GY6 Swap FAQ for Honda Ruckus

Thinking about doing a GY6 swap on your Honda Ruckus? You’re not alone—and we’re here to help. With over 15 years in the Ruckus scene, we’ve answered just about every question imaginable. Below, you’ll find the most common questions and our detailed answers. Still have more? Feel free to contact us via phone or email—we’re happy to help.

1. Does the year of the Ruckus matter when doing a GY6 swap?

Answer: No, the year of your Honda Ruckus does not matter. Most factory parts are not reused during the swap.

2. Is the GY6 engine reliable?

Answer: Yes, the GY6 can be very reliable when maintained properly. Key maintenance includes regular oil changes, gear oil changes, and checking valve clearances every 800–1000 miles. A good air/fuel mixture is also essential.

3. Do I have to go with the “fatty” tire look?

Answer: No, you don’t. We offer skinny mounts that allow you to run a stock GY6 wheel if you prefer a more traditional look.

4. Can I reuse my fatty setup from my 49cc Ruckus?

Answer: Unfortunately, no. The GY6 swap requires a different mount, wheel hub, and lug pattern. Your OEM harness and fuel pump will also be replaced. However, you may be able to keep your lowboy shock if it fits. Keep in mind that your current exhaust will not work with the GY6.

5. Is there a complete kit available for the GY6 swap?

Answer: Yes! We offer a competitive GY6 Swap Kit. Please note that the kit does not include the exhaust, wheel/tire, or brake/throttle cables so you can customize those based on your setup.

6. Can I use the OEM fuel pump with a GY6 swap?

Answer: While it’s technically possible, it’s not recommended. The OEM pump uses a pulsing system that can cause over-fueling or fuel starvation. We highly recommend using a genuine Mikuni vacuum fuel pump, which is more reliable and commonly used on GY6 platforms.

7. Do I have to stretch the bike for the swap?

Answer: Yes, stretching the bike is necessary to allow clearance for the GY6 engine’s valve cover. The engine won’t fit in the stock location without it.

8. Does the GY6 engine just bolt in?

Answer: No, the GY6 engine requires a number of custom components, including a motor mount (stretch), harness, hub, wheel, carburetor, and shock. All of these are addressed in our swap kit.

9. What performance can I expect (MPG, top speed)?

Answer: Performance varies based on weight, terrain, and how aggressively you ride. Generally, you can expect around 60 MPG and a top speed of 60–65 MPH with our 150cc motors. Other motors on the market may yield lower speeds (around 50–55 MPH). We’ve tested many brands over 15 years and found ours to be among the best for build quality and performance.

10. How can I make my GY6 faster?

Answer: You can significantly increase performance with the following upgrades:

TRS GY6 Performance Transmission Kit
GY6 171cc Big Bore Kit with Carb (NCY or Taida)

With both installed, you can expect speeds in the mid-70s MPH range.