BIKES

Bikes bikes bikes! a few moments ago, before I even decided to write this article I was engrossed in a bike
magazine which was brought down from london by a relative.All I did was drool over it and was soon trapped
in a different world with 600 to 1000cc supersports.
But as I read on I came crashing back into reality when I heard the meager exhaust noise of a pulsar outside the window. All I could do was sigh and sulk at the condition of bikes in our country. But something is always better than nothing and at time u just cant throw practicality out the window.
So what is India’s answer to a sports bike! The Hero Honda Karizma..I guess! It was was intially launched with a hefty price tag of about 90,000 inclusive of road tax registration and insurance. For a 223 cc bike that was as fast as the pulsar Dtsi, I initially gave it 6 months to last.But a year down the line the ex-showroom price dropped to about 69,999 making it a wee bit affordable.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on one which belonged to a friend as i really wanted to see if it was worth the amount.My analysis of the bike went step by step..
The Exterior-
looking at the bike from various angles and views a can definitely say there has finally been a change in design from the traditional design that everyone followed.In certain ways it looked nice in ither ways a little disgusting.A close up view of the front gives to the uniquely designed headlamp.
The only issue is that the registration plate distorts the entire look.Step back a little or take a look at it in your rear view and the bike looks very weird. So minus another point.
Turning the bike another 180 degrees and the rear lamp of the bike is what grabs your attention at first.Two bulbs included the lamp looks brilliant especially at night look lower down and then you see another disproportionate portion of the bike.The rear wheel seems to be engulfed by the mud guard itself. A quick solution arrived and the rear tire was immediatly changed to a thicker Pirelli Sport Deamon.
Flipping the bike by another 90 degrees I then took a look at the side of the bike.Yes! this is where they got it right.The bike looked sleek and the position of the foot pegs gave a very sporty look to the bike when the rider sits on it.
The exhaust comes in various colours to match the colour of the bike and is pretty well designed to fit the dimensions of the bike itself. Then upon going back to the other side of the bike.. and to my astonishment.. a bloomin saree guard! my was first reaction was.. ’’what the’’!! this is supposed to a premium sports bike. Tools were then brought out and the problem again was quickly solved.
Back to the front of the bike I did not like the way the indicators were carved into the body itself. The stuck out as if the bike had two large mosquito bites on the side.
Stealing the bike for a ride-
After the entire hype over the Karizma I must admit I was a little tempted to take it for a spin.But I had to wait a good month or so till I could as the run in period had to to be finished on it.
Once it was done the keys were in my hand and I was immediatly on the bike.The clutch timing for the release was lovely it felt perfect. the bike sailed smoothly and very quickly in first.
As I started pushing it from the 2nd gear onwards the bike felt nicer.The power of the bike could get u hooked on to it, 3rd ,4th and then 5th I had the wind howling through my helmet..
The gears were smooth and very friendly and as the bike reved higher the engine didnt seem to scream as if it was being whipped. The handling was pretty okay as I could get it through the gaps in the traffic quick enough and the 223cc engine with 17bhp allowed me to do that.
The handling suffers the most at high speeds as the bikes stability seems to take a beating at times but I would say that it is definitely more stable than a pulsar 180.Braking with the 276mm disc in front and the drum at the bike was sufficient enough to get it to stop.
I will say that the Karizma is a definite riders bike with a few exceptions. Once on the bike you find a huge gap between the handle and fork system with that of the body. The wires and electrics could be seen making the final finish of the bike a little shoddy. The bike also had a very plastic like feel to it once on it.
Everything was plastic except for the tank.The continuation of the farring to the tank was a little too long and made it feel like the front of the bike would run away from you any moment. The dials were very ordinary but the inclusion of a digital odometer,trip meter,and fuel meter was a great idea making it look a little futuristic. Another problem that i found with the bike was its turning radius.The bike would probably need an airport runway just for a u-turn.
Other Problems-
One of the biggest problems with the bike is the vibration problem.The vibrations are bad enough to shake the filaments off the bulbs. I guess thats why u tend to see quite a few of them with one tail lamp bulb fused.
Spares are also another problem with it.Having an accident is the last thing anyone want and on this bike it should be out of the questions. A crack in the farring will cost u RS 12000 as you have to replace the whole thing.A problem with the exhaust pipe will fetch u another Rs 16000 to replace and i could make good money just stealing the air filter as that is another 5000.Put that all together and u get the price of probably a bajaj Ct100.
Another down side is the mileage.The expected amount is supposed to 40kmpl.That is if u go slower than 40kmph. Take it above that u will get anywhere between 25 to 32kmpl.I wish I could say to hell with it but unless I won the lottery,maintaining would be a problem thanks to rising oil prices.
A problem would be a tire puncture.Not ,many tire shops will fix a tire on a mag wheel so unless u have those specialized centers around your in for trouble.
Verdict-
A bike with a great engine,if u are willing to compromise on fuel efficiency the Karizma would be a good suggestion otherwise cross it off your list. The design could have been bettered a little. And something should be done about the amount of plastic on.