Hero Karizma is a popular commuter super bike released in the year 2003 by Hero MotoCorp. It has been updated a couple of times with many technical and cosmetic updates. The 2014 models of Karizma R and Karizma ZMR are available in the market at a price of Rs 78,000 and up. The Karizma is the ultimate sports touring bike and has remained a favorite among riders of the younger generation.
Hero Karizma is an OHC 223cc 2-valve 4-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine that produces a maximum power of 19.2PS at 7,500rpm and a maximum torque of 19.35Nm at 6,000rpm. It is mated to a 1 down 4 up 5 speed transmission. The pick-up is pretty good, reaching the 0-60 kmph mark in just 3.6 seconds. One can enjoy a decent mileage of 37-40 kmpl in a Karizma. It has a kick start/electric start system.
This bike has a curb weight of 154kg and a ground clearance of 159mm. The front suspension has telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers, and the rear has a five-step adjustable-type hydraulic iGRS system. It has a larger fuel tank that can store up to 15.3 liters of fuel. There are few downsides to a Karizma. It lacks an engine kill switch, projector lamp, and vibrates slightly at low revs.
Indian Yamaha Motors came up with a sports motorcycle called YZF R15 in the year 2008. It is one of the most beautiful motorcycles in the country. Aside from the good looks, it is also packed with the latest technologies. This bike comes with a minimum price of Rs 1,12,924. This bike changed the fortunes of Yamaha.
The YZF R15 is equipped with a 149.8cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, four-stroke, SOHC single-cylinder engine. It generates peak power of 17PS at 8,500rpm and unleashes peak torque of 15Nm at 7,500rpm. This smart engine is mated to a 5-6 speed type 1 return transmission. It has an electric start system only.
The YZF R15 is much lighter than the Karizma at 136kg and has almost the same ground clearance. It has strong telescopic front suspension and chained monocross type at the rear. It has single disc hydraulic brakes on the sides. The fuel tank capacity is smaller and can only carry up to 12 liters of gasoline. The mileage part is about the same as the Karizma. But Yamaha doesn’t score as well on the truck part. Another drawback here is that the motor produces excessive heat and that it is more expensive for what it offers.
