The first true sports bike launched in India. The karizma sparked of a mini-revolution when it was launched in 2003. Its posters adorned more teenage bedrooms than any other Indian bike. Though rather aged even after a cosmetic change to a Karizma R, the sight of a yellow karizma flashing across the streets never fails to give you Goosebumps.
The Karizma is the flagship, premier motorcycle in the HeroHonda stable. Its stunning looks befit such a tag. Quite heavily borrowed from the Honda VFR800, the looks are simple yet stunning. Several aspects of the design are usage oriented the simple to read instrument cluster is a good example. It is refreshing to see function put over form in a sports bike. Head turning looks aside, the performance remains one of the best, with the 223 cc engine putting out a massive 17Bhp. A top speed of 125 Kmph is attainable as jaw dropping the figure is, what is most surprising is the stability of the bike at around 100 Kmph. The perfect seating position also helps increase the driving pleasure. But the Karizma is a sports bike and not a cruiser, so do not expect long drives to be anywhere near comfortable. The novice biker will especially enjoy the easy handling of the bike. An intimidating machine at first glance, it settles down to be a rather tame beast once it is ridden. The frame construction is rather conventional with a single down tube but the superb suspension set-up makes up for it. Being a performance oriented bike and a bulky one at that (all of 150 kg) one would expect low mileage figured. But here is where one is pleasantly surprised; the Karizma with some good driving returns an average of 30kmpl in the city and up to 45 kmpl in the highways. The highly competent brakes with a stopping distance of just 18 meters from 70 Kmph and the huge wheelbase all make for one perfect package.
If one were to complain about the Karizma, it would have to be about minor issues like the poor horns (it would be much better if you started shouting) and the high price. The price situation has been rectified by Hero Honda wit the karizma being sold at a mere Rs. 67,587/-. That will be money well spent. The new Karizma R is considerably pricier at Rs. 82,220/-. It’s difficult to fathom the huge gap in price and the lower spec Karizma is the best deal out there if one is looking for a sporty alternative.
There were rumors that Hero Honda is going to launch an upgraded variant of Karizma R and name it Karizma Fi but there was no official confirmation about it. Only time would have to tell, but for now here are some pictures.
October 2, 2009
im looking fwd to buy karizma r…….can u pleez give some suggestions……