New Vs old: Hero Karizma XMR vs Hero Honda Karizma Differences Explained

The legendary Karizma nameplate has returned with the launch of the new Hero Karizma XMR. But, what are the differences between the new bike and the OG Karizma from those Hero Honda days? Let’s find out:

Design and Chassis:

Compared to the first Karizma, the new one has gotten a complete design overhaul to suit the more modern world. It has a sharper design language with a full fairing. On the other hand, the way the half-fairing of the Hero Honda Karizma is neatly integrated into the rest of the design makes the bike look much bigger than it is. The taillight is slimmer this time and the headlight setup is more spread out towards the sides. It gets a split-seat setup and a smaller, stubby exhaust, a stark contrast to the OG Karizma’s full-length chromed-out end-can.  

The newly launched Karizma XMR gets a trellis frame, which is a first for a Hero bike. It is a very good step by Hero because this will help in managing the bike’s intended sporty nature. For its time, the original Karizma’s downtube frame was able to do the job very well. 

Engine:

In today’s day and age, a 223cc engine producing 17.2PS and 18.33Nm is not that big of a deal. But in the early 2000s, the Karizma was one of the most powerful bikes in its segment and the free-revving engine was enjoyed by all the enthusiasts. It came paired with a five-speed gearbox that was good enough for its time to sustain highway speeds effortlessly.

The new Karizma XMR is powered by a smaller 210cc single-cylinder engine. But, it gets DOHC and 4-valve tech and is liquid-cooled, leading to segment-leading output figures of 25.5PS and 20.4Nm. For reference, those numbers are higher than that of the KTM RC 200 and the Bajaj Pulsar RS200! And it comes paired with a 6-speed gearbox and slipper and assist clutch, which should make touring a breezy affair. So, on paper, the new Karizma XMR has been able to maintain the OG bike’s powerful and highway-friendly character alive.   

Suspension:

The Hero Honda Karizma has always been revered for its excellent handling characteristics. It could handle all sorts of roads pretty well, whether it be potholes or twisties thanks to the telescopic fork and twin-shock absorber setup. 

In the new bike, the 6-step preload adjustable monoshock is a good addition but the lack of an upside-down (USD) fork at the front is a big miss, though. Stay tuned to our first ride review as that will give you a clearer picture of the handling. 

Brakes:

As the original Karizma was known for its handling, its front disc and rear drum brake setup was apt for its time. And the new Karizma XMR should theoretically offer better stopping power thanks to the bigger discs, that too petal units, which help in better heat dissipation compared to conventional discs. Not to mention, the dual-channel ABS setup should make it all that safer too. 

Wheels & Tyres:

The new Karizma XMR gets a 100/80-17 (front) and 140/70-17 (rear) tyre setup with MRF Zapper tyres. These tyres are wider than the OG Karizma’s, and should make the weekend trips to the ghats exciting. The 17-inch alloys’ design looks very good and goes well with the rest of the bike’s design. The Hero Honda Karizma had a 2.75 x 18 (front) and 100/90 x 18 (rear) setup. The bigger wheel size and the skinny tyres did well for the bike’s requirements, though. 

Features:

The new Hero Karizma XMR is loaded with features like all-LED lighting, slipper and assist clutch and adjustable windshield. It does have an LCD instrument console instead of a TFT unit but gets Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. 

For the early 2000s, the Hero Honda Karizma was well equipped in terms of features like electric starter and a three-pod instrument console containing a digital fuel gauge, analogue tachometer and speedometer. 

Pricing:

The Hero Karizma XMR has been priced at Rs 1,82,900 and also has an introductory price of Rs 1,72,900 (all ex-showroom), which makes it even cheaper than the Yamaha R15 V4. For a sporty 200-odd cc motorcycle, Hero has given it an apt price tag. The Hero Honda Karizma, back in the day, had a price tag of Rs 90,000 (on-road, Mumbai). This was pricey for those times but considering the fact that the market had limited performance-oriented motorcycles that are reasonably priced, it provided great value for money.

All in all, with the Karizma XMR, Hero stays within the segment that the OG Karizma catered to, albeit with much-needed modern technological updates in almost every department. This makes it a potent motorcycle in the segment that can commute as well as tour on the weekends with ease. That said, the design is a massive departure from the OG Karizma, so it remains to be seen whether Karizma fans across the world will embrace the new looks.