot of character, especially for anyone who loves that tough, bare-bones aesthetic.
On the other hand, Honda Grom is more like a mini sportbike. It’s packed with a 124.9cc engine and is often called a “pocket rocket.” The Grom offers a sporty riding experience that’s perfect for anyone who loves a bit of pep when riding around town. It’s also lightweight and agile, making it a lot of fun to take on twisty roads or navigate through traffic.
But which one should you pick? That’s what we’re here to figure out.
Performance and Engine
| Feature | Honda Grom | Honda Ruckus |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 124.9cc air-cooled single-cylinder | 49cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 9.7 HP | 4.3 HP |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual | V-Matic automatic |
| Fuel Efficiency | 134 MPG | 114 MPG |
| Riding Style | Sporty and engaging | Simple and laid-back |
| Ideal for | Riders who like control and speed | Beginners or those seeking simplicity |
If you enjoy the excitement of shifting gears and a more interactive ride, the Grom is a great choice. But if you prefer a straightforward, easy ride, the Ruckus is the better option.
Comfort and Design: Rugged vs. Sporty
One of the biggest factors in choosing a bike is comfort. It doesn’t matter how great the specs are if the bike isn’t comfortable to ride. Here, the Ruckus and Grom offer very different experiences.
Honda Ruckus has a low, wide seat and higher handlebars, giving you a very relaxed, upright riding posture. It’s super comfortable for casual rides and commutes. The wide foot platform adds to that comfort—you can easily stretch your legs and settle in, which is perfect for longer rides. And because it’s so lightweight at 194 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to handle. Plus, it just has this raw, rugged look that’s hard to resist.
The Grom, on the other hand, feels more like a mini sports bike. You have a slightly forward-leaning position, which makes it more aerodynamic. It’s a comfortable ride, but the sporty stance might get tiring if you’re riding for extended periods. The Grom is perfect if you love that zippy, nimble feel while cutting through the city or riding twisty back roads.
Fuel Economy and Cost
| Feature | Honda Grom | Honda Ruckus |
| Engine | 124.9cc | 49cc |
| Fuel Economy | 134 MPG | 114 MPG |
| Price | Starting at $3,399 | Starting at $2,799 |
| Summary | More power and sporty features, but at a higher cost. Great for those who want performance and are willing to pay a bit more. | Budget-friendly and easy to maintain, perfect for casual cruising and beginners. |
Handling and Maneuverability
The Grom:
- Weight: 229 pounds
- Transmission: Manual (4-speed)
- Wheels: 12-inch
- Suspension: Smooth and responsive, ideal for city streets and twisty roads
- Handling: Agile, great for taking tight corners effortlessly
- Riding Experience: Lightweight design makes it a lot of fun to ride
The Ruckus:
- Weight: 194 pounds
- Tires: Chunky 10-inch tires for added stability
- Handling: Easy to handle, especially in urban environments
- Center of Gravity: Low center of gravity for better stability
- Simplicity: Designed for ease of maneuvering, great for beginners
- Riding Experience: Requires minimal experience to handle comfortably
If you’re looking for sporty handling and want to feel like you’re really controlling the bike, the Grom will deliver that experience. But if you prefer something that’s light, stable, and easy to ride in the city, the Ruckus is a great choice.
Technology and Features
When it comes to tech and features, there’s a clear distinction between these two bikes.
| Feature | Honda Grom | Honda Ruckus |
| Dash Display | Digital dash with speed, fuel level, odometer, clock | Basic dash with speedometer and odometer (no fuel gauge) |
| ABS | Available on some models | Not available |
| Transmission | Manual (4-speed) | Automatic (CVT) |
| Features Summary | More advanced tech, great for those who like gadgets and control | Minimalist and beginner-friendly, less distraction |
Off-Road Adventures
The Honda Ruckus is better suited for off-road adventures, thanks to its rugged design, wider tires, and low center of gravity, which provide stability on gravel paths and light trails. The Honda Grom, while capable of handling light trails with tire upgrades, is more suited for paved roads and lacks the off-road capability of the Ruckus.
The Ruckus:
- Design: Rugged design with wider tires and deeper tread
- Off-Road Capability: Capable of handling gravel paths and light trails
- Weight: Light and easy to handle on rough terrain
- Center of Gravity: Low center of gravity makes it stable
The Grom:
- Off-Road Capability: Not designed for off-road, but can handle light trails with tire upgrades
- Suspension: Superior suspension helps with rough paths
- Best Use: More suited for pavement than dirt paths
If you like the idea of a scooter that can take you a bit off the beaten path, the Ruckus is your best bet.
Carrying Passengers
One thing that a lot of people overlook is the ability to carry a passenger. Neither the Grom nor the Ruckus is ideal for carrying two people, but they do have some key differences here.
The Grom:
- Seat: Slightly longer seat
- Weight Capacity: Maximum weight capacity of 340 pounds
- Passenger Capability: Possible to carry a passenger for short distances
The Ruckus:
- Seat: Solo seat
- Weight Limit: Maximum weight limit of 220 pounds
- Passenger Capability: Not designed for two people, carrying a passenger might push its limits
Price and Value
As I mentioned earlier, the Honda Grom comes with a price tag of around $3,399, while the Honda Ruckus is a bit cheaper at $2,799. But what are you really paying for?
Honda Grom:
- Power: More power, more features, sportier ride
- Fuel Efficiency: Saves money in the long term if you ride frequently
- Riding Experience: Fun and engaging, designed for those who want to enjoy their commute
Honda Ruckus:
- Cost: Cheaper and simpler
- Maintenance: Low maintenance, ideal for beginners
- Riding Style: No-frills, casual ride that’s easy to handle and maintain
Which One Is Right for You?
Why Choose the Grom?
If you love the idea of a sporty, agile ride, and you don’t mind spending a bit more for the power and features, the Honda Grom is your match. It’s great for people who want to have fun on their commutes, enjoy the process of shifting gears, and maybe even do a little weekend adventuring.
Why Choose the Ruckus?
But if you want something that’s simple, laid-back, and comfortable, the Honda Ruckus is where it’s at. It’s perfect for new riders, casual commuting, and those who love that rugged, no-nonsense look. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and doesn’t require much effort to get used to.
After going through everything—the specs, the riding experience, the comfort, and even the price—the big question is: Which bike is right for you?
If you love the idea of a sporty, agile ride, and you don’t mind spending a bit more for the power and features, the Honda Grom is your match. It’s great for people who want to have fun on their commutes, enjoy the process of shifting gears, and maybe even do a little weekend adventuring.
But if you want something that’s simple, laid-back, and comfortable, the Honda Ruckus is where it’s at. It’s perfect for new riders, casual commuting, and those who love that rugged, no-nonsense look. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and doesn’t require much effort to get used to.
FAQ
Which bike is better for beginners, the Honda Ruckus or the Honda Grom?
The Honda Ruckus is better suited for beginners due to its smaller engine (49cc), automatic transmission, and straightforward design. It’s very easy to handle, making it ideal for those new to riding. The Grom, with its 124.9cc engine and manual transmission, is more suited for those with some riding experience who want a sporty feel.
What is the fuel efficiency of the Honda Grom and Honda Ruckus?
The Honda Grom offers approximately 134 miles per gallon (MPG), while the Honda Ruckus provides around 114 MPG. Both bikes are highly fuel-efficient, but the Grom edges out the Ruckus in terms of mileage.
How much do the Honda Grom and Honda Ruckus cost?
The Honda Grom starts at around $3,399, whereas the Honda Ruckus is more affordable, starting at $2,799. The Grom comes with more features and power, which justifies its higher price tag.
Can the Honda Ruckus and Grom handle off-road conditions?
The Honda Ruckus is better equipped for light off-road use, thanks to its rugged design and wider tires. It can handle gravel paths and light trails comfortably. The Honda Grom, while not designed for off-road riding, can handle light trails with upgraded tires, but it is better suited for paved roads.
