There are two ways one can approach life in. One is to face the problem and keep an attitude of “All is Well!” – as said by Baba Ranchoddas Chanchad. Or, you can opt to have no problem at all. Well, as strange as it may sound to be true in the real world, TVS Suzuki came up with a ‘No Problem’ bike back in the 1990s. Was it really what the company claimed? Or was it just a marketing strategy? Let’s find out!
Samurai – What’s in the name?
Japan is a land where a caste of warriors originated and was known as Samurai. It was a group of aristocratic warriors. But with the advancement in time, Samurais were lost. But not forgotten. In 1993, a Samurai made its way to our shores. And then, a clan came back to life.
1993 – TVS Suzuki Samurai Launched
After launching a series of bikes such as AX100, Supra and Shogun, TVS Suzuki launched the Samurai. The elegance, power, mileage and speed, all combined forces to make the youth of India fall in love with the TVS Suzuki Samurai. First, let’s take a look at the engine specifications of this ‘No Problem’ bike.
Engine Specifications
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| Engine | 98.2cc Petrol |
| Engine Type | 2-stroke, Air-cooled Single Cylinder |
| Power | 7.8hp@5,500rpm |
| Torque | 9.8Nm@5,000rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed Manual |
| Top Speed | 95kmph |
| Fuel Efficiency | 50kmpl |
Just for your reference, the Honda Livo BS6’s 110cc engine produces a power of 8.6hp and a peak torque of 9.3Nm. And we are talking about a bike that was launched 26 years back. It was powerful, fuel-efficient and the top speed was enough for a less than 100cc bike.
What was all offered with the TVS Suzuki Samurai?
The Samurai had a powerful engine, that has been established. And it came loaded with features too. It was the first bike under the TVS Suzuki partnership with the round headlamps. As for the suspensions, it had a telescopic hydraulic oil shock absorber at the front while a swing arm with hydraulic shock absorber and coil axe spring at the rear. For the braking purpose, the bike came with expanding drum brakes at both the ends. It had a 12-litre petrol tank. The design was eye-catchy, enough to turn heads. The drivability was really good and the TVS Suzuki Samurai cruised on the Indian roads easily.
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‘No Problem’ Youth Magnet
With the vivid features on the list and a powerful engine, the youth of India was attracted towards the Samurai for all good reasons. Be it the track day, beach day or a race practice, enthusiasts loved the bike a lot.
Initially, it was offered in two colour options: Red and Black. Later in 1999, TVS Suzuki introduced a Green avatar of the Samurai.
10 Forgotten Bikes In India: From Yezdi to Mini Bullet
So, this was all about the TVS Suzuki Samurai. Have you had the privilege to drive any of the vintage bikes? Do let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: 10 Forgotten TVS Motorcycles and Scooters: From Wego to Shogun
FAQs
- How much is a 1987 Suzuki Samurai worth today?
The price of a 1987 Suzuki Samurai depends on its condition, location, and whether it’s modified or original. In India, it’s rare and mostly found among collectors. If you’re talking about the US or international market, a well-kept one can sell for anywhere between ₹3 lakh to ₹7 lakh. But in rough condition, it might go for less.
- What engine does the TVS Samurai have?
It has a 98.2cc 2-stroke engine that delivers decent power for its size, and while it may sound small on paper, back in the 90s, it had enough punch to zip through traffic and take on short highway runs.
- Is TVS owned by Suzuki?
No, TVS isn’t owned by Suzuki, they used to be partners years ago and worked together on bikes like the Samurai, but that partnership ended long back and now both companies are separate and run their own show.
- How’s the maintenance cost of the TVS Samurai?
It’s actually quite low if you can still find parts, and that’s the only tricky bit now, because since it’s an old model, some original spares are hard to get, but if you have a local mechanic who knows older bikes, they can usually manage it.
நான் தற்பொது சாமுராய் bike யை பயன்படுத்தி வருகிறேன் மிகவும் அருமையான Bike
Good writing. I really liked the bit with a samurai coming to our shores and forming a clan here. Very moving stuff.
Please add more details why this was a “No problem” bike. Was the two stroke so good it did not need regular maintenance? Was the part availability so wide and the ease of repair so good that owners could do regular maintenance on their own? You left some questions hanging.
Good blog though.
I am having suzuki samurai Bike Model year 1996.
Hey Harshit, we are glad to hear that you own a legend. Moreover, we can feature your Samurai on all our socials (with due credit). What’s say?
Ping us some HD images on gomechanicblog@gomechanic.in
I bought the samurai in 1993. Here it says it was launched in 1994. It was launched in first half of 1993.
Hey Chandaran, We have made the corrections. Thank you for pointing it out 🙂
My father still use this bike, 1997 model black colour. They rejected my glamour in front of this samurai.
My father still rode the Suzuki Samurai from the past 23 years and it runs better than today’s generation bike. Lots of memory, even the bike itself is 1 year elder than me. I learned to ride on this bike only and I hope that my future generation will also be able to learn ride on this bike only. No problem bike no sale value can justify this legendary bike.
Salute to your Father and your Suzuki Samurai 🙂
I purchased Suzuki samurai in 2000..I used it up to 2017..nearly 16years..only engine oil fillup no servicing…great bike..beating like Yamaha…55kmpl it’s mileage…now using hf deluxe..no pickup no mileage..worst bike
I have an suzuki samurai 2002 model all original its a beauty ❤️ really no problem bike
Hello guys. I have a Suzuki Samurai bike year 2000 model. It need some work like Block piston, magnet coil etc. It require some restoration work as well. Can anyone help me out with a genuine mechanic and original spare parts dealer. Emotional attachment with this bike. I am located near to Mumbai, puna
Hi There
As of now we don’t restore bikes. However, you can contact your nearest bike garages for the same