A great machine. Review on TVS Suzuki Shaolin

I bought my SAMURAI in the year 2002 as it was among the last lot. After that TVS stopped its manufacturing. I had to try hard to get it from Durgraj Motors, Nerul, New Bombay.

The bike is real good...its looks (very sleek), seat structure and of course engine. I have clocked 42000 km in past 2 years and still it runs like a new bike. I have done a single day Bombay to GOAon it in NOV 2002. more than 600 km in 12 hours so I can say without any doubt that the bike is quite reliable. Its not fair to compare it with RX-100 or other RX clones as they are different..they are meant for RAW power. Though Samurai is a 2 Stroke, but its not as powerful as RX clones (RX -100, RXZ, and RX-135). Samurai is a combination of power + economy as it gives a decent 50+ kmpl under normal conditions. The pickup is decent, it can leave behind any 100CC / 125CC 4 stroke in DRAG.

It is advisable to put broad tyres to enhance road grip. I have put 3.25 in rear and a 3.00 in front instead of 3.00 and 2.75 regular which gives me a good grip and better confidence. The breaking is quite poor as the bike shakes when the brakes are pushed with full force. The combination of front and rear can negate this. Overall its a great machine. Good bike to keep for city traffic. It will not cost you on maintenance front, mileage will be good 50plus KMPL in city conditions and occasionally you can take it out on long trips too considering its reality.It has sleek look, nice shape and is easy to handle.

Pros :

1. Decent pickup

   
   




2. No problem bike

   
   




3. Reliable and Robust engine

   
   




4. Good mileage

   
   




5. Sleek look

   
   




6. Good height

   
   




7. Easy handling

   
   




8. Good seating

   
   

Cons

1. Poor braking

   
   




2. Tyres narrow thus poor road grip

   
   




3. Out of production so difficult to get spares..specially in north India. In south, they are available at

   
   

   every spares shop.

   
   

UPDATES : 21/11/2005

• Odometer reads 53,000 KM and bike still going good.

  
  




• Still no extra maintenance costs and a decent average of 50-53 KMPL in Choking Bangalore

  
  

  traffic.

  
  

UPDATES : 29/07/2006

• Odometer reads 57,000 KM and still going good.

  
  




• Changed bearings as they worn out.

  
  




• Planning to change front tyre as its already 58,000 KM for it

  
  




• Average is 52 KMPL , checked last week in Bangalore city traffic

  
  




• Still starts in one or maximum two kicks (with choke pressed)

  
  




• Now I don't go on long trips... but still occasionaly 80-100 km blast once in 2-3 months

  
  

UPDATES : 24/04/2007

• Odometer reads 60,000 KM and still going good.

  
  




• No issues on engine front, changed indicator bulb

  
  




• Spent 600 Rs for servicing and oil change

  
  




• Mileage has dropped to 46-48 but the contribution this time is from Bangalore Traffic

  
  




• Pickup is still good.

  
  




• Changed the side panel as a crack appeared in it.

  
  

Cheers,

Himanshu Singh