Digital Hero
Hero Honda Karizma Test Drive and Review
The growing appetite of Indian youths to vroom performance bikes was rightly caught by the Indo-Japanese élan. Hero Honda’s Karizma launched in March 2003, breaking the 200cc barrier in Indian two wheelers, introducing all big 223cc engine executing 17bhp through a 4 stroke single cylinder OHC engine is a driving delight for all road zippers at a competitive price tag of Rs.81,253 (Ex-Showroom, Pune) Hero Honda Karizma got a cosmetic upgrade called as Karizma R in 2008 and later resurrected as Karizma ZMR in 2009. So, in this contemporary review, let’s go through the Karizma R’s styling, engine, performance and finally our verdict.
Ever since Pulsar came to Indian market, styling was the buzz word for buyers, and a deep thought for Bajaj’s rivals. Hero Honda’s design team had wisely matched the hopes of people by giving a lavish flaring work to Karizma’s front. It definitely poses a bigger appeal than any bike in Indian market. Thanks to the lengthy chassis and the broader tyres. The Half – faring is adjoining the tank and enclosing the handlebar, allowing free turns. The high positioned visor surely is an eye-turner on roads. The faring encompasses a tri-dial instrument, which is a combo of analog and digital clusters with useful information in an attractive all-new sporty yellow background red fonts theme. Fellows who are tired with the grey and dull monotonous dashes on their bikes will feel delighted to see this international standard cluster of Karizma.
The first dial of the instrument cluster has the tachometer; second one is a speedometer with a maximum speed of 180(top speed is just 125kmph) and two round iconic Neutral and High beam indicators plus the thin lines indicating the various range of speeds for the respective 5 gears. The third dial is completely digital showing fuel level, clock (who likes to tie a wrist watch) , trip meter and odometer readings. Two black knobs for setting clock and trip meter while, the top edges have a twin left and right turn signal indicators.
The key slot is a mounted boxy rectangular plastic case with an attractive key slot. The right arm of the handlebar incorporates the lights on/off switch and a self starter with an additional pass switch at the top notch, whereas the left arm has nothing special but Hero Honda’s traditional DNA buttons.The engine compartment can be decorated by an attractive body colored engine cowl, summing up an aggressive sporty stance. Except the cowl regions of the bike, the remaining part of the bike is adequately midsized for a solid feel. Thanks to the design team for the giving smooth edged curvy seats for better grip of holding Karizma when vrooming in streets. The double colored chain-set with black at the bottom and silver at the top attributes cool looks to the lower machinery parts. The twin tail lamps at the rear, so unique, glows more as the second filament of the bulbs add on applying brakes. The side indicators are a little old fashioned with complete orange colors.
Wide open the throttle and you shall find a fast but gradual refined engine’s performance that doesn’t disappoint the adrenal rush of the riders’ blood. The 17 BHP@7000 rpm, allows you to rev harder and retrieve power from this 223cc long bore heart of Karizma. The 66.2mm of stroke longer than its bore length which is 65.5mm, allows a neat pull even at lower rpm, a unique characteristics not found in other bikes. This feature improves the longevity of the engine, bike and also gives a relaxed driving mode. Zipping it in traffic isn’t worth a try, as you need to calculate enough space before cutting through the other riders as the engine takes quicker time to come alive which you might feel surprised.
Jet Set Go, the one liner of Karizma aptly matches this delightful street performer. Hop on into the seat, press start; you will get the mild grunt of the engine. Shifting gears, turning corners, cutting through traffic, wheelies, burn out, what not can you do with a Karizma between your legs? Everything is possible with this racing sprint.Honda’s refinement needs a mention at this juncture. The smooth delivery of power increases the judging power of the rider and helps in calculate well ahead avoiding mishaps. Also, the chassis and the engine compartment fits like a perfect match, that no rattling is felt whenever you rip off the engine, cunningly on higher rpm for more power. In fact, the 3 digit figures are an easy go for Karizma, thanks to the aerodynamic body design.
Fast cornering is another interesting factor to be mentioned. The longer wheelbase, and well balanced overall weight of the bike, allows you to tilt the bike with confidence and gallop corners in a relaxed manner. The Pulsar 180, which is the closest rival, in terms of power, doesn’t stand up when compared to the ability of Karizma’s handling at turnings.Gear ratios are apt for deriving power as well as normal driving. Karizma’s longer stroke to bore ratio does the magic of gliding at lower speeds in higher gears, without much fuss. What if a high speed bike doesn’t stop as you wished? Karizma’s 276mm disc (so far the largest on Indian roads) does it all. Combined with the rear drum brake, the bike can be immobilized, sooner than you can imagine. A mere 14 meters from 60-0 kmph is quite good. The MRF rubbers do a decent job in wet terrains and perform well in dry roads. Well, mileage is not an important aspect of Karizma, but to our surprise, the 223 cc engine returns 35-40kmpl of fuel efficiency, the worst could even be 28, for those who drag race often. Karizma comes in 5 different colors, sports Red, violent Blue, moon Yellow, and force Silver and Black.
Indian youngsters are getting ready for a new era of biking and Hero Honda Karizma Test Drive has given a kick start. With ever increasing demand of commuter bikes, performance bikes are a phase apart than just riding between a source and destination. Negotiating a classy curve, dragging with a friend on a highway, going for a long trip to a deserted temple, all are enjoyable with a Karizma on your garage. No bike in India can take you faster and safer with such a relaxing riding feel. With a price tag of a little above 80k, Hero Honda Karizma R is the right choice for you, Mr. Racer. Jet Set Gooooooooooo….
About the Author
Vickynitin is a popular enthusiast on Indian automotives. He writes about Hero Honda and answers many user queries.
|
|
HTC Hero 4G/Kingdom Protector Cover Lizzo Digital Camo Green/Black Fishbone $8.49 |
|
|
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA “TURTLES HEROES ON A HALF SHELL” RAPHAEL DIGITAL WATCH 1993 $20.00 |
|
|
Pokemon Heroes (2004) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dvd) $2.97 |
|
|
Kellys Heroes (Repkg) (2010) – Used – Digital Video Dis $1.99 |
|
|
Movie Hero (2006) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dvd) $1.99 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO2 Surf Edition 11.0 MP Digital Camera – Silver $280.00 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO 1080p Digital Camera INCLUDES 32g SD card $162.50 |
|
|
GoPro Digital Hero 3 Silver Camcorder w/ 1GB SD Card Wrist Case Mount RCA Cords $102.50 |
|
|
Presonus StudioLive 24.4.2 Digital Mixer – 10% Goes to Fallen Hero Foundation! $3,174.95 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO2 11.0 MP Digital Camera – Silver $200.00 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO2 Outdoor Edition, 8.5 Megapixel Digital Action Sports Video Camera $299.99 |
|
|
DIGITAL CAMO GREEN/BLACK HARD CASE FOR HTC ADR6285 HERO 4G/KINGDOM PROTECTOR $8.99 |
|
|
DIGITAL CAMO GREEN/BLACK HARD CASE FOR HTC ADR6285 HERO 4G/KINGDOM PROTECTOR $8.99 |
|
|
U.S ARMY MILITARY CHILD BOY COSTUMES JUNGLE DESERT DIGITAL HERO SOLDIER UNIFORM $32.99 |
|
|
U.S ARMY MILITARY CHILD BOY COSTUMES JUNGLE DESERT DIGITAL HERO SOLDIER UNIFORM $32.99 |
|
|
U.S ARMY MILITARY CHILD BOY COSTUMES JUNGLE DESERT DIGITAL HERO SOLDIER UNIFORM $32.99 |
|
|
U.S ARMY MILITARY CHILD BOY COSTUMES JUNGLE DESERT DIGITAL HERO SOLDIER UNIFORM $32.99 |
|
|
U.S ARMY MILITARY CHILD BOY COSTUMES JUNGLE DESERT DIGITAL HERO SOLDIER UNIFORM $32.99 |
|
|
U.S ARMY MILITARY CHILD BOY COSTUMES JUNGLE DESERT DIGITAL HERO SOLDIER UNIFORM $32.99 |
|
|
U.S ARMY MILITARY CHILD BOY COSTUMES JUNGLE DESERT DIGITAL HERO SOLDIER UNIFORM $32.99 |
|
|
U.S ARMY MILITARY CHILD BOY COSTUMES JUNGLE DESERT DIGITAL HERO SOLDIER UNIFORM $32.99 |
|
|
U.S ARMY MILITARY CHILD BOY COSTUMES JUNGLE DESERT DIGITAL HERO SOLDIER UNIFORM $32.99 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO Naked 5.0 MP Digital Camera – Silver $100.00 |
|
|
Hero Factory Rise Of The Rooki (2010) – New – Digital V $10.00 |
|
|
Heroes Of Bikini Bottom (2011) – New – Digital Video Di $10.40 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO2 Surf Edition 11.0 MP Digital Camera – Silver $199.99 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO2 Motorsports Edition 11.0 MP Digital Camera – Silver $250.00 |
|
|
US Hero Digital Camo Costume Child Size Large 12-14 $30.49 |
|
|
GoPro HD Hero Helmet Digital Camera | No Reserve $129.00 |
|
|
Digital Camera Battery for Gopro HD Helmet Motorsports Surf HERO AHDBT-001 $6.99 |
|
|
Digital Camera Battery for Gopro HD HERO Naked 960 1080p AHDBT-001 $6.99 |
|
|
GO PRO HERO DIGITAL CAMERA WITH CASE, AND 2GB SD CARD bundle $85.00 |
|
|
Lensse MidPro DSLR Digital Camera Stabilizer Steadicam iPhone 4S GOPro Hero 2 $123.73 |
|
|
Hogans Heroes S5 (2006) – New – Digital Video Disc (Dvd $21.56 |
|
|
USED Silver GoPro HD Hero Digital Video Camcorder & Camera with Accessories $100.69 |
|
|
Dvd-age Of Heroes (2012) – Previously Viewed – Digital $10.81 |
|
|
Hero (Blu-ray Disc, 2009, 2-Disc Set, Special Edition; Includes Digital Copy) $17.99 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO2 Motorsports Edition 11.0 MP Digital Camera – Silver $240.00 |
|
|
Digital1stop Rin Tin Tin-americas Canine Hero [dvd/4 Disc] $9.50 |
|
|
Digital Camera Battery for Gopro HD Helmet Motorsports Surf HERO AHDBT-001 $6.99 |
|
|
Digital Camera Battery for Gopro HD HERO Naked 960 1080p AHDBT-001 $6.99 |
|
|
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor (PC, 2009) [STEAM DIGITAL DOWNLOAD] $4.99 |
|
|
Company of Heroes (PC, 2006) [STEAM DIGITAL DOWNLOAD] $2.99 |
|
|
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts (PC, 2007) [STEAM DIGITAL DOWNLOAD] $4.99 |
|
|
Hero 108 S1 V3 (2011) – New – Digital Video Disc (Dvd) $5.63 |
|
|
GoPro Digital Hero 3 RARE Yellow Body w/ 2GB SD Wrist Housing Mount RCA Cables $51.00 |
|
|
GoPro Motorsports Hero Digital Hero 5 Helmet Camera System 424284 $239.95 |
|
|
Age Of Heroes (2012) – New – Digital Video Disc (Dvd) $14.69 |
|
|
Digital1stop Heroes Of The Old West [dvd/4 Disc/10 Movies/20 Episodes] $9.50 |
|
|
NEW GoPro HD Hero2 Surf Edition Professional 1080p Digital Video Camera $279.99 |
|
|
NEW GoPro Battery BacPac HD Hero Hero2 Digital Camera $39.99 |
|
|
NEW GoPro LCD BacPac Screen HD Hero Hero2 Digital Camera $74.99 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO2 Motorsports Edition 11.0 MP Digital Camera – Silver $199.95 |
|
|
*Hero Arts EMBELLISHMENT PACK Digital Design Kit CD $23.99 |
|
|
*Hero Arts FLOWERS Digital Design Kit CD $23.99 |
|
|
*Hero Arts THE ART OF STYLE Digital Design Kit CD $23.99 |
|
|
Iron Monster & Sesame Heroes (2012) – New – Digital Vid $9.52 |
|
|
Digital1stop Greatest American Hero-complete Series [dvd/9 Disc] $26.41 |
|
|
Digital1stop Camp Nowhere/secret Of Lost Legend/my Father My Hero [dvd/tfe/2 $9.40 |
|
|
Iron Man 2 Marvel Hero Red Digital LCD Watch $7.99 |
|
|
Higglytown Heroes To The Rescu (2007) – Used – Digital $2.62 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO2 Surf Edition 11.0 MP Digital Camera – Silver $180.00 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO2 Surf Edition 11.0 MP Digital Camera – Silver $250.00 |
|
|
For Sprint HTC Hero Phone Digital Camo Yellow Accessory Hard Case Cover $6.95 |
|
|
Vocopro HERORV 4-Channel MultiFormat Portable PA System w/Digital Reverb HERO-RV $509.00 |
|
|
LIM HYUNG JOO – My Hero (Mini Album) + Sony Sampler + Digital Single CD *NEW* $24.99 |
|
|
Super Hero Squad S1 V4 (2011) – New – Digital Video Dis $9.69 |
|
|
Hogans Heroes Fan Favorites (2012) – New – Digital Vide $10.40 |
|
|
Last Action Hero (1997) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dv $1.99 |
|
|
Deadly China Hero (Sub) (2000) – Used – Digital Video D $1.99 |
|
|
Kellys Heroes (2000) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dvd) $1.99 |
|
|
Hero (1999) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dvd) $1.99 |
|
|
Dragonball Gt Movie A Heros Le (2004) – Used – Digital $1.99 |
|
|
Imaginary Heroes (2005) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dv $1.99 |
|
|
Hero (2004) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dvd) $1.99 |
|
|
Tiny Heroes (2004) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dvd) $1.99 |
|
|
Aura Battler Hero (2003) – Used – Digital Video Disc (D $1.99 |
|
|
Almost Heroes (Ws) (2005) – Used – Digital Video Disc ( $1.99 |
|
|
Five Kung Fu Daredivil Heroes (2005) – Used – Digital V $1.99 |
|
|
Hero Of Shanghai (2003) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dv $2.33 |
|
|
Heroes Of Iwo Jima (2001) – Used – Digital Video Disc ( $1.99 |
|
|
Everyones Hero (Ws) (2007) – Used – Digital Video Disc $1.99 |
|
|
One Mans Hero (2000) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dvd) $1.99 |
|
|
Real American Hero (2004) – Used – Digital Video Disc ( $1.99 |
|
|
Hoverboard Heroes (2002) – Used – Digital Video Disc (D $1.99 |
|
|
South Bronx Heroes (2004) – Used – Digital Video Disc ( $1.99 |
|
|
Real Heroes In Action (1998) – Used – Digital Video Dis $3.75 |
|
|
South Bronx Heroes (2001) – Used – Digital Video Disc ( $1.99 |
|
|
Hero Wanted (2008) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dvd) $1.99 |
|
|
Heroes Of Tomorrow (Ws) (2008) – Used – Digital Video D $1.99 |
|
|
Starship Troopers 2 Hero (Se) (2004) – Used – Digital V $1.99 |
|
|
Dvd-bollywood Hero (2010) – Previously Viewed – Digital $2.48 |
|
|
Dvd-shoot The Hero (2010) – Previously Viewed – Digital $1.99 |
|
|
Shoot The Hero (2010) – Used – Digital Video Disc (Dvd) $1.99 |
|
|
Epoch Game & Watch Digit com Jungle Hero Complete $154.99 |
|
|
Comic Book Heroes (2000) – Used – Digital Video Disc (D $1.99 |
|
|
GoPro HD HERO2 Outdoor Edition 11.0 MP Digital Camera – Silver CHDHH-002 $259.95 |
|
|
Marvel Heroes 2 Guitar Pick Pa (2011) – New – Digital V $9.99 |
|
|
World’s Greatest Heroes Maxiplay Digital Recording $7.95 |
|
|
E3 2011 Square – Enix Digital Brochure Heroes Of Ruin $3.95 |
