Bajaj and Hero Motocorp (Hero Honda previously), are the two pure Indian make motorcycles who have been at loggerheads continuously after Bajaj came out with its extraordinary concept, the powerful “Pulsar”. Hero Honda was no meek player either who went on to create a biking tradition with its charismatic Karizma. However, due credit does go to Hero Honda for venturing into the virgin territory of 200+ cubic capacity displacement when Bajaj was happy making the favourite “Hamara Bajaj” scooters and trying to give competition to the already established hugely successful 100cc bikes from the Hero Honda stable.
However, Bajaj is a quick learner and soon came up with a strong contender for the tall standing Karizma, the Pulsar 220. Since then, it has always been a boggling question for many as to which one is better. Which one should you buy if you want the ultimate performance motorcycle? We thought it’s time we take both and make them face head to head and see who eventually comes out victorious!
The Styling
To start, I take up the aspect of the styling since that is the first thing anyone is going to notice about any motorcycle. Add to it the 220cc class and any motorcycle lover is bound to demand fabulous styling that should make him look apart from the crowd and also make heads turn when he/she rides past! The two motorcycles I am comparing here have very different design languages. Each one has been distinctively designed to appeal to a specific sensory perception of the consumer.
The Pulsar 220 with its “wolf” like headlights looks really stylish while the Karizma ZMR with its GSX1000R inspired headlamps look menacing. Coming to the tail lights, the twin LED lights on the Pulsar 220 are the coolest ones ever seen. On the Karizma ZMR, you get one “inverted pentagon” shaped light which is LED stripped. Coming to the side stance, the Pulsar 220 has got a horizontal fairing extending from the headlights to the fuel tank. It also has a netted slot providing air flow.
The small fairing gives the bike a “naked bike” look and adds dynamism to it. The contour line on the fairing extends all the way upto the fuel tank too. The Karizma ZMR on the other hand, has got a full fairing that on which the ZMR is inscribed in a Japanese script style (inspired from the Suzuki Hayabusa). The fairing is styled excellently with the front end of it following the curve of the front wheel while the rear sporting a Z shaped design.
The ZMR with its full fairing looks mighty muscular, big and more like a “speed goddess”. Both the bikes have got a single exhaust. The exhaust tail pipe on the Pulsar 220 looks not much different from its younger siblings and has no colour which looks a bit out of place. On the other hand, the Karizma ZMR gets golden finish tail pipe which blends along well with the design. The engine, the front shockers and the inner circle of the front and the rear discs are gold painted. Both the bikes get split rear handle grips. The Karizma ZMR offers those as body coloured while they are black on the Pulsar 220.
Pulsar 220: 3
Karizma ZMR: 4
The Performance
Now let us come to the performance factor. The Pulsar 220, as evident from its name is powered by a 220 cc motor that delivers a power figure of 21.04 PS @ 8500 RPM and a healty torque figure of 19.12 Nm @ 7000 RPM. On the other hand, the Karizma ZMR is powered by the same 223 cc engine that powered the old Karizma. The 223 cc engine delivers a power of 17.6 BHP @ 7000 RPM and a torque of 18.35 Nm @ 6000 RPM.
Going by the figures alone, the Pulsar 220 is definitely way powerful than the ZMR in terms of power and in terms of torque. The Karizma ZMR may look like a speed goddess, but it is the Pulsar 220, in which the speed beast is hiding, waiting to be unleashed. Just twist the throttle and the 220’s thrust will make you go backwards in awe and surprise. The Pulsar 220 wants it to be taken seriously.
Gently input the throttle, and all will be well. On the Karizma ZMR, it is a bit more relaxed. Though it is about 1 Nm short in torque than the 220, yet the delivery is quick at the low RPM (6000 on the ZMR as compared to the 7000 on the 220) which makes it fun to drive. One of the big things separating these bikes is the kerb weight. The Pulsar 220 with its small fairing weighs 150 kg while the Karizma ZMR with all its fairings tips the scales at 159 kg making it 9kgs heavier than the Pulsar! The Pulsar outperforms the ZMR in power-to-weight ratio.
The 220 offers one of the best power-to-weight ratios because of which it gets the tag of “the fastest Indian”. Fuel delivery to the 220’s engine is through the carburettor while on the ZMR a fuel injection does that duty. The fuel delivery feels smoother in the ZMR across all rev ranges. On the 220 however, you twist the throttle suddenly and there is a lag. It is like the lull before the storm to come.
You can witness the speedometer needle surging very fast in the post-lag period. The Pulsar 220 can do the 0 to 60 kmph sprint in just about 4 seconds while the Karizma ZMR takes a bit more to about 4.7 seconds. A top speed test wasn’t possible because of too much traffic. On road, the Pulsar 220 returns a good fuel economy of 38 kmpl under mixed driving conditions while the Karizma ZMR returns about 40 kmpl.
Pulsar 220: 4.5
Karizma ZMR: 3.5
The Handling
One of the key aspects any sports bike deserves to be talked about is its handling. Sit on the bike, and you feel more close to the ground on the Pulsar 220 than on the Karizma ZMR. The Karizma ZMR will not be an ideal bike for the short people. Also, the ZMR feels wider than the 220 because of its broad fairings. The Pulsar 220 features a split-seat design which provides you with good support and makes you prepared to race anytime.
On the other hand, the Karizma ZMR features a single piece providing a comfortable seating for you as well as your pillion. On straight lines, both the bikes feel planted to the ground, but relatively the Karizma feels more planted because of its higher kerb weight. The Pulsar 220 despite its raw power feels planted because of its thicker tires. The 220 rides on 90/90 section (Tubeless) at the front and 120/80 section (Tubeless) at the rear. They are fitted to 17inch alloy wheels both at the front and back.
The ZMR rides on thinner sections, 80/100 on the front and 100/90 on the rear. However, the ZMR rides on bigger 18 inch alloy wheels. On the corners, the two show up different dynamics. The Karizma ZMR with its bulk and bigger dimensions is slightly difficult to manoeuvre with a considerable lean angle. However, the bulk coupled with the smooth power delivery gives you a confidence of solid grip that the bike maintains with the road. The 220, while is smaller in dimensions and with low kerb weight is very quick around corners.
The rev-friendly engine always entices you to throttle hard while you are exiting the corner but a slight mistake and you can lose control. The bike packs in so much power at the top-end that you need to have considerable amount of experience to master it. The ZMR uses Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and a Swing arm with 5 step adjustable IGRS system at the rear. While on the 220, you get telescopic shocks at the front and 5 way adjustable Nitrox shock absorbers at the rear.
The suspension at the front and the back does a good job of taking care of potholes in both the bikes. However, the Karizma ZMR has got a slightly softer suspension making it good for long tours as well. The Pulsar 220 on the other hand, has a stiffer suspension which makes it not so good for long journeys but great for fast cornering. However, take both the bikes to whatever speed you like, both offer equally good stopping power according to their stature. The Pulsar 220 gets 260 mm disc brakes at the front and 230 mm ones at the rear while the Karizma ZMR gets 276 mm disc at the front and 240 mm discs at the rear.
Pulsar 220: 4.5
Karizma ZMR: 3.5
The Ergonomics
Coming to the instrument cluster, both the bikes offer good looking digital consoles. The Pulsar 220 offers an analog tachometer and a digital speedometer. The round tachometer is on the left while the digital speedometer is on the right of it. The speedo console also shows other information like the fuel level by the left side of the speed, the odometer and the trip meter at the bottom and battery, oil temperature etc at the top.
Below the speedo console are 4 round lights; the turn indicators, the neutral gear position, the hi-beam and the side stand engage respectively from the left. At the extreme right of the console, is the RESET switch. Coming to the Karizma ZMR, it sports a trapezoidal console with the analog tachometer at the bottom centre of the console. On the left is the digital speedometer below which it also shows the time. On the right is the fuel level, odo and trip meter and the alphabetic display.
On the top centre it has small 4 lamps; the engine malfunction light, the neutral gear indicator, the hi-beam and the direction indicators from the left respectively. Both the consoles are equally good, but somehow I feel that the console of the Pulsar 220 has been designed keeping the “racer rider” in mind. The large speedo and the large tacho ensure that you get to know your state without have to look closely which is not the case in the Karizma ZMR. Also the Pulsar indicates if you have the side stand engaged or not which is a good thing for many in India.
Pulsar 220: 4
Karizma ZMR: 3.5
Conclusion
The Karizma ZMR will cost you Rs. 1,02,939/- (On Road, Gurgaon) while the Pulsar 220 is Rs. 86,250/- (On Road, Gurgaon). Over such a price difference anyone will de definitely inclined to go for the cheaper alternative. However, you cannot buy a bike of this segment just by the price. Anyone should also look into what kind of usage he is going to have. If you are a ride daily for long distances then the Pulsar 220 is not a good choice for you, the Karizma ZMR definitely is! If you are a person who loves corners, then the Karizma ZMR is not the right bike for you, the Pulsar 220 is! Overall, the bikes come very close in this heated competition with Pulsar 220 gaining marginally due to its sheer focused nature on speed and handling, the two basic necessities of a sports bike and nevertheless, a bike lover!
Regards,
Joy Chatterjee
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{ 78 comments… read them below or add one }
Even in styling p220 is better than zmr
On reliability alone the ZMR becomes the obvious choice in this segment!
200+ CC is a virgin territory ? may be for sporty bikes. But not for bikes indeed. I remember 350cc+ motorcycles are in India even before i was born.
At present there are very few manufacturers in India producing it. Though we can get the bike from other parts of the world, Made in India tag wont be there..
i think its no t complete comparison.
reliability must be included.
too much biased……
Well said….
waiting for duke 200 and thunderbird 500 both gonna rock…..
Pulsar is the best than karizma in all condition…
ur wrong baby krizma betten pulsur220 krizma ZMR top speed is 140 pulsur 220 top speed is 125something nd krizma ZMR is so gud for pulsur 220 ok baby
I have clocked 146 kmph on my Pulsar 220 and had to slow down bcoz of the steep turn or else i would have clocked more. Dude get your stats right about Pulsar 220
The full zig-zag fairing of the new ZMR just looks stupid; it is overdone. The old Karizma R looks better; wish the karizma R gets rear disks. The pulsar is much more powerful than ZMR, but the p220 is just an over-bored P150, so durability suffers in the long run. For perfect balance between power and durability, the engine should have bore and stroke equal; it should be a square engine.
Hello there, the Yamaha and Honda is world’s best motor company.So I will go with them not bajaj and hero motocorp
The thing about p22 cornering, just remove the main stand and c what it can do… Tried and succeeded.
But ZMR’s meter s the best in India.
A very Pulsar Maniac’s Verdict !!!-TOOO BIASED
Exactly
pulsar 220 wins! its better than ZMR in all aspects.
Except reliability
@Pawan: Exactly. And this is something partially more important than other aspects.
krizma ZMR is so gud for p220 ok baby chill
know my bro krizma is soo looking good pulsar is is looking gud bt not acceliriation krizma is accelereatin soo gud
no way guyz zmr iz above all………..p220 is gud bt not reliable
You guys should stop talking about 2 bikes and increase the range to 4 bikes.
R15/P220/ZMR and………….KTM…rest all ,,rest in peace…CBR250 warned( i love CBR though!)
Lets talk about it by the end of this year coz by then Pulsar 250 will be on road and by mid of next year Pulsar 350.. Till then Enjoy your CBR coz then CBR 250 ill be no competition..
@ anthony…
…I hope people don’t confuse KTM to a PUlsar..and vice versa…that will be bad for KTM
I shall wait for Pulsar 250 and 350 and given a 500
We all have waited for Pulsar to match the Japanese for 10 years…Atleast now,with the help of KTM technology and what not,,hope they are inching closer…150cc,180cc,220cc,250cc,350cc..that’s quite a lot…:) LOL
power=p220 reliability and touring=karizma
Pulsar is true sport’s bike not like karizma fake from outside just piece of plastic. Hero moto keeps changing the cosmetic looks of all bikes never tries to experiment on the technology front,
always relies on the japanies.
Hero Moto,IMO is a cosmetic company..they are trying to diversify into a Motor company.
So,wait and watch fellow brothers and friends…:)Never Under estimate the Hero in it..
pulsars are designed with the help of foreign company’s. Nothing much is developed in India. We either buy technology or learn them outside. Bajaj is not so professional and does a road mechanic job of re-boring engines and producing siblings. Karishma is a true design. When japanese design a bike they design it right and will not alter and experiment with it like a road mechanic. outwardly your comment is outright silly and marked with extreme ignorance.
ZMR is for old people or family guys who prefer a sedate drive and pulsar 220 is a hooligan bike.
You just cant compare the two.
i know pulsur is gud for stunting bt not racing
ok
krizma ZMR is gud for racing
Abe chutiye, kabhi 100cc se upar ki bike chalie hai kya? Baat karta hai racing or top speed ki. Kabhi pulsar or r15 chalega na to pata chalega speed kise kehte hain. Aaya hai bada zmr ka fan.
guys, put up a worthy competition…lyk P220 n R15….y choosin a baby lyk ZMR???
:D
however, der’s nthn as gud as R15..so no need f comparison..:)
There is a comparison needed dude….. U cant just speak of that r15 is the best …
coz when it comes to power still p220 leads…..
what are u talkng about? what’s ts R15 yaaaaaaaar????? we are dissing abt btks
Hi zmr’s top speed is 129
pulsar 220′s top speed 126
r15 top speed 120 only…when compare the top speed zmr is great..and mind one thing zmr weight is 159 & baby like both bike’s pul220 150,,,r15 136 wait only…always rockzzzzzz zmr only
The review is exactly honest. Because i am having P220 and my brother having ZMR. So i driven both of the bikes. For comfort i prefer ZMR and for driving in high speeds and corners P220 is best that ZMR in all aspect.Actually ZMR is not a sports bike. Personally telling i like P220 more that ZMR.Telling about the maintenance every byke needed the same as per our use.Now i am completed 2+ yrs in 220 and till now not having any engine problems.Proper well maintenance help all vehicles for it’s good engine life.
Sreejith Ramesh Nair,.
he is absolutely right.
pulsar 220f always rockssss……
my mark(for pulsar 220f)
*****************
Styling-4.9/5
Performance-5/5
handling-5/5
Ergonomics-5/5
see freind bhp and torqe of both bikes are calculated @ different rpm calculate it at same rpm then u will se karizma rocks…………….
To all my brother (Riders) Namaskar.
Let me introduce my self. I am a Network Admin, i own P-220 and the R-15. My younger bro own a ZMR. So i have taken the ride in all the three bikes which i found maximum people are comparing. First of all the R-15, i wud rate it all rounder if mileage and money is no concern. The P-220 “The Perfect Desi Mixture of ride, comfort, style, economy, Mileage ( gives me 43 KM/Ltr ). The last but not the least the ZMR, as discussed by Joy Chatterjee in this forum It is only good for long ride and in other areas it fails to P-220 & R-15. And please dont compare between R-15 & P-220. These are two different curries one is Japanese mixture the other one is Punjabi Tadka.
So cool down. Its depends upon you how you ride & keep your bike in a perfect condition.
I agree to you. R15 has an advantage that it has 6th gear which helps it clock more than other 2 bikes but power to weight ratio is very bad in R15 which leads to more vibration and less rider confidence on high speed..
I hv p220 fi nd tht is more btr thn p220 f(carb) so tht has no comprsn to zmr
Hey guyz dont talk about the histoy of compains . B coz when Bajaj was make scuters then *HERO was only a cycle compani. So dont think ZMR a good bike at the other hands Pulsar is the best.
histry don’t hve much value bcz in childhud Abdhul kalam was a newspaper boy
And hero is a copier bike maker. It doesnt hav a own good modle all are duplicate from other.
pulsar 220 is a gud bike….go for it!!
zmr is a gud bike!!
Hi zmr’s top speed is 129
pulsar 220′s top speed 126
r15 top speed 120 only…when compare the top speed zmr is great..and mind one thing zmr weight is 159 & baby like both bike’s pul220 150,,,r15 136 wait only…always rockzzzzzz zmr only
bhai kabhi teeno mein se ek toh gaadi chalaye kya aap..???
Pulsar 220 clocks more than 146 kmph and get ur stats right. Bcoz even Pulsar 180 clocks 135 kmph.. Poor Karizma.. Always have to see Pulsar’s tail light..
)
hi..anto you r a kid when i drove karizma first time .. I know its actual top speed by ma racing experience..pulsar 180 and 200 never touch itz tail huh…itz go like a rocket. That is karizma. It is a power rig that i had ever seen and not a toy like ur pulsar. Karizma more reliable and royal. Iam an owner of 2003 and 2010 model karizma.
If u want to win RACE on a busy Road then go for…….p220………..karizmas,yamahas & hondas r nt hving bikes which can win in d traffic road………..p220 is d TRAFFIC RACER………
have u ever ride yamaha RX-Z nd RX-135 hving 2 stroke engine????????? they are the best traffic racers in India
hey guys,
p220 is better than r15 n zmr
p220 top speed-153
r15 top speed-136
zmr-125
zmr is an tourer bike only.not sporty.its break light is boaring.speedo meter is so cheap
r15 is better than p220 in look.but in handling,sporty,breaking all terms p220 iS rock.r15 is only 150 cc.cheap naa….!
P220 is ROCK
PULSAR 220CC IS BEST ……….I HAV ZMR EVEN ….BUT I LOVE PULSAR 220CC IN ALL ASPECTS…….WELL JUDGED
P220 is truly a shit…..ZMR…ABOVE ALL.
Hyabusa lele….baap hai lol
kabhi chalayi bhi hai hayabusa?aapne…
hey friends i complete my +2 class…..now i want to have a bike ….but i am comfussed between p220 and zmr……….i like p220 but i love zmr………..help me guys to get the best
I HAVE ANSWRS FR U ALL ………………(SINCE I HAVE BURND THM ALL)
R15- A gud all over byk in trms of styl ,power,handling,engin quality…..top speed clocked 149kmph/(by me)
pulsar- 220 cc monster ,pumps u back at each gear shift,……top speed clocked 158kmph(by me) ………no surpris
NOW THE MOST AWAITED “the karishma oh sorry karizzzzzzma ZMR” -handling ,performance,torque ,tyres,tale lamp cbz luk,awsom sound of the lose chain khit khit khitwhile it passes by…….top speed of 200+” well thatz the limit i could lie xyZMR is a shit
all of u might b awair of the truth but those of u hav done the mistake to buy xyZMR don’t have the heart to accpt it .i suggest u if u hav 10,ooo rs/- extra thn go thro thm buy 220 and rule the street as nd hagiways as its grunts its way thru the xyzmr tearing it apart as i do with mine……(how mayy of u lyk it) nd feul economy is more or less the same fr all ….
its not hagiways its highwayzzz sorry lolzz
KARIZMA IS THE BESI.PULSAR220 CANNOT BEAT IT ANY CONDTION
both are wast bikes then comparing to CBZ extreme
haaaaaaaaa…………
Lateef,
I am a lil surprised by the top speeds you have mentioned 158kmph for p220 and 149kmph for r15. Sounds unrealistic, any mods done on the bike or you were sliding down the slope.
cheers
guys,
FYI .., A real rider will never go for bajaj. though its the tougher to all, its quality doesnt stand before hero.
Bajaj’s Engine quality and chain upsets any biker.
Speed vs quality always plays vital role from hero.:-)
r15 v2.0 best bike..rest are just shit
Karishma zmr is 1of da the best of best bike…..i am 100% satisfy….
zmr rocks
karizma ZMR Is very much b
etter than 220
i think p220 is the best Indian bike at that time
@ admin, how u compared two bikes while there are bhp and ps @different rpm and torque @different rpm
if we calcualte:considering base 8500rpm for bhp and 7000 rpm for torque then
Pulsar220= 21 ps=21*.986=20.7 bhp @8500 rpm so if we see power of karizma zmr @ 85oo rpm the it will be 17.6*8500/7000=21.37 bhp far more than pulsar.
similarly if we see torque
pulsar220 = 19.12@7000rpm so if we calculate torque of karizma zmr it will be 18.35*7000/6000= 21.41 much more than pulsar 220.
so the moral of the story is that engine of karizma zmr is more powerful than pulsar220 .
the acceleration and top speed is only effected due to type of body of Karizma zmr…………… and the quality of honda products are always far better than bajaj.so boys loving zmr always rocks………………
Karizma always rocks……………………luv herohonda bikes
For all the pulsar lovers.. pulsar is a sports bike…but does not looks like a sports bike it does not have muscles like a sports bike should have. like the zmr has. I have a pulsar 220 and a Zmr but when I asked my class mates (female friends) they said your zmr looks awesome way better than pulsar…comfort wise and average vise karizma is above all…you guys don’t know a shit go and ask your female friends which bike looks better you faggs
For deadly looks, top speed and always attracts you and its alway Pulsar 220 which will gives u all…
I hv Karizma Zmr & Pulsar 220 both…
But the main thing is that when ever I or you or anyone ride Pulsar 220 on road though Karizma / R15 / any other bike have the top speed or pickup but but Plusar 220 has more much much power that other bikes to over come from this all and plusar 220 can beat anyone on road bcoz of its power…
Last thing is that though 220 is on the top speed still you will come to know that there is much power still hidden in it and that makes it diffrent from ZMR…
Why there are more pulsar on the road, not zmr?
pulsar nd karishma both bikes look so ugly.
new cbr 250
and
kTM dude 200
looks awasome guys ……..
@aakibmansoori}}dude plz dnt say abt pulsar 220s topspeed it can give mre dan140km/hr i tested it,
I have new hero karizma zmr and i am fully satisfied with my zmr.my zmr gives me about 55 kmpl mileage,great stylish looking.
Karizma Zmr Suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Plusar 220 is the best it cal beat anytime karizma R & Zmr or in future Karizma 250cc also.