The 80’s and the 90’s were the times, when fuel was dirt cheap and there were a couple of 2-stroke machines in India which were actually quite thrilling. The Yamaha RX100, the KB100 from Bajaj Auto and the likes. Yes, the four-stokes had started coming in, but like the saying goes, “2-strokes thrill, 4-strokes endure”, the average youngster seeking for some fun always went in for these ones. The 2-strokes ruled! Even Eddie Lawson, four-time winner of the World 500cc GP championship once said that riding his YZF750 after his YZR500 was like taking a giant flying leap. Backwards.

In the meantime, back home in India, TVS-Suzuki launched the Boss, the Shogun  in 1993. It was more powerful and faster than everything else available in the Indian market at that time. This was due to the 108cc 2-stroke engine pumping out a good 14.2PS at 8500rpm and 11.4Nm of torque at 8250rpm. And yes, this was directed right against the RX100.

Coming back to reality, in the days of fifty bucks a litre of fuel, these thrilling 2-stroke machines have become rare. Even the strict emission norms have made sure that none of these bikes is now on sale. So what option do a breed of bikers, who still are in love with the ‘screamers’ have? Two options: either search for a dying old rusty machine and restore it or look around for one nicely kept one.