Our top 5 why the Raider R150 is still the 'King'
In January of this year, MotoPinas.com’s bike review page was graced by one of Suzuki’s newest models, the Gixxer SF 155. Though inspired by Suzuki’s flagship sportbike, the GSX-R1000R, the Gixxer SF 155, in our opinion, fell short of the “Gixxer” badge it represents. But, it’s understandable, given that this particular model was brought from India, where fuel economy is the top priority. Naturally, the tradeoff would be a less powerful motorcycle.
Make no mistake, we enjoyed the Gixxer SF 155 during its short stint with us, but it’s just lacking the power that we were used to courtesy of the Raider R150. Long story short, this lack of power has made us long for the true power of Suzuki’s “King of Underbones.”
That said, our friends from Suzuki Motorcycles Philippines (SPH) were so kind to lend us one of their units that was used during the Suzuki@50 celebrations in Nasugbu, Batangas. It was like meeting an old friend because exactly 10 years ago, I was riding the Raider R150 (carb), also courtesy of SPH.
It was kind of refreshing to feel the power (again) of the King of Underbones.
5 reasons it remains the King of Underbones
When it was introduced in 2004, the Suzuki Raider R150 was ahead of its time, and not too long afterward was given the throne as the King of Underbones in the hearts of Filipino riders. It was a symbol of speed, style, and riding exhilaration despite not being a big bike. While new contenders have emerged over the years, the Raider R150’s enduring popularity speaks volumes. For more than two decades, little has changed in the Raider R150, but as they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Engine: Let’s face it, the primary reason why the Raider R150 is still the King of Underbones lies in its 150cc air and oil-cooled thumper, now liquid-cooled. This 150cc DOHC engine has, and will always be a powerhouse, delivering a surge of power that’s simply addictive.
It’s not just about top speed; it’s about the responsiveness, the instant acceleration that makes every ride a thrill – whether you’re navigating in EDSA’s bumper-to-bumper traffic or carving through winding roads of Marilaque, the Raider R150’s engine delivers performance that, in my opinion, is still unmatched by any underbone in the market today. And the best part? Very little has changed in its engine for the past 20 years!
True underbone design: I remember back in the day, the riders who were “too cool” and commanded respect at tambay nights ride a Raider R150. That’s because the Raider R150 isn’t just a machine; it’s a statement. Its aggressive, sporty design, with its sharp lines and slim profile, turned heads wherever it went back then. It still is today.
At stoplights, there are still riders who look at the Raider R150 with admiration for its ageless underbone design. In fact, there are many China-made motorcycles that mimic the design of the Raider R150. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” as they say.
While some, express their admiration for the Raider R150 by trying to instigate a “friendly race” on the street. Of course, this is frowned upon as street racing is both illegal and dangerous.
Lightweight and agile: I’ve ridden motorcycles that are big and small, and one of the most agile and nimble that I’ve hopped on is the Raider R150. Its excellent handling hasn’t changed a bit over the years. Its lightweight frame and suspension allow for effortless maneuvering, making it a practical motorcycle for navigating the urban jungle we call Metro Manila.
Proven reliability: Suzuki has built a reputation for producing reliable motorcycles, and the current Raider R150 FI is no exception. This bike has a 20-plus-year track record in terms of reliability. This reliability translates to peace of mind, knowing that you can count on your Raider R150 to get you where you need to go, every time.
Also, the aftermarket/OEM industry is saturated with spare parts for the Raider R150. So wherever in the country you go, you can be confident that a spare part is available for your Raider R150, as well as a mechanic who is familiar with this model.
20 years strong community: Owning a Raider R150 means joining a massive community of riders who share a passion for this iconic machine. This community provides a wealth of knowledge, support, and camaraderie. Need proof? Just visit Suzuki Motorcycles Philippines’ social media pages and you’ll be amazed by how solid this Raider R150 community is, and it’s still growing!
Some features I wish the Raider R150 FI have
While the Raider R150 was already an icon long before the arrival of its FI version, for me, there is still room for improvement. For 2025-onwards, Suzuki might consider putting a USB charging port as a standard feature for the Raider R150 FI.
Motorcycle Taxi services like Angkas and JoyRide are the livelihood of thousands of motorcycle riders, and this livelihood depends on mobile phones that require a charging port. The same goes for delivery services like Lalamove, GrabFood, Move It, etc., so a built-in USB charging port on the Raider R150 FI might be a good idea.
Also, safety is non-negotiable, and a dual-channel ABS would be a nice addition to the Raider R150 FI.
The Raider R150 is available at Suzuki dealers nationwide, with the classic carbureted version at PHP 108,900, and the fuel-injected version at PHP 121,900.
