While at first blush, they seem like different bikes. A closer inspection reveals, however, that the Honda Ruckus and the ’02-’12 Honda Metropolitan share a lot of parts in common and some not so common. We’ll look at the two today and start with what makes them different. Then, we’ll go into the things that make them similar and then what can be exchanged between the two bikes. You’ll probably be very surprised to learn just what Ruckus parts fits between the two and maybe what doesn’t.
The observable difference from the start is the body work. Where the Ruckus only has a battery box and sparse floorboard, the Metropolitan has full body work. Its front faring covers the lower half of the rider well and allows the rider to gain an aerodynamic advantage over the Ruckus and covers the area under the seat. The Metropolitan is also lighter, despite the extra body work at 176 lbs. versus the Ruckus at 194 lbs. This is probably because of the lighter, cast aluminum rear frame rather than the tubular steel rear sub- and seat frame of the Ruckus. The rear frame is also shorter, reducing weight further. The engine, while a GET like the Ruckus, actually uses a shorter CVT than the Ruckus. We’ll get into the rear frame and CVT again in a moment. It also uses a smaller tire than the Ruckus as well, a 90/90-10 rather than a 120/90-10 in the front and a 130/90-10 in the rear. The Metro’s front forks are also narrower.
Photo Courtesy of Pyrogen on Total Ruckus.com
They do share the front frames and in doing so are capable of sharing many parts between each other. The rear frame, for example, can be swapped from a Ruckus to a Metropolitan. This is usually referred to a Metruckus or a Retro, depending on who you ask. This allows for engine swap options that are normally reserved for just the Ruckus. However, the frames are close enough in relation that a GET stretch kit will work on a Metro. Along with moving the engine back, you can also swap to the Ruckus rear CVT, or swing arm as it is referred to incorrectly, and that will stretch the length of the Metro. It will also open up more wheel and tire options for the Metro.
Even swapping to a newer Ruckus engine can help increase the speed of the Metro by getting newer parts that have been proven faster over the early Ruckus and Metro. While the Metro forks are narrower, you can use the Ruckus “triple tree” to open fork and brake options up to similar Ruckus parts. You can also use the Ruckus variator and clutch options on the Metro, too. However, the clutch will require a different spacer to work if you do a swap to the Jog conversion. This may also require you to open up the CVT cover or run with an open cover. Handlebars and controls can also be swapped to Ruckus parts, though you may need to cut a little of the front body work to clear the lower stems.
So, there are many parts between the Ruckus and the Metropolitan that can work. Just do a little research before committing to any item, though. Always make yourself look towards websites like Total Ruckus and Urban Scootin to find out the differences and similarities. Otherwise, have fun and enjoy a new and open world between the Ruckus and Metro!
