How it started, how it’s going: Suzuki Philippines Incorporated

Today, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated is seen as one of the major players in the country’s motorcycle industry with a wide range of offerings covering various two-wheeler segments from small displacement scooters to big bikes fit for off-roading adventures. 

On that note, we take a look at how the Japanese motorcycle company penetrated the local market and how it became a staple in the local motorbike landscape. 

Here’s a quick look at how Suzuki started in the Philippines, and where it stands today. 

Early days 

Suzuki first came into the country sometime in 1959. It was brought by the able management of Rufino D. Antonio and Associates Incorporated, who handled the nationwide distribution of Suzuki motorcycles. 

In July 10, 1975, Rufino D. Antonio and Associates Inc. struck a joint venture deal with Suzuki Motor Company Limited (Japan) — forming Antonio Suzuki Corporation — to help expand the marque’s sales in the country. 

Due to the economic crunch the country suffered in 1984, Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. Took over operations from Antonio Suzuki Corp. and established Suzuki Philippines Inc. the year after. 

Since then, Suzuki Philippines Inc. has been at the forefront of introducing motorcycles that were warmly welcomed by Filipino enthusiasts. 

“The steady shift of the motorcycle market from mostly tricycle models to solo-ride models like privately or company owned mopeds, scooter, and trail bikes has prompted Suzuki to continuously come out with new models to cater to this market,” the company wrote in its official website. 

In 1990, Suzuki Philippines Inc. was the first motorcycle manufacturer to export products outside of the country with some 114 units shipped to Suzuki S.A. In Guatemala. 

Since the start of the company, the following models were introduced to the local motorcycle market: 

• Suzuki X120 (photo shown below)
• Suzuki X-3
• Suzuki X-4
• Suzuki TS100 ERD
• Suzuki TS125 ERD 

At the peak of its motorcycle exportation in 1993, Suzuki Philippines Inc. shipped some 845 units to various markets. 

Other models introduced in the later years include the Suzuki Crystal (RC110) in 1994, the TSR125 in 1996, the SS100 Frontier Scooter in 1997, and the Swing (SC110) in 1998. 

Notably, the Suzuki Crystal is the first two-stroke underbone motorcycle from Suzuki made available in the Philippine market, while the TSR125 offered local motorcycle enthusiasts motocross specifications with a linkage suspension and a high-capacity camelback fuel tank. 

Other stories:  All-new Aerox makes PH regional debut at Yamaha Motor Show Cebu 2025 Pope Leo signs BMW R18, motorcycle to be sent for auction Honda PH throws support to 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship tourney

Modern motorcycles 

By the early 2000s Suzuki Philippines Inc. had introduced various nameplates — some of which are still in the company’s active roster. 

Replacing the Suzuki Crystal in 2001 was the Shogun 110, which emerged as one of the most powerful yet economical motorcycles at the time. It was praised for its twin-dome combustion engine and efficient internal cooling system. 

In 2022, Suzuki Philippines Inc. gave us the Raider 125 — the model that was about to pave the way for the company to lead the sporty underbone category in the country. 

The Suzuki Smash 110 (new Smash Fi photo shown below) was released in the same year, which became a fashionable option for many motorcycle buyers. 

In the next year, Suzuki Philippines Inc. reinforced its hold on the 125 cc (cubic centimeter) category by rolling out the Shogun R 125 with an increased 125cc engine for maximum power on the road. 

Similarly, the company introduced the Suzuki Mola 125 (GS125) the same year — a motorcycle intended to penetrate the commercial segment. 

For 2004, the local wing of the Japanese motorcycle marque brought further innovations to its underbone offerings with the Suzuki Shogun R+ and Shogun Pro. 

Cementing its place in the motorcycle market, Suzuki Philippines Inc. released the Raider R150 the same year. Also in 2004, the brand increased the displacement of the Mola 125, which became the Mola 150. 

The year 2004 proved to be a fruitful one for the company, as it was then that it spearheaded the first Suzuki Nationwide Endurance Run — with the aim of dispelling the negative notion that motorcycle riding is unsafe and that motorcycle riders have lesser traffic rights.

A brief pause happened in 2005, but Suzuki Philippines Inc. quickly got back into rhythm the next year by introducing new and fashionable decals for the Shogun Pro and Shogun R+. It was also the year when the Raider Jr., or more popularly known as the Raider J (new raider J Crossover photo shown above) came into the scene. Another addition to the company’s offerings that year was the Smash Revo 110. 

In 2006, the brand released the Suzuki Step 125, and in 2007, it launched the Hayate 125.

2008 saw the release of the all-new Suzuki Shogun Pro and Shogun R, as well as the Step 125 and Step Hi-Class 125. With a strong forward momentum, the motorcycle manufacturer unleashed the new Raider R150 and all-new Raider J Pro. 

Advancing into the future 

In the past two decades, Suzuki Philippines Inc. has showcased several advancements, which are reflected in its products. 

While some models have been discontinued, several few remain in the company’s catalog. 

Here is a quick look at the motorcycles that make up the brand’s lineup today: 

Underbone	Backbone	Scooter	Big bike
Suzuki Smash Carb Suzuki Smash Fi Suzuki Raider R150 Carb  Suzuki Raider R150 Fi  Suzuki Raider J Crossover	Suzuki Gixxer 155 Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX  Suzuki Gixxer 250  Suzuki Gixxer SF250	Suzuki Burgman Street 125 EX Suzuki Burgman Street Suzuki Avenis  Suzuki Skydrive Sport	Suzuki GSX-8TT  Suzuki GSX-8T  Suzuki GSX-8R  Suzuki GSX-S1000GX Suzuki GSX-8S Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE  Suzuki Burgman 400 Suzuki Hayabusa Suzuki RM-Z450

Also read: 

Suzuki PH launches GSX-8T, GSX-8TT

Suzuki PH showcases DR-Z4S, DR-Z4SM

Suzuki to field sustainable GSX-R1000R bike for Suzuka 8 Hours

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/