Hero Karizma

Quick Review by Maxabout Team

Karizma in its old times has been one of the best motorcycles available in the market with its advanced technology and a very reliable engine. Its design was ahead of the time at its launch but the one introduced now has something really opposite to that. Its flaws are externally visible and the only reason for its poor sales.

Design & Style

The one and only drawback of the new Karizma Version 2.0 is the design. It gets an out-dated design which sits back in the 80's. The body is lean but not that equally attractive. The front seems to be the worst part with its semi fairing being the second reason for its boycott. No doubt it has edges, but that too seems useless for the styling. The tire profile is much leaner compared to its slim body design, making it a not to be looked upon element of the society. Karizma R Version 1.0 and ZMR Version 1.0 had a tough looking design with wider body profile and a symmetrical body fairing.

Instrument Console

The instrument console on the Karizma features a very simple analog speedometer in the center with an analog tachometer at the left. The yellow numberings inside seems to be carried from the older Karizma and looks totally out-dated in the era of digital speedometers which show nicely colored specifications. The third circle at the right shows digital console in the form of fuel indicator, odometer and trip meter. The console when compared to any other bike in the segment, feels dull and out-dated.

Engine & Performance

The new Karizma shares the same engine but with a bit of increase in power for both R and ZMR models. The engine in the Karizma stays to be the 223cc unit, producing 19.2 BHP and 20 BHP for the Version 2.0 R and ZMR respectively. The previous figures for the Version 1.0 were 17 BHP and 17.6 BHP for the R and ZMR respectively.

The power increase can been felt while driving the newer version and the driving feels even better than many competitors in the segment. The gearbox remains to be the 5-speed manual unit. The R series retain the carburetted fuel system whereas the ZMR series retain its fuel injection in both the versions.

Brakes & Suspension

The braking has been managed by a single front disc for the Karizma R version 1.0 and version 2.0, with a 130 mm drum brake for the rear. The ZMR series had the double disc braking system from the start, with no option for ABS in any version. The conventional telescopic forks are used for all the versions of Karizma with the rear using the swing arm type hydraulic shock absorbers. The rear suspension is pretty comfortable, but missing out the monoshock at this time makes it feel more like an old machine in the present scenario.

Comfort while Riding

The seating position of the version 1.0 and version 2.0 has always been kept at most comfortable level, with an ease to the rider as well to the pillion also. The version 2.0 for both the series now gets a split seat for enhanced styling and comfort. The suspension works to its best and the cruising at mid-range speeds are the best part of Karizma from its starting period.

Shades

The version1.0 of the Karizma R and ZMR featured Black, White, Yellow and Red shade, with a special Grey shade for the version1.0 R. The version 2.0 Karizma R gets Power Black, Ebony Grey, Sports Red, Daring Yellow and Spotlight White shade whereas the new ZMR has Vibrant Orange, Spotlight White, Panther Black and Blazing Red as the available shades.

Ex-showroom Price

The pricing of the R model can be called as a justified amount. The version 1.0 and version 2.0 costs INR 81,600 (discontinued) and INR 83,900 respectively. For the ZMR series the version 1.0 and version 2.0 costs INR 1,00,000 and INR 1,05,500. This amount seems huge for the offering as the price segment totally changes and opponents have a lot more to be offered at that amount.

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