Hi, Before starting, lemme explain u all readers that I don’t own this horse still I believe if Hero Honda does some pitiful work, M sure they can give some tough job to newbbies Fi(s) and Fazer(s). Btw this revu is based on my experiences, now with countless rides.
September 2003:I was returning to Collge from my hometown, suddenly all of us (bus commuters) noticed a sexo 2 wheelie overtaking with breathtaking acceleration. Coz we’ere traveling in Jat Xpress (HR Roadways) so Mr Pilot tried some overtaking tac-ticks, arghh usless !!. When I reached Hostel, got surprised to know that one more hostellite, brought a 223cc beast. After some months I got a chance to drove his 223cc monster. Seriously speaking the first performance vehicle I drove was Karizma. Next Fiero, CBZ ......at last Pulsar. Surpised ???:D
Looks: Needless to say anything, but to me except headlights and front fairing, everything seemed perfect. Ergonomics, for what Hero Honda is famous for, very distinguished from pulsar(s) along with paint finish, the best job. Unicorn’s tail fairing too inspired from Karizma.
Engine and Transmission: This section can b seen on other(s) revu or on the company’s website itself. So straight away jumping to ..............
Performance: My first test drive gave answer to all my new doubts, how a performance bike performs. But the way I test drived 180 and karizma was worth to pen down. December 2005, reached Metro Motors and asked about the tech-specs of Karizma (I was testing Salesman). He brought the bike, landed out of showroom. Karizma, Fully loaded with battery charged (u won’t get during test rides). Digital Display working fine. So finally Mr Sandeep, Lets Jet set go… One two three…..Sounds like FFHHHRRRRRRRRRRRR. Btw liked it :).
Pickup Not much .. what I expected after driving CBZ that Karizma must have colossal pickup. Sorry 180 has the best pickup till date, 150 kgs+17 bhp doesn’t make impressions over 140 kgs + 16.5 bhps.
Riding Position Not much comfortable. M very comfortable on Pulsars, even I wasn’t have any that time. Still Pulsar(s) riding position are best for tall guys. But one thing, no one has complained about irritating back-aches on Zma till date.
Handling/Maneuvrability Ok on low speeds, Best on High speeds.Four ....This gear is the initiator for dragging. The sleeping beast wakes up!! “yo man .. I m fine , Go On Buddy”.OverDrive..Fifth GearDriving @ OD took me around 130 with least vibes seen on rear mirros. Driving @ OD is outrageous while maxxing from 90-130 in minimal timestamps. That’s how the horse performs. Simply begs you to drive hard…and hard…on an empty roads with extreme stability. No one can even dare to challenge.
Hence “Objects in the rear view are always Cars”
Fuel Efficiency can be anything between 25-42 kmpl depending upon different riding styles.
Spare parts and Maintenance: are expensive. My friend met an accident somedays before, finally shelled out 2200 bucks for replacing front panel.
Electricals: Too good. Digital display one of its own kind. Electric Start doesn’t make annoying noise like pulsar does.
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OVERALL_VERDICT:
Comparing Desi Honda with Desi competitors, simply I wanna point out: Apart from Ergonomics and paint job, Hero Honda performance techs aims at 60 + speeds with minimal treble, maximum bass. Say for eg CBZ, A wonderful product with TPFC technique aiming @ 60-100 at one GO. Other/Current 150cc impresses within 0 to 60. Similarly Karizma performance tech obssess between 80-120 in heartthrobbing seconds, which no one has yet achieved. But Still if Hero Honda gives more power in 223cc (atleast >17ps), I m sure this baby wakes up early, can create similar menance like 180 does @ redlights/street racing and might reach beyond 140. Since Hero Honda performance factors doesn’t include mileage, it won’t b a big issue. Isn’t?
Till then 140 + is a dream .. :D
© Sandeep, 02 May 2k6