Karizma headlines
Hero Honda unveils 223-cc Karizma
Hero Honda Motors Ltd has launched 223-cc motorcycle ‘Karizma’ (pronounced karitzma), priced at Rs 79000 (ex-showroom)....
WHAT does a two-wheeler company cornered by a combination of intense competition and sliding market share do?
Even more so, if it is also faced with the prospect of losing its rank in the `technology pecking order’ and is likely to face the heat from bikes launched by its own joint venture partner. (hinting on HONDA UNICORN)
Pretty simple, launch a loaded, tech-heavy, `design rich’ bike, with a fancy name and price tag and more power than you can imagine or need. If you have not guessed yet, we are talking here about Hero Honda and its roll out, the `Karizma’.
From being a reluctant, but undisputed market leader, offering value-for-money, no frills bikes to a market leader showcasing its design and technological prowess in an all out effort to retain its market share, Hero Honda has come a long way.
The focus this week is on the new big bike of Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML) that seems close to sharing its name with a popular Bollywood heroine. `Karizma’ is HHML’s answer to all those that thought new technology may not be within its reach any more.
Features feast :-->
The Karizma is loaded with advanced technology features, such as the AMI system with CCVI, ignition cut-off and a constant vacuum carburettor, to enhance riding performance.
It also boasts of a number of exclusive firsts such as a digital odometer, digital tripmeter, digital fuel gauge and a real-time clock that guarantee more precise measurements than the traditional gauges.
Targeted at the upwardly mobile and the frills- and power-loving biker, the 223cc Karizma is aimed at creating a new segment within the two-wheeler industry. The bike pumps up a huge 17 PS of power at 7, 000 rpm.
Cutting through the tech jargon and to highlight some of the features of the Karizma, the most prominent is the new advanced microprocessor ignition (AMI) system. This has been coupled with an intelligent carburettor with CCVI (carb controlled variable ignition), to help in better control of ignition timing.
Simply put, this further improves the drivability, by providing the right level of acceleration and throttle response, and betters the fuel-efficiency.
An ignition cut-off feature has been added to prevent damage to the engine at high rpm levels.
The new constant vacuum carburettor in the Karizma is said to provide the right air-fuel mixture required by the engine, independent of the external conditions such as air temperature, density and humidity.
A feature that will surely be appreciated in the varied and difficult road conditions across the country.
Going digital :-->
The Karizma’s digital firsts, many of which were only recently introduced in Indian cars, include the digital odometer, digital tripmeter, digital fuel gauge and the real-time clock.
The neatly laid out instrument cluster acquires a new look and meaning with these new digital gauges.
The Karizma comes with a five-speed constant mesh gear-box, multi-plate wet-type clutch and a self-start engine option. The large fuel tank has a capacity of 15 litres, with a two-litre reserve. To tackle the massive 17 PS of power, HHML has added a large front disc brake for the bike, which offers effective braking with minimal of effort.
The company has claimed that the braking effectiveness will not diminish even under extreme weather conditions. That should be a relief given the rated maximum speed of 125 kmph.
Catching the eye :--->
While the Karizma’s slightly smaller sibling, the CBZ, was no less futuristic, HHML has added a better paint job, lots of curved panels and crystal glass headlamp and tail-lamp clusters to take the Karizma a notch higher in terms of appeal.
Niche pricing :-->
Overall, the fit and finish quality is excellent. Ride quality, as expected, is also good. New colours, such as turquoise blue and jet black, lend more character to the bike. But with the Karizma priced at a massive Rs 83, 000 plus, in most markets around the country, HHML must be only expecting small numbers from this bike. For diehard Hero Honda fans who have not yet checked out the Karizma, they might want to take that cheque book along to the showroom. For the mid-size car owner, it could be a trendy week-end escape vehicle.
And as for the others, they may want to consider a few competitively priced second-hand cars before being ensnared by the Karizma.
Karizma worth a buy!!!!