Hero Karizma R

The World's leading two-wheeler manufacturer Hero, launched their flagship model Karizma in the year 2003. This 223cc, motorbike was born as joint effort of Hero and Honda. During that period it was the most powerful and torquiest bike with an appealing visual beauty and standout performance. And for the past 11 years, Hero continues to produce this bike without any refinements. The present ongoing Karizma was launched in the late 2013 as new Karizma R.



Design and Features
The present Karizma looks like a new bike from all the angles. From head to tail, everything about this bike has changed. Starting from the front, the new headlamp cluster features vertical dual dynamic lamps with LED position lamps. The turn indicators are also imposed within the headlamp casing. Windscreen size of the bike has been enlarged a bit and rear view mirrors are imposed on this single unit. Semi fairing covers the frontal portion of the fuel tank. Minimal design and graphics has been used on the fuel tank, which is pretty decent. From front to back, the whole body of the bike narrows towards the end tail and split grab rails completes the finishing touches of the bike. LED tail lamps and winkers are placed along a same piece.



On coming to the instrument console, same three-pod cluster is again used in the second version of Karizma. In addition to the usual features like speedometer, tacho, tripmeter and fuel gauge, side stand indicator is also added. Despite the long term waiting for kill switch in Hero bikes, it continues here in this model as well. Meanwhile, a new set of clip-ons are used in grey colour. Hero used split seats for this Karizma, with a lower seat height for the rider to gives a sporty riding position with the new clip-on handlebar. No change for the exhaust kits, but the tyre size has been increased a bit.



Engine
The engine of Karizma R remains to be the same. The very same 223cc, single cylinder, four stroke, air-cooled engine is used. The mill churns out a maximum power of 19.47 Ps @ 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 19.35 Nm @ 6000 rpm. Engine is mated with 5-speed constant mesh gearbox for power transmission to rear wheels. In standard conditions, the bike is capable of doing 126kmph of speed and it could goes upto 130kmph.



Hero is yet to make some refinements in the engine department, as the latest model have some minor problems related with the engine and noise. Exhaust is still producing those rattling sound like the older Karizma.

Suspension, Braking and Chassis

The whole bike is built on a diamond type tube frame chassis. Hero has been using this type of frame for most of their models. Suspension department of the bike consists of telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and swing arm with 5 step adjustable type hydraulic shock absorbers are used at the rear. Stopping force of the bike depends on 276mm front disc brake and 130mm conventional drum brakes. Hero should have feature disc brakes at both ends as it is a 225cc bike with fair amount of power and torque.





Conclusion
The first generation Karizma was said to be the best and most desired Hero bike. That particular model is still going a good business at the second hand sale market. The updated version lacks the crowd pulling factor from the older one, still it is bit powerful and torquier than previous model. Ever since Bajaj launched their Pulsar 220, Karizma is facing a tight competition as Pulsar tops this bike in Speed and design aspects. The new wider rear tyres and new improved seating position gives a sporty feels to the bike. But, Hero is yet to improve in designing a modern and advanced chassis for their bikes.