Shalimar Trading Company Limited, the exclusive distributor of motorcycles and three-wheelers manufactured by TVS Motor Company, is intensifying its call for motorcycle owners and commercial riders across Sierra Leone to prioritize the use of genuine spare parts and engine oil purchased from its recognized outlets, warning that the growing circulation of counterfeit products poses serious risks to safety, performance and livelihoods.
The company, widely acknowledged as a key contributor to employment and economic expansion, says the increasing availability of fake spare parts and substandard lubricants on the market is undermining the durability of motorcycles and threatening the income of thousands of riders who depend on their bikes for daily survival.
According to industry observations, motorcycles remain a central pillar of Sierra Leone’s transport system, particularly in areas where access to formal public transportation is limited. From urban centres to rural communities, commercial riders rely heavily on dependable motorbikes to move passengers and goods efficiently. However, the use of counterfeit components has emerged as a major challenge, often resulting in frequent breakdowns, increased maintenance costs and avoidable accidents.
Shalimar Trading is therefore urging customers to purchase all spare parts, including engine oil, tyres and batteries, exclusively from its approved and recognized shops. The company emphasizes that genuine parts are specifically designed to meet manufacturer standards, ensuring optimal performance, fuel efficiency and long-term reliability.
“Using original spare parts is not just about maintaining your motorcycle; it is about protecting your investment and your livelihood,” a company representative noted, stressing that riders who opt for cheaper, fake alternatives often end up spending more due to repeated repairs and reduced engine lifespan.
Since its establishment in 2003, Shalimar Trading has grown into one of Sierra Leone’s leading automobile distributors, with a strong footprint in the motorcycle and tricycle market. Its partnership with TVS Motor Company has enabled the steady supply of durable and cost-effective bikes, including the widely used TVS Star HLX series, which has become a preferred choice for commercial riders due to its strength and adaptability to local road conditions.
In addition to motorcycles, the company continues to expand the three-wheeler segment through the distribution of the TVS King Deluxe passenger tricycle, commonly known as “kekeh,” as well as cargo variants that support small businesses and traders in transporting goods. Those mobility solutions have created employment opportunities for thousands of Sierra Leoneans, particularly among youth engaged in the informal transport sector.
Beyond distribution, Shalimar Trading has invested significantly in after-sales service, establishing a network of showrooms and service centres across Freetown and other parts of the country. Those facilities not only provide access to genuine spare parts but also create jobs for mechanics, technicians and sales personnel, contributing to skills development within the automotive industry.
The company also deals in other internationally recognized brands, including Suzuki, Isuzu and Ashok Leyland vehicles, as well as agricultural machinery such as Sonalika tractors, further supporting economic activities across multiple sectors.
Despite its growing influence, Shalimar Trading maintains that its priority remains ensuring customer satisfaction and safety. By encouraging the use of authentic spare parts and discouraging counterfeit products, the company aims to safeguard the efficiency of motorcycles while protecting the livelihoods of riders who depend on them.
With Sierra Leone’s transport sector continuing to expand, the company’s message remains clear: investing in genuine parts is essential not only for optimal vehicle performance but also for sustaining the economic opportunities that motorcycles and three-wheelers provide nationwide.
