And thats xxbomb, vijaydutt, me and ajaymanohar [L-R]

I just went to Vihaan Honda in Thane for a test-ride. They have a dedicated test-ride bike (not for delivery...I hope) according to the sales lady there. I rode there on the MT-01 for shock and awe effect and it worked

Threw them the MT-01 keys...told them I only ride alone and took the bike out for a short but sweet test ride.

First impressions:

1. The bike is about the same size as the Karizma but due to the low bars it feels shorter and smaller. Decent enough for tall riders and I am as tall as they come at 6'3".

2. Not as POWERFUL as I expected. The Ninja when properly ridden will show a clean pair of heels to the CBR -BUT- allow me to change this impression of mine because this bike was pretty new and not yet run-in. Maybe with 2-3000 kms on the ODO it might smoothen up and open up some more. Think of it as a fast ZMA and not as your first superbike...I've ridden P220s and R15s that had a bit more *ZIP* than the CBR.

3. Clutch is light but there is NO TORQUE down low (pulling away from the stops). Felt identical to the Ducati Monster 796 in the way you had to give it some slip before it caught and went. This could be a problem if I take the bike to Ladakh because slipping the clutch when you are in the middle of nowhere can lead to tears! (the kind that comes out of your eye...)

4. Brakes - GOOD! This was the C-ABS model

5. Suspension - GOOD! Just like a good 600cc superbike. Firm without being harsh. The road they asked me to ride on was pretty awful but on decent tarmac it should be a joyful experience.

6. Handling - a bit too "quick" for my taste. If the terms oversteer and understeer are applicable here then it oversteers. The ZMA was quick to steer...R15 much more controlled. This is somewhere in between but still too quick. It loses the "big bike" feel because of this. I think this is due to steering geometry and narrow tires. The rear tire is nice and meaty for a bike this size but the front tire feels too thin. I think aftermarket tires are a must on this bike to make the most of it.

7. Seats - comfy. Firm without sag. Will be a boon over a long ride.

8. Instrument panel - looks good but I found it a bit distracting in the night because it is quite bright. Not sure if there is any way to dim the panel brightness.

I looked all over for paint defects and I must tell you that there were none (this was the BLACK bike). Panels look alright even if quality is perhaps a couple of steps below the Ninja and maybe 1 step below the R15 which I rate very highly when it comes to build quality.

I still think the R15 is the better bike simply for the way it FEELS when you ride it. It absolutely feels like a track machine. Very precise and predictable...almost like a Ariel Atom to the CBR250R's Dodge Charger.

Is it worth the money? Unlike some of you who probably get carried away by the illusion of big-biking, I don't think this is a BIG-BIKE killer. I don't think it is worth the asking price...at best I would have put the pin on 1.3L for the non-ABS and 1.5 for the ABS. So the pricing is off by 30k for the non-ABS and 40k for the ABS model...

Are there any choices in the market at this price? - NO...

Should a P220/R15 rider feel the desperate need to upgrade? - NO...

Doing 150+ on a bike like this would feel scary...on an MT01 or R1 it feels slow, controlled and safe. I did 100 on one stretch and I didn't quite feel like the bike was entirely in my hands.

So buy the bike - but ride safe...speed kills!


Best Bit - I have a video of my test-ride...I'll try to upload it in a few hours.

yap thats what thai people said.. and the power is also different. 19.42kW which is 26.04BHP and ours is 1BHP lesser. may be tuned for mileage (Fuel map) even ninja have the same problem. the 33PS on the website is not seen on the Dino.. Indian ninja is also de-tuned for mileage.

First, Thanks that you didn't forget to reply I really appreciate.


Hmm...a ZMR having 4 valves, DOHC with counter balance & manufactured by Hero group I doubt anywhere on the recent times. We all compare this with ZMR because we know HH tie up + we're in India & the closest of CC match between ZMR & CBR. How about the blokes in EU or USA? To them its still a CBR isn't it? Besides, the ZMR, I'm sure wouldn't have made its way to any developed countries.

In that aspect, aren't we getting a truly international motorcycle at an affordable pricing here?

But then I still agree, for someone who's looking to buy a C250R from P220, it certainly is not an upgrade, its only switching platform.

+1 I am going tomorrow to test out the CBR I have driven a Karizma for daily commute for nearly 6 years now. I am going to buy the bike either ways to replace my old karizma but if as mentioned about low end torque and pick up issues I may change my mind and put some additional mulla and buy a Ninja but not a ZMA for sure.

1) ZMA is nothing but a Karizma with some cosmetic changes. How can u compare the looks of CBR250 and ZMA.
2) HH faith now after the split between Hero / Honda looks very unstable.
3) Service not the same as before after the close down of Creative Motors. I have had lot of problems getting spares for the karizma at authorized service centers specially in the suburbs.
4) Lastly please don't forget that ZMA was the last technology exchange given by Honda to Hero.

I am not sure if we can define if there are any standards regarding platform in India. we got 100,125,150,180,220 and 250cc (100cc-250cc).
people here buy a bike even if it offers a little increment over their older bike, though the gain is minimal. people switch from 125 to 150 or 150 to 180 and the performance gain is just a couple of bhp, in case of pulsar everything remains same visually and mechanically. So thats why if people want to upgrade from their 180 or even 220, IMO its a worthy upgrade.