TVS Motor Company offers motorcycles and scooters in various segments, but now the brand has made a foray into a completely new category with the launch of the Ronin. The manufacturer says the Ronin is the industry’s first “modern-retro” motorcycle and is a lifestyle statement that takes inspiration from the modern, new-age rider. According to TVS, the bike will provide a comfortable riding experience across terrains and is talking about the RONIN CULT – where Culture, Lifestyle, and Travel come alive.
The Ronin runs on a 225-cc engine that makes roughly 20 bhp and 20 Nm.
The Ronin runs on 17-inch, 9-spoke alloy wheels that come with block tread tyres.
DESIGN
Different parts of the Ronin point to different body styles like a Scrambler, Roadster, or even a Cruiser, but overall, the design does stand out. All the LED lamps, along with the signature T-shaped pilot lamp, make for an attractive face on the motorcycle. Another standout feature is the asymmetric speedometer, which is placed slightly to the left from the rider’s perspective. TVS says this also helps in giving the rider a clearer view of the road ahead.
The exhaust and muffler design are also quite attractive, and the slim tail lamp too adds its unique character to the overall look of the bike. The Ronin runs on 17-inch, 9-spoke alloy wheels that come with block tread tyres. You have the option of choosing between single-tone, dual-tone, and triple-tone colours on the bike.
TECH
According to TVS, the Ronin gets one of many firsts with many technological and convenience features. It has a full digital cluster, which is very handy when it comes to the information it provides. This includes features like Distance to Empty, Estimated Time of Arrival, Gear Shift Assist, Side Stand Engine Inhibitor, Service Due Indication, and Low Battery Indicator. It also gets the brand’s SmartXonnect connectivity suite that provides ride analysis, amongst other things, like the Incoming Call Alert/Receives function. You also get Turn-Turn Navigation on the bike, while it also becomes the first product from the brand to come with Voice Assist. This can be done using a Bluetooth headset that will need to be bought separately.
ENGINE
The Ronin runs on a 225-cc engine that makes roughly 20 bhp and 20 Nm. The engine has enough grunts and makes a good sound to give you a sporty feel. The pick-up is impressive, and especially in the low to mid-range, there’s enough power at your disposal. There’s also a lessened need to make frequent gearshifts, and the shifts on the 5-speed box themselves are quick and easy. An assist and slipper clutch only make it better for the rider, and these points to the fact that the bike adapts well to the needs of your urban commute. It also gets 2 riding modes—Rain and Urban—where the former gives a lot of confidence when riding on wet and slippery roads.
RIDE & HANDLING
An Upside-Down Front Fork on the Rear Monoshock on the Ronin ensures a smooth and comfortable ride. Even on bad surfaces, the bike does not disappoint, and the great ride quality is one of the highlights of the bike. A stiff frame and a low kerb weight of 160 kg are factors that ensure that this is a bike that handles well.
TVS is also offering the Glide Through Technology on the Ronin, whereby without using the accelerator, the bike moves forward between the 1st and 3rd gears when the clutch is released.
Finally, a 3-step adjustable lever means the rider can customise the bike according to his preference. While both wheels get disc brakes, you get single or dual-channel ABS depending on the variant you pick.
PRICES
TVS Ronin is available in three variants-SS, DS, and the top variant, RONIN TD. Prices begin at Rs. 1.49 lakh and go up to Rs. 1.69 lakh (ex-showroom). Apart from the bike, TVS has also launched a range of branded merchandise and riding gear. Curated kits with exclusive accessories are also available with the Ronin.
The author is a senior editor at carandbike.com.