The iconic Hero Karizma is now back on sale in India in a brand-new avatar. Hero Motor Corp christened their new product the Karizma XMR, which boasts a fresh design, a more powerful engine, as well as a slew of new features. Launched in 2003, the original Hero Honda Karizma established itself as a premium bike in a short period of time and soon became popular among motorcyclists. Although Hero brought back the same nameplate (in the form of the Karizma XMR), the new product is almost completely new on all fronts. Considering the introductory price of Rs 1.73 lakh (ex-showroom), this is expected to result in incremental sales for the company. Now that the Hero Karizma XMR 210 is here, we can't help but pit it against its close rival –the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250. But, before we begin, the bookings for the new Karizma are now underway. So, prospective buyers can make their reservations for the same on the brand's official website. The all-new Karizma XMR comes in three colour options – Iconic Yellow, Turbo Red, and Matte Phantom Black. Now, let's see how this recently launched Hero Karizma XMR 210 stacks up against the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 on different parameters.
Also Read: 2023 Hero Karizma XMR Review: Grand Comeback or Disappointing Sequel?
Hero Karizma XMR 210 vs. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250: Engine and Performance
A brand-new 210cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled 4-valve engine powers the new Karizma XMR. Power and torque figures are rated at 25.15bhp at 9,250rpm and 20.4Nm at 7,250rpm, which are marginally lower than those of its primary rival. In comparison, the Suzuki Gixxer SF is equipped with a 249cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine, which makes about 26bhp at 9,300rpm and 22Nm at 7,300rpm. In terms of transmission, both bikes are paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
| Hero Karizma XMR 210 | Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 | |
| Engine | 210cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke | 249cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine |
| Power | 25.15bhp at 9,250rpm | 26bhp at 9,300rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed |
Hero Karizma XMR 210 vs. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250: Hardware
On the hardware front, the Hero Karizma XMR 210 features an all-new steel trellis frame. The suspension setup of the bike consists of a conventional telescopic fork at the front and a pre-load adjustable mono-shock at the rear. Braking duties are taken care of by a large 300mm disc at the front and a 230mm disc at the back. Dual-channel ABS is standard, making the brand's first motorcycle to get it. The Karizma XMR-rivalling Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 uses a mono-shock at the rear and a 41mm telescopic fork at the front, with disc brakes at both ends. Here, ABS continues to be a single-channel system.
Hero Karizma XMR 210 vs. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250: Design
Although the Hero MotoCorp's flagship motorcycle – the Hero Karizma XMR 210 – borrows design cues from the original Hero Honda Karizma, the new bike appears noticeably distinctive and fresh. Having a sporty and aggressive appearance, the XMR 210 bike comes with fully-faired bodywork, similar to the Gixxer SF which also hides most of the underpinnings. The Suzuki Gixxer SF looks sharp and sporty, and its fairing has a clean and edgy outline. Although the fuel tank holds just 12 litres, it appears large and muscular.
Hero Karizma XMR 210 vs. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250: Dimensions
Having a kerb weight of 163.5kg, the Hero Karizma XMR 210 is heavier than the Gixxer SF 250 (161kg). It also has a longer wheelbase of 1,351mm, as opposed to the 1,345 mm-long wheelbase of the Gixxer SF bike. However, the Gixxer comes with a higher ground clearance, which is rated at 165mm. While the Karizma XMR sports 160mm of ground clearance.
| Hero Karizma XMR 210 | Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 | |
| Wheelbase | 1,351mm | 1,345mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160mm | 165mm |
| Weight | 163.5kg | 161kg |
Hero Karizma XMR 210 vs. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250: Features
The XMR packs in a host of nifty features for an improved riding experience. These include first-in-segment intelligent illumination, H-pattern LED DRLs, a USB charger, and an LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, a hazard light switch, turn-by-turn navigation, slip and assist clutch, and dual-channel ABS are also available for enhanced rider convenience and safety.
The Suzuki Gixxer SF, meanwhile, gets LED lighting, a Bluetooth-enable digital instrument cluster, a Suzuki easy start system, a split-seat layout, a rear tyre hugger, clip-on handlebars, a grab rail, side stand interlock, dual-channel ABS, twin muffler, and more. Both bikes miss out on a traction control system and a quickshifter.
Hero Karizma XMR 210 vs. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250: Price
Both these motorcycles are priced under the Rs 2.10 lakh mark, with the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 being slightly more expensive. The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 comes in 4 variants, with prices starting at Rs 1.92 lakh for the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Standard Edition and going up to Rs 2.06 lakh for the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Ride Connect Edition - Race. Undercutting the Gixxer SF is the new Karizma XMR 210, which can be had at an affordable price of Rs 1.73 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.
Write your Comment