Hero 2014 Karizma vs Hero Karizma XMR

The Karizma is perhaps the first of the modern day Indian motorcycles to have a significant cult following.  Since its inception in 2003, the Karizma has gained plenty of followers, who still vouch by its performance and reliability. It was the first of its kind, big capacity motorcycle which was also put to every sort of use including cross-country touring. Apart from a cosmetic update in 2007 that involved nothing more than a stickering job, the company never made any changes to the design or the powertrain of the Karizma until 2014. Now after 11 years of its existence, the manufacturer has brought in a comprehensive update for the motorcycle to face the new sub-250cc motorcycles. The delay has certainly helped competitors to catch up but still we test the new one to find out if it does justice to the cult image.

The Hero Karizma XMR has done over 5000km since it arrived at BikeWale late last year. Of this, half the distance was covered on the highways, and that experience has already been discussed here.

The last two months of the year are always a great time for us. With a few motorcycle festivals being held in Goa, we get to spend a few days chilling with the fraternity. It was the same this time around and my plan was to take the Hero Karizma XMR – BikeWale’s long-termer – on a long ride and test its touring abilities.

I was delighted when Hero decided to revive their most famous motorcycle brand - the Karizma. My motorcycle journalism journey started with this brand, and I fondly remember it. Now, after testing the Karizma XMR thoroughly a few weeks ago, I was informed that the bike would be with me for six months more as BikeWale's long-termer.