New-generation Hero Karizma might share styling cues with the defunct Hero HX250R and it could get a 250cc engine
Hero MotoCorp is currently working on an all-new Karizma, which will come with revised styling and more powerful engine. A new report suggests that, despite the huge sales decline that resulted in the flagship being discontinued when BS4 emission norms kicked in, the two-wheeler manufacturer is working on a new generation model to give the brand name a big boost in the premium segment.
Hero MotoCorp’s research and development centre has set out to work on it already speculatively. Rumours of a new Karizma from the largest two-wheeler maker in the country had been there for more than an year now and now initial phase of design and development seems to be underway.
Also Read: Exclusive: Production-Ready Hero Xtreme 200S Photo Leaked
Hero MotoCorp will be unveiling the production-spec Xtreme 200S at the upcoming Auto Expo in February and it is expected to be accompanied by a 125 cc premium scooter as the brand works on entering the highly promising entry-level premium space.
The upcoming new generation Hero Karizma may share design cue with the HX250R – the sports tourer that was said to be defunct a few weeks ago. Expect the new Karizma to come more sharp, aggressive and muscular looking. Not only that, the bike will likely be based on a whole new platform, and the power source is also expected to be shared with the HX250R.
Also Read: All-New Hero 125 CC Scooter To Launch at Auto Expo
The discontinued Hero Karizma took power from a 223 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, paired with a five-speed transmission. This engine churned out 19.20 bhp of peak power at 7,500 rpm and 19.30 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. In the new generation model, Hero Karizma is expected to draw power from a larger and more powerful 249 cc engine. This engine is expected to be well capable of producing over 31 bhp of peak power and 26 Nm of peak torque, if previous reports are anything to go by.
There is another speculation also, which suggests new generation Karizma could get power from a 200cc engine shared with Hero Xtreme 200S. Hero MotoCorp’s Chief Technology Officer Mr. Markus Braunsperger confirmed in October 2016 that, the two-wheeler maker is not giving up on Karizma. But he didn’t reveal any further details about the new generation model.
Also Read: Hero XPulse Adventure Bike (200cc) India Launch In August 2018
The original Karizma was a big hit among customers for being a versatile as well as sporty motorcycle that can be used in city and weekend long rides. However, the second generation – developed in association with Erik Buell Racing – was not a worthy successor due to its undermining looks and less than credible riding characteristics leading to the R and ZMR variants facing major sales slump and disappoint Hero’s authoritative figures.
The upcoming Karizma, however, is believed to be Hero’s response to the latest crop of premium sporty motorcycles. Therefore, we can expect a Karizma we have not seen before but it won’t make it to the road for the next couple of years. It is expected to be launched only when the BS6 emission regulations come into act in 2020. It is still more than two years away from greeting us as a potential debut could happen at the 2020 Auto Expo.
Source: Bikewale