Hero Karizma XMR - The Legend Continues in 2024

2023 saw the return of a very iconic name in Hero MotoCorp’s stables - the Karizma. Although this new avatar bore the same name, it came with a new suffix - XMR 210, and on the surface bore no resemblance to its original predecessor (barring the bright colour schemes). So while most were excited about the return of the Karizma, some were sceptical, and rightfully so, as the original Karizma, launched back in 2003 was a very special motorcycle, and this new one has quite a legacy to live up to. 

The birth of a legend

Back in 2003, when sports bikes had just started to emerge in the Indian market, the original Karizma really broke the mould. It looked like nothing else on the road and was the fastest bike you could get your hands on. It instantly became the bike that almost every biker aspired to own, and there’s no denying that its popularity did get a boost thanks to a certain bikes-focussed Bollywood movie that released a year after its launch that prominently featured a yellow half-faired Japanese sports tourer.

While I started my motorcycling journey with the humble Hero Splendor, it was one fateful day in 2004 when I took a spin on a friend’s Karizma that got me hooked on the joys of sports bikes. Instantly, the Karizma cemented itself into my brain and I immediately started saving up to get myself one. And then in October 2006, I finally got a Karizma of my own - a yellow one at that, causing neighbourhood kids to keep yelling “Dhoom bike” every time I rode by.

More than just a looker

While a big reason for the Karizma’s popularity back in the day was its gorgeous design, there was a lot more to it than met the eye. With 18-odd PS and 18-od Nm on tap, not only was it quick in a straight line, it was this engine’s sheer refinement that allowed you to sit at 100kmph on the highway pretty much all day long, making it a great option as a sports tourer. Despite its sporty design, it featured a fairly upright riding posture that added to its prowess as a long distance machine. And it had a relatively soft suspension setup that let it ride comfortably over bad roads.

While it might feel like that original Karizma was a soft, comfortable touring machine, its inherent stability made it great around corners as well. As a young rider in my 20s, it was this Karizma that made me take a serious interest in sport riding. If it wasn’t for the Karizma, I wouldn’t be half the rider I am today and I certainly wouldn’t have chosen automotive journalism as a career path. And I’m sure that there were many others back in the day whose motorcycling path through life was defined by the Karizma.

Return of a legend

The original Karizma’s legacy certainly wasn’t going to be easy to live up to, and even more difficult to surpass. But that’s exactly what happened in 2023, when Hero MotoCorp introduced the all-new Karizma XMR 210. Hero really amped up this engine with a short-stroke configuration, high compression ratio and liquid-cooling - the first for any Hero motorcycle. Thanks to this, the Karizma XMR makes 25.5PS of power and 20.4Nm of torque - the highest performance figures in the 200cc segment.

Obviously this has changed the Karizma XMR’s character compared to the original Karizma. Where the original bike was all about mid-range torque and fairly easy going power delivery, the XMR loves to rev and delivers its peak power at nearly 10,000rpm. But by no means has it become a peaky sports bike. Between 6,000 and 7,000rpm, this engine is in its sweet spot, allowing you to cruise at 100kmph without breaking a sweat and remains vibe free till almost 130kmph. So in that regard, you do get that same sense of ease as the original bike when you’re out on the highway. And while quick overtaking might still need you to downshift a gear, the gearbox is slick enough and the assist-and-slipper clutch makes for a very light clutch action. This same easy shifting and clutch action makes the new Karizma XMR just as easy to ride in the city too. 

The other aspect where this new Karizma really outshines the older one is in its suspension setup. Where the original Karizma was rather softly sprung, this new one feels firmer, making it much better around corners. Yet Hero’s chassis team has really worked its magic with this steel trellis frame and suspension setup as it remains pliant even on bad roads. 

From Sports Tourer to Sportbike?

The original Karizma was probably the best touring motorcycle for its time. The XMR might fool you into thinking that it has abandoned its touring traditions for a more track focussed approach. Nothing could be further from the truth though. Yes, you do sit in a more sporty posture with rear set footpegs and lower set clip-on handlebars. But it’s nowhere as aggressive as an outright sportbike. This is a bike you can actually ride comfortably everyday, everywhere. Don’t let the sporty design of the full fairing convince you otherwise.

It’s this versatile nature of the new Karizma XMR that makes it a worthy successor to the original, welcoming newer riders with its easy going nature, yet keeping more experienced riders engaged thanks to its top notch engine, chassis and suspension package.

The Legend Continues

Back in the day, it was very easy for the original Karizma to stand out among the crowd. Now though, with the wide variety of bikes we have on sale in India, it’s a tougher challenge. Yet, the Karizma XMR has what it takes to really attract a lot of attention. Whether it’s the gorgeous fully faired design in bright colours, the attractive all LED lighting setup or even the plethora of modern features such as a fully digital console with phone connectivity for call/message alerts and turn-by-turn navigation, this new Karizma XMR turns as many heads, if not more, than the original Karizma.

Heck, even in terms of price, where the original Karizma felt a bit unattainable, the XMR manages to undercut its competition, making it a great option for those starting out their sportbike journeys. And just as the original Karizma ignited the passion for sport riding in me, as well as thousands of others, all those years back, I’m certain the new Karizma XMR 210 will do the same for many others in the years to come.