After a five-year hiatus because of the restrictions brought on by the pandemic, Suzuki finally brings back the Raider R150 Summit.

With the theme “Two Decades Unrivaled”, this year’s summit was held to commemorate the Suzuki Raider’s 20-year dominance in the sport underbone category.

Amidst the monsoon rains, more than 8,000 motorcycle riders converged at the World Trade Center last July 16, 2023, to partake in the festivities specially prepared for all Suzuki fanatics in attendance. Guests from 156 Suzuki Clubs from as far as Bicol and Pangasinan started arriving at the venue a day before the event.

Joining the grand celebration were Suzuki Philippines’ executives President, Koichiro Hirao; General Manager for Motorcycle Sales and Marketing, Jun Bulot; Assistant General Manager for Finance and Admin Division, Ms. Cathy Magtibay; Assistant to the General Manager, Mr. Daigo Morikawa; Marketing Manager, Nenuka Guba.

The rest of the management committee with Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Chief Engineer for Motorcycles, Hideshi Morii; Group Manager for Motorcycle Design, Shinsuke Furuhashi; delegates from Suzuki Japan and Southeast Asian markets, as well as dealer partners, were also on hand. Also in attendance was then Land Transportation Office Officer in Charge Atty. Hector Villacorta.

A bevy of awards

The program began with the Raider Roar contest, which heard the club chants of Suzuki Raider Clubs and was won by the Raider All Star Nation.

Next were the signature club contests: the Face of the Summit for the most swoon-worthy lady representative of clubs won by Ms. Noelyn Abejero of R150 Tondo Manila Riders Club. 

The Astig Rider who serves as a good example among the riders was awarded to Ronaldo Visda of ROCI Pasig Chapter. 

Lovers of the Summit, for those with long-standing relationships, was won by Edgar and Monaliza Paxidio of ROCI.

While the Talentadong Riders for those who showed the heart-stopping dance moves of our club representatives to the tune of the Raider jingle was won by KYCKZ Familia by RTMRC of R150 Tondo Manila Riders Club.

The Raider Custom-Bike Contest highlights the creativity and good craftsmanship of the owners in modifying their motorcycles. The winners were: Steven Delos Santos of Team DLS as the Best Custom Bike for Fuel Injection and Mauro Adriano Jr. of 5J Customs for the Best Custom Bike Carburetor.

The Best Engine Tune-up was won by veteran John Ibasco of Johnworks Racing Team, while the Special Award Best Thai Concept was given to Adrian Arayan of Boss Erick Thai Parts all the way from Bukidnon.

The Best Paint went to Jerick Waje of 5J Customs, while the Best Chrome was given to Louie Lucas of Allenwerks Custom.

Crowd favorite Marvin Torbiles of Ararworks got the Rider’s Choice award, while Jomarvin Rodolfo of Thai Enthusiast PH took home the Media/Vloggers Choice award.

The whole Suzuki motorbike lineup in focus

The brand also showed why the Raider R150 Fi is the best of both worlds, highlighting the fuel efficiency of the motorcycle, which is also known for speed. Suzuki showcased the results of the recently concluded series of Fuel Econoruns held in Luzon and Mindanao of 128.2 km/L and 98.91 km/L, respectively. Mindanao winner Karl Diaz shared on stage his techniques for achieving the numbers with proper riding posture, braking, and throttle control.

The Raider R150 Summit is a celebration for the whole Team Suzuki. It was further highlighted when other Suzuki motorcycle owners joined the event and danced to the Oras na Para Magmotor jingle. Suzuki’s complete line-up of motorcycles, from regular to Big Bikes, was also on display and available for viewing for riders who want to get their next Suzuki.

FREE Test rides of chosen Suzuki motorcycles were available on the Avenis, Burgman Street, Burgman Street EX, V-STROM 250 SX, Gixxer 250, Gixxer 250SF, Burgman 400 ABS, SV 650/A and the newly launched GSX-8S and V-STROM 650DE.

A special thanks to Suzuki Clubs

Showing appreciation to its riders, Suzuki also gave special recognition to selected clubs. Hailed as winners of the Raider Club Awards were:

• Biggest Delegation for Club – ROCI
• Biggest Delegation Chapter – Raider R150 Laguna
• Farthest Delegation – Raider 150 Bataan
• Earliest Delegation – ROCI Bicol
• Biggest Delegation for Club – Burgman Street Elite Riders Club
• Biggest Delegation Chapter – Smash 115 Club Philippines

Oldest Suzuki Raider motorcycles were also awarded: Oldest Raider model was awarded to Jess Colasi with his R125 model year 2001. Owners Mylene Cecilia and Rio Chavez won the oldest Raider R150 for their unit with a 2003 model year. Winners of the Grand Raffle Prizes of 3 V-STROM 250 SX were Roland Odango, Grace Delos Reyes, and Maria Pauline Baroro.

Multi-talented actress Arci Munoz jammed with the riders with her singing prowess. DJ Tanya Chinita did a playful number to the delight of the audience, while promising talent Tricia Meraki did a string of special performances with her band.

Capping the festivity was rock band Kamikazee whose act made the whole World Trade Center sing in chorus. The event was hosted by the witty and charming MPL host Mara Aquino and DJ & Alamid frontman Carl McFly, with Darbz of Real Talk Darbz are the crowd correspondent.

Suzuki has sold 800,000 Raider units since its launch in 2002. Will there be a Raider Summit to mark its 1,000,000-unit milestone soon?