Ice Bear Vs. Honda By Gti (Read 14,703 times)

[Gti]

I had my heart set on a Ruckus until I saw the new Ice Near. Now I am torn, I have some experience with Honda's reliability as far as cars go but I am unaware of the reliability of either of these companies when it comes to scooters. Thoughts and opinions are welcome!!!

[Alleyoop]

Well big world of difference in quality that is for sure. But you also have to consider the cost as well. My friend just bought a 50cc RUCKUS out the Door over $3,000.00 dollars for a 50cc.
Also parts are very expensive whether you do the work or not. Labor if you take it in just like what a car dealer charges.
Alleyoop

[kz1000st]

Hondas are virtually bulletproof and last darn near forever, but at a price. You could buy three Chinese 50cc regular Ruckus replicas for the price of the Honda. Frankly, unless you live in an Urban area either option is limited in terms of usage. The Ice Bear seemingly is better built than most Chinese models but if you took both a Honda and an Ice Bear and wound them out full throttle until they blew up the Honda would win. Ridden sensibly a Chinese scooter will last but suffers fools lightly.

[Gti]

Guys that is exactly what I was thinking. I just checked the Honda website and the price of a ruckus is 2770$ before taxes. The warranty is the exact same. Until speaking with Alley on this forum I have never heard of Ice Bear and I want something I can get on and ride now. have my endless hot rod project.

[Alleyoop]

Also if you want it to go 40 or higher the RUCKUS will not do it, it is good for 35+. So if you need 45-55 you need a 150.
Alleyoop

[Gti]

Alley, With all the headaches I have had trying to achieve more than the law will allow, 35 is better than nothing. i wish I could drive a car but the doctors and the law will not allow that either so I am kinda stuck with scooters.

[kz1000st]

The 50cc Lance I once owned would do 40 on the speedometer easily. It just sounded so stressed at that speed I kept it at 35 mph when I took it out. The person I sold it to dittoed that and was impressed how it would go that fast. From what I've read most stock 50cc four strokes do the same. Whether it's a Vespa or Tao Tao. What it really comes down to is how much you want to spend to go that fast. So you can choose anywhere from this:

www.greenearthscooters.com/detail.cfm?id=923

to a $3000 Ruckus

[rapidjim]

What has been said sums it up really well. Comparing a Honda to an Ice Bear is kinda kinda like comparing Caddy to an Impala. They both do well but the cost and upkeep are really different.

One thing I will say about Ice Bear is that I have never had an issue with getting warranty parts when needed. The part is sent to the customer within 48 hours. Usually within 24. They continually upgrade their product when needed and do listen to their dealers. I have to say that IB in Ca is the best scooter/trike distributor that I have worked with.

Of course do your homework on the machine and Dealership before you commit to buy. Not all dealers are the same.

I will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Jim/Owner
Rapid Repair
Ice Bear Perferred Dealer.

[hodakabob]

Another plus for the Ice Bear's price. You have alot of left over cash for modifications and updates. Kevlar belt, better quality battery, 80cc kit fancy exhaust and still below the Honda price.
Hodaka Bob
County Line Cycles

[imnts2]

If you are stuck with 50cc you might consider some of tjhe better 2 strokes. Some of the top Italians will run pretty good. 2 t has it's problems of course, but tuned properly a 2 t will develope a good 50% more power than a 4t of the same piston diplacement. And of course a real transmission put more of that power tothe rear wheel. Betweenthe Honda nd the Ice bear, if i lived near enough to get it back to Jim, I would save the bucks and let Jim take care of it. BUT JIm is a long way form yu. I like Honda quality. Sure , theyr oare built in China, but to Honda' liking.
Sorry your choices are so restricted.

Cheers
lefty2

[Alleyoop]

There are few like the APRILLA 50cc that out of the box will do a little over 50 mph and it is RESTRICTED!! Take the restrictions off and it will do over 60+ mph and we are talking a 50cc scoot.
Alleyoop

[mike6736]

I own both Magnum 300cc Ice Bear and Honda 250 cc Reflex and love them both... I have made many mods to the 300 Magnum and, Wow does she ride nice now... I could never get a Honda Trike for what I have in the Magnum, money wise can't beat them. In a few years if they want more of the American market they will be much better and higher priced. I remember when Honda started out...

Magoo

[Alleyoop]

Yea I love my Trike for around here I do not need anything faster, crap my brother-in law and I sometimes take a ride out to the RC flying field but to get there we have to get on route 83 which is 55mph for about a 10mile stretch before we cut off onto a 50mph road going through a forest preserve and on the 55mph you have to crank at least 60mph or get run over. And we have no problems whatsoever.
Alleyoop

[mike6736]

That's some Hat Hair....Alley

Magoo

[Alleyoop]

Not a problem really it does 60 at around 6100-6200 rpms motor is just purring. And like I always say if you cannot keep up with the traffic GET OFF THE ROAD(HAHA).
Alleyoop