The custom Honda Ruckus built by DorbyWorks for TheArsenale is a low-slung, full-black machine that swaps the scooter's stock 49cc engine for a specially built 170cc unit, adds extra-wide tires and a hand-finished body, turning a city runabout into a one-off head-turner. DorbyWorks, a Miami-area custom shop run by former Japanese drift-car tuner Dorby, partnered with TheArsenale to create a bike that blends bold styling with serious mechanical work.
Who is DorbyWorks and why does the Honda Ruckus matter?
DorbyWorks is a custom motorcycle and scooter shop based in the Miami area, recognised for its eye-catching Honda Ruckus builds and mini-bikes. The owner, Dorby, brings a background as a Japanese drift-car tuner into every project, which shows up in the flamboyant lines, the stance and the obsessive attention to detail. The Honda Ruckus is the perfect canvas for this work: its exposed skeletal frame and rugged, fat-tire look invite heavy modification, which is exactly why the custom Honda Ruckus scene has grown so fast among enthusiasts.
From a 49cc city scooter to a custom platform
In standard form the Ruckus ships with a small liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine and a one-speed automatic transmission, as detailed in the official Honda Ruckus specifications. That minimalist, bare-frame design is what makes it such a popular base for builders. Where most scooters hide their mechanicals behind plastic, the Ruckus puts the frame on display, so a honda ruckus custom build can rework almost every visible component.
What makes the DorbyWorks x TheArsenale Ruckus special?
The collaboration between DorbyWorks and TheArsenale was a natural fit, as both brands share a passion for pushing boundaries and creating one-of-a-kind machines. It started when TheArsenale approached DorbyWorks with the idea of a custom build that would embody the brand's ethos. What sets the partnership apart is the shared vision and dedication to craftsmanship: the two worked closely to design and build a machine that reflects TheArsenale's aesthetic while showcasing the technical expertise DorbyWorks is known for.
This TheArsenale Ruckus wears a full black livery, a departure from DorbyWorks' usual bright colourways. It rides on extra-wide tires and is powered by a specially built 170cc engine, making it a low-slung monster that packs a serious punch despite its compact size. Every part, from the sleek bodywork to the upgraded drivetrain, was meticulously finished to deliver a riding experience far removed from the stock scooter.
Why choose a custom Ruckus over a stock scooter?
Whether you are a motorcycle enthusiast or simply appreciate the artistry that goes into a custom bike, a black Honda Ruckus like this one offers something a factory machine never can: exclusivity, a bespoke stance and a powertrain tuned to your taste. A customized Honda Ruckus is rolling proof of what a small platform can become in the right hands, and it represents the coming together of two visionary brands to create something genuinely extraordinary.
Explore more custom and mini motorcycles at TheArsenale
If the custom Honda Ruckus speaks to you, browse the full TheArsenale motorcycles collection for custom, electric and cafe racer builds. For more compact, characterful machines in the same spirit, take a look at the VIBA "Jane" Monkey, the aggressive DROOG MOTO Mini Fighter, and the bespoke Vespa 946 Christian Dior luxury scooter.
