2014 Hero Karizma R vs Bajaj Pulsar 220: Comparison Review

These aren’t the fastest bikes in the market. Nor do they have the sexy silhouette of bigger CBUs. But with a much more affordable price tag, the 2014 Hero Karizma R and Bajaj Pulsar 220 make an attractive and practical option in the motorcycle market, simply for their do-it-all demeanor.

These compact ‘sports bikes’ will help you commute quickly and comfortably, with a dash of style and performance that a lakh of rupee can buy. And to make this battle for supremacy a tad more competitive, we pitted the recently upgraded Hero Karizma R against the Bajaj Pulsar 220, to see which one shines through.

Design and Features

At a glance, it’s evident that both the bikes have a lot in common, yet are completely different in terms of their approach. For me, the Bajaj Pulsar 220 appears to be better executed and more proportionate. But over the last seven years of its existence, the Pulsar has started to show signs of ageing. But with its sensuous curves, the Pulsar promises to be high on performance. 

The features on the Bajaj is fairly comprehensive with digital speedo and analog tacho, clip-on handlebar, twin projector headlamps, front and rear disc brakes, telescopic front forks in combination with five step adjustable gas-charged rear shock-absorbers, split seats and grab-rail, engine kill switch and even self-cancelling indicators.

The 2014 Hero Karizma R has a lot in common with the full fairing equipped sibling Hero Karizma ZMR. It seems to have been inspired by Hero’s American partner Erick Buell Racing’s 1190RX. Like the superbike, the new Karizma R also gets a muscular front fairing featuring a vertically stacked twin-headlamp. Also new are a set of LED daylight running lights up front, reworked body panels, a nice looking belly cowl and at the back are new LED taillight stacked horizontally on the narrow out tailpiece. Though I prefer the older design, at least the 2014 Hero Karizma is a drastic update on the previous generation and comes with a good dose of bad-boy attitude.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

The bike also comes with plenty of features to justify its price tag. It boasts of twin headlights, clip-on handlebars, split-seats, a new exhaust end-canister and wider tyres. But unlike the bigger ZMR, the Karizma R comes with basic rear shock-absorbers (without the gas chargers), and basic analog instrument cluster with digital display just for the fuel gauge, trip and odometer. Also missing are rear tyre hugger, rear disc brake and even a simple engine kill switch which the Bajaj Pulsar 220 offers. But it does get a side-stand warning light and even a conventional kick which has become obsolete in the age of electric-start.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

Once considered a benchmark for quality and reliability in the segment, the 2014 Hero Karizma R somehow doesn’t feel as well put together as before. The seating ergonomics is odd with the slightly rearwards set foot-pegs and clip-on bars making the rider lean more forward than one would like. It would have been better if the saddle was lower and the fuel tank had more reassuring bulk. Apart from this, the handlebar touches the leg of the rider while turning.

The quality of switch gear is average while the dials are large and easily legible. The craned out rear view mirrors offer great view, but one ends up slapping everything within proximity. No wonder most 2014 Hero Karizma R buyers prefer to keep it folded. Although it appears to be modern, it is neither as comfortable nor ergonomic than the out-going model.

Coming to the Bajaj Pulsar 220 then. The proportions are less radical and more manageable. Switches, buttons and overall built is on par with the Hero and but nothing exceptional. The only displeasure being the rear view mirror which show less of the road behind and more of the rider’s elbow. While the riding position is sweet and natural, it is ideal for long rides and city use alike. I felt poised and well-connected to this compact, comparatively narrow bike. This is one of the major reasons why the Pulsar is such a popular choice among enthusiasts.

Engine and performance

The new Hero Karizma R is based on the same engine as its forbearer. But now the 223cc air-cooled motor (sans the oil-cooler seen on the ZMR) produces 19.5PS of power at 7,500rpm and 19.3Nm of max torque at 6,000rpm. In order to squeeze out the extra 2PS and 1Nm over the older model, the 2014 Hero Karizma R has become vibey, which wasn’t the case earlier. Past the 4,000rpm there’s noticeable vibration on the footpeg and handlebar.

The numbers are impressive on paper, till I twisted the throttle. Surprisingly, the bike does not feel as quick as its competition. However, the delivery of power is very linear, and is reasonably quick for city use but runs out of grunt on open roads. Its good low-end power, soft clutch action and a slick 5-speed gearbox makes the Karizma an easy to use bike for everyday city cruising.

Bajaj, on the other hand, positions the Pulsar 220 is a pure performance motorcycle. It is packed with the largest motor from the stable currently -- the trusted 220cc DTS-i, air-cooled with oil-cooler, single cylinder which churns out a solid 21PS of peak power at 8,500rpm with maximum torque of 19.1Nm at 7,000rpm.

Over time, the tables have turned. The Bajaj Pulsar 220, once considered to be rough on the edges, now seems to be smoother and free revving than the 2014 Hero Karizma R. Power develops effortlessly right from the moment you roll on and the strong surge continues till it tops out at around 130kmph. The clutch feels a shade firmer than the Hero, but the gear shifts are effortless. With more useable power, the Pulsar 220 feels at home negotiating the city traffic and setting the tarmac ablaze on the highway.

Ride, handling and Braking

The 2014 Hero Karizma R seems to have an upper hand in most of these departments. The diamond type frame and similar suspension setup from older Karizma is carried forward and as before offer supple ride quality. I noticed that the Hero is more comfy than the Pulsar, especially at city riding speeds.

The Bajaj Pulsar 220 is based on a double cradle frame with down tube, in combination to gas-charged rear shock-absorbers. It is marginally firmer than the Hero but never uncomfortable, and this also makes it more agile and quick to change directions. The Hero with 4kgs of excess flab (154kg), longer wheelbase and fatter rear tyre loves smooth flowing corners, but isn’t as lively as the Bajaj.

Around town, the Pulsar’s nimble steering lets the bike filter through congestion with ease. But it’s on a twisty road, where the Bajaj’s flickable chassis and torquey engine talk to us.

In spite of being armed with front and rear disc brakes, the Bajaj Pulsar 220 could not match the braking prowess of the just-front-disc-equipped 2014 Hero Karizma R. The ‘R’ not only has a stronger bite but also offers better feel and feedback.

Efficiency and Price

The average fuel economy of both these bikes would be expected to be around a respectable 40kmpl. With both having an identical fuel tank capacity of 15-litres, the bikes would have a range of close to 600km per tank-up which touring-crazy bikers would appreciate.

Pricewise, the 2014 Hero Karizma demands a slight premium at Rs 83,158, compared to Bajaj Pulsar 220’s price-tag of Rs 81,572 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Verdict

The new Hero Karizma R is not a hardcore performance bike. It’s more apt for everyday runabouts, blessed with good style, nice low-end torque, great brakes and excellent suspension, though not as refined as before. Ride it for fun, not to charge at every apex, and you’ll enjoy its pleasant nature and reliable mechanicals.

This shootout has renewed my respect for the veteran Bajaj Pulsar 220. Even after being on sale for so many years, the ‘220’ does strike the right balance. It has just the right mixture of horsepower, nimbleness and brand appeal that sums up to unadulterated fun. The Bajaj Pulsar 220 reinstates its spot as one of our all-time favourite bikes to ride, by emerging as a better bike in this comparison.