If only the Samurai had the speed of a ninja. Review on TVS Suzuki Shaolin

Frankly, I bought my red Samurai in 1995 more for its looks and because of a lack of choice. I wanted a 2-stroke, good engine which'd last long and with a decent pick-up. Before I bought my baby, I already had a lot of experience on RX-100s and one KB-100.

I was getting bored with so many RX-100s around and the KB-100's engine just wasn't good, although its good when its new. So I bought my Samurai after checking about 6 bikes in the showroom with my ears as close as I could get to the engine. (Believe me individual bikes do have individual character and they do sound different). Mine had a full ''djook djook'' sound as compared to many others with ''doop doop'' or ''deek deek'' sounds.

Anyway, this August its going to be 8 and I'm finally going to part with my baby for a bigger better machine. (I'll tell you when I get it!) I read several reviews on the Samurai but was disappointed with the one which said it needs to be buried. Sure, its old, no power but its a very good bike.

I've taken it to the Himalayas and even with two guys and two heavy haversacks, it performed well on the mountains. The only drawback is on the highway on the plains. It can cruise comfortably at 75-80, but lacks the power to overtake trucks moving at around 70-75.

The manual claims a top speed of 85kph, but I've clocked 95 on mine racing a friend on his RX-100. A Samurai can compete failry with a RX, but loses out on the RX's high speed and acceleration power.

Average is okay, after 8 years it still gives me an average of about 42-43 kpl. It went as bad as 35 kpl once.

The best thing about the SAmurai is its engine. If you keep refilling the oil and service it regularly its going to give you very good service. Sure the suspension's not good, balance is not as good as the KB or the RX, but you can count on the engine. However old your Samurai may be, it will always purr and the acceleration will always be smooth.

Thanks to TVS for a very good engine!!!

Goodbye my friend

THis is the end

The End

THis is the end,

My only friend