Hero Karizma (2012-2017)

Hero along with its new technology partner ‘Erik Buell Racing’ gave its most appealing motorcycle, Karizma a major cosmetic update. The update was highly required as the previous design was not matching the current generation standards. Hence, the company made the major changes to make it compete against the same segment bikes of other manufacturers. The 2015 Hero  Karizma R features all the elements a youngster craves to have in his personal motorcycle. It has style, power, attitude, reliability and trust of Hero, which is enough for an Indian to play his bet on the motorcycle.

Hero Karizma R houses a 223cc, air cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, OHC engine, which generates 19.35bhp of maximum power and the highest torque of 19.35Nm. It is connected to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. Bolted on a Diamond type chassis, the bike weighs around 154 kgs.

The motorcycle is available in five colours, which includes Ebony Grey, Power Black, Sports Red, Daring Yellow and Spotlight White. The stunning colors are also painted on the front fender, rear view mirrors and engine cowl. With minimalistic body panels, the bike looks more aggressive and ready to hit the maximum speed. The instrument cluster of the motorcycle showcases a speedometer, tachometer, trip meter, etc.

Hero Karizma, being the first entry-level performance bike of the country actually gave an idea to other manufacturers to bring or develop such motorcycles and improve the motorcycling standards in India. 

Keeping the people spellbound, the design of the Hero Karizma comes from the innovative heads of Erik Buell Racing. The Diamond frame keeps the agility and the durability alive. However, the semi fairing is newly composed and looks refreshing with Dual Dynamic headlamps and LED position lamps. The side indicators of the bike are integrated on either side of the headlamps. The long front visor makes the aerodynamics better and sports a number plate and the rear view mirrors are dipped in body color. The sporty clip-on handlebars enhance the riding position and improve comfort.

Semi fairing of the motorcycle looks good with the intelligent fuel tank design offering enough leg space for the rider. The engine of the bike is protected by a cowl that adds sporty appeal to the motorcycle. A sporty split-seat along with a sharper rear end makes it look more appreciable. The rear tail light is set on a stylish fender along with the side indicators, reflector and number plate. Five-spoke alloy wheels in black colour scheme and the robust silencer suits the pleasant design of the motorcycle. Coming to the dimension, it has a length of 2110mm, 1175mm of height and 805mm of width.

The 2015 Hero Karizma R is powered with 223cc, 4 stroke, single cylinder, air cooled engine that produces the maximum power of 19.2bhp at 7,500 rpm and the peak torque of 19.35Nm at 6000 rpm. It has 5-speed constant mesh gearbox having one down-four up shift pattern. The bike feels pretty relaxed and calm even at the top speed of 126kmph with a negligible amount of harshness and vibrations peeping onto your legs. 

This is the strongest forte of Hero Karizma. The split seat is very comfortable and provides you ample amount of room. The seating posture is somewhat sportier, with low positioned handlebars and mildly rear-set footpegs, which comes in the way a bit while kick-starting. Though, the presence of split seats and adjustable clip-on handlebars can spice up its appeal. The Karizma R sports telescopic forks at its front and features 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear that offers a stress free ride. The bike has a big 276mm disc brake at its front and a 130mm drum at the rear. Hero still did not provide an option of rear disk brake and ABS, which could have helped with shorter and effective braking. This bike has always been regarded as one of the best tourer bikes in India, with its stable relation of ride and handling impressing many riders and giving them confidence even at high speeds. Though, the skinny profile of its tyres prohibits the rider to push the bike beyond its limits. 

Apart from its 276mm front disc brake, Hero hasn't offered any modern safety equipments in this motorcycle. The company should introduce ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and rear disc brakes in future.