Suzuki wants to extend the reign of the Underbone King with a set of much-awaited upgrades to increase its performance, practicality, and desirability.

Pushing back against the encroachment of automatic motorcycles, the new Raider R150 is still proudly a manual, but now sports a slipper clutch system, and comes in two new variants for distinguishing riders to choose from: the Raider R150 Blade Edition and Raider PRO.

Easily the most awaited upgrade to the Raider R150 is the new Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) for the six-speed manual transmission. Typically offered in big bikes, this slipper clutch offers smoother shifting whether on the street or track. It uses a two-part design to improve both control and comfort. The slipper clutch partially disengages the clutch during hard downshifts, reducing engine braking for smoother, more stable deceleration. Its assist function increases the clutch’s clamping force upon acceleration. Lighter springs result in a significantly lighter clutch lever pull, drastically reducing left hand fatigue in traffic or on long rides.

The new Raider R150 is powered by a liquid-cooled engine for greater cooling performance and power consistency no matter the weather condition. The engine features a higher compression ratio, while air flow has optimized thanks to lessons learned from Suzuki’s racing efforts.

The single-cylinder engine block is plated with Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material (SCEM), the same fitted in the larger displacement models of Suzuki. This compact and lightweight cylinder plating helps to prevent thermal deformation and reduce friction. As a result, the engine can maintain power for longer under high temperature conditions while also ensuring even greater overall durability.

These improvements allow the four-stroke, DOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 150cc engine with Suzuki Eco Performance, to deliver the highest power output among 150cc models in the Philippines. That’s max power of 18.1-hp at 10,000 rpm and max torque of 13.8-Nm at 8,500 rpm.

Starting your journey is made more convenient with the Suzuki Easy Start System. Just one push, release and the starter will be activated, no need to press down on the starter button until the engine starts. The Raider also has a Trip Over Sensor which automatically shuts off the engine if the bike leans past a certain critical angle or falls over.

For added safety, the front and rear turn signals are mounted on separate bars to make them more visible. These separate-type turn signals are also easy-to-maintain especially when replacing the bulbs.

Both models feature a key-less storage space which you can conveniently open through a push mechanism for easy access while on board the bike. The available space is large enough to store a wallet, cloth, or gloves.

In spite of the upgrades, the Raider R150 is still very easy to tune and modify.

The Raider R150 Blade Edition bears the familiar Raider R150 headlamp design. It’s complemented by new body panels designed with aerodynamics in mind. It has redesigned front trim and elevated seat line. It also gets plane-inspired fins and winglets inspired by MotoGP. It’s paired with striking colored wheels and claw mark decals.

It also gets the new slipper clutch (SCAS), liquid-cooled and fuel injected engine, disc brakes in front and behind, tubeless tires, and electric starter.

The Raider R150 PRO gets event more upgrades. It starts with a big bike silhouette inspired by the GSX-R1000R and plane-like inspired details from GSX-S1000. It also bears a distinctive LED headlight exclusive to the variant.

Like the Blade Edition, it gets the four-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected 150cc engine. Suzuki has also made the switch from an alternating current (AC) electrical system to a more stable direct current (DC) voltage. Switching to a DC power system provides a more stable voltage for consistent performance, especially for LEDs and ECUs. No more dimming headlights when idling. Besides LED headlights, it also allows for other upgrades like a built-in USB charging port, and keyless system.

The PRO also gets a USB charging port with a type A USB outlet. It’s lit by a blue backlight for easy connection at night. This comes built in with the Raider PRO but is also available as a Suzuki Genuine Accessory for the Raider Blade Edition.

Starting up the Raider PRO is easy with its new keyless ignition. Just use the remote to start the engine and off you go. It also provides superior security. There’s an Answer-back function to help you locate your bike in a crowded parking lot within a 20-meter range.

Once started up, the Raider PRO lights up its full digital instrument panel with smartphone connectivity via the Suzuki Ride Connect App (downloadable from Google Playstore and Apple Appstore). The digital cluster features call and message indicators as well as turn-by-turn navigation—a first in the 150cc underbone motorcycle segment in the country.

Finally, the Raider PRO now comes with front ABS for better control during sudden braking. The system monitors the wheel speed and is programmed to adjust the braking force to maintain traction.

The Raider Blade Edition is available in 4 colors – Metallic Matte Blue, Pearl Bright Ivory, Candy matte Bordeaux Red and Metallic Matte Fibroin Gray at an SRP of P130,000. The more premium Raider PRO is available in Metallic Matte Platinum Silver and Candy Matte Bordeaux Red at an SRP of P146,400.

The New Raider Series hopes to set a new standard for speed, safety and connectivity in its segment. This is Suzuki’s promise of advanced technology and unyielding performance that meets every rider on the street, the track and everywhere in between.