Just in case you didn’t know, the Suzuki Smash is the best-selling underbone motorcycle in the Philippines.

While one cannot argue that the reason for this is its ₱61,400 pricetag – being the most affordable underbone from the “big four” brands – the Smash also has the edge when it comes to styling, in my opinion.

Recently, the Smash F.I. (fuel injection) was introduced in Vietnam and what comes out there (or in Indonesia) usually comes out here as well.

Our friends from Suzuki Philippines also hinted that they will be releasing with an updated version of one of their underbone models soon. So unless there’s going to be a new Raider variant, it’ll probably be the Smash F.I.

Switch to fuel injection

Launched more than a decade ago, the local market did not accept the Smash right away and it took a while before buyers took notice.

Suzuki introduced the Smash during a time when motorcycle riders still had an aversion to fuel injection on commuter bikes, hence the carbureted fuel system.

These days, though, almost all commuters launched have F.I. to offer better fuel mileage and cleaner emissions. There’s also another thing that might have convinced the public to choose F.I.

In case you didn’t know, all but one gasoline variant at gas stations today has ethanol, which causes carburetor issues after long-term use. However, F.I. systems are more compatible with ethanol-laced gasoline.

Philippines next?

It would seem that this has been on Suzuki’s mind for a while now – we suspect that it will be coming out with an F.I. version of the very popular Smash soon.

If so, this wouldn’t be the first time. A few years back, Suzuki introduced the Shooter F.I., which is basically the fuel-injected Smash only with a different name and different decals.

Yet, motorcycle buyers were so loyal to the Smash badge that the Shooter constantly played second fiddle until it was discontinued.

Buyers might warm up to the Smash F.I. quicker this time not only because of its claimed mileage of 66.7 km/l, but also because Suzuki will probably capitalize on the Smash name.

Personally, I’m hoping that Suzuki retains the Smash carb variant even after an F.I. version becomes available, just like what it did with the Raider.

It’s nice to have options.

Do you think Suzuki will really launch the Smash F.I. here or is it just wishful thinking?

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