2014 Suzuki Shooter 115 Fi Review : Not your Ordinary Underbone

Date posted on February 20, 2019
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With the local market’s year on year trend of increasing brand new bike sales, manufacturers such as Suzuki has been continuously improving their products in order to have a better share of the market. Underbone motorcycles have always been the biggest seller for more than a decade now and they continue to sell well despite the popularity of scooters and mini sport bikes. And in this segment, the biggest sellers are the 100 to 115 cc models.

 

“Underbone motorcycles are not what they used to be. They now deserve more respect because they deliver more performance and efficiency while staying affordable and practical.”

 

Suzuki Philippines has been one of the leading manufacturers in the Philippines. With a long history of popular and well-loved bikes that were well received by Filipinos, it has once again made one giant leap forward as it gives focus on its “FI Revolution.” With the high demand for technologically advanced motorbikes while at the same time being environment friendly, Suzuki has continuously given what the public is asking for. This 2014, Suzuki has created a lot of buzz and excitement on this “FI Revolution”. With the availability of new technology, hopes of making things more economical, cost-efficient and at the same time limiting carbon footprints are now very much possible. Much modern technology such as the Electronic Computer Module or ECM provides optimum amount of fuel for the specific driving condition resulting to improved fuel consumption. The ECM technology should give the bike improved fuel economy, a more accurate response, and in effect more savings on the user’s end.

 

 

The Philippine motorcycle market is one of the growing markets in Southeast Asia. However, it has an affinity towards a particular style of motorcycles which are locally called as underbones – basically step-through small displacement motorcycles geared towards efficiency and practicality. Majority of the Philippine roads are filled with these kinds of motorcycles. It is only wise for Suzuki to showcase a huge improvement in terms of technology with its newest offering. This will make it easier for people transitioning from cars to motorcycles for their daily commute, or for those looking for practicality. Simultaneously released just last September along with its companions in what they call their “Big 3” in terms of underbone motorcycles, Suzuki has introduced a new underbone for the Philippine market – the Suzuki Shooter 115 Fi.

 

 

The bike features first in its class fuel injection technology which enables it to be more fuel efficient than any other Suzuki motorcycle in their Philippine lineup. As we already know, fuel-injected bikes are known for their accurate fuel and air mixture and more efficient outputs. Signals from sensors installed on the engine and chassis are processed real-time by the Electronic Computer Module (ECM) that provides optimum amount of fuel for the specific driving condition resulting to improved fuel consumption. The ECM technology should give the bike improved fuel economy, automatic response and easy starting. Gone are the days wherein you have to pull a choke lever just to be able to start your bike on a cold morning. Also, this provides better power and a more efficient consumption of fuel. Lately, Suzuki has been releasing fuel-injected bike models here in the Philippines, showing us that we could still enjoy great performing bikes while at the same time being environment-friendly. Kudos to Suzuki for converting their commuter bikes into fuel-injected ones. With this in mind, Suzuki stated that this Shooter 115 Fi would be much more fuel efficient compared to their same 115 cc bike without the fuel injection system. This development is a very welcome improvement for the already fuel-efficient underbone so we could very well surmise that we can ride this Shooter longer with less frequent fuel stops. Moreover, fuel injection is our contribution to nature as it regulates gas emissions, emitting less pollution. This would translate to riding more kilometers while contributing less to the earth’s pollution.

 

 

The model is deemed a practical companion in leisure, work, or even just for everyday riding with a claimed minimum average fuel consumption of 63 kilometers per liter. Interestingly, econo-run tests proved that you could actually achieve more than 63 kilometers per liter, with results stating that up to 71 per liter is indeed possible. To put that into perspective, if the other 115 cc bikes would run up to a maximum of 200 kilometers per liter, this would mean that for the Shooter, it may very well go all the way up to roughly 233 kilometers on a full tank of gasoline. What’s amazing about that is that the listed fuel capacity of the bike is pegged at only 3.7 liters. To stress it even further, that would, in theory, mean that it would be possible to travel from Manila to Baguio on a Suzuki Shooter FI on just one full tank! The first thing that you will notice after turning the ignition key on is the FI (Fuel-Injected) sensor on the dashboard. This might be a foreign thing for new users so all you guys need to do is to wait for it to initialize and wait for the fuel injection while it turns on and when the FI light goes off, then you’re good to go.

 

 

The Shooter ‘s 113 cc air-cooled four stroke fuel-injected engine produces 9.3 bhp and 9.1 Nm of torque. This is more than enough for regular users who wish to have the convenience of a hassle-free motorcycle, and a machine that would give them maximum fuel efficiency, thus saving money in the process due to lower gasoline costs. But of course, the Shooter 115 FI is not meant to be ridden primarily as a high-revving bike. This is where the bike excels – in fuel efficiency. Going up on our elevated roads and flyovers did not pose any problem at all, with or without momentum from the bike. It proved to be very capable of pulling two normal-sized adults without experiencing any stress from the engine. The power delivery of the engine is smooth and seamless. Sudden twists of the throttle were done for the test and the bike did not show any jerkiness at all. This will be particularly helpful when trying to get out of tricky situations on your bike and you need to suddenly accelerate hard and be in control of the bike.

 

 

I was able to push the Shooter to 105 km/l on top gear in C5 and surprisingly, it did not produce a hand numbing vibration present on other lower displacement underbones. The vibration level seems to be just right for the engine. Interestingly, it seemed like the bike could give more if I just didn’t slow down yet. The bike’s performance is best maximized at low to mid-range rpm which is just right for the usual city riding in Metro Manila. The power it gives out is pretty solid for a 113 cc engine. The front disc brakes give you the appropriate stopping power. The black cast wheel adds active style and the sporty tires give good grip. It also boasts of a four speed rotary clutchless gearbox (with an all down shift pattern of N-1-2-3-4-N) that transmits its power. The front suspension is a telescopic fork while the rear adopts a traditional coil spring. With a curb mass of only 94 kilograms, new riders will not have a hard time using this bike.

 

 

The seat is also spacious and at times it seemed as if there was still some space for a second passenger. I’m not saying that you should board 2 passengers, but it is spacious enough to give the rider and the pillion a comfortable long ride. The no-frills instrument panel display is very visible, and the built-in gear indicator will help you be mindful on which gear you are on. This is particularly helpful for new users who are still getting the hang of riding. The panel displays all the basic tools you need for your everyday riding – speedometer, gear indicator, fuel gauge, fuel injection indicator, signal lights and high beam light. The only improvement I can think of for the panel is that the illumination gives a certain glare as it is almost the same color when directly under the sun. This shouldn’t be a big deal though as most will still be visible anyway.

 

 

Aesthetically, the initial impression that we noticed was the vibrant color of the test unit we rode. Available in New Titan Black, Macho Bright Blue, Candy Summer Red, and Brilliant White, the colors are really very noticeable. The Pearl Flash Green Suzuki Shooter unit that we used for testing looked very easy and pleasing to the eyes, as its unique color combination is probably something that would be worth to give a second look.

 

 

The Suzuki Shooter 115 Fi’s design was inspired by Suzuki’s popular sportbike, the GSX-R. Suzuki has said that the Shooter 115 Fi will be embodying advance feel patterned from the GSX-R with extended linear character lines. Case in point is the shark’s gill inspired aerodynamic leg shield. The bike appears to be a little bit small for a rider whose height is 5 feet and 9 inches and above. That shouldn’t be a problem though for the average Pinoy rider.

 

 

One of the important safety features on the bike is the use of the anti-theft magnetic key shutter ignition. This is particularly important due to the number of thefts we see in the news wherein the bike thieves actually just force starts motorbikes by inserting some sort of a generic key. That wouldn’t be possible when the ignition can’t be turned on without opening the secure key shutter. There is also an innovative feature present in the Shooter wherein the headlamps are turned on automatically. This increases road visibility and decreases the probability of the other driver not seeing you. Also, while in motion, the rotary clutchless gearbox will not return to first gear from fourth gear, a safety standard that is very important. While doing a long ride at night, the brighter angled reflector headlight proved to be adequate when traversing the national highways that we have here which usually are not lighted. This gives a sense of security knowing that the roads you will be passing through will be illuminated brightly. It was also quite comfortable sitting for long periods at a time.

 

 

With that, it may initially seem that this bike was built for urban fuel efficiency in mind, but it could also double as a touring bike – as it can cover long distances with ease, without burning a big hole in your pocket. Being an underbone, the Suzuki Shooter 115 FI also features an underseat compartment. Although unable to fit a large sized full face helmet, the included large underseat box (U-box) at 7.6 liters would be more than enough to carry your daily needs. A small bag, some clothes, and some documents should be no problem to fit – a good sign that you can use this for your everyday riding whether you are going to school or to your office.With a fuel-injected engine, a daily ride that is very much comfortable to use, and with a price tag that will be hard to beat, the Shooter 115 FI proves to be a good choice to the ever growing market.

 

 

“It wo uld be posible to travel from Manila to Baguio on a Suzuki Shoter FI on just one full tan k!”

 

Al Camba
“This bike reminds me that underbone motorcycles are not what they used to be. They now deserve more respect because they deliver more performance and efficiency while staying affordable and practical. With the local market’s year on year trend of increasing brand new bike sales, manufacturers such as Suzuki has been continuously improving their products in order to have a better share of the market. Underbone motorcycles have always been the biggest seller for more than a decade now and they continue to sell well despite the popularity of scooters and mini sport bikes. And in this segment, the biggest sellers are the 100 to 115 cc models. Suzuki made sure that they can get a good share of this segment with the new Shooter 115 FI. Aside from its attractive new looks, the nicest thing about it is its fuel-injected engine that delivers smooth power and impressive fuel efficiency. I am an advocate of Fuel Injection for it not only gives better fuel efficiency; it also results in a highly responsive engine that adds to the enjoyment of the riding experience. The rider is clearly the winner here. FI is definitely the way of the future for small bikes and I am glad that most manufacturers are now embracing this technology. Good job Suzuki!”

 

Philip Bonza
“Simple and elegant, this is my first thought when I saw the bike. The design is clean, the lines and curves are minimal and the graphic matches the color. Our test unit is the perfect color for an eco-friendly machine. A powerful machine with fuel efficient and environment friendly engine is the best feature of this model. The black cast wheel adds active style while the sporty tires give good grip. It performs better at low to mid speed and that is perfect for the city and everyday service as a commuter bike. The seat height is obviously short for me but the ergonomics is surprisingly comfortable. It is nimble to ride and you could easily swerve through the traffic. The suspension plays just right for me and the braking power is good for quick stops. The instrument panel is colorful and gives out an effect of glow even in daytime and the numbers are in bold and easy to read. The panel needles are also thick for clear reading. This model is what riders are waiting for. It has performance, style and efficiency.”

 

RICCI ABRINA
“The new Suzuki Shooter 115 Fi boasts of reliability, stylish perfection and fuel efficiency – it should be, since it was built by Suzuki. The unit we tested was just too cool to the eyes – environmental green and white with simple but distinctive sporty graphics. The power delivery of the smooth engine is seamless. With the quick and sudden throttle twists I normally do during tests, the Shooter 115 Fi just didn’t show any signs of jerkiness. The cluster of gauges on the headlight panel on the other hand is straight forward and clean – showing you what you would need on your everyday riding. The brakes are ample for its engine power. The 1st to 3rd gears can reach 100 kph in a jiffy and top speed is up to 115 kph. I just love the magnesium wheels on this looker. Suzuki just nailed it with the Shooter’s design and to prove it they even thought of making a little window for you to see if your brake fluid is still adequate – a simple yet rider-friendly design.”

 

*This article was published in InsideRACING’s  Volume 12 Number 3 2014 issue.