Had to buy my second bike as I moved to Bangalore. ’’Which one?’’ - was a big question. Having used Yamaha RX-135 for 6 years, going for a less powered bike was not possible. Tested all bike available in the market then - from Boxer to Pulsar 180. Amazed with Pulsar 180s performance, had almost gone for it when a colleague referred a Hero Honda bike to me. Had heard of it but never seen it. Decided to test drive the new machine in the market. ’’Sexy!!’’ is all I could say when I saw the bike for the first time. The test drive made me crazy for it. It was the Karizma introduced by Hero Honda, the first sports bike introduced in India.
I had to go for it for many reasons and so did I. It was a year ago. Wished to write a review as soon as I bought it, but after reading some pessimistic reviews I preferred to wait and test it personally. Now I can proudly say that its worth what you are paying for.
Look out for what you expect off your bike before you buy it. I wanted pickup, less weight (as compared to others in its category), style, excellent Control and technology.
Karizma offers all them at a price bit higher that the rest. The 223cc machine has an awesome pickup. It cruises steadily above 100 kmph unlike other bikes. I personally tested it till 120 kmph – couldn’t dare go beyond it. Will surely do it soon.
I personally feel the only bike, which is a bit closer in comparison to Karizma, is the Bajaj Pulsar 180. It’s lighter in weight than other bikes in its category. Karizma weighs around 150 Kgs whereas the might Pulsar 180 is 210 Kgs (this weight was mentioned in the Pulsar manual a year back). Lesser weight helps in better maneuvering and control.
Style - Should I say anything about it? The body says it all. Any color would look good but I preferred the color of the Sunflower - they call it ’’Moon Yellow’’. The digital fuel indicator, distance counter, tripper and clock add to the flair. Mag wheels (wheels made from magnesium alloy not the ones with spokes), stylish indicators and controls enhance the looks.
The high-speed machine is equipped with front disc brakes and rear shoe type brakes for excellent control. Moreover you enjoy a smooth ride with the well-designed shock absorbers.
The digital meter on the control panel provides accurate data. Use of digital equipments has surely given the bike an edge over the others. A speedometer, rpm (revolutions per minute) meter, fuel indicator, distance counter, tripper and clock improve the use of the control panel. A clock was what I desperately wanted while riding a bike.
I read a few reviews complain about the maintenance cost of the bike. I personally don’t agree to those. Though the accessories might seem a bit expensive but with the care taken in the design you can stay assured to be down on expenses.
To sum up:
Advantages:
1) Pickup
2) Less weight (as compared to others in its category)
3) Style
4) Excellent Control
5) Technology
Disadvantages:
1) No center/knee guard (important in case of a skid/loss of control)
2) Mileage - Its around 35 kmph (worth for the power it has)
3) Bit highly priced accessories (believe me if you drive properly its not an issue)
Over all it’s a ’GO’ from me for this superb machine. It’s for those who have passion for style ’n’ speed and who can love ’n’ afford it.