THE SHADOW DWELLERS

WHAT SORT OF A MOTORCYCLE'S SILHOUETTE TAKES SHAPE IN YOUR MIND WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD 'VERSATILE'?

What sort of a motorcycle’s silhouette takes shape in your mind when you hear the word ‘versatile’? Does that silhouette constitute a high fender? Mammoth ground clearance? A 21-inch hoop at the front? It’s surely not going to be a motorcycle with clip-on handlebar and rearset footpegs, right? The spell casted by ADV-tourers is so charming that it has basically overshadowed every other genre of motorcycling in recent times. The promise of an adventure of a lifetime had us overlook another set of versatile motorcycles – Sports-tourers. They paint a delusion with their form but once it comes to milemunching capabilities, they’re second to none. What was started by the Honda CBR250R and the Kawasaki Ninja 250, is now being carried forward by motorcycles like the Hero Karizma XMR and the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250. But how do they fare against each other? 

The Karizma XMR takes it home when it comes to how much attention these motorcycles grab on the streets. A faired sportsbike will always find takers in India, even if the fairing design is a little overcooked or bland for that matter. In this regard, you would want to look at the XMR a little more than the Gixxer because there are a lot more elements to admire than just an elegant fairing. The XMR trumps the Gixxer visually, thanks to its sharp styling, DRLs, LED indicators and brighter shades that it’s being offered in. Even when it comes to features, the XMR has the Gixxer running for cover as it gets slip & assist clutch, better instrument cluster, adjustable visor, dynamic LED headlamp and the works. Build quality is one interesting area because the Gixxer has better body panels and paint quality while the XMR has better switchgear.