Hero Honda Karizma Vs Bajaj Pulsar 220
Posted on May 6th 2010Welcome back!
The Pulsar having a tag line of Fastest Indian does have sense too when you are in direct competition with the Karizma. Riding these beauties is like an unforgottable experience. The reason for having a nightmare while riding is that you only get power, power and power as output. Your mind forgets to think as you can avail economy too. Just when you find a straight all you think of is pinning the throttle to extreme speeds.
| Hero Honda Karizma | Bajaj Pulsar 220 | |
| Engine | ||
| Type | Air-cooled, 4-stroke single cylinder OHC | Air-cooled, 4-stroke Single Cylinder |
| Displacement (cc) | 223 cc | 220 cc |
| Maximum Power | 12.68 Kw (17 Ps) @ 7000 rpm | 21.04 @ 8500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 18.35 Nm @ 6000 rpm | 19.12 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
| Starting | Self Start / Kick Start | Electric |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 65.5 x 66.2 | 67 x 62.4 |
| Ignition | AMI - Advanced Microprocessor Ignition System | NA |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5 : 1 |
| Carburetor | VE, Constant Vacuum Carburetor with CCVI Controlled Variable Ignition) |
UCAL UCD 32 |
| Acceleration | 0 to 60 kmph in 3.8 seconds | NA |
| Maximum Speed | 125 Kmph | NA |
| Transmission | ||
| Clutch | Multi plate Wet | Wet Multi plate |
| Gear Box | 5 speed Constant Mesh | 5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Type | Tubular Single Cradle, diamond type | Double Cradle down Tube |
| Dimensions | ||
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1355 | 1350 |
| Length (mm) | 2125 | 2035 |
| Width (mm) | 755 | 750 |
| Height (mm) | 1160 | 1165 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 150 | 165 |
| Kerb Weight (Kgs) | 150 | 150 |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | Telescopic, 130 mm stroke |
| Rear | Swing Arm with 5 Step Adjustable Type Hydraulic Shock Absorber | Nitrox, with 90mm travel |
| Brakes | ||
| Front Disc | 276 mm Disc - Non Asbestos type | 260 mm Disc |
| Rear Drum | Internal Expanding Shoe Type Liners - Non Asbestos type | 230 mm Drum |
| Tires | ||
| Front | 2.75 x 18 - 42 P | 90/90 x 17 - Tubeless |
| Rear | 100/90 x 18 - 56 P | 120/80 x 17 - Tubeless |
| Electrical | ||
| Battery | 12V - 7 ah | 12V, 9 Ah, Full DC |
| Alternator | 188 W | NA |
| Spark Plug | NGK-DPR 8 EA 9, Champion PRA 7 HC | NA |
| Head Lamp | 35W / 35W - Halogen Bulb (Multi-Reflector - D.C Type) | NA |
| Tail Lamp / Stop Lamp | 5 / 21 W x 2 Nos. (Multi-Reflector) | LED Type |
| Number Plate | 5 W | NA |
| Turn Signal Lamp | 21W x 4 (Multi - Reflector) | NA |
| Fuse | 20 Amps. 15 Amps , 7.5 Amps | NA |
| Fuel | ||
| Tank Capacity | 15 Liters | 15 Liters |
| Reserve | 2 Liters | 3.2 Liters (2.2 Liters Usable) |
The Karizma has smooth shifts which are not seen in the Pulsar. If you are power shifting on the Karizma you can feel the engine which is developing rubber smoking power. Pin the throttle way up to the red line and feel adrenaline being pumped out of your body in a second. The reason for having such superb pick up is the design of the engine. Hero Honda has ensured the customer has all the power which a 225cc engine can develop. On the other hand the Pulsar is equally fast. The bike has a goop top end which is faster than the Karizma. Reaching the top speed in the Pulsar is not a problem since there is a new gearbox developed. The Pulsar has a top end of 145kmph and the Karizma reaches a top whack of 135kmph.
Balancing act
Handling the Karizma is easy as the seating position of the rider is in comforts. You might never feel out of place or tired after riding a Karizma. On the other hand the Pulsar is bit too heavy and uncomfortable to handle. The reason being it has clips on handle bar which make is difficult to ride in city.
Mileage
Don’t look out for economy with such bikes as they are power machines which need fuel to ride fast. The Pulsar delivers an average of 30kmpl without redline gear change. The Karizma on the other hand delivers 25kmpl which is less.
Time to go to the ATM
The best choice would be the Pulsar. The reason being it outruns the Karizma in seconds. It is quite cheap and has good economy and top speed with overall superb handling. It has less maintenance too which is less than the Karizma.
By editor in Auto India News, Auto Industry News, Bajaj, Bike Comparisons, hero honda
Aryan responded on 11 Jul 2010 at 6:44 am #
Pulsar 220 proves to be d best among d too indian beauties……
Berlin responded on 24 Nov 2010 at 11:52 am #
P220—->fastest indian
The xGrunge responded on 02 Dec 2010 at 2:16 pm #
HERO HONDA KARIZMA is the best bike …
and what were you saying about…Bajaj ????
Hamaara Bajaj…Tumhaara Bajaj… Khataara Bajaj..Hahahha Lollz
only the tag line “Fastest Indian” isn’t enough for indian…
Pulsar like baarish mein bheega hua KAALA KAWUA (Black crow) Hahahah
saurabh responded on 24 Jan 2011 at 10:48 pm #
all pulsar users should be aware that, bajaj has launched 4 models of same bike, almost every bike had engine trouble, useless clutch plates, etc. First 1mn of pulsar is gud..but after that, its a khatara…
Yogesh responded on 04 Apr 2012 at 1:48 am #
I still prefer Karizma because of well designed, proportionate, impeccable build quality and the level of refinement. This is a complete package with performance and lasts long too.
Yogesh responded on 04 Apr 2012 at 1:48 am #
I still prefer Karizma because of well design, proportionate, impeccable build quality and the level of refinement. This is a complete package with performance and lasts long too.
kalturky responded on 24 Apr 2012 at 12:48 am #
I just want the engine of one of these bikes or my hero impulse because its engine is not very powerful..
I have good torque but not enough for two seated….
So please let me know abt the best one..
I wanna fit the engine of one of these bikes to mine cause I like the height of the bike..(impulse) cause these two engines are powerful that are the karishma 225 n pulsar 220..
Please let me know mpre abt it please msg me on (+91)8975275763. Just please don’t send adds cause I really don’t like it!!!