Why I loved riding my Raider150 Fi

I enjoy riding motorcycles because I feel more connected to the machine. When riding, one must be aware and focused on everything going on around them as well as in front of them.

When you're not in a cage (as in a car), you can feel the air. On a bike ride, I particularly enjoy it when I come across a spot with a drop in temperature. In addition, you get to smell the air around you. When I'm on a curvy back road, I enjoy the aromas of freshly cut hay, newly dug earth, or the smoke from a little BBQ shack.

In addition, I enjoy the company of my fellow bikers. Even though we've never met before, we greet each other as if we were long-lost friends and pause to provide a helping hand if we notice someone in need.

Then there's the simple pleasure of being blown around by the wind. No explanation I can offer will suffice if you insist on asking. Once you experience something, nobody can ever change how you feel about it.

For years, commuters' favorite Raider R150 has been steadily losing market share in favor of the new AT-powered scooters. The worsening of traffic makes it all too tempting to delegate decision-making to a machine. Start-stop systems and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are two of the new technological aids they get. LED lights, liquid cooling, and fuel injection technology are also new.

Fuel injection and liquid cooling have been added to the Raider R150 FI. In comparison to its carbureted predecessor, it had 18.5 PS and 13.8 Nm. It reaches 100 km/h in just 11 seconds and reaches 145 km/h at its top speed.

It now sports a digital instrument panel with a red and orange backlight. There's also a light that can be adjusted while driving. You can set the shift light so that it only comes on while the engine is running at a low, medium, or high rev range. The shift light is a bright white circle that can be seen even in peripheral vision.

The rest of the bike comes in red, black, or MotoGP blue. Despite its small size, the Raider is capable of negotiating city traffic. Although it's hefty, it's still light enough to be easily maneuvered. Engine cooling is provided via a radiator that substitutes the oil cooler on the carburetor model. Front and back discs with razorblade edges. Wire wheels are standard in the competition, but not on this one.

Even though it appears to be a hybrid between a moped and a sport bike, the ride will quickly dispel any preconceived notions you may have about its appearance. The engine rumbles up to 11,500 rpm with ease. Depending on the vehicle, the shift light may turn on at 5,000 rpm or as late as 10,000 rpm. It's powerful enough for most city riding needs, even at low rpm. However, most of the acceleration power comes from 4,500 rpm onwards.

It's easy to lean the Raider with just a little countersteer, even if its tires aren't very thick. Because the brakes are so powerful, it's best to use caution when manipulating the levers. Even though it's meant to be a sporty ride, it's rather relaxing. It can withstand much of the city's swaying. Sporty, firmer damping may surprise those who expect it.

This vehicle is easy to recognize at night thanks to its all-LED head and taillights. Despite their diminutive size, they do an excellent job of illuminating the road.