New Hero Karizma ZMR review, road test

Redesigned, retuned and re-spawned, is Hero's sporty new Karizma able enough to take on its fast and furious segment?

Published on Oct 29, 2014 05:30:00 PM

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The riding position on the new ZMR is now more aggressive than ever due to shorter clip-on handlebars that have resulted in focussed, sporty ergonomics. The seat feels plush and, combined with well-positioned footrests, makes this a decent motorcycle when riding on the open highway. Your wrists however, do tend to feel stressed when riding this sporty bike in the city. The new ZMR’s wheelbase has increased slightly within the tubular frame, 18-inch rims doing duty at both ends and a rectangle section swingarm with needle rollers supporting its pivot.

Up front, the ZMR deploys a set of twin telescopic forks, while gas filled shock absorbers work at the back. The rear tyre is wider, a 120/80 section unit, and it uses disc brakes at both ends.

In the saddle, we found that Hero’s latest motorcycle does handle better, changing lanes and attacking corners quicker than earlier, owing largely to the more focussed riding position. Straightline stability is good, the bike always handling with a predictable feel. Ride quality, meanwhile, is fair, and allows for comfortable riding on bad road surfaces. High speed handling is good too.

Brake feel is nice as well, with both disc brakes working together to provide reassuring, safe stops. We managed to bring the ZMR from 60kph to rest in 16.24 meters.