Elmo Rides a 180-HP Honda Ruckus Like There's No Tomorrow

Almost two years ago, I came across a group of automotive enthusiasts from Idaho who had built a Supercharged Barbie Jeep. Little did I know then that their projects would only become wilder and wilder. One year later, I fell in love with their idea of a Micro Jet Boat, and I've never lost sight of that idea. As soon as I get a house by the lake or on the seaside, I will build one of those feisty contraptions.

More often than not, people will focus all their energy on a single project car or bike and have fun with that. Of course, there are the fortunate few who have built an entire collection of incredible vehicles, like Adam LZ or Rob Dahm, to name a few. But most automotive enthusiasts can't even dream about reaching that level where you can afford hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars just for fun cars.

It's not all about the money, though. A four-rotor RX-7 isn't necessarily going to bring happiness in your life. If you plan on competing with your project car or bike, prepare to deal with the stress that comes with that activity. But if you want to have fun, you don't need the most expensive parts or the most powerful setup. Just look at these guys; they're building all sorts of crazy contraptions, mostly from what looks like scrapyard-sourced items.

The simple fact that their projects are unique makes them more exciting than most SEMA-ready vehicles out there. Over the past 12 months alone, they have built a rotary-powered drift trike, a Hayabusa-snowmobile hybrid, a 6x6 Mini Truck, and what might be the world's fastest shopping kart. And here I am, working on my RX-7 for the past five years with less than 2,000 miles (3,218 km) on the odometer.

Alas, today, I wanted to show you their latest insane creation. These guys picked up a Honda Ruckus scooter and went wild on it. If you're unfamiliar with Honda's little two-wheeler, this thing features a 49cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine with a maximum output of about four horsepower. Seeing as they had half a CBR1000RR lying around, you can guess what happened next. This project is insane on so many levels. The Ruckus chassis was never intended to cope with a 180hp engine and think of the power-to-weight ratio.

The base scooter weighs less than 200 lbs (90 kg), while the CBR1000RR engine will probably add 150 lbs (68 kg). Looking at it, you can tell immediately that this thing will never win any races or efficiently use its horsepower output. But if you can summon the courage to open the throttle and avoid crashing into the first tree, it will probably hit you with a hard dose of adrenaline. What makes it even more hilarious is that the rider is wearing an Elmo helmet in the process.