I started my hunt for a bike with a budget of around Rs. 70,000 – 90,000. I was clear about certain things before I zeroed on a bike: Its normal fuel efficiency, after sales service of the brand (I hated to run around the service station couple of time to explain them what my issues are), ride quality (I expected decent ride quality), balance, and besides all this resale value was also my big criterion. And of course I wanted an electric start option.
I could short list three bikes after ample survey among friends and after talking to bike dealers.
- TVS Apache RTR Fi
- Hero Honda Karizma
- Bajaj pulsar 220 DTS-Fi
I took a test ride of all three models, but I liked TVS Apache RTR Fi for the following reasons:
TVS Apache RTR Fi looked pretty impressive to eyes and has everything I had wanted, and even more including rear disc brakes and a fuel injection. But I had to say one thing here. I was not happy about the gear shift in this bike. Finding neutral is very difficult and a 160cc engine was not that peppy as compared to other 150cc bikes such as Hero Honda Hunk or Honda Unicorn. One more reason honestly I was looking for was 200+ cc bikes, although the rear disk brake comes and it is very good. The exhaust note is not that good and engine is not refined enough and I felt that the bike is a bit smaller and not worth its price.
After dropping TVS Apache RTR Fi from my mind, I had to decide between Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi and Hero Honda Karizma. I took a test ride of both the bikes for 30 min. Here are my thoughts about the two beasts…
Engine: Both bikes have 200+ cc engines. While Pulsar has a 219cc engine, the Karizma has 223cc engine. So in terms of cc there is nothing to separate clearly the two bikes. Pulsar oozes out 20 bhp while Karizma propels 17 bhp. These things also did effect too much on my decision. Karizma uses carburetor while pulsar 220 uses fuel injection system.
When I talked to an auto expert, he tried to explain me about the Pulsar’s fuel injection. He said it’s just a fuel injection, and not electronic fuel injection like it’s in a four wheeler; which means it manually sprays fuel into the cylinder and Karizma uses carburetor which is used in Honda VBR series bikes; still a slightly outdated technology.
Gear box: Both Pulsar and Karizma use lever-type gear changer as in most sports bikes; however, Karizma’s gear shifting is smoother and it’s easy to find neutral while in Pulsar the down shifting isn’t as much smoother.
Suspension: Karizma suspension is 5-step adjustable according to road conditions and it’s the same in Pulsar too, but the Pulsar suspension is quite better than Karizma as it is Nitrox gas charged.
Instruments: Karizma’s instrument panel is 3 dial with one LCD and two analog while Pulsar has one LCD and one analog tachometer. Quality of switches is better in Karizma than in the Pulsar; although Pulsar has additional features such as low battery indicator and so on.
Brakes: Karizma has 276 mm disc brakes in front and drum brakes on rear. While Pulsar has both disc brakes but the rear brakes are poor and you might as well feel that these are like drum brakes as you have seen in erstwhile Bajaj Chetak scooter. Karizma brakes are better with no chance of skidding as I’d experienced from my ride.
Design: Pulsar design and styling is inspired by Hayabusa (as in like the rear view mirror fitted on the fairing directly). While Karizma is design from the inspiration of Honda CBR 3000 series sports bike. Here the decision could simply be personal and vary by what and how one looks at a bike. I personally liked Karizma’s styling and bodywork. Also with addition of engine race cowl I liked it even more.
Maneuverability: Since Karizma’s wheelbase is quite large it is very stable around the corners and in straight roads too. I found Pulsar too bulky when cornering. However both could be fine and at par in this regard.
Engine noise: Pulsar engine note has similar feeling as from its the Pulsar family like the 150cc, 180cc and the 200cc. While Karizma engine is quite refined with very little noise. Even at 90 kmph speed its noise is very low and refined with little to no vibrations.
Mileage: As because I’m buying a 200+cc bike, it simply cannot be a factor to decide bike brand; yes, mileage isn’t a big concern. However, Karizma overall mileage is said to fall between 40 and 45 kmpl and so same with Pulsar too which gives around 42 to 47 kmpl of petrol.
Self starter and battery: Karizma self starter is a bit sluggish in extreme cold conditions; say around 3 to 4 degree temperatures, so it requires a bit choking in severe winters. Else the bike starts within a moment of pressing the starter button unfailingly while pulsar has Fi and so no problem whatsoever to start the engine in a single press. Karizma has 7ah battery while pulsar has 9ah battery.
I had almost made my mind to buy a Bajaj Pulsar 200cc DTS-Fi but the following things put me off after a little thinking.
- Pulsar doesn’t come with additional kick starter, now that’s a big problem for a bike if it has no kick and the battery fails for whatever reasons say in winter or if its not to be used for long time of 20 to 30 days.
- Pulsar doesn’t have black engine and alloys also there is no sports cowl to the bike.
- Rear disc brake has lots of complaints as I’d heard from my friends who have been using Pulsar 220cc. Rear disc brake is just a piece of disc and there is no surprising braking by the Pulsar.
Price: On road of Pulsar 220cc comes to around Rs. 86,000 in Delhi while Karizma comes at Rs. 76,000. So why should I pay extra 10,000 more and for what big deal? Some of you might well say that Pulsar comes with LED tail lamps etc. But honestly speaking I don’t want a showpiece and I want a bike that will never let me down. It is stupid to spend 10,000 more for all that not so-useful gadgetry.
So I went ahead and bought a Hero Honda Karizma from Oswal Honda in Pitampura and I’m glad with my decision.
~ AK Sharma
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{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
If Sharma had waited until the launch of 2009 P220. His decisions would have been different.
Sure !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank God I waited for p220 2009 addition which includes superb enhancements to fi version and low cost.
1. When I talked to an auto expert, he tried to explain me about the Pulsar’s fuel injection. He said it’s just a fuel injection, and not electronic fuel injection like it’s in a four wheeler; which means it manually sprays fuel into the cylinder and Karizma uses carburetor which is used in Honda VBR series bikes; still a slightly outdated technology. <<< Ru sure about this?
2. Besides sports bike don't have kicks. Well our manufacturer may be showing that these bikes are sport bikes.
3. All the byks which are having rear disc system are always low. Urgent braking is not possible, it invites accidents.
Rear disc brakes in sport byks are always 50% effective. So even if u stand on the brake pedal the bike will not stop immediatley, the way front disc can stop. Coz it slipppppssssss fast, coz rear wheel has power + motion. N front has got only motion but no power.
@ Chinmay
that is what u think, not me.ok
Dear AK, By the time u will get ur bike serviced for 2nd time U will be seeing hot new ZMR which is on the way to make the competition to kneel for its performance. Don’t u read auto sites daily !!!
If i were you, i’d select Karizma for sure but will wait for the new Karizma to be out with full fairing and possibly powerful engine.
But anyways Karizma betters P220, your review proved it right.
ppl the new karizma is still speculation,. as i seen ppl on orkut discussing it very vigourously and they have raised some issues which put some questions on the zmr.
they still says that it is modified and they can get u as many of zmr stickers as mmuch u want!!!
even if the new zmr is true, i wont have purchased it as i did not like its design, then i would have gone for 220,.
Dear Mr Sharma
I beg to differ on the issue of noise.I have noticed hundreds of Karizmas and none of them was observed to be silent.On the contrary they are significantly noisy.I am not sure whether the noise is of timing chain ,cam shaft or any other things.The benchmark is Yamaha or Honda bikes they are absolutely silent (I mean the refinement part of the engine).
Aniruddha Patwardhan
BHOPAL
Though I agree with Sharma on a few points, I don’t agree about the Pulsar not being worth its value. The Pulsar employs a FI, and that does cost money, plus the headlights of the Pulsar 220 is the best in the country. Miles ahead of any bike, so you just can’t compare this way.
your notification regarding karizma is wrong.
karizma is one of the most refined bikes in india.
what u are talking of silence, i say they are bikes not cars which are completely quite.
see looks have also different opinions!!!
even ppl say rose is not beautiful, thats all personal opinion.
and i have never said that peulsar is not value for money. it is for me that its not worth its price, again a personal opinion.
@Sharma
“When I talked to an auto expert, he tried to explain me about the Pulsar’s fuel injection. He said it’s just a fuel injection, and not electronic fuel injection like it’s in a four wheeler; which means it manually sprays fuel into the cylinder ”
My dear ignorant friend, EVERY Fuel Injected Engine in this world means that it is controlled electronically by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
. Your report perfectly explains how Hero Honda bikes are bought and by whom. i.e people buy Hero Honda bikes by EYES and MINDS SHUT. 
Enjoy your new ride.
As always… i am a rtr fan… yes its not as peppy as karizma or a p220.
but mr sharma… u think its not as peppy as a hh hunk and unicorn?? u mean wat?? may be u dont understand the pep.
hmmmmmmmmmm….intresting…huh
Sharma : nice article and nice selection, hope people make use of your article. Zma will never be ‘outdated’ even after 10 years. Comparing few features and calling Zma as outdated is foolishness. No one talks about real biking parameters, zma has superb engine, zma can be used for almost all purposes including tracks with minor mods.
In first place Zma need not be compared with P220 just b’cos it in 220 cc category.
yes ppl buy vintage cars worth crores of rupee, and i just dont know how ppl say its outdated, i pulsar is outdated, see 220 from side except for the front fairing everything is same as in its baby models, there’s nothing xclusive in 220.
well this is the most comprehensive review i ever red in my life……..
whatever is written is totally correct and informative.
but sharma wrote that karizma self starter is bit sluggish in cold conditions…..
i doubt this ’cause me too own a zma for last 4 years and never ever experienced cold start problem, and even in extreme winters i start the bike with self(with choke on).
i think zma self starter is the most expensive one found in indian bikes, after market costs rs.6000.
Chinmay is right.. the guy is biased towards HH, although i havent found a single site which has made the comparisons justly, if only Karizma would come with a FI it’d be on the same level as P220-FI but as of now, i think P220-FI has the best engine amongst all Indian bikes.
hey mr sharma
never judge high end bikes by there prices
u dont wanna pay more then u should have bought a splendour ok
@ PAARIJAAT
I welcome such futile suggestions from imbecilic persons like you.
as m a karizma R owner,i also bet on karizma because of not only i have owned it and loved it..it’s because i was in same problem as Mr. Sharma’s . and i did same as he did.
Mr. Chinmay m sorry 2 disagree wid u bt HH Karizma is d best byk… u jzt ride on it n thn talk abt it further!!!
d ride quality n looks r 100 times better than P220.
Dude i agree with Mr.Chinmay, coz even i hv a p220 dat hasnt had a single accident, yet it vibrates at higher speeds wereas ma bro has a HH karizma R 225 dats older dan mine, dat has an awesome firing evn at high speeds dat u dnt evn makeout dat ur goin so fast unlike my bike dat roars n irritates ma ears….
Dude i like that roaring ok karizma just like it
karizma R has better pick up than pulsar 220,but yamaha R is the fastest bike now best in pick up n top speed but it take so many petrol.
lets see how can pulsar beat this zzzzzzzm……
@ Sharma,
Very credible review of Zma.. thanks.. i have read HH Zma reviews on many sites and i have observed that mostly its the P220 fans who write bad about Zma.. Good people will always appreciate the bikes for what they stand in technology and features..
A Zma lover would never say bad words abt any other bike. Guys,
common grow up.. its not a matter of which bike is better, its a matter of your opinion. A bike could have different meanings for different people.
hey! sharma u have lost ur mind , the new pulsar220cc is simply superb with amusing design with same as karizma on road in nearer showroom near my coll and it is exciting i completely disagree with u.
thank u!!
Thanx mr sharma,P220 – 2009 version with carburator would move ur mind from descision which u have made about karizma..
Dats so true bike king, coz as i ve said earlier even i have a p 220 n 2 tell u it is a complete waste in front of ma bro’s bike (HH Karizma).. m already biuying a karizma dis month….
hi , the 220 pulsar owners should ride the karizma 223r once to stop all their nonsense reviews they give about their bke.
Well said bike king
mr sharma,
pulsar 220 fi didn’t come 2 market directly,Bajaj modifies all the mistakes in its previous versions…so it can be trusted..
and to say abt HH they produce the same model with modify the stickers only..so it’s not worthy to compare the new 220FI with old ZMA…u may try with new ZMA-FI.
thank u
how s the pulsar 220 dts i worth or not pickup milage and guality status send me pls
Dear Sharma,
U seem to be underestimating pulsar 220 without right reason, well i agree with u regarding the engine noise,but ZMA also makes losts of it, atleast all of them which i had seen,particular knocking sound from its cylinder head so this is not an issue for an bike when it comes to 200+ segment, coz u r going to raise it up to its max limits for higher speeds,well if ur going to buy a bike in this segment engine sound should not be any big issue for this.
Again the price issuse sounds the same, ur about to buy a bike in 200+ segment so ur going to pay a fair amount for it, and ur bothering for such an amount of 10,000, dear pulsar costs a lil more but it comes with FI and much more and this cost it, well regarding lightings HH ZMR is far not compared to pulsar (sorry for this review) but headlamp of pulsar 220 is the best and most powerful Headlingt in india in its segment till now.
well regarding disc brakes i agree with chinmay front and read discs brakes efficienty really differs a lot, compaing drum in ZMA with rear dics in 220 is really baseless truely speaking ZMA lacks that thing,another thing i hate in HH is that this bike hardly give any engine upgrade except the change in stickers it really stings.
Hi Guys…
I own Zma R nd planning 2 buy Zma ZMR FI.
I can tell u one thing , that Mr. Sharma made the right decision. Zma is better than P220 for its performance and as a tourer. The new P 220 isn’t the bad one and I must say that its a very good one while its FI version was not good. Still the zma gives some different experience to me. And in case of noise, the zma is far ahead of P220.
@Mr. Sharma: Have a Happy Ride
Bajaj sucks all the time! They do not produce bikes components parts they just assemble the parts they receive from vendors to whom they send the designs. I had worked for Bajaj in pune’s chakan plant, and more surprising thing bajaj supply chain module guyz pass on the orders to vendors who r ready to bribe them. Shame on bajaj!
I feel Hero Honda must be making parts inhouse in their Haryana plant. And for my personal experience vendors can do anything so that company can accept their parts; I had observed even they resend rejected material with some fancy packing and new crome plating every time.
That is the reason why bajaj’s bike seem to be strong/value for money at first but become scrap in just 2-3 yrs since their parts wear out fast.
People can criticize by saying that hero honda doesnt have R&D and bajaj have technology and blah blah…but whats the use of technology if they dont meet the quality??
Hey chinmay you told ….that u worked in Bajajs chakan plant …n u saw many bad things over there….so that It causes in ….bad quality parts of Bajaj bikes…..is it true?..bcoz I m planning to buy Bajajs Pulsar 220 dts-i very soon ….plz help me out….which bike I should buy.
WOW!! Mr. AK Sharma, Now honestly tell weren’t you at love-at-first-sight with ZMA, rest every bike seemed piddle to you!
You laughed hard when someone told -ve points of ZMA whereas you are always ready to win a freakin IIM GD, if the debate is on Why ZMA?
If you are in love, then I have to agree its the best bike ever, otherwise you will see its taillight turburence, take extra care of it.
Mileage would be nowhere around 25-30. but then, all you need is an immunized mind and heart for your bike against all these comments, don’t you
Reply Honestly!!
And also I don’t see a point why you guys are so keen on voice, sound of engine! If you want a silent one, either buy Honda or Ducati, if your shallow pocket allows you!
Whats wrong with P220′s sound? Its rather exhilrating, I love it very much! When it starts accelerating, someone is already aware that beast is coming, no its not as bulging as Bullet but still very lovable.
VIBRATION PART = Isn’t that an issue common with all bike, what do you need? I assure you Pulsar 220 & ZMA are damn vibrationless even at 90 Kmph! Forget even a pinch of vibration! NOW WHAT?
Handling = I contradict, Mr. Sharma…P220 FTW! Wildest of corners ever thrown at it, and if you know how to control them, you will pass them butter smooth, but if prefer to be a cry baby always hidden behind arse of low body, bulky weight etc, then you can’t even handle a Hero Puch!!
Think Guys think
Backoff busty guys, Pulsar 220 is the emperor and is here to stay no matter what Karishma or kareena comes, bajaj had developed pulsar and evolved new models making it a better sports bike over years.It had experimented with the engine every year to bring somethingor the other new which is good because no body and no bike is perfect as they all come with some or the other issues, I just love my PuLsAR 220 2009 EDITION. iT really is a good deal for me and i;m really impressed with it,
Backoff busty guys, Pulsar 220 is the emperor and is here to stay no matter what Karizma bajaj had developed pulsar and evolved new models making it a better sports bike over years.It had experimented with the engine every year to bring somethingor the other new which is good because no body and no bike is perfect as they all come with some or the other issues, I just love my PuLsAR 220 2009 EDITION. iT really is a good deal for me and i;m really impressed with it,
Pulsar has become janta ki gaadi.. everyone has it these days.. some version like 150, 180, 200, 220.. no idea where they will stop experimenting..
and someone above said that Pulsar is a sports bike??? lol.. It is not.. it doesnot match anywhere compared to ZMA R or ZMR.. answer this – what gives you uniqueness on a Pulsar.. nothing….!!!
Karizma is recognized at a distance and can dare to take any other vehicle on the road. R15 is another bike that sucks because of smaller engine and thinner tyres.. grow up guys..
Ninja is a bike which i admire a lot..
Karizma owners only know how much they have fallen in love with the bike once and forever.. just becuase Pulsar owners cannot digest this.. they try to compare a Zma with Pilsar..
No offense to Pulsar owners, but Bajaj still needs to improve on technology. Afterall, how can you compare a Honda engine (Karizma) to Indian technology (Pulsars)??
Honda engines are the finest engines in the world, no pulsar can beat karizma in terms of engine refinement and efficiency.
@Nishanth
Perhaps you are a zma fan..good for you…
Your comments above makes no sense. it just shows ur a brand loyaler. respect other brands too.
Think twice before you talk about indian technology.
Its because of ppl like your thoughts, indian technology is hindering, if you think it is. I’d say buy indian products, try, unless we try it cant improve or get better. Heard about TVS? RTR 160? marvelous bike… the kinda power it generates for a 160 engine is amayzaing.. the adrenaline rush with the crisp throttle, tat is indian. isnt it? what do u know about how honda started as a company and how good their products were when they started initially? haan? Indian industry is still young when it comes to makin our own bikes, and the scene is getting better. and the kind of bikes indian industry is producing for its age is amayzing.
Brother I think you if you had waited for a little long, all your doubts would have gone cleared with the new refined Pulsar 220. And now the Devil also has a twin brother i.e. Pulsar 220 S. The ones who talk about Karizma’s performance are surely ignoring the Pulsar. Besides the Hero Honda which is a joint venture of Hero Cycles (which make chassis) and Honda Motors Japan (which provide engines) is getting over this year. And Honda has clearely declared that it is NOT INTERSTED in renewing the deal. Once the company is gone then who’s gonna cater your bike’s needs? Now dont say that you’ll run behind Hero for body parts and Honda for engine spares. We know that Bajaj has made a bad impression in the starting but now company is learning from its mistakes. And first impression is not the last impression always. Since 2008 the company has been rectifying the faults and is successfully selling high end bikes. And those who feel that there Pulsar 220 has lost its power, go for 4 steps.
* Get the engine decarbonised.
* Install a free flow air intake filter (K&N).
* Rejet your carbueretor.
* Install Bosch’s dual electrode spark plugs. (All of it will come around 6-7 K)
Go out, hit the road, leave the R-15 behind to take your dirt.
One thing clear…the new P220 s..the street fighter version is as muscular as Honda bikes. Besides talking about noise and vibration one should know that the sounds or vibrations from the exhaust of the engines can be controlled by just thickening the muffler region or by significantly designing it. That is completely manufacturers choice. One must have observed in Royal Enfield bikes that produces too much sound like ” Bhat Bhat Bhat…….”…… Isn’t it???
The P220 is designed to make sound whereas Karizma is not. The design of bike that a manufacturer releases is its own….
Hi guys,
I need an auto expert advice.
I am palnning to upgrade my Pulsar-150 to Pulsar-220 Dtssi.
Can you please help me out with your sincere & honest suggestions.
Thanks & Regards
Asif Khan
dude sell it out and buy karizma r….thats my advice……
hi guyzzzz
i want to tell u all that krazima r is better than pulsar 220 in all the ways……………..but but but
p220 is also good……….but not as good as krazima is…..so go for it(karizma R)
Many dimwits in their comments brag about Pulsar Indian technology, Honda Japanese technology. Let me tell you straight 1. there is no Indian technology 2. What pulsar and Apache are having are the engines designed by foreign companies. Any Indian company associated with any foreign firms must maintain quality standards and if foreign companies design and produce a bike they make it right, refined, durable and reliable. Bajaj is simply an Indian company copying and reproducing the technology of its foreign counterparts in bad quality. Indian firms are not capable of any innovation that did not exist in the world right now. The Grand masters like the Honda, Yamaha,Suzuki were a light years away from the most intelligent motorcycle innovation that India can come up with. HH knows this very well thus they just limit themselves with sticker works and relay on Honda for new Tecs. Bajaj must stop its unprofessional practice of re-boring its unrefined, unreliable engine, bad gear box, clutch in to many crap siblings. This is something what a road side mechanic will do.