Bajaj Pulsar 220 vs Hero Karizma ZMR : BikeAdvice

Bajaj Pulsar 220 vs Hero Karizma ZMR
Yamaha SZ-R Photos from the Test Ride
Interview With a BunBurner – 2400 KMs in 36 Hours

Posted: 18 Nov 2011 06:14 AM PST

Original Source: Bajaj Pulsar 220 vs Hero Karizma ZMR from BikeAdvice.in

Bajaj and Hero Motocorp (Hero Honda previously), are the two pure Indian make motorcycles who have been at loggerheads continuously after Bajaj came out with its extraordinary concept, the powerful "Pulsar". Hero Honda was no meek player either who went on to create a biking tradition with its charismatic Karizma. However, due credit does go to Hero Honda for venturing into the virgin territory of 200+ cubic capacity displacement when Bajaj was happy making the favourite "Hamara Bajaj" scooters and trying to give competition to the already established hugely successful 100cc bikes from the Hero Honda stable.

However, Bajaj is a quick learner and soon came up with a strong contender for the tall standing Karizma, the Pulsar 220. Since then, it has always been a boggling question for many as to which one is better. Which one should you buy if you want the ultimate performance motorcycle? We thought it's time we take both and make them face head to head and see who eventually comes out victorious!

The Styling

To start, I take up the aspect of the styling since that is the first thing anyone is going to notice about any motorcycle. Add to it the 220cc class and any motorcycle lover is bound to demand fabulous styling that should make him look apart from the crowd and also make heads turn when he/she rides past! The two motorcycles I am comparing here have very different design languages. Each one has been distinctively designed to appeal to a specific sensory perception of the consumer.

The Pulsar 220 with its "wolf" like headlights looks really stylish while the Karizma ZMR with its GSX1000R inspired headlamps look menacing. Coming to the tail lights, the twin LED lights on the Pulsar 220 are the coolest ones ever seen. On the Karizma ZMR, you get one "inverted pentagon" shaped light which is LED stripped. Coming to the side stance, the Pulsar 220 has got a horizontal fairing extending from the headlights to the fuel tank. It also has a netted slot providing air flow.

The small fairing gives the bike a "naked bike" look and adds dynamism to it. The contour line on the fairing extends all the way upto the fuel tank too. The Karizma ZMR on the other hand, has got a full fairing that on which the ZMR is inscribed in a Japanese script style (inspired from the Suzuki Hayabusa). The fairing is styled excellently with the front end of it following the curve of the front wheel while the rear sporting a Z shaped design.

The ZMR with its full fairing looks mighty muscular, big and more like a "speed goddess". Both the bikes have got a single exhaust. The exhaust tail pipe on the Pulsar 220 looks not much different from its younger siblings and has no colour which looks a bit out of place. On the other hand, the Karizma ZMR gets golden finish tail pipe which blends along well with the design. The engine, the front shockers and the inner circle of the front and the rear discs are gold painted. Both the bikes get split rear handle grips. The Karizma ZMR offers those as body coloured while they are black on the Pulsar 220.

Pulsar 220: 3
Karizma ZMR: 4

The Performance

Now let us come to the performance factor. The Pulsar 220, as evident from its name is powered by a 220 cc motor that delivers a power figure of 21.04 PS @ 8500 RPM and a healty torque figure of 19.12 Nm @ 7000 RPM. On the other hand, the Karizma ZMR is powered by the same 223 cc engine that powered the old Karizma. The 223 cc engine delivers a power of 17.6 BHP @ 7000 RPM and a torque of 18.35 Nm @ 6000 RPM.

Going by the figures alone, the Pulsar 220 is definitely way powerful than the ZMR in terms of power and in terms of torque. The Karizma ZMR may look like a speed goddess, but it is the Pulsar 220, in which the speed beast is hiding, waiting to be unleashed. Just twist the throttle and the 220's thrust will make you go backwards in awe and surprise. The Pulsar 220 wants it to be taken seriously.

Gently input the throttle, and all will be well. On the Karizma ZMR, it is a bit more relaxed. Though it is about 1 Nm short in torque than the 220, yet the delivery is quick at the low RPM (6000 on the ZMR as compared to the 7000 on the 220) which makes it fun to drive. One of the big things separating these bikes is the kerb weight. The Pulsar 220 with its small fairing weighs 150 kg while the Karizma ZMR with all its fairings tips the scales at 159 kg making it 9kgs heavier than the Pulsar! The Pulsar outperforms the ZMR in power-to-weight ratio.

The 220 offers one of the best power-to-weight ratios because of which it gets the tag of "the fastest Indian". Fuel delivery to the 220's engine is through the carburettor while on the ZMR a fuel injection does that duty. The fuel delivery feels smoother in the ZMR across all rev ranges. On the 220 however, you twist the throttle suddenly and there is a lag. It is like the lull before the storm to come.

You can witness the speedometer needle surging very fast in the post-lag period. The Pulsar 220 can do the 0 to 60 kmph sprint in just about 4 seconds while the Karizma ZMR takes a bit more to about 4.7 seconds. A top speed test wasn't possible because of too much traffic. On road, the Pulsar 220 returns a good fuel economy of 38 kmpl under mixed driving conditions while the Karizma ZMR returns about 40 kmpl.

Pulsar 220: 4.5
Karizma ZMR: 3.5

The Handling

One of the key aspects any sports bike deserves to be talked about is its handling. Sit on the bike, and you feel more close to the ground on the Pulsar 220 than on the Karizma ZMR. The Karizma ZMR will not be an ideal bike for the short people. Also, the ZMR feels wider than the 220 because of its broad fairings. The Pulsar 220 features a split-seat design which provides you with good support and makes you prepared to race anytime.

On the other hand, the Karizma ZMR features a single piece providing a comfortable seating for you as well as your pillion. On straight lines, both the bikes feel planted to the ground, but relatively the Karizma feels more planted because of its higher kerb weight. The Pulsar 220 despite its raw power feels planted because of its thicker tires. The 220 rides on 90/90 section (Tubeless) at the front and 120/80 section (Tubeless) at the rear. They are fitted to 17inch alloy wheels both at the front and back.

The ZMR rides on thinner sections, 80/100 on the front and 100/90 on the rear. However, the ZMR rides on bigger 18 inch alloy wheels. On the corners, the two show up different dynamics. The Karizma ZMR with its bulk and bigger dimensions is slightly difficult to manoeuvre with a considerable lean angle. However, the bulk coupled with the smooth power delivery gives you a confidence of solid grip that the bike maintains with the road. The 220, while is smaller in dimensions and with low kerb weight is very quick around corners.

The rev-friendly engine always entices you to throttle hard while you are exiting the corner but a slight mistake and you can lose control. The bike packs in so much power at the top-end that you need to have considerable amount of experience to master it. The ZMR uses Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and a Swing arm with 5 step adjustable IGRS system at the rear. While on the 220, you get telescopic shocks at the front and 5 way adjustable Nitrox shock absorbers at the rear.

The suspension at the front and the back does a good job of taking care of potholes in both the bikes. However, the Karizma ZMR has got a slightly softer suspension making it good for long tours as well. The Pulsar 220 on the other hand, has a stiffer suspension which makes it not so good for long journeys but great for fast cornering. However, take both the bikes to whatever speed you like, both offer equally good stopping power according to their stature. The Pulsar 220 gets 260 mm disc brakes at the front and 230 mm ones at the rear while the Karizma ZMR gets 276 mm disc at the front and 240 mm discs at the rear.

Pulsar 220: 4.5
Karizma ZMR: 3.5

The Ergonomics

Coming to the instrument cluster, both the bikes offer good looking digital consoles. The Pulsar 220 offers an analog tachometer and a digital speedometer. The round tachometer is on the left while the digital speedometer is on the right of it. The speedo console also shows other information like the fuel level by the left side of the speed, the odometer and the trip meter at the bottom and battery, oil temperature etc at the top.

Below the speedo console are 4 round lights; the turn indicators, the neutral gear position, the hi-beam and the side stand engage respectively from the left. At the extreme right of the console, is the RESET switch. Coming to the Karizma ZMR, it sports a trapezoidal console with the analog tachometer at the bottom centre of the console. On the left is the digital speedometer below which it also shows the time. On the right is the fuel level, odo and trip meter and the alphabetic display.

On the top centre it has small 4 lamps; the engine malfunction light, the neutral gear indicator, the hi-beam and the direction indicators from the left respectively. Both the consoles are equally good, but somehow I feel that the console of the Pulsar 220 has been designed keeping the "racer rider" in mind. The large speedo and the large tacho ensure that you get to know your state without have to look closely which is not the case in the Karizma ZMR. Also the Pulsar indicates if you have the side stand engaged or not which is a good thing for many in India.

Pulsar 220: 4
Karizma ZMR: 3.5

Conclusion

The Karizma ZMR will cost you Rs. 1,02,939/- (On Road, Gurgaon) while the Pulsar 220 is Rs. 86,250/- (On Road, Gurgaon). Over such a price difference anyone will de definitely inclined to go for the cheaper alternative. However, you cannot buy a bike of this segment just by the price. Anyone should also look into what kind of usage he is going to have. If you are a ride daily for long distances then the Pulsar 220 is not a good choice for you, the Karizma ZMR definitely is! If you are a person who loves corners, then the Karizma ZMR is not the right bike for you, the Pulsar 220 is! Overall, the bikes come very close in this heated competition with Pulsar 220 gaining marginally due to its sheer focused nature on speed and handling, the two basic necessities of a sports bike and nevertheless, a bike lover!

Regards,
Joy Chatterjee

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Yamaha SZ-R Photos from the Test Ride

Posted: 17 Nov 2011 10:59 PM PST

Original Source: Yamaha SZ-R Photos from the Test Ride from BikeAdvice.in

Our author Naren recently test rode the Yamaha SZ-R and our reader (now photographer) Mr.Sharat Aryan took a number of breath taking photos of the same. Enjoy the photos while Naren is working on the Test Ride Report.

For high resolution photos you can visit our SZ-R Picasa Web Album (Click on Slideshow to see photos in full screen)

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Interview With a BunBurner – 2400 KMs in 36 Hours

Posted: 17 Nov 2011 10:36 PM PST

Original Source: Interview With a BunBurner – 2400 KMs in 36 Hours from BikeAdvice.in

This is an Interview with Mr.Vinu who has completed the BunBurner challenge. This is a challenge created by the IronButt association. You can find more details about it here. Previously we have talked about Melroy Alphonso who had completed the SaddleSore Challenge which requires one to cover 1600 KMs in 24 hours. Now let us see what a BunBurner has to say…

Naren: Hi Vinu, firstly, how did this whole idea of completing this BunBurner challenge come into your point? What is the point of origin for this?

Vinu: It has to be my Saddle Sore ride (1600+kms within 24 hours). I was able to finish the SS ride in around 22 hours and while I was getting close to the finish point I started thinking of the BB. After riding for 22 hours I felt I had lot of steam left in me and BB could be my next challenge.

Naren: Can you share your personal identity with us – What you are apart from a Biker?

Vinu: I am 26, born and brought up in a small town named Kollam in Kerala. Settled in Hyderabad with my parents since 14 years and hence that pretty much makes me a Hyderabadi Minus the biking bit, I am pretty much an average Joe who likes to hang out with loved ones and close friends and do the normal things just like everyone else. Come to think of it adventures, anything that involves an element of risk etc. kind of fascinates me

Naren: What kind of planning are required before anybody plans to attempt this challenge?

Vinu: Planning is extremely important and to be honest it's half the battle won if you are pretty much aware of what you getting into. Mentally and physically you have to be in shape and of course you need to pick the right route, set up the bike to meet the demands of the ride etc. I was aware of the road condition for the whole stretch of BB as I have ridden through the entire route previously during my touring adventures. I even knew exactly which fuel stations I will be tanking up. And if there is any town or city that you cannot by pass and might face heavy traffic jam then you have to plan the ride in a way that you cross that stretch either late midnight or early morning. And more than anything, with all the planning in place one has to be prepared for the surprise elements

Naren: How did you prepare yourself to complete this challenge – both mentally and physically?

Vinu: After the saddle sore ride, I was not in the greatest of physical shape. I had some issues with my cervical spine and some other back related trouble. Regular medication, physio therapy, ample amount of rest kind of got me back on track. Regular cycling, jogging and other endurance building exercise definitely helped. In terms of mental preparation – honestly I do not have an answer to that. I guess, end of the day it depends on how badly one wants to do it. I needed this real bad and that kept me going I believe.

Naren: What were the hurdles you faced en route which you can still remember?

Vinu: Apart from the usual fatigue and worn out feeling, there were few issues especially on the return leg of the ride. I had slight bleeding from my left ear for a while and my left eye was badly bruised – thanks to the army of bugs on the highway. (I do not feel comfortable riding with a closed visor in the night time)

Naren: When did your association with bikes start and what was your first bike?

Vinu: I have been riding around for close to 9 years now. I started riding only because of my late brother, Dhruv. He taught me how to ride, took me to the highway for the first time, taught all the tricks in the book. He was very fast, in fact really fast, yet safe. One of the best I have seen around. RIP. Hero Honda Passion, that's where it all started.

Naren: Which is your favorite Indian bike and also tell us which is your dream bike – The one you would die to own?

Vinu: Currently I ride a Yamaha R15. It has pretty much done everything I could have asked for. Plenty of interstate rides, Stunting, been on the race track, been on the Ghats and has been part of two mammoth record rides. So no surprises, it's definitely my favourite. Yamaha R6 is one of my dream bikes mainly due to its high revving nature. On a lighter note: — is bike advice going to gift me one? : P

Naren: Now that you've become a BunBurner, what are you planning to do next?

Vinu: I do have some plans for the future but my main focus right now is to get back to full fitness and I will need a bigger bike (at least a 250cc) to pursue the upcoming challenges. I cannot afford one myself and it's almost impossible to head further without any kind of sponsorship coming my way for these kinds of rides. So you can pretty much say, I am back in the drawing room and things are in the planning stage.

Naren: What advice would you give to the readers of BikeAdvice who are planning to attempt this challenge in the near future?

Vinu: Plan every tiny detail as much as possible in terms of route, fuel stations, and every other little thing possible. Make sure you are in great physical and mental state. Make sure the bike is ready to face the demands of such a gruelling ride and have all the right set up for it. Try and gather as much information as you can from people who have done or attempted the ride etc. Make sure you understand your own physical capabilities as to where to draw the line in terms of how long you can ride at one stretch without a break, how long you can manage to stay up without sleep, without food etc. Once you know your own limits, try and work alongside them to achieve the goal. Keep yourself hydrated with water, carry plenty of Red Bull. And always wear safety gear regardless of; it's a ride of this magnitude or a small one. Be positive and ride safe.

Naren: What do you think about BikeAdvice?

Vinu: BikeAdvice is easily one of the most respected and popular biking portals in the country as of today. I have been a frequent visitor to the site right back from the early days of 2008-2009. Knowledge base section is an all-time favourite of mine. Deepak and the whole team has been doing a really commendable job, way to go guys

Naren: Finally, who are all the key reasons behind you becoming a BunBurner?

Vinu: More than anything I had to do this for myself. Different things make different people happy and I believe in keeping my motivations real simple. I just wanted to be happy I guess:-) . And it goes without saying I owe so much to my loved ones especially for putting them through those agonising 35 odd hours during the ride.

Hope this post inspired you. Looking forward to your comments.

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Friday, November 18, 2011