After owning a RX100 for 15 years, it was not easy for me to go for another bike which could match this bike in terms of power & zippiness. I somehow disliked a 4 stroke & was not ready to look or ride one even for a test ride. I made a mistake by selling my Rx100 and then moving to another 2 stroke which was like moving from a horse to a donkey. But recently when Bajaj with all hype released the Pulsar 200, I somehow dragged myself to the probiking showroom for a test drive. The experience on that bike still increased my frustration towards a 4 stroke.
Finally my son insisted that I go for a test ride of Karizma(he used to love the Hrithik ad). One Saturday, I again went to a HH showroom close to my house, there in the showroom stood a black colour KARIZMA (with the new stickering). I felt an enormous attraction for this bike looking at its shape, design and the build. I checked for a test ride and was given an old one. My first impression on this bike changed my notion of a 4 stroke....This was a monster and the power and pickup just thrilled me. The amazing handling ability, the great stability of this bike, power on the throttle, stupendous braking just made me forget the loyalty I had for a RX100
Immediately, I checked with the showroom if they would sell the black beauty which was there in the showroom (was just trying my luck since I knew that someone would have booked that one). The Dealer mentioned that they had infact downloaded this bike from the truck an hour ago and was mainly for display in their showroom. But somehow I coaxed him to sell the bike, he agreed on the condition that I pay him immediately (and not going for a finance). Being a bike fanatic and with a high which I had after the test ride, I immediately agreed to swipe my card for 85K with 2% credit card charges also paid. The dealer asked me to pick the ZMA the same evening after getting it registered
When I got my bike, I was so thrilled riding the same, I did 200 kms the same day in the city. Its been 6 months now since I have owned this monster and till date I have hardly touched my car for going anywhere.... even to my office. The long stroke, the initial pickup, the build quality, the design....I think nothing compares to this one, even if Pulsar is now showing its P220. The Bajaj quality compared to HH is very pathetic and the initial ride of P200 did not set any adrenaline in my nerves
In Six months I have done about 6K Kms and my son just loves to be a pillion rider on this bike. Many suggested to change the rear tyre but I know it will hamper the performance especially the initial torque. I have never bothered about mileage and will not do so when I ride this bike.....every signal when turns red is a thrill, since it allows me to zoom ahead leaving other vehicles behind. Once a P200 tried its best to take over me but my pickup on the 3rd gear just waived the Pulsar bye bye. I suggest that this is one bike every bike enthusiast should experience.....any other Indian bike after riding this is not a thriller. Wish this bike had a Fuel Injection, a bit more BHP (say 20) and nitrox shocs. This would have really given more agility to already a winner in its category