Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR


Nice to see an honest reaction to a mod.
Most of the times do not admit the problems faced after doing a major alteration with a bike's design. This can be a good lesson for everyone thinking on similar lines.
Ergonomics is the biggest area that gets hit when removing or adding fairings.. .

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

On the contrary, I ran my bike with all plastics removed and the headlamp/console sticking out like a dork and I found it fare better.
Crosswinds were less of an issue as there was space for air to flow through, the front became less heavy and hence I could flick it around. Direction changes were easier as well. I plan on embarking on the journey if few more trials succeed (ghats, corners, off road etc).

"People can see Phanikar sir's ZMA to garner some inspiration."

Fairing on this bike sucks so bad that cannot be explained in words. No passage for air, cold or hot, no proper provision for oil drain as well as refill, bad oil cooler placement etc. The only good thing is that the plastic used is strong and doesn't break easily.

P.S - In the above test, city riding was NOT done. Only Bangalore - Mulbagal - Bangalore attempts have been done twice. 190 km both times. 100% arrow straight highway types.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

How did you manage to keep the headlight fitted? Does it stick to the frame properly? Obvious One would not keep the stock headlights if they are removing the fairing..

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

A giant pain in the bum that was! It is left held by 2 flimsy bolts if the dome is removed, thereby putting a lot more pressure on those bolts which where earlier shared with the fairing. So I taped the whole unit with cello-tape as the experiment was being conducted after 6 AM in the morning. I only had to ensure that I return before evening.

A twin pod like look (for headlamps) from the old Triumph Speed Triple may just suit the bike.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

I guess most of us are in some way tired with our ZMRs. For instance, the number of times the clutch plates on my ZMR get fried, the confidence-degrading punny tyres (which I'm replacing), and the intolerable heat at any oil grade. For the aforementioned reasons, I do plan to get a bigger bike.

HOWEVER, I do not plan to sell the ZMR for one reason. It simply does not give up! I have done some serious off-roading with it and never felt it would give up.

As for the fairing, it keeps off mud and splashes from reaching my shoes and trousers. I am still clean when I reach my office! Now, that is a sure plus. That apart, as Divya mentioned, it is absolutely impractical when it comes to servicing or quick repairs.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

I agree with [MENTION=41586]Divya Sharan[/MENTION] on fairing part. Bike feels much much better as overall package but loses out badly on top speed. If you're someone who don't care for top speed and happy to cruise under 100 then no harm.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Yes, I too admit some of your points but cutting thru air nicely and stability with less agility comes thru fairing only(in ZMR particular). Initially I felt the engine is getting too hot as my thinking was there is no proper airflow to oil cooler, but even after removing the fairing and driven inside the B2B traffic and at very slow speeds, the engine got the same heat(somewhat it feels less as the heat escapes all the side of the engine as there is no fairing). In highways, I have ridden for 700 km in a day with fairing on and there was no heat or whatsoever. As it was a bigger engine it does gets hot in city driving or slow speeds. Without fairing I have done 200 km in a stretch and it felt never composed as before and I was not able to maintain my cruising speed of 100 to 110kmph(due to wind blast, lighter front end which pitches more in the road joints and bridges). The feeling of solidness was lost and the lighter front end with softer suspension installed a fear factor in my mind.

In city driving the bike felt better to ride, was flickable but not as some small 100-125 cc bikes as the bigger rake angle and longer wheelbase doesn't support either. It is better than a faired one. But ZMR is not supposed to do that. IMHO, it is a highway bike, I removed the fairing as it was rattling. I didn't supposed to dilute the actual essence of the bike it was made or meant for, touring or long distance cruising. Even today I have a Duke 390 and at 110 kmph, the ZMR is more comfortable over Duke for the same.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Hi guys, here are my tools for the varied personalities inside me. One for the cruiser and one for the sprinter.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Slowly and steadily.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

:-0 aaillaaa !! Awesome Divya Bhai :-)

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Completes 50 KM on my ZMR....



Facing issues. In end of April has gone with major parts changed i.e Rocker, Cylinder kit, valves and other. Thereafter bike was running fine...smooth...pickup increased.....then after 60 days...engine again become harsh and sound start appearing from engine. Went to SVC; mechanic told yes there is noise and he reopened the engine..found rocker and camshaft is not as it should be....not sure was it issues with new parts (quality down) or something else.

They again replace parts and I take delivery. I notice that engine is making hell of a heat, hipcups at constant speed, engine rotation noise is different and not smooth (like rpm going down/up). Left bike yesterday again with SVC....they will let me know the status today evening...

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Congratulation brother!

Yes I also feel that spares' quality has deteriorated!

Also, check if the oil cooler fins are straight and not bent.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Thanks...

Oil Cooler fins are fine...I am sure some parts are not set properly in last fix and causing issues...

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Hey guys.. The piston slap issue got worse and i decided to take to the ASC. Engine was opened up.. valves and cylinder set were worn out. There were scratches along the cylinder wall which can be seen in one of the pics..
The cylinder and piston set cost about 3250. Overall engine work with labour comes to about 5000.
Along with these, getting the key set changed and the cone set too.. So its like getting a new bike. Lol!

And divya bhai, where are you? Its been months since we met.. shall give you a call on Sunday. Will be near our mech to change the oil.. hope to see you then!

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Half engine work!! Check the clutch plates and pressure plates condition..