Karizma Vs. Pulsar 220 Fi Vs. Apache RTR

New bike buyers who are ready to invest money in the premium segment, need to have a careful consideration of the existing models and their performance. The Pulsar and the Karizma closely compete with each other in terms of price and engine capacity and the Apache RTR falls a little behind being a 160cc engine.

If you are in a mood to shell out close to 1 lakh for your bike, my recommendation is to go for Karizma. Some of the reasons would be, 1. Hero Honda is the largest bike manufacturer in India and definitely takes great care in the consistency of quality in its units. 2. The technology is borrowed from Honda, and no one needs to tell you how famous the Hondas are around the globe. 3. The Overdrive show from the CNBC recommends it. Here is a video taken from YouTube which compares the three bikes. The video is pretty old and does not include the Yamaha R15, but still it is a great piece of information for those of you who are confused between Pulsar 220 and Karizma.

Video, courtesy of CNBC TV 18.

These bikes are definitely not enough for bike enthusiasts in India. Since the major profits for the companies lie in 100 – 150cc segment, all the energy is focussed on mass selling of middle segment bikes. And the superbikes such as Yamaha R1 are way beyond the reach of a common indian youth and does not make sense to buy one because even if you have the money, you don’t have the kind of roads in India which these bikes demand.

I think that the real deal is going to be with the launch of rumored Karizma Fi, which is expected to have a displacement of 250 – 300cc and Hero Honda will position itself as the creator of a new segment of biking in India as it did with the launch of Karizma in 2003. And we also expect Kawasaki Ninja to be rolled out in the second half of 2009. Anyway, great days ahead for the Indian bike community.

Yamaha FZ16 Vs. TVS Apache RTR Fi

Many readers have mailed me asking whether they should choose the TVS Apache RTR Fi or the Yamaha FZ16. Both the bikes fall in the same segment of engine capacity and price range and I agree it is a tough decision to make. I made some research on both the bikes and here it the comparison to help you decide the right one for you. I have compared both the bikes in different aspects.

Handling: When it comes to ease of riding, there is nothing like the Yamaha FZ16 on the roads. The bike has a lot of mid-range torque which makes it easier in city riding conditions. You do not have to keep shifting the gears often and getting back to normal speeds from a slow down is done easily.The sitting position is upright and is great except while cruising in the highways. The wide tyres of FZ16 makes it very easy to twist and turn in the urban area and gives a better feeling of stability than the Apache.

While the TVS Apache RTR Fi does a good job in the highways, you cannot expect a great handling in the city. The tyres are not wide enough compared to the FZ16 and the sitting position is sporty which is not the best posture for urban commutes. Apache can never match upto the FZ16 in the streets. Yamaha as aptly named the bike as the lord of the streets.

Performance: The Apache RTR gets a stage to show off its muscles only in the highways. Being more powerful with 2PS than the FZ16, it clearly outperforms the Yam and goes far ahead of it. The FZ16 being designed for power in the mid range, it does not pull you as expected after you cross the 85kmph mark.

The main disappointing factor in the Apache is that the engine is not so smooth and produces vibrations which may turn down a lot of prospective buyers. And another point to mention is the poor performance of the tyres, which does not do a good job of holding the bike stable while taking high speed curves in the highways. If it was equipped with better tyres, it would definitely leave the FZ16 out of sight. The Yamaha FZ16 surely gives you better confidence while turning at high speeds and will not ask you to slow down.

Styling: This is one area which gives a boost to the FZ16 in the battle between the two bikes. While TVS Apache RTR is also a good looking bike with nice sporty design and fairings, nothing comes like the FZ16. This is a new design concept in the stables of Indian bike market and as always, Yamaha will not cease to bring new concepts in design as it had done with the Fazer several years back. The muscular tank, bold head lamps and wide rear tyres are some of the unique styling features of the Yamaha FZ16. Definitely will turn more heads than the Apache.

Conclusion: I cannot select a winner between these two bikes because of a variety of factors to be considered. If you are ready to spend Rs.3000 more than the FZ16 and get a real high performance engine, Apache RTR Fi would be your choice. But if you are attracted by the sensational design of the FZ16, the wide rear tyres and the bold head lamp, welcome to Yamaha community. If you want to spend Rs.6000 less than FZ16 and still want a adrenaline pumping performance, the Apache RTR carb version will do good for you.

If you ask my personal choice, it would be the FZ16 because of the new design concept, excellent handling, the Yamaha brand and the cute handle bar. I hope this review helps you make the right choice, and as always, post a comment if you have any more questions.

Hero Honda Hunk Vs. Bajaj Pulsar 150cc DTSi

While Here Honda is world’s leading bike maker, Bajaj is leading Indian bike marketer. There certainly lies so much of a difference between the two. Honda has been there for long in the bike market and is known for service as well as reliability and Bajaj has been an innovator. Every now and then it comes with something new and innovative and no doubt Bajaj bikes have mass appeal as well.

In the Indian roads 150cc segment motorbikes have gained popularity and is now established market leaders in world of biking because of its awesome performance with reasonable pricing and ease of handling. It was Bajaj who introduced Bajaj Pulsar 150cc DTSi (Digital Twin spark ignition) powered engine with tagline of definitely male. Wonderful marketing caption as analyzed by pundits it created uproar in 150 cc bike segment as a whole. However, Bajaj Pulsar 150cc faced competition from the Honda’s Hunk model. There is some amount of confusion amongst bike buyers as to what they choose between the two. They can’t go for a marketing tagline and invest about 60k plus rupees on a bike. So, here is a brief comparison of the two bikes in terms of look, performance, reliability, pricing & more.

Looks: Hero Honda Hunk model portrays a majestic look with its exquisite style and side skirt in the tanks. Available in four colors of black, blue, silver and red, Hunk has a thump and muscular look with its gold polished front forks and silver finished central section. Equipped with butterfly-like headlight, Hunk reflects a sporty look with everyone stopping by to give a glance as it graces the Indian roads.

However, it’s the look of the Bajaj Pulsar that has a unique appeal. The fuel tank is huge with muscle and the design of Pulsar has been tweaked in Japan to make it as one showstopper, and the telltale headlight and the razor edged tail-end of the bike give it a fresh new look. Pulsar also has so many gadgets and hi-fi electronic gadgets to impress. Maybe looks wise, Bajaj pulsar 150cc DTSi seems to better the Hero Honda Hunk 150cc, but again looks are very much subjective, ain’t it?

Performance: The 150cc engine of Hunk produces 14.2 Ps @8500 rpm and powers 12.98 Nm torque at 6500 rpm. It is here that the 150cc Bajaj Pulsar DTSi engine produces 14.09 Ps at 8500rpm and 12.76 torque at 6500 rpm. Thus the power delivery of Bajaj Pulsar is bit mild in comparison to other bikes in the 150 cc segment. Although the engine is smooth yet it makes noise and loses its smoothness when pushed hard. However, Honda Hunk model does not vibrate even at a speed of 80 kmph.

The Bajaj Pulsar 150cc model has advantage of better throttle responsiveness with its feature of Digital Twin spark ignition. Similarly, The Honda Hunk model also responds with a slightest twist. In the Pulsar model clutch works perfectly but guess the gearbox needs some modifications. However, the Hunk model of Honda boasts of a 5-speed gearbox and the clutch is extremely smooth and the gears can be shifted with slightest effort. Pulsar 150cc is known to have notchy gear shifting and the clutch is not as smooth as it is in the Hunk.

Fuel Efficiency: Mileage wise Honda Hunk gives about 55-60 km/L for the economy riding and 65 km/L on a long drive and Pulsar 150cc DTSi gives around 45-50 km/L mileage on economy ride and about 55 on long drive (should it be driven smoothly).

Brakes: What about the disc brakes of these two motorbikes? Pulsar is equipped with good disc brakes, but it needs to be applied carefully as the brakes of Bajaj Pulsar are extremely sensitive. With applying front brakes too quick in the Pulsar model, it has a tendency to topple over. However, the front wheel of Honda Hunk has a 240 mm disc brake and the rear wheel is equipped with 130 mm drum breaks and that by itself provides with enough stability in the Indian road conditions.

Dashboard: If you are a fan of digital display panels, I am afraid that the Hunk may disappoint you a little bit. While the Hunk has nicely designed 3 dial dashboard displaying all the necessary details, Pulsar’s digital console is seductive for many Pulsar fans.

Quality & Handling: Pulsar 150cc DTSi generates more noise, as it gets older; say a 2-year-old pulsar is noisier than a new Pulsar, but hardly there is any such difference in Hunk. However, if the rider is fond of speed drive, his Pulsar 150cc DTSi will get heated up when driven at 60kmph speed for sometime. Yowza! Hero Honda Hunk stays cool no matter speed driving for a considerable length of time. It also means a difference with maintenance. Pulsar 150cc DTSi warrants change in clutch plates more often than a Hero Honda Hunk. So speed handling, Hunk betters the Pulsar.

Comfort: The riding position of Pulsar gives a sporty kind of feeling in comparison to the Hunk model. Pulsar can boast of a plush ride quality with great shock absorbers. There are a few who complain of awkward seating position on a pulsar and that a Bajaj Pulsar 150cc doesn’t make a pillion rider feel as comfortable, especially if it’s a female. The riding position of Honda Hunk is comparatively better with raised handlebars and neatly placed foot pegs. The innovative gas-charged rear suspension gives a nice feeling as well. Additionally, the cushioned seats of Hunk model are extremely comfortable for long distance ride. The front seat of the Hero Honda Hunk model is separated by a step from the back seat and makes the pillion feel, male or female, quite comfortable.

Technology: The digital technology incorporated into this high-flying motorbike, Bajaj Pulsar that gives a great satisfaction of a rare and daring riding experience. The bike was developed to ride in any kind of terrain with its nitrogen assisted rear gas shockers; telescopic suspension, optimized and improved exhaust gas system. While again Hunk is also a new age technology driven bike with low fuel consumption. Digital console of Bajaj Pulsar could be no competition, as most new age bikes will have that feature. Again the Hunk is slightly heavier than the Bajaj pulsar 150cc as it weighs 145 kg. Hero Honda Hunk lacks the LED Tail lamps, digital meter and has slightly hard gearbox.

Pricing: As regards price, Bajaj Pulsar 150 cc DTSi is priced competitively at Rs.59,190 (ex-showroom Delhi) and coming to about Rs.68,000 on road. On the other Hero Honda Hunk is priced at Rs.55,000 (ex-showroom) with auto start as optional and costing about Rs.65,000 on road.

Verdict: But all said and done, in the 150cc segment on the marketing front Pulsar 150 DTSi kicked off Hero Honda Hunk, but in core biking (by which I mean quality, handling and reliability) Hunk kicked the butt of Pulsar and there is no debate to this. Still better I would say, ask an owner who owns a Hunk for 2 years or so, he is still a happy man to have spent very little on maintenance and the Pulsar 150cc DTSi owner would have changed clutch plates, shock absorbers and is already looking for an upgrade of Pulsar (if he is a diehard Pulsar fan) or some other better model. The spares of Bajaj maybe cheaper than Honda but even Auto Car India acknowledged that Bajaj as a whole suffers from quality problems.

Hero Honda Karizma Vs. Yamaha R15

This is perhaps the most important article in BikeAdvice for this year. The two giants face each other in a duel. These bikes are the Titans, at least for the Indian biking industry. The Hero Honda Karizma nearly ruled the premium biking segment in India until the legendary Yamaha R15 showed up in the glossy showrooms of Yamaha. Let me walk you through the comparisons of performance, looks, handling, comfort and other features.

Performance: Even though at the first glance Karizma seems to overpower the R15 in terms of displacement, the 150cc engine of R15 cannot be downgraded in terms of engine size alone. With a host of special features like liquid cooling, DIASIL cylinder and six speed transmission Yamaha R15 simply rocks. Ok lets not get too much into the details, lets analyze the feel…

I took a blue Yamaha R15 to the highways today. I was excited for sure. I did not bring my helmet with me, so I had to calm myself down from revving too much, but I couldn’t keep up. I pushed the engine upto 117kmph and it refused to go any further. I have heard many users that they have tried upto 140kmph, the fastest ever speed for an Indian bike, but I do not know what is wrong with this unit. The engine had clocked 2,000 kms so far. In Karizma I have pushed it upto 120kmph. While Karizma vibrates a little at that speed, R15 is like a rock, no vibration at all!

One thing that is clearly evident is that the riding position is far different in this bike. While you sit in an upright position in Karizma, R15 needs you to sit in a real sporty position. So what difference does it make? Well, you are 2-3 times more confident in R15 than in Karizma at such speeds. The aerodynamic sitting posture makes the difference. The air hits our chest at an inclination and escapes easily below our arms which reduces air friction. You cannot expect that in a Karizma unless you volutarily lean down which becomes a little uncomfortable. Regarding pickup, Yamaha R15 does not give me enough adrenalin as that of Karizma. If R15 had a 200cc engine atleast, this would have been taken care of.

Handling: There are big differences between these two bikes when it comes to handling. In Karizma you can easily manage the turns in the urban streets, the sitting posture is similar to other bikes and it is easy for you to take your foot to the ground to get your balance in case the bike slows down too much. This is very difficult in R15. The sitting posture requires you to fold your legs at an acute angle and have your foot a little higher than the other bikes, thus when you need to suddenly slow down for a sharp turn in the city road, it is uncomfortable to bring the leg all the way down. So if you are not going to use R15 much in the highways, then you will not get a good return on investment of your bike. Consider Yamaha FZ16 for exclusive urban commute. Karizma seems to manage both highway riding and city travel.

Comfort: Both the bikes are the flagship models of two big companies in India, so you need not worry much about the comfort. Eventhough the sitting posture is different in the two bikes, you can still have an ultra ergonomic posture. I have not found any particular uncomfort in the Karizma, but one tiny thing which bothers me in R15 is the gear shifting. Unless you are wearing a good shoe, it is very difficult to bend your ankles to shift up the gear if you are wearing leather shoes or casual sandals. I would advice you to notice this if you test R15.

Dashboard: Karizma features three units in the dashboard, the first one is the tachometer, then the speedo meter (analog) and the last unit has clock, fuel gauge, trip meter and ODO meter. In Yamaha R15, the speedometer is digital and tachometer is analog. The digital console also incorporates fuel gauge, trip and ODO meter.

Looks: I need not say anything about this. We all know that Yamaha R15 is the most gorgeous sexy bike ever. Since it is derived from the R1, there is no question of comparing it with Karizma. Perhaps in the near future, Hero Honda will clone CBRs and other Honda sports bikes, but nothing is for sure. Anyway even in the foriegn countries, Yamaha has always won the beauty competition. The only lack I feel in the R15 is the ultra thin bi-cycle like rear tyres. The tyres are well designed for performance, but broad tyres really give out that manly look which I feel is very important when the price of R15 is placed at Rs.1,00,000 plus.

Conclusion: I cannot give a trophy to one of the bikes because I love them both and each do not compete directly with each other. Karizma is for the status, city ride and occasional high speed cruising. R15 is for pure biking enthusiasts who feel like heaven while cruising in the highways, that’s why Yamaha has given the additional 6th gear for R15. Go for Yamaha R15 if you accept that it is a little difficult to handle in sharp turns. Difficult in the sense, I mean it is not easy as Karizma. Go for the latter if you are a fan of Hero Honda and want ease in urban roads.

Even though this review is a good guide for you, when you are making a big invesment to buy such premium bikes, always drive it yourself and weigh your priorities. For some people, the stunning looks of R15 may be addictive and would buy them even they do not get a chance of riding in highways much and will later regret it. Focus on what you really want, is it status, looks, performance, ease of handling or pride of branding and choose the best bike for yourself.