Hero MotoCorp is currently working on the 2019 Hero Karizma. The original version managed to become hugely popular at a time when the premium segment was mostly invisible here. However, the Karizma brand could not be tapped suitably by Hero MotoCorp for future successes. The Karizma ZMR also performed considerably below expectations.
However now Hero MotoCorp is actually working on a new bike to succeed the Karizma which will be a fully-faired offering using the Xtreme 200 platform. This will be the 4th such product to use the new 200 cc platform from Hero MotoCorp. The Xtreme 200R is already available for sale in India while the Xpulse 200 and 200T models are expected to launch in early 2019. The styling of the new Karizma 200 is expected to draw inspiration from the HX250R concept which was being developed with Hero in partnership with Erik Buell Racing.
The 2019 Hero Karizma will get the diamond frame of the Xtreme 200R which will be backed by a telescopic fork in front and monoshock at the rear. There will be a single cylinder 200 cc engine that will be sourced from the Xtreme and this may have fuel injection and oil cooling features for better performance. A slight bump in cc is also expected on this engine. The engine could make more than the present 18.4 PS and 17.1 Nm. The braking system of the new Karizma may comprise of 276 mm and 220 mm front and rear discs and single-channel ABS. The bike should get a refreshed design template with retro touches, LED lights, a digital instrument console and split seats.
The new Karizma will take on the likes of the Yamaha R15 V3.0 and Bajaj Pulsar RS200 in the Indian market. The bike could be priced around INR 1.2 lakhs (ex-showroom) by our estimates.
