TVS Ronin

The TVS Ronin has been made to be a ‘multi-genre motorcycle’ which incorporates different elements from cruiser, scrambler, and neo-retro motorcycle styles. It marks a significant shift away from the racing legacy of TVS

Design

The Ronin is a mixed bag when it comes to the design. It tries to blend various design elements taken from different genres simultaneously, giving the bike an unconventional appearance. The frame’s headstock has an odd visual gap because of the fuel tank’s contour, and the side panels come across as too blocky. The raked-out front is similar to a cruiser but the slightly forward-set footpegs and beefy fuel tank give it a hint of roadster genes. On the other hand, the large, high-set rear fender and block pattern tyres give it a scrambler-like appeal.

Engine, Mileage and Performance

The TVS Ronin is powered by a 225.9cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine which makes 20.4PS and 19.93Nm. The engine shines best in urban settings, it is able to offer exceptional  tractability and decent torque, which makes the use of high gears at lower speeds a breeze. We were even able to take slow U-turns in third gear and also manoeuvre through urban obstacles like speed bumps and potholes effortlessly. Commuting feels effortless in the third gear and the bike can sustain speeds of up to 53kmph easily, beyond which vibrations start creeping in, prompting a gear change.

The Glide-Through-Tech function i.e TVS’ term for their low-rpm assist, allows riders to ride in slow traffic conditions using only clutch modulation and no throttle input. What’s surprising about the bike’s tractability is that the fifth gear can easily sustain speeds as low as 30kmph, which reduces the need for frequent gear shifts in the city.

When it comes to the highway, the Ronin struggles a bit. The engine starts showing signs of strain at higher speeds, as most of the power is concentrated between 4000 and 6000rpm, especially in third to fifth gear. While the bike boasts significant low-end grunt in the first two gears, its limited powerband and the lack of top-end performance is clear on open roads limiting the bike’s cruising potential.

The Ronin maintains comfort at 80kmph, with minimal vibrations and a relaxed riding experience. But if you are okay with some vibrations then cruising at 90kmph is possible if you maintain 6000rpm. But beyond this range, the powerband tapers significantly and maintaining triple-digit speeds requires substantial throttle input. The performance limitation is disappointing when compared to the Apache RTR 200 4V which is able to handle higher speeds better

Handling & Ride Quality

The Ronin has a relaxed rake angle but doesn’t come off as sluggish. The broad handlebar makes changing direction easy, and the upright riding posture and manageable, 160kg kerb weight makes navigation through traffic effortless. While the upper body remains erect, the legs are positioned a bit forward, giving the impression of a heel-toe shifter, though the bike comes with a toe-only unit which can feel a bit awkward when adjusting one’s ankle beneath the lever

Braking performance is acceptable but leaves room for improvement when it comes to feedback and progression. The spongy feel of the lever makes it difficult to judge braking pressure accurately during hard braking situations.

Comfort

The suspension is skillfully tuned, offering a supple ride that adeptly handles both mild, low-speed undulations and instills confidence at higher speeds. It proficiently soaks up the majority of rough bumps, shielding the rider from their jarring effect

Furthermore, the TVS Remora block-pattern tyres provide good grip even when cornering at high speeds. This, combined with the engine’s abundant torque at the low and mid range, makes navigating twisty mountain roads a satisfying experience.

Features

The TVS Ronin is quite feature-loaded. The LCD display is an offset single-pod unit, and comes with smartphone connectivity via TVS SmartXonnect on the higher-end TD variant. The TVS SmartXonnect technology allows riders to access features such as call/SMS alerts, phone battery/signal status and turn-by-turn navigation.

The only major issue with the instrument console is that it tries to cram too much information into a very small display, making it difficult to read. The bike also features a silent starter which operates flawlessly but nevertheless remains a novelty feature that many would prefer to trade for better engine refinement or an additional gear. 

Verdict:

The TVS Ronin is undeniably a good, well-equipped bike which is tailored for urban commuting. Although the bike fulfils its role very well, the lack of a soul is quite evident. The pricing of the bike is also towards the higher end of the spectrum for a city-centric bike. This is in contrast to the other value-for-money TVS models like the Apache RTR 160 4V, the NTroq 125 or even the Radeon. The Ronin falls short of bringing that “special” feel. TVS had introduce an interesting concept with this bike, and there's still room for improvement.