A Tale of Two Raiders

By: Gilbert Chao

One is a much-awaited new comer while the other has had a loyal following for quite some time. One has fuel-injection system while the other is fitted with a carburetor. One is known as the Hyper Underbone while the other, the Underbone King. Both go by the name Raider.

Comparing the Suzuki Raider R150 Fi to the Raider R150 may seem a futile exercise at first. A closer inspection, however, reveals that the two Raiders differ not only in their fuel system but some other aspects as well.

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Raider R150

This motorcycle doesn’t need an introduction. Before the Raider, the term “sport underbone” was an oxymoron. You see, underbones are essentially utilitarian machines. They are intended daily commuting and not for corner-carving on weekends. Yet, Suzuki decided to increase the displacement to 150 cc, added two more gears and then installed a manual clutch. The result was a category on its own.

Launched about a decade ago, the Raider R150 still has a conventional carburetor. This fact probably contributed to its popularity because it made engine modification easier. The digital speedometer and analog tachometer complement its sporty nature and the exhaust note completes the entire package. The pegs are set towards the rear to prevent them from scraping the pavement when leaning at acute angles. Shift lever is connected to the transmission via assembly. There is a bit of free play though and it felt a bit clunky at times.

Purposely-built to take the rider from point A to point B, rather quickly, the Raider’s design is sleek and compact. Hence, the lack of room for any storage space but this issue can easily solved by an after-market top box.

Raider R150 Fi

Well, the common concern about fuel-injected bikes is the perceived slow throttle response and power delivery. This is not the case with the Raider R150 Fi. In fact, it felt more powerful than its carbureted twin. The Fi version produces 13.5 kw of power and 13.8 Nm of torque while the Carburetor Raider has 11.5 kw and 12.4 Nm. Gear changing also felt more precise as then shift lever is directly connected to the transmission.

The Raider R150 Fi is liquid cooled, with a big radiator in the front, as opposed to the other Raider’s oil-cooler. The instrument panel has a more modern touch as it looks like a smart phone. Plus, you also get an LED headlamp. Suzuki has also managed to squeeze in a modest lockable compartment where you can store a few valuable items.

Verdict

The Raider R150 Fi seems to be the more user-friendly of the two with its fuel-injection system. There’s no need to warm-up during morning starts and the air-fuel mixture automatically adjust as needed. It enables the engine to produce more output from the same displacement. The Fi version might also be the more sensible choice since it is more compatible to our ethanol-laced fuel variants.

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On the other hand, the carbureted Raider offers a more engaging ownership experience. Modification after-market parts are readily available to further enhance performance. Having a conventional engine, it is also serviceable by any competent mechanic.

Still if it was easy to choose one Raider over the other then Suzuki wouldn’t have kept both variants in their line-up. In the end, it could just be a matter of preference and budget. The Raider Fi has an SRP of P109,900 while the Raider carburetor is priced at P95,900.