Biscocho Run: Experiencing Dinagyang Festival on the Suzuki Raider Pro

While attending the opening of SMDI (Solid Motorcycle Distributors, Inc.) Suzuki 3S and Big Bike Flagship Store in Jaro, Iloilo, I decided to sneak out for a bit to get some saddle time on the recently-launched Suzuki Raider R150 Pro. I was delighted to learn that the day coincided with the city’s Dinagyang Festival and I was equally thrilled to discover that the Raider R150 Pro comes with updates that go beyond aesthetics. Indeed, it was a time for celebration.

Hailed as the “Underbone King”, the Suzuki Raider R150 series have dominated the local sport underbone scene for more than two decades now. When Suzuki Philippines (SPH) released the Raider’s fifth iteration last November, it came in two variants: the Raider R150 Blade and the Raider R150 Pro. The Raider Pro received quite a bit of flak online, apparently because of its Gixxer-inspired headlight design. Personally, I quite like it.

While the Raider Pro is still propelled by Suzuki’s signature DOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 150cc fuel-injected engine–which still churns out class-leading 13.5 kW at 10,000 rpm and 13.8 Nm at 8,500 rpm—it is now equipped with a Slipper Clutch Assist System (SCAS), Smartphone connectivity (Suzuki Ride Connect) and Keyless Ignition System. Best of all, Suzuki finally decided it’s about time that this pocket rocket got anti-lock brakes. Hooray!

With the Raider Pro’s sleek dimensions, I rolled-off the SMDI Suzuki showroom mentally prepared to slice through the crowd and street stalls. Being in an unfamiliar territory and armed only with a few naughty Ilonggo words, I relied on the turn-by-turn navigation of Suzuki Ride Connect. However, what confronted me were endless detours as vehicles were not allowed to enter the downtown area where the parade and festivities were being held. At least, it gave me more time to get acquainted with my ride.

The SCAS made riding in stop-and-go traffic less of a chore—the clutch pull is light and there’s barely any jerk during downshifts. Yes, I know, the Raider Pro is intended for carving corners, to be ridden by riders smaller than my 5’11” frame. Yet, it worked for me.

Surprisingly, legroom on the Raider Pro didn’t feel as cramped as I recall. However, the absence of a gas tank between the legs and the slightly inclined seat compelled me to assume a riding posture that shifted my weight forward, putting some pressure on my wrists and my lower back. The discomfort went away though, whenever I found a clear road and whacked open the throttle. Hala bira! It was Dinagyang after all.Aside from wanting to experience the Dinagyang parade and festivities up close, I was really bent on buying some famous Iloilo biscocho to bring home.

As I parked the bike about half a kilometer from downtown, I wondered how could I carry the spoils of my adventure on the Raider Pro. It is a race horse and not a delivery mule. My concern was easily solved by a box and some straw rope.Given enough time, I would have ridden the Raider Pro across Panay Island from Iloilo to Boracay but a biscocho run would suffice for now.