Hero Karizma ZMR re-launched in India at price tag of Rs 1.08 lakh
The Indian two-wheeler major Hero has re-launched the Hero Karizma ZMR after a hiatus of one and a half year. The ex-showroom price of standard and dual tone variants of the new 2018 Hero Karizma ZMR is Rs. 1.08 lakh and Rs. 1.10 lakh (Delhi) respectively. Dealerships have started accepting bookings for the 2018 Karizma ZMR, even though the model is yet to reach the outlets for display.
The former flagship offering from Hero MotoCorp was pulled off shelves last year after failing to receive the BS-IV update, following slumping sales since its comprehensive revision in 2014.
The Hero Karizma enjoyed a cult following since its launch in 2003 and was one of the most popular offering for motorcycle enthusiasts in the entry-level performance segment. The bike for the longest time remained a close rival to the Bajaj Pulsar 220F in both performance and sales. However, the rising competition and the lack of updates meant the bike couldn't keep up with rivals in terms of sales. To add to that, the updated Karizma introduced in 2014 in collaboration with Hero's then technical partner Erik Buell Racing (EBR), wasn't well received in the market. The oddball styling was far from desirable, which only dropped sales further.
For the 2018 model year, the Hero Karizma ZMR does not get any cosmetic changes. In fact, the model was also showcased at the in the same guise at the Auto Expo 2018. The bike is powered by the same 223 cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine with fuel injection that is now BS-IV compliant, and is tuned to produce 20 bhp at 8000 rpm and 19.7 Nm of peak torque at 6500 rpm. The motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Hero claims a top speed of 129 kmph on the Karizma ZMR. Suspension duties are performed by telescopic forks up front and a twin shocks at the rear.
Braking performance comes from disc brakes at either end, while there's still no ABS on offer. The safety feature is offered on the newly launched Xtreme 200R. At its price point, the Karizma ZMR competes with the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200, along with the Suzuki Gixxer SF.
