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Hero Karizma XMR Review: Return Of The OG Boss
The year was 2003, and neither we nor our roads were not what happened next. Hero Motocorp (then Hero Honda) lifted the veil of its brand-new sports tourer that was unlike anything we'd seen before, opening the way for a "Jet, Set, Go" speed revolution on our streets.
The motorcycle in question was the Hero (Honda) Karizma, and it changed how Indians looked at their two-wheeled steeds. That motorcycle was 20 years ago, and after a few iterations and rejigs, Hero has resurrected the Karizma in an all-new avatar.
So, does the Hero Karizma XMR have what it takes to send this venerable badge to a new level of greatness? We rode the all-new Hero Karizma XMR in the sun on Delhi's roads to get the answers.
Hero Karizma XMR Review: Design & Features - Sharp Suited King
One look at the Hero Karizma XMR shows you how different the new motorcycle is from its forbears. While the first Karizma was a Honda design, the 2014 update to the ZMR and R lineups had quite a lot of work from the Eric Buell Racing design department.
The new Hero Karizma XMR is a pure Hero design, made rather evident by the H-shaped design for the DRLs and taillight. Between the swoopy legs of the H-shaped DRLs sits the LED headlamp.
Above the rather pointy headlamp setup sits an adjustable windscreen (a first for the segment). The rear-view mirrors and the front turn signals sit higher on the front fairing of the Karizma XMR.
Dominating the sides of the Karizma XMR is the multi-layered aerodynamic full fairing of the sports tourer. Hero claims that this helps the bike cut through the air and also aids with cooling. XMR and Hero logos are visible on these air shredders.
The muscular 11-litre fuel tank of the new Karizma sports black panels just above where your knees would sit. These panels add an extra layer of texture and contrast to the Karizma XMR.
Other major design highlights of the Karizma XMR include the clip-on handlebars, bronze engine highlights, 14-spoke alloy wheels, split seat setup, stubby exhaust and a narrow tail section with split grab handles. Sitting just above the rear registration plate mount are the rear blinkers.
The Karizma XMR also sports a fully digital instrument cluster. The LCD offers Bluetooth connectivity allowing owners to hook up their devices with the Karizma. This, in turn, allows for incoming call/SMS alerts along with turn-by-turn navigation, a first for the segment. Also seen is a fast-charging USB port to keep the phones topped up.
Hero Karizma XMR Review: Specs & Dimensions - All-New Goodness
The Hero Karizma XMR is powered by a brand-new liquid-cooled 210cc, DOHC single-cylinder, four-valve engine. This high-revving single produces 25.15bhp at 9,250rpm and 20.4Nm of peak torque at 7,250rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch.
The Karizma XMR sports a brand new trellis frame setup made from high-tensile steel suspended off 37mm telescopic front forks and a gas-charged monoshock with 6 steps of preload adjustment.
The all-new Hero Karizma XMR rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 100/80 (front) and 140/70 (rear) tyres. Braking duties are handled by petal discs on both ends aided by dual-channel ABS. The front disc is a 300mm unit while the rear anchor is a 220mm unit.
The all-new Hero Karizma XMR is 2,068mm long, 760mm wide and 1,110mm tall and it sports a 1,351mm long wheelbase. The Karizma XMR weighs 163.5 kilogrammes, offers 160mm of ground clearance and a seat height of 810mm.
Hero Karizma XMR Review: Riding Impressions - Rev Happy Sport Tourer
The Hero Karizma XMR comes from a sport tourer lineage and the newest motorcycle to bear the Karizma name not only lives up to the legacy of its predecessors but surpasses them.
The new liquid-cooled DOHC engine is smooth as silk and you don't feel any vibrations even as you get into the triple digits. Up till 4,500 revolutions, the engine revs linearly but once past that number, the power band kicks in.
From 5,000 to 9,500rpm, the engine is at its best, racing through the revs. You'll find yourself surging up to the redline of 9,800rpm and smoothly shifting up to the next gear (helped by the slipper and assist clutch) means you can enjoy that feeling all over again.
Taking the Karizma XMR out for those long tours through the heartlands is still as brilliant as ever. The soft seat is very well cushioned and long-distance journeys are something you can do easily with XMR even though the footpegs are slightly rear-set and the handlebars are a bit on the lower side.
The suspension setup on the Hero Karizma XMR is well-balanced though the front end is slightly on the softer side. The front end does dive a little bit when you hit the anchors, which offers a good bit and brings the Karizma to a halt in double quick time.
The ABS too felt slightly off, with the front being a bit slower to react than the rear which does feel a bit odd when you hit the corners.
Hero Karizma XMR Review: Verdict & Final Thoughts - The Return of The OG Boss
The Hero Karizma XMR resurrects a name that many rivals wished stayed in the past for good. And the OG boss of affordable sport tourers is back at its best in its latest avatar and with a price tag of Rs 1.73 lakh (ex-showroom) the Hero Karizma XMR is a brilliant option for those either looking to get into the game for the first time or fold old times sake.
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