The 200cc sporty fully-faired motorcycle segment is getting more competitive with the upcoming launch of the new Karizma XMR 210 on August 29th, 2023. Automotive rivalries often bring a touch of amusement, especially when manufacturers playfully tease each other. Just like Chevy and Ford engage in banter in the US, and Tata Motors pokes fun at Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai in India. As Hero MotoCorp prepares to introduce the new Karizma, Bajaj Auto couldn’t resist joining the fun. Hero MotoCorp used the tagline ‘Ride Your Legend’ in the new instrument cluster of the Karizma XMR 210. Now, Bajaj Pulsar’s official Instagram channel playfully trolls the Karizma. Let’s have a closer look.
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Bajaj Trolls Hero Karizma – Rivalry reboot!
Bajaj’s penchant for trolling other bikemakers is not new. They’ve employed innovative ‘Haathi Mat Paalo‘ ads that playfully jab at Royal Enfield. Now, their target is the new Karizma. Throughout history, Hero’s Karizma line has been a contender against Bajaj’s semi-faired and fully-faired Pulsar 220 and Pulsar RS models.
In their latest trolling effort, Bajaj Pulsar positions itself as ‘The Original Legend Killer,’ featuring a Pulsar NS in the background performing a wheelie. A French text underneath could translate to “Tonight, we’ll give you a volley“? The text box humorously asks, “Who am I talking about? IFKYK (If You Know You Know),” followed by a winking smiley.
For a while, the Karizma wasn’t in Hero’s lineup, and the Xtreme 200S was the sole alternative in its absence. The Xtreme 200S, a fully-faired Hero motorcycle, recently received the 4V update. However, it didn’t quite capture substantial sales and popularity. Notably, Bajaj didn’t troll the Xtreme 200S before. This could be because Bajaj didn’t view the Xtreme 200S as a direct threat, unlike the Karizma XMR 210. Hero’s dedicated efforts have resulted in an enthusiast-focused machine that directly challenges the Pulsar RS200.
Will ‘Legend’ prove more popular than ‘Legend Killer’?
The Pulsar RS200 draws power from a KTM-sourced 199.5cc single-cylinder engine producing 24.1 bhp of power and 18.7 Nm of torque. Although not entirely identical to the 200 Duke’s engine, there are differences. Notably, the Pulsar RS200 employs an SOHC setup instead of the DOHC setup found in the 200 Duke. However, it still boasts features like liquid cooling, a 4V head, and a 6-speed gearbox.
In contrast, as hinted by the new Karizma teaser, the XMR 210 is equipped with a DOHC configuration, liquid cooling, and a 6-speed gearbox. It’s highly likely that it will feature a 4V head as well. On paper, the Hero Karizma XMR 210 already has an advantage even before its unveiling. Its sleek fairing design and potential tubular chassis contribute to its appeal.
The Karizma offers a large fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth smartphone integration and other modern features, showcasing its contemporary and tech-savvy nature. The addition of LED headlights and turn indicators, along with new switchgear, further enhances the Karizma’s overall package. The journey of the Karizma has seen significant advancements, and it will be intriguing to witness how it will fare against the Pulsar RS200. Hero is set to launch the new Karizma XMR 210 on August 29th, 2023.
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