TVS Ronin: TVS has always been known for its razor edged, performance-oriented motorcycles, but when it introduced the TVS Ronin, the brand’s attempt to step into previously uncharted territory was impossible to ignore.
Rather than casual sportbikes or commuter machines, the Ronin is a neo-retro cruiser, a cool new form that blends vintage visual touches with updated technology.
For comparison, it’s set to compete with motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda H’ness CB350 while being positioned for a leisurely city commute, light touring, and relaxed weekend getaway. But does it bring the goods where it counts most? Let’s find out.
Design and Appearance: Urban Style with a Retro Touch
The first thing that strikes you about the Ronin is the originality of its styling. It is not typical TVS looking bike.
Design The Ronin’s round LED headlamp, chiselled fuel tank, blacked-out mechanicals, round mirrors and chunky rubber look part retro cruiser and part modern urban street fighter.
Based on the above, plus the inline-four looks mean with its single-piece seat, minimalist rear and those block-pattern tyres, with its compact dimensions it looks a touch rugged almost scrambler-as-a-base style.
It is a bike that doesn’t belong to one category — and this is exactly what makes it so appealing.
Engine and Performance
Powering the TVS Ronin is a 225.9cc, singecylinder, air-oil-cooled motor that produces 20.4PS at 7750rpm and 19.93Nm at 3750rpm.
Now, these aren’t performance numbers by any stretch of the imagination, but this is an engine that was designed for low- and mid-range torque, and as such it is perfect for stop-and-go traffic and highway cruising on the weekends.
Power is smooth and it comes on linear. With that look the Ronin can rev up in 2nd or 3rd gear without all the necessary down shifting.
The 5-speed transmission is smooth, thanks in part to the assist-and-slipper clutch, while the bike loves downshift and doesn’t offer any resistance, even in the obvious stop-and-go conditions such as city traffic.
It’s happy cruising at 80–90 km/h, it doesn’t feel like it’s working hard and it can get passed 110 km/h but the bike is at its calmest at a reasonably relaxed pace.
Ride Quality and Handling
TVS has nailed the sweet spot as far as ride quality is concerned.
USD front forks and monoshock rear suspension prove effective at managing bumps, speed breakers and broken tarmac. The saddle is wide and well padded for longer rides.
Notwithstanding the cruiser-design, the Ronin is also quite confident in corners.
The chassis feels well sorted and the relatively low kerb weight of 160 kg makes the bike feel nimble in traffic.
Braking is via disc at either end, with the single or dual-channel ABS, depending on the variant.
The brakes have a nice, heavily progressive bite and instill confidence under hard deceleration.
Features and Technology
True to TVS form, the Ronin is replete with features:
Digital instrument cluster along with SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity
Navigation, call notifications, ride data tracking
Glide Through Technology (GTT) for crawl mode in traffic
LED headlight, tail light, and turn signals
USB charging port
Rain and Urban modes with dual ABS option
It’s those elements that up the practicality and tech factor of the bike – particularly for younger riders.
Pros:
Distinctive neo-retro styling that you won’t see everywhere, this is a bike that stands out in traffic
Nice ergo and ride quality
Cliches aside, it’s a sweet engine chocked full with torque.
Packed with smart features and tech integrations
Convenient to use in an urban setting…and incredibly lightweight to carry!
TVS quality and vast service network
Cons:
Not a ton of freeway touring performance
Traditional cruiser fans may not like the design
I’d really love it if it had a 6th gear to aid with cruising.
Not the most comfortable for long rides for the pillion
A tad bit more expensive than a few rivals
TVS Roni: Conclusion
The TVS Ronin is a unique and a versatile motorcycle which brings something different in a segment where retro and cruiser purists rule.
It’s got a comfortable ride, clever details and a pert urban demeanor that all aid its case to be a jack-of-all-trades: the stylish guy’s ride, the practicalist’s new favorite and the geek’s gadget on wheel.
It’s not the fastest, nor the flashiest, but it’s arguably one of the most unique options on the market today.