The Legend Gets Killed! Updated Karizma Twins Revealed; Anger Management Advised!

Stealth and Silence isn’t really good when you need to create attention to something; especially if you are an auto-manufacturer ushering in a new product. Hero MotoCorp has unveiled the newer editions of its Karizma Twins ( Both R and ZMR ) at some undisclosed location in Macau. Prima facie, it appears the media wasn’t present and it was a soiree for the company officials and dealerships. 😉

New-2014-Karizma-ZMR-pic-front

At the end of the post, there is a short clipping of the ceremony just as the bike gets unveiled. We guess we heard something similar to a Lion’s roar in the clipping. Let’s just say competition isn’t so easy for Hero MotoCorp to start assuming things and don the mantle!!

Now, the following image is of the “UPDATED KARIZMA R”. For many of you, we suggest you start taking in a deep breath. Keep doing it till the count of 4; then retain it till the count of 7, and then slowly exhale it till the count of 8. Anger Management done, let’s move on!!

New-2014-Hero-Karizma-R-Pic

There had been a lot of hue and cry over the updated models of Karizma, ever since the first spyshots cropped up from the proximity of Hero’s  Dharuhera plant. Internet traffic probably hit a new high in those days, as few more sightings of the test mules followed closely. Fans and foes alike went gung-ho, some advocating Hero’s demise and quite a few others not being so critical. Nevertheless, the staccato beat has been reached with the “Stealthy” unveiling of the Karizma twins.

Frankly, Hero MotoCorp seems to be groping in the dark. No Pun Intended.

NEW HERO KARIZMA R

Have a look at the new Karizma R. Forget the odd-looking Chop-Job that has been handed over to the semi-fairing. Please also forgive Hero Motocorp’s obsession with red coloured rear shocks ( Oh…did we mention they aren’t monoshocks?? Same old, same old… ) and also their fetish for the golden scheme called “Astra Gold”. It appears Hero MotoCorp has taken parts from a bike much lower in the pecking order and has tweaked them a bit for this facelift.

Have a look at the side panels as well as the tail cowl of the new Karizma ZMR. The tail cowl rises upward linearly, and has a grotesque protrusion at the end of it. Hero MotoCorp would like to call them rear grab rails. Nevertheless, the side panels as well as the tail cowl look quite similar to those on the Hero Xtreme. In the meantime, Hero MotoCorp has stripped the Hero Extreme ( well, literally!! ) of its tank flaps and given it a changed appearance. We have focused on it in a different report.

“Xtreme” Cost-Cutting was probably on Hero’s mind when they shared the parts from the bin of the Hero Xtreme. The engine fairing on the underbelly of the new Karizma R looks similar to the one found on the Hero Xtreme. Not just that, the engine cylinder block and the crankcase bear similarities in size and shape. The saree guard is also probably lifted off an Xtreme. We wouldn’t be surprised if the exhaust tip gave rise to a feeling of deja vu.

All that Hero MotoCorp has done is given the rear split seat some curve as it slopes down to meet the edge of the front split seat ( Good that they haven’t claimed anything about it being Anti-Slip ) and added a couple of odd, twisted things which they would like to call “rear grab rails”. The front portion of the bike looks contorted enough to fit into the general scheme of things drawn up by the rear portion. You get a curvy, bulbous front coupled with a sharp, upraised rear portion. Brilliant co-ordination achieved to create a cohesive design theme, eh Hero??

Ahhh…let’s not forget about the odd way in which the semi-fairing has been terminated. It seems as if Hero’s designers either ran out of raw material or much-needed time while putting together a look. The only front where they seem to have moved forward is the addition of much-needed brawn by the incorporation of a naked chain drive. Alas, more could have been done by adding a meatier set of rubbers, at least at the rear!!

No word on the technical specifications as of yet, but we aren’t expecting miracles. Even if Mr. Erik Buell has himself tuned the powerplants, we believe 20+ bhp figures is a remote possibility. Disc brakes appear to be the old ones, and the video clipping ( At the post end ) shows a similar instrument console. Hey, the frame is a single cradle frame, isn’t it??

Good job, Hero MotoCorp. You just scripted the obituary for the Legend.

NEW HERO KARIZMA ZMRNew-Hero-Karizma-ZMR

Things are minutely better for the Hero Karizma ZMR. Even though it carries all the parts similar to the new Hero Karizma R, a big plus is that the front-heavy looks of the older Karizma ZMR has been bade goodbye to for a more balanced look. The headlamps are an attempt by Hero to rack up popular sentiment, but they are possibly the worst looking front we will have on any bike in India (Older Fazer 125 not included!). At best, it appears like a mash-up of the vertically-stacked obloid lamps of Pulsar 220/Hyosung GT 250R or 650R. The other interesting bit is the reference to Honda CBR 500R, with the parking lamp-turn indicator combo being as big as contemporary headlamps.

The fairing seems big enough to stave off a considerable amount of windblast. We assume the Karizma twins will feel at home on highway stretches. But again, we just assume because that depends on the performance figures, which haven’t been leaked yet.

New-2014-Karizma-ZMR-pic

Other than that, we feel there are lots of areas where Hero could do their homework. A flagship motorcycle doesn’t really deserve this.

If anyone who sees the front of the motorcycle and still likes it, we will really be wanting to know if you are anyone apart from Pawan Munjal!

Our simple single question is this: Why Hero Why!!!

Pics Source – xBhp

New 2014 Karizma ZMR Launch Video