Spy shots have emerged of the upcoming Hero Karizma XMR undergoing testing. Although the test mule is heavily camouflaged, some key details about the motorcycle can be seen. The company just recently filed for two trademarks – Karizma XMR and Karizma XMR 210 – suggesting that a launch is not that far away.
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New Karizma will replace the Hero Xtreme 200S
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Will rival the Bajaj RS200 and Suzuki Gixxer SF250
Upcoming Hero Karizma XMR: what do the spy shots reveal?
What’s immediately apparent from the spy images is that the upcoming Karizma will have a larger fairing than Hero’s current faired sportsbike, the Xtreme 200S. The new Karizma’s fairing will cover a significant portion of its engine, unlike the Xtreme 200S, and the mirrors on this test mule are mounted on the fairing itself rather than on the handlebar as seen on the 200S.
The bike also seems to get low-set clip-on handlebars, along with LED indicators and a stubbier exhaust end-can in comparison to the 200S. The test mule sported an LED tail-light, a telescopic fork and a monoshock, and while the headlight can’t be seen clearly, it’s safe to assume that it’ll be an LED unit.
As such, Hero is likely to offer the Karizma XMR with a brand-new engine. Rumours suggest that this will be a significantly more powerful model than the current Xtreme 200S and it will be liquid-cooled. Exact specifications still remain to be uncovered.
Hero Karizma XMR: rivals
Once launched, the Hero Karizma XMR will rival the likes of the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 (Rs 1.92 lakh-2.03 lakh), Bajaj Pulsar RS200 (Rs 1.71 lakh) and the KTM RC 200 (Rs 2.15 lakh). The highly popular Yamaha R15 V4 (Rs 1.81 lakh-1.94 lakh) will be a target as well. In terms of pricing, expect the Karizma range to cost a good chunk more than the existing Xtreme 200S (Rs 1.35 lakh), considering it will be more modern and better equipped.
Do you think the reborn Karizma will be as successful as the earlier iteration? Let us know in the comments.
All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
