Finally the news that has been so hot over the past few weeks and hotter over the past few days is here. There have been a lot of aspects that have been unclear. Yes, here we are talking about the the long awaited ZMR, the Karizma with Fi. The official media launch happened at the Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon and I was present for the launch this afternoon, the 21St of September 2009. I did not however get to test-ride the bike as yet. With much fanfare the bike was launched coming out of a cocoon with a rider symbolising change and the spirit of biking freedom that the new ZMR is supposed to portray.
People have been saying a lot of things about the looks. And it has been generally in the negative. Even a lot of people present during the presentation seemed to feel let down. Surprisingly, I quite liked not only the looks but the entire package. It is true that the specs tend to disappoint us with hardly an upgrade on paper. But this bike does not seem to be a paper tiger. Firstly, I got impressed by its presence. Despite all that people have
said about this particular model, I seemed to be completely taken in by its big bike looks and feel. From all the photographs that we have seen so far, I feel that these photographs have not done justice to the bike. I saw it in flesh, felt it, touched it, sat on it and started it. It is a satisfying experience overall.
When the bike was started, it gave a different sound from the current crop of Karizmas. It sounded bassier and deep throated. Which though it may not show on paper, might translate as torque while riding... I know I am being optimistic, but after 27 years of motorcycling across continents, maybe I can be right. The digital does not look right out of a science fiction movie, but it has data that is not given by too many motorcycles in the country. Besides the usual speed, odo, double trip metre, time and welcome message, it also has a digital RTMI (Real Time Mileage Indicator). And all of this data, though it may take a little time to get used to and follow, they are brightly lit, clear and efficiently displayed.
Before coming to the specs and data, I will give a brief overview of the kind of "goodies" and tech that has gone into this:
1. 16BIT ECU processor for the FI.
2. Oil Cooler.
3. 12Hole FI.
4. Engine Oil Temp Sensor.
5. Intake Air Temp Sensor.
6. Throttle Postion Sensor.
7. Crank Position Sensor.
8. Oxygen Sensor.
9. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor.
10. Idle Air control Valve.
Hero Honda has portrayed the bike with the tagline "Above all": Above all Styling, above all technology and above all Safety and Eco-Friendly Features.
When I sat on the ZMR with the clip-ons, it did not feel like a bike with clip-ons. It did not feel as sporty as other bikes with such a setup. Only if I ride would I be able to make out the difference in handling. However my take is, it would handle better than the earlier Karizma with clip-ons with the added comfort stance since the clips are pretty long and high.
The bike is currently priced at 91000 INR Ex-showroom Delhi and this will remain their premium segment. And what is interesting to note is that they are NOT phasing out the carburetted Karizma. My take on the bike, despite popular or unpopular sentiments, I am pretty satisfied with the overall styling, the looks, the engine sound, the console and the all new clips. Whether it is a joy to ride or not remains to be seen once I ride the bike.
Photographs from the launch:
SPECIFICATIONS.
Engine type : 4St, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Oil Cooled, PGM-Fi.
Displacement: 223CC
Max Power: 13.15kw; 17.6Bhp @7000Rpm
Max Torque : 18035Nm @ 6000Rpm
Top Speed : 126kmph
0-60Kmph: 3.7secs
Bore X Stroke: 65.5 x 66.2mm
Comp Ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel Metering: PGM-FI;Programmed Fuel Injection.
Ignition: DC-FTIS (Full Transistorised Ignition System.)
Engine Oil: 1.35Ltrs
Oil Grade: SAE 10W 30 SJ Grade
CHASSIS
Tubular Single Cradle Diamond Type.
BRAKES:
Front : Disc: 276mm
Rear: Disc : 240mm
WHEEL and TYRES:
Rim: Front 18X1.85
Rear 18X2.15
Tyres: Front 80/100X18 Tubeless
Rear 100/90X18 Tubeless
DIMENSIONS
Length : 2110mm
Width : 805mm
Height : 1175mm
Wheelbase: 1350mm
Ground Clearance: 159mm
Turning radius: 2.5metres
Kerb weight: 159 kgs.
The bike comes with a 3year/40000 kilometre warranty.
Text and Photographs by Krishnendu Kes
Thanks to the help and active participation of Nitinjit Bawa.