DRIVE- HERO KARIZMA R

INTO THE WILD

We check out the old yet sensible homemade tourer!
I love not man the less, but nature more Lord Byron Touring is the best thing a human can do with his clothes on. Exploring the wonders of nature (or even humans) is a thing that every soul cherishes. The more a man travels, the more he learns about others as well as his own life. Well! Thats just a theory. And despite Clarksons endless slander for 2-wheelers, we all know that its the bike that makes every journey memorable (or say, more memorable). And here in India, where road rules(less complicated than Austrias) and cops are so inviting (if not roads), touring is easy and fun. But contrary, in budget conscious India touring doesnt mean HDs or other cruisers (road and service network wont aid them either), so we virtually ends in REs. But there is a sensible bike greater still, that outcast the formers thump in both practicality and reliability. Its the benchmark model of worlds N o.1 two wheeler brand, its the HERO KARIZMA R (or Hero Honda Karizma R) DESIGN and STYLING Karizma looks intimidating from every angle. The fighter jet inspired head along with nicely integrated windshield and indicators give it a big and racy look. Handlebar is placed very precisely and abet hassle free long journey and is light (as detached from headlight and instrument panel) enough for urban scenario. Yellow backlight and inserts on dash give it a sporty feel (ditto 458 Italia!). Digital fuel gauge and clock are easy to read and provide ample information. Seat is big and well padded to provide decent comfort for both rider and pillion making long journeys a blessed one. Foot pegs are placed ideally for both highway trips and city runs . However Karizmas headlight points directly to some parallel universe and this makes night journey a headache, also the switchgears are of medium quality if not class leading. Weight distribution is uneven throughout its mammoth length (2125mm, only second to avenger in under 250cc category) which makes the bike a bit dodgy in tight turns. Dual tail light is not as effective as LEDs but is nonetheless brighter. Overall, the Karizma looks and feels robust and a modest span ownership will make you believe that its build to last ages. ENGINE and PERFORMANCE Power comes from a 223cc, air cooled OHC mill that churns out 17bhp@7000rpm and 18.5Nm torque at 600rpm. Power flow is linear, with a flair amount on tap at any point. Thumb the starter and 17horses wakes pretty quickly. Revs up and the acceleration is, to put in a word, exhilarating! 60kmph is reached in quick 3.8sec. Rev more and bang! Bike marches ahead in perfect symphony(less bitter and more sweet) and the in- gear acceleration is blasting (the best part of bike). However the engine note gets too bland in high gears and lacks enthusiasm just like Bajaj Pulsar 200NS, however the bike reaches 115kmph comfortably and remains vibe less throughout the throttle play. From 115kmph to top whack of 130kmph, the surge is slow but steady and the engine is as solid as it will

remain intact even when our bones are dusted (I am anti-Mayan!). The MRFs are too skinny (100/90x18) for a bike with such incredible Performa sheet and prohibits any major knee pad action (R15s domain). Best part remains the all day cruising at 100-110kmph. Major drawback of Karizma is that its brake lacks bite. They are spongy rather than sharp and absence of rear disc is felt perpetually. Efficiency is quite decent for a 223cc bike with 28/36kmpl (city/highway) figures. RIDE and HANDLING The ride is cosseting both in city and on highway. Karizma enjoy the advantage of its large wheelbase (1355mm), which gives extra high speed stability and cruising pleasure but at cost of city maneuverability. Riding position is commanding enough for Indian roads and is ache free for long riding hours. RVMs are smartly placed and are vibe free, even at high speed. Leg guard is absent in order to accommodate engine cowl and that I personally hate (Duke200 have both). Engine feels rock solid across the rev range and can run all day long without a flaw. Handling is as stressful in city as reversing a Countach (of course only have heard the latter). But Karizma is not a track machine and it real wonder are on expressways or on arrow straight stretches. Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers upfront and swing arm with 5 step adjustable shock absorber at rear damps almost if not all road imperfections. Further 15litre tank mated with decent economy gives the bike a good range (more touring!) VERDICT Despite having the most common badge in country, Karizmas name is whispered with the same honor among enthusiasts as that of Capirossi (ok..Checa!). It separates men from boys and riders from bikers. You could buy avenger, the only true and affordable cruiser in market but that bike will be mammoth in urban lanes and its pace is neither thrilling nor its service. Then its the ride quality of Karizma that is ideal for both short runs and long trips and the service network of Hero MotoCorp. is second to none and thus the spare parts wont be an issue. Priced at 78,300(ex-showroom Delhi), Karizma is a worthy option to gas guzzler Bullets and expensive Cbr250. Also the Pulsar220 is fast and fun but lacks character, drama and long range comforts that Karizma reins over. So if you want to tour incredible bharat (alone or like Ash Chandler!) without compromising much on city perks than Karizma is your knight!

PROS- Comfort, Mile muncher, Reliability, VFM CONS- Handling, Brakes, Practicality

DRIVETRAIN

Type

Air cooled, 4-stroke

Valvetrain

Single cylinder, OHC

Displacement

223cc

BoreXStroke

65.5 x 66.2 mm

Max power

17PS@7000rpm

Max torque

18.5Nm@6000rpm

Comp ratio

9:1

Fueling

VE, constant vacuum carburetor with CCVI (Carb Controlled Variable Ignition)

Power to weight

113.33PS/tone

Gearbox

5 Speed constant mesh

CHASSIS

Type

Diamond frame

SUSPENSION

Front

Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers

Rear

Swing arm with 5 step adjustable type hydraulic shock absorber

BRAKES

Front

Disc, Dia 276 mm Disc

Rear

Internal expanding shoe type(130mm)

WHEELS and TYRES

Tyre(F/R)

2.75R18/ 100/90R18

GENERAL DATA

Length

2125mm

Width

755mm

Height

1160mm

Wheelbase

1355mm

Kerb weight

150kg

Fuel tank capacity

15 litres