HONDA ZOOMER 50 (2005 - 2012) Review

Highlights

Small and funky 50cc moped
Simple design for ultra-durability
Perfect for a trip to the beach

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Power:	4 bhp
Seat height:	Low (28.9 in / 735 mm)
Weight:	Low (185 lbs / 84 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The chunky little Honda Zoomer is a weird cross between a 50cc twist-and-go scooter, a Tonka toy and a stripped-bare army Jeep.

It’s easy to ride, nippy and stylish. Honda claim low emissions, it has lots of bungee hooks and there’s lots of storage space, thanks to the skeleton frame and lack of bodywork.

They arrived in the UK in 2005, but were first produced in 2003 for the US and Japanese Market. It’s called the Honda Ruckas in America. It’s not a big seller in the UK, most Zoomers are used in race paddocks or strapped to the side of cool surf dudes’ motorhomes.

Fast forward to 2023 and the Zoomer name is back, reimagined as an electric bike.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

5 out of 5 (5/5)

For zipping around town, or in race paddocks, the Zoomer handles perfectly well.

It’s comfy too, thanks to a big padded seat and big floorboards to rest your feet on.

With no pillion seat, there’s only room for one. The rider enjoys a Honda Zoomer seat height of 735mm.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

5 out of 5 (5/5)

The Zoomer had the distinction of having the smallest fuel injection system Honda made at the time!

It feeds a 4bhp, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke, 4V, SOHC, 50cc engine, and has a Honda V-Matic gearbox.

It has an electric start with a kick-start back-up.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

5 out of 5 (5/5)

Build quality and durability is right up there, as you’d expect from a Honda.

Our Honda Zoomer owners' reviews don't show anything too concerning regarding reliability.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

As funky as it is, the Zoomer doesn’t do anything a much cheaper moped can’t do, so you’re paying a lot of money for looks and style alone. There aren't as many 50cc mopeds and scooters to choose from as there used to be so if you're looking for a new bike, options are thin on the ground.

The WK Scrambler 50 is an option if you fancy a motorbike rather than a scooter. If you would rather a scooter then the Niu NQi GTS Pro electric or the lower power version of the Vespa Elettrica.

Equipment

2 out of 5 (2/5)

The Zoomer is basic, but you do get a centre-stand, twin headlights, a parking brake and helmet lock.

There are also aftermarket Honda Zoomer accessories on sale to personalise your bike or make it more practical. In fact, there's quite a large enthusiast scene for this tiny tearaway.

Specs
Engine size	49cc
Engine type	Single-cylinder four-stroke
Frame type	Tubular steel
Fuel capacity	5 litres
Seat height	735mm
Bike weight	84kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	None
Front brake	95mm drum
Rear brake	95mm drum
Front tyre size	120/90 10in
Rear tyre size	130/90 10in

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	71 mpg
Annual road tax	£25
Annual service cost	-
New price	-
Used price	-
Insurance group	2 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	4 bhp
Max torque	3.3 ft-lb
Top speed	30 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	-
Tank range	84 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

Brought into the UK in 2005
Went off sale in 2012
Reimagined in 2023 as an electric bike.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the HONDA ZOOMER 50 (2005 - 2012)

3 owners have reviewed their HONDA ZOOMER 50 (2005 - 2012) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HONDA ZOOMER 50 (2005 - 2012)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	3 out of 5 (3/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	3 out of 5 (3/5)
Engine:	3 out of 5 (3/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Value vs rivals:	3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Equipment:	2.3 out of 5 (2.3/5)

1 out of 5 One of the worst scooters you can buy.

20 August 2017 by pollosupersonico

Year: 2006

Absolutely terrible. Looks can be subjective but performance is unacceptable, bordering on dangerous. Money best spent elsewhere.

Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5

Ride is comfortable enough, but brakes are insufficient even for the scooter's very limited stock power. Stock tyres are OK in the dry, bad in the wet.

Engine 1 out of 5

Extremely quiet and underpowered. Will struggle to reach 40 Km/H in stock trim, with very poor acceleration. Only redeeming factors are fuel economy and reliability.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Spot on, as per Honda standards. Will not be stressed much in stock trim thanks to the extremely low performance. One of the Zoomer's few redeeming features.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Very cheap to run, but price is high.

Equipment 2 out of 5

Basic switchgear, speedometer and underseat storage. Comes with both electric and kick starter. Mediocre stock tyres.

Buying experience: Used for a couple of lessons.

4 out of 5 Good, but with mods

29 April 2012 by msmyth115

I had two Zoomers, one from new and the other an ex-demo. Suffice to say, it's the only vehicle (2 wheels or 4) that I ever bought another of the same model. You can ride on a car licence with no L plates, and they're dead reliable BUT also dead slow! They will max out on the flat at a dangerously low 26mph. Buy the Polini variator kit (only about £35), fit in about 30 mins and get your speed up to a much safer 35-40mph. Handling is good in snow / gravel but the supplied Kenda tyres are deadly in the wet! Also the rear suspension is not adjustable and quite soft, so expect to bottom out regularly unless you're a featherweight. Overall, I'd recommend.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 1 out of 5

4 out of 5 Great little runner that turns heads

15 February 2010 by NPWB

I wanted a Zoomer as I have an version to Vespas - I wanted something a little different - and the Zoomer is exactly that. Plus I always see Vespas with their seats busted by kids looking to see what's underneath - beauty of the Zoomer is that there's nothing to hide, so there's minimal opportunity for vandalism. Engine is smooth, efficient (100 mpg+), but tops out at 34mph with the restrictor removed (most second hand bikes have had this done, costs c. £150). So it's fine if riding in town / traffic but too slow if travelling real distance. Style is 10/10. Only drawback is suspension and braking - which are fine - but you do feel the bumps and brakes are drums, so you just need to yank them a bit harder. Grip not been a problem and it starts everytime on a frosty morning. Costs me £4.15 to fill up... Great bike. great fun and worth the little premium in price if only to make Vespa riders jealous. Plus they keep their value very well vs other rides.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5