Hero MotoCorp recently launched the Karizma XMR in India as its latest and most expensive offering. The motorcycle has brought quite a few new bits for the brand and the segment too. It rivals the Yamaha YZF R15 in the segment and we’ve compared both bikes on paper in this story.
Design
Both bikes look sporty and aggressive, to say the least. The Karizma XMR features a wide and horizontally laid headlight setup. Then, the side profiles for both motorcycles are sharp and enticing. However, the R15 gets a proper supersport riding posture, whereas the Karizma XMR’s clip-ons are taller and give it a more sports-tourer-like rider’s triangle. The Karizma XMR also gets a two-piece grab-rail, whereas the R15 misses out on it.
Engine
Powering the Karizma XMR is an all-new 210cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine and it makes 25.15bhp at 9,250rpm and 20.4Nm at 7,250rpm. The motor is linked to a six-speed gearbox and benefits from a slip-and-assist clutch. On the other hand, Yamaha has equipped the R15 with a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve, mill with VVA. It produces 18.1bhp at 10,000rpm and a peak torque of 14.2Nm at 7,500rpm. The R15, too, gets a six-speed gearbox. Thus, the Karizma makes more power than the R15, but it also weighs about 22kg more than the Yamaha.
Features
Hero has loaded the Karizma with LED illumination and a fully digital console with smartphone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation. It also features a fast USB charger for added convenience. Meanwhile, the R15 gets a traction control system, has two ride modes (Track and Street), and a quickshifter (upshifts only). Bluetooth connectivity on the R15 with the TFT screen is only available for the top-spec trim.
Hardware
The Karizma XMR rides on telescopic front forks and a monoshock. It’s anchored by a 300mm front petal disc and a single 230mm rear disc. This setup is mounted on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 100/80 front and 140/70 rear tyres. Then, the R15 gets new USD front forks and a monoshock. Its braking hardware includes a 282mm front and a 220mm rear disc. Both bikes get dual-channel ABS. Yamaha has offered the R15 with 17-inch alloys shod to 100/80-section front and 140/70-section rear tyres.
Price
The Karizma is available in a single variant and costs Rs. 1.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) as an introductory offer. Meanwhile, the R15 is available in multiple trims with the asking price ranging from Rs. 1.81 lakh for the base trim to Rs. 1.95 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi) for the R15M.
