New Karizma XMR 210: The legend likely to return on August 29th

Hero MotoCorp has released a new teaser on its social media handles, hinting at the launch of an upcoming bike on August 29, 2023. The teaser, captioned “witness the return of the legend,” suggests that the bike could be the all-new Karizma XMR 210, a successor to the discontinued 223cc model.

Design and Features

The Karizma XMR 210 was first unveiled at a dealer conference, where a leaked picture revealed its sporty design and bright red colour. The bike features a sleek and wide LED headlamp, a sharp side fairing, a sculpted fuel tank, a two-piece step-up seat with split grab rails, a stubby exhaust and a narrow tail section. It also gets clip-on handlebars, a digital LCD cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and rides on stylish alloy wheels.

Engine and Performance

The new Karizma XMR 210 is expected to be powered by a 210cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces around 25 BHP and 30 Nm of peak torque. This motor will be paired with a six-speed gearbox and could also offer a slipper clutch.

Suspension and Brakes

The bike is likely to feature telescopic suspension at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, while the braking setup will comprise of discs at both ends with dual-channel ABS.

Previous Model

The previous model of the Karizma was launched in 2003 as Hero Honda’s flagship bike. It had a 223cc, air-cooled engine that delivered 17 BHP and 19.35 Nm of torque. It was known for its high performance, smooth ride and comfortable ergonomics. It had a mileage of around 30 kmpl and a top speed of around 125 kmph.

It was discontinued in 2017 due to low sales and increasing competition from other brands. There are around 314 used Hero Karizma R bikes available for sale online in India with an average price of Rs. 45,000. The new Karizma XMR 210 is expected to revive the legacy of the iconic bike with modern features and design.

Price and Launch Date

The price of the new Karizma XMR 210 is expected to be in the range of Rs. 1.60 lakh to Rs. 1.90 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a competitive rival to the likes of KTM RC 200, Yamaha R15 V4, Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 and Bajaj Pulsar RS200. The bike is likely to be launched in India in September 2023.