Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Thanks Divya. Motul FS 10w50 holded well till 4000kms. But the engine isn't happy to rev with thicker grade oil.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Yes. I avoid w50 oils since they make the bike sluggish. 20w40/15w40 for summers and 10w40 for winters.
Though I use Shell AX7 10w40 most of the year round and drain it at around 2300-2500 km mark. I find the performance satisfactory.

OT: Mighty congratulations on the Kawasaki!

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

I would be happy if engine sounded and felt smooth at-least for around 2000kms. Changing every 1000kms is becoming a bit hard.

Thanks a lot

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Guys I have a 5 year old zmr, kept in mint condition. I hated the front spongy brakes since day 1. My old zma had kbx disc brake which was much better in terms of bite, sensitivity.
I perform bleeding (front and rear) once a year, using fresh castrol dot 4 fluid, still have to use 3 fingers for harsh braking! I don't think the system has got air bubbles because I bleed the brakes carefully and don't let any mechanic touch the brake system.
Please suggest any tips/mods to get sensitive, bitey front brakes. Btw just installed new brake pads in front as well as rear last month, so I know it's not because of worn pads.


Also I recently removed the air filter snorkel pipe, and I can definitely sense increased throttle response at low rpm, and better low end torque. And just love the DEEP GRUNT!
But now even if I drive sensibly, the mileage indicator shows lower figures compared to when it had the snorkel on. I think it may be calculation error due to all that extra air flow, but I am not sure of the actual mileage figures yet. Kindly give your inputs guys.

Sent from my Note 3 using xBhp Connect

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

I won't term the feel as spongy. It is progressive.
One should bleed the brake lines everytime pads are changed. You can even scrub the pads with fine grit sand paper to remove the glaze at regular intervals.
Additionally, give the brake system a full overhaul. Clean the pistons and lube them.
Change the brake lines with a new one. See if the rotor has thinned out.
Also the treads on the tires are important for effective braking. How old are your tires?


Sent from my phone. Kindly avoid it while riding.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Zmr has very powerful front brakes. As you keep depressing the lever the braking increases. There is no initial bite in the bike like that of r15..
The rear brake is very weak, with negligible stopping power.

How much have you clocked after installing the new pads??

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Thanks for your prompt reply.
I know they are much better and reliable than earlier kbx ones, but the brake lever almost touches the throttle grip after fully pressing it! That doesn't seem right.

I am not facing this (spongy) problem after putting new pads, It's present right since day 1, hero honda designed it that way for amateurs. But over the years I am getting more and more peeved! And I have driven lot of other zmr's too, mine is not any different from them. Actually I am craving for R15 like bite in it, if that's possible.

FYI I have driven around 600 km since installing new pads, and only 15000 in the past 5 years! It was parked most of the time in initial 3 years (but I serviced it regardless of kms run every 4-6 months).

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

It has never come that close to me ! Never felt brakes are inadequate as well unless i rely only on rear brakes.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Never has mine, either!
Arya, get them faulty brake lines replaced!

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

It has happened but the front wheel will lock after 1/2 way from the original position, irrespective of how fast you're going.

Apply brake and inspect the brake lines for any bulging, if so, replace.
If brake lines are fine I would move my suspicion to the brake seals.

But before that I would suggest you take the pads off and inspect whether they're glazed, if so do sand them and try out.
The SVC guy once waxed my front rotor, and it lost all braking power, even if you squeeze to the hilt, it would'nt stop the bike with a pillion onboard.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Have the master cylinder replaced.

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

A spongy feel and Front brake lever coming upto the throttle level, indicates Air lock in fluid system, or Master cylinder "O" rings failure..The Master cylinder kit is available separately ,which can be used for solving the problem

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Thanks for all the replies. [MENTION=32286]psr[/MENTION] sir, u suggested air lock or master cylinder O-ring failure. But how would I solve air lock just by changing the master cylinder? Is air lock different than having air bubbles in the hose?

I guess it got damaged while transportation in truck from kolkata to jaipur.

I had removed the fairing kit completely before transporting it and took the fairing kit with me in a big carton in the train. After receiving the bike in jaipur, I saw minor scratches on tank and a bent front brake lever. It had moved approx 1 cm downwards as a result, but I kinda liked it's bent position, which puts less strain on my wrists due to my height. Now I think that the impact (which bent the brake lever) must have damaged the master cylinder internally as well. I will go ahead and get a new lever as well just to be safe.

Can I get master cylinder kits easily at hero spares shop, or I will have to order it? How much does it cost alongwith the hydraulic hose?

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

Is there any alternate rear view mirror for ZMR ?? I am finding it difficult to source the originals

Re: Hero Honda Karizma ZMR

The bent brake lever is an indication of impact which might have damaged the master cylinder parts inside.....The Master cylinder kit is available with ASC or their Spares sale outlet and will cost approx., 600~700. You need a mechanic's help to do the replacement...Best will be to get it done with the ASC...they will also do the brake fluid bleed and top up.....no need to change anything else