Hero Karizma XMR 210 First Ride Review - Return Of Legend

Hero Motocorp has resurrected the iconic Karizma in a fresh incarnation, complete with a new name. The company has unveiled the new Karizma XMR 210, pricing it at an introductory rate of Rs 1.73 lakh (ex-showroom). The Karizma name evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting us to an era when it stood as the sole faired motorcycle accessible to the masses. Now, with the introduction of the new XMR, the brand has taken a significant stride forward, revamping its design, engine, and feature offerings. I had the opportunity of test-riding the brand-new Hero Karizma XMR 210, and in this initial ride review, I'll delve into the details of this revamped Karizma model.

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Pros

• The faired design language makes it more sporty
• The new engine is most powerful in its segment
• Comfortable riding posture
• Suspension feels plush and takes on bad surfaces easily
• Slick gear shifts and short gearing help in traffic

Cons

• Engine feels flat until 6,000 RPM
• The exposed body frame and welds make the bike look bit flimsy
• USD forks could've made the bike more premium

Looks

The new Karizma XMR 210 adopts a faired design characterized by a semi-faired body that features sharp edges and lines adorning the fairing's sides. A distinctly aggressive appearance is achieved through the new headlamp design, while the LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) showcase the hallmark X-shaped pattern seen across other Hero motorcycles. The motorcycle's rear boasts a tall design, accentuated by the LED tail lamp, contributing to its sporty and dynamic aesthetic. The exposed frame and aluminum foot pegs for the pillion passenger are evident in the side profile, and the split pillion grab rail enhances the rear's visual appeal. Overall, the motorcycle exudes a sporty and aggressive look, a testament to the brand's new design efforts that undoubtedly catch the eye. Notably, the vibrant Yellow and Turbo Red color choices are bound to draw attention. It also comes in a Matter Phantom Black colour option.

Ergonomics

Speaking of the bike's ergonomics, it comes equipped with a clip-on handlebar that prompts a slightly forward-leaning riding position. This posture doesn't overly tilt towards the front, but it does gives a sense of sportiness. Additionally, the rear-set foot pegs, situated a touch towards the back, contribute to the overall sporty stance. The seat height of 810mm falls within a moderate range, accommodating most riders comfortably, although taller individuals might find it particularly more comfortable. For pillion, the elevated rear seat is a characteristic often seen in faired motorcycles, and it might pose a challenge for shorter riders or pillions while mounting. Nonetheless, on the whole, the riding triangle and posture are designed to provide comfort for the majority of average riders.

Engine Performance

The Karizma XMR 210 is outfitted with an entirely new 210cc, DOHC single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. This powerplant generates an impressive 25.5 PS of power and a peak torque of 20.4 Nm, establishing itself as one of the most potent engines in the sub-220cc category. Coupled with this engine is a 6-speed gearbox featuring a slipper and assist clutch mechanism.

When delving into the engine's performance, it becomes apparent that the power delivery is robust, yet it exhibits a lack of enthusiasm up to the 6,000 RPM mark. Beyond this point, however, the engine truly awakens and provides the desired grunt. Acceleration is swift, benefiting from concise and smooth gear shifts facilitated by the slipper and assist clutch. The lower rev range ensures a pleasant experience in congested traffic scenarios, effectively preventing stalling. I managed to push the bike to a top speed of 138 kmph, and it seems poised to easily touch 140 kmph. Nonetheless, at these higher speeds, both the revs and vibrations become more perceptible. The Karizma XMR confidently maintains a range of 115-120 kmph with minimal vibrations and without demanding excessive effort.

During traffic congestion, the engine does experience temperature increase, yet the effective liquid cooling system swiftly intervenes to prevent overheating. This well-regulated cooling mechanism ensures that excessive heat doesn't translate into discomfort for your legs. Moreover, the bike achieves a commendable equilibrium in terms of noise, vibrations, and overall smoothness. Comparable to other offerings from Hero, the motorcycle demonstrates notable refinement.

Suspension & Braking

Equipped with telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock absorber with 6-step adjustability, the motorcycle offers a comfortable and plush ride. The suspensions are finely calibrated to effortlessly absorb rough road surfaces, with the rear end slightly softer and the front leaning towards a bit tight feel. Despite this, the motorcycle maintains its cornering prowess, instilling confidence during turns and displaying agility while navigating winding curves.

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The motorcycle relies on 300mm petal disc brakes upfront and a 230mm petal disc at the rear to manage braking responsibilities. Dual-channel ABS complements the braking system, offering an added layer of security. While the braking performance is satisfactory, it may not inspire an exceptional amount of confidence; however, the presence of dual-channel ABS ensures the motorcycle possesses the necessary stopping power for sudden and panic braking scenarios.

Features

The Karizma XMR 210 arrives with a substantial array of features. Among these is an LCD instrument cluster that provides a wealth of information, encompassing engine temperature, fuel levels, tachometer, turn-by-turn navigation, distance to empty, average fuel economy, and more. Additional features encompass a USB charging port, dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth connectivity, an adjustable front visor, and comprehensive LED lighting. Furthermore, the brand offers an assortment of accessories to elevate both the motorcycle's aesthetics and functionality.

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