For the past 2 months I've been researching the market for a small second hand, semi automatic (step-through), all rounder family bike. On my shortlist were 3 bikes:
Yamaha Spark 135i
Honda Wave 125FI
Suzuki Shogun Axelo 125FI
The Yamaha is the most powerful of the lot, but pretty rare in Thailand due to the relatively high cost. The Wave on the other hand is everywhere and you can find all kinds of versions and conditions. That made it boring in my eyes. I already had to concede to my wife the argument that a semi automatic would be better, than let's say a Suzuki Raider 150, which is very powerful but with manual clutch, or a Honda Sonic.
So, definitely didn't want to go with the masses. :-)
That left me with the Suzuki Shogun Axelo 125, which has been voted 'Bike of the Year' for 3 successive years (category: family bike). It's said to have very low consumption, something like 60km/litre, but I'll find out soon. Another plus is that it has a ceramic coated cylinder, which improves combustion flow and longevity. The point that made me decide for it though, was that you can find some pretty good deals. A Honda Wave in pityful condition still retains a relatively high market value, but for the same price you can get an immaculate Shogun.
Like this one!
I found a guy on the outskirts of Bangkok who has a deal with a finance company. When some helpless customer defaults on his monthly payments, the company takes away the bike and sells it on to this guy. (Here's his
website)
This bike for example: a 2012 model with just over 5.000km on the clock, mint condition, no rust whatsoever, basically like new costs 28.000Baht. That includes the registration transfer and delivery to my house.
In comparison, a new 2013 Shogun will set you back at least 45k for the bike plus registration fees and insurance, maybe around 48.000Baht
A pretty good deal in my eyes.
The guy had 3 models in stock: one with kickstarter (22.900Baht) only and 2 with both kickstarter and electric starter. (26.900Baht)
After testing them a bit I chose one with the electric starter. I have to feed my laziness after all...
EDIT (7 months later):
Generally I'm very happy with this little runner. I haven't done anything to it apart from putting on a sticker, so...it's completely stock.
It's got enough power and speed for the city and I still love the styling. The cons are the brakes. They got kind of 'woody' and unresponsive a few month ago, so I went to the Suzuki dealer to replace the brake pads. All has been going well for 5-6 weeks, but now they are woody again AND they're making a loud wailing noise too. Not happy.
| SPECIFICATIONS |
| Engine Type | 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC |
| Bore x Stroke | 53.5mm x 55.2mm |
| Piston Displacement | 124cm³ |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6 : 1 |
| Carburetor | MIKUNI VM 18 |
| Starter System | Electric Starter & Kick starter |
| Lubrication System | Wet Sump |
| Clutch | Wet Shoe, Automatic, Centrifugal Type – Axelo R
Wet, Multi-plate Type – Axelo S |
| Drive System | RK-M 428, 100 links |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, Coil Spring, Oil-damped |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm Type, Coil Spring, Oil-damped |
| Front Tyre Size | 70/90 – 17 M/C 38P |
| Rear Tyre Size | 80/90 – 17 M/C 44P |
| Ignition Type | Digital (DC-CDI) |
| Spark Plug | DENSO: U20FS-U, NGK: C6HSA |
| Battery | 12V 10.8KC (3AH)/10HR |
| Battery | 12V 10.8KC (3AH)/10HR |
| Fuel Tank | 4.1L |
| Engine Oil | Without Filter Change – 800ml
With Filter Change – 900ml |
| Overall Length | 1,895 mm |
| Overall Width | 715 mm |
| Overall Height | 1,075 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,220 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 108 kg |
