Hero Karizma XMR

The Karizma XMR 210 is Hero’s closest attempt at bringing back the iconic Karizma in a modern package. The new bike has been built from the ground up, with a sharp and modern design, a new engine, and some interesting features.

• The Karizma XMR 210 looks nothing like the original Karizma, and it is clear that Hero has decided to go with a clean slate here while trying to recreate the OG’s charm.

• The bike has a sharp design, which manages to look good and well-proportioned, and will turn heads.

• The headlamp section with the twin-LED DRL setup looks quite aggressive and seems to have taken some inspiration from the Xoom 110 scooter and is the first thing you will notice.

• The fairing looks quite slim from the outside, but feels substantial when you’re sitting on the bike.

• The build quality is decent, with little exposed wiring or shaky parts that are not well put together.

• The adjustable fly-screen is a nice addition, but doesn’t feel like it makes a substantial difference in terms of wind protection.

• The Karizma XMR gets all-LED lighting, an LCD instrument console which offers essential readouts like speed, fuel level, time, odometer and trip meter readouts.

• The layout of the console is clean and this makes it easy to read at a glance.

• The console also offers smartphone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation and call/SMS alerts.

• The feature list feels underwhelming for what is supposed to be Hero’s flagship supersport.

• The bike’s ergos offer a slightly sportier riding stance than the original Karizma, but is not very uncomfortable to ride.

• The rider seat has enough space and allows the rider to move forward for a slightly upright riding stance or more backwards for a committed and sportier one thanks to its rear-set footpegs.

• Seat padding is one aspect which the bike has got right, with a good level of firmness to accommodate longer rides.

• The pillion seat is quite high, and climbing onboard can be a bit difficult.

• It is also comfortable and can easily handle longer rides.

• The Karizma XMR 210 features a new short-stroke liquid-cooled engine, which is nothing like the air-cooled unit from the old Hero Karizma.

• The 210cc engine is currently the most powerful in its class, making more power than its rivals.

• The engine is very rev-happy, and comes alive once you’ve crossed 6,000rpm.

• The vibrations are kept to a minimum, with only a minor buzz at the footpeg when riding at highway speed in the 6th gear.

• The motor is quite tractable at the lower revs, making it a hoot to ride in the city, but for quick overtakes on the highways, downshifting is necessary.

• The Karizma XMR’s suspension is set slightly towards the softer side, and can easily handle most bumps and potholes on the road, making it very easy to ride in city traffic conditions.

• Handling wise, the front end feel while cornering is a bit vague because of the softer suspension tuning.

• The MRF Zapper tyres do not inspire much confidence while cornering as the grip is not the best.

• The bike is more suited for sports touring with these characteristics than outright sporty riding.

• Braking performance is decent, but riders will feel the initial stopping power to be a bit lacking.

• For better stopping power, riders will have to squeeze the levers hard.

• The Hero Karizma XMR by itself is a decent sports touring motorcycle, which can give you a mix of sporty riding and longer distance sports touring.

• But as a successor to the original Hero Karizma which was advertised by Hrithik Roshan, the bike feels a bit lacking and doesn’t manage to recreate that same magic.

• In our opinion, if you’re a beginner rider who wants to get into sports bikes, then the Hero Karizma XMR 210 will be a good starting bike over its competition such as the Bajaj Pulsar RS200.

• It offers that perfect mix of performance, comfort and practicality, and this makes it stand out.

• If you are someone who is looking for something in a bit more sporty segment, then you can look into the KTM RC 200 or the Yamaha R15 M.