New Hero Karizma ZMR unveiled ahead of launch: Report

Hero MotoCorp is gearing up for the growth of the premium motorcycle segment by working on a range of new products. While some of these bikes will be developed in-house, others will be a part of joint ventures like the Hero-Harley partnership.

One of the upcoming Hero motorcycles is the new-generation Karizma, which is expected to be launched soon. It will enter the market to compete against rivals such as the Bajaj Pulsar 250, Gixxer 250, and Dominar 250. Hero aims to position the new-gen Karizma at a competitive price point to ensure its success. As a preview before the official launch, Hero has showcased the new Hero Karizma ZMR to its dealers.

The new-generation Karizma ZMR will feature a more powerful engine and utilize a completely new platform. It will be equipped with a new 210cc liquid-cooled motor, although exact specifications have not been revealed yet. The bike is expected to deliver around 25 bhp of maximum power and 30 Nm of peak torque, coupled with a 6-speed gearbox. The previous Karizma model had a 223cc air-cooled motor that produced 20 hp and was known for its lively performance. Enthusiasts can anticipate even more exhilarating rides with the new-generation version.

Hero intends to position the Karizma as a value-for-money bike, striking a balance between pricing and available features. Essential features like disc brakes and at least a single-channel ABS will be included, but the new-gen Karizma might not incorporate advanced elements like USD forks, ride-by-wire technology, or a slipper clutch.

Expected features of the new-generation Karizma include Bluetooth-based connectivity, LED lighting, turn-by-turn navigation, and a full-digital instrument cluster. While the bike will adopt contemporary design aesthetics, it is likely to borrow some styling cues from the original Karizma, known for its sharp panels and sporty graphics. Comfortable riding stance, balanced handling, and maneuverability were some of the highlights of the earlier models, and the new-gen Karizma is expected to carry forward these attributes.

Reviving the Karizma brand seems like a strategic move, as it holds a strong recall among enthusiasts. The overall design of the new-generation Karizma will play a crucial role in determining its success with customers. Currently, Hero’s top-selling performance product is the XPulse 200 4V, while the Xtreme 200S hasn’t achieved the desired response. The original Karizma faced a decline in popularity over time due to the availability of better-equipped bikes and uninspiring designs in later models like the Karizma R and ZMR. Hopefully, the new-generation Karizma will address these concerns and provide the momentum Hero seeks in the premium motorcycle segment.