Review of TVS Ronin: Rebel without a cause

TVS Ronin: design

The Zeppelin cruiser idea that was displayed at the Auto Expo four years ago served as the inspiration for the Ronin, although this bike has obviously chosen a different approach to design. Different motorcycle models will be seen from various perspectives. There are traces of cafe racers, flat trackers, scramblers, and neo-retro bikes there, but the cruiser seems to be the design theme that stands out the most.

The front USD fork’s raked-out angle is the most obvious cruiser hint, but TVS has added a few further features. For instance, the chain drive receives an enlarged cover that is intended to resemble the large cruiser’s belt drive system. The tall, swept-back handlebar and the alloy wheel design that resembles some large Harleys are further features.

The USD suspension and large 14-liter fuel tank contribute to the motorcycle’s overall presence up front, but the rear end is undoubtedly more divisive. The grab handle and fender both have an unattractive appearance, however they can both be removed if you don’t mind going without them.

The sleek, almost Robocop-like LED taillight that seamlessly blends into the metal rail that makes up the back subframe is something I do enjoy. Stylish mirrors and LED indicators in the shape of arrows also give the bike a pleasant luxury feel for the price. Actually, for this kind of money, the overall quality and finish are perhaps the best you’ll find.

TVS Ronin: engine and performance

There is a brand-new 225cc engine for the Ronin. Although this bike lacks any of the hybrid technology that was featured in the 2018 prototype, its displacement figure is remarkably comparable to that of the Zeppelin. What you get is a totally square design with 66mm for both the bore and stroke. The engine features a shared 5-speed gearbox with the RTR 200, a four-valve head, and an oil-cooler that drives the engine’s rear wheels.

TVS makes it abundantly apparent that this motorcycle was created with the intention of providing performance that is easily accessible and isn’t about high speeds or racing. A little bit more than 20 horsepower and slightly under 20 Nm of torque are the end results. By no means are those impressive numbers, but what you should focus on here is that the peak torque is reached at just 3,750 rpm. To put things in context, the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 generates its maximum torque at 4,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), but the larger Enfield naturally has 35 percent more torque to deliver.

ALSO READ :> Mastering Success: Unveiling The 7 Habits

On paper, the Ronin might appear to deliver power in a manner resembling that of a Royal Enfield, but in practise, it sounds and feels much more like a TVS. The bike’s exhaust noise is pleasant and delicious, and the engine is incredibly smooth.

The Ronin also features a silent start system, which up until now has only been seen in commuters and small-capacity scooters. It’s a useful tool to have because it just enhances an already well developed experience.

The riding experience is still primarily focused on that powerful bottom-end performance even though it is obvious that this is not a slow-revving thumper of an engine. As would be expected, the available low-end pull is incredibly pleasurable, and TVS used relatively short gearing, creating a fantastically adaptable ride. The engine pulls nicely at just 3,000 rpm and can run in high gears at extremely low speeds. When you open the throttle, the bike reacts well even at speeds as low as 15 kph in third gear.

This will be excellent in a congested, chaotic urban environment, but it degrades highway efficiency. The Ronin can comfortably cruise at 85 kph and can maintain that pace for up to 100 kph without showing any indications of strain. However, anything faster than that moves very slowly, and if you want to view the speedometer’s stated top speed of 120 kph, you’ll probably have to stoop down. The engine can crank to 9,000 rpm, but anything above 8,000 rpm feels somewhat pointless.

If you’re looking for consistently high speeds, you should probably seek elsewhere.

TVS Ronin: comfort, chassis and handling

The redesigned frame has been thoughtfully developed to amp up a planted, but light and simple riding character, making the Ronin a really comfortable bike to ride in the city with that type of performance.

Take the suspension fork’s lazily inclined 27-degree rake angle as an illustration. This has a lot of stability and is very cruiser-like, but it sacrifices agility. To get around this, TVS created a fork offset at the bottom, a feature often found on dirt motorcycles. However, TVS has gone the other way around here and brought the wheel back in, whereas the fork offset on a dirt bike moves the wheel forward to enhance the trail. As a result, the bike is lighter and easier to ride while reintroducing some agility. Truly, modifying a chassis can be a highly skilled craft.

The new split double cradle chassis for the Ronin is unquestionably notable for its USD fork setup. The spring and damping rates have been fully altered to meet the pleasant nature of the Ronin. This is the same 41mm Showa fork from the RR 310. The overall suspension travel values are comparable to the RR 310, and there is a monoshock in the back.

Now, we only had a brief opportunity to ride the bike in South Goa on a day when the IMD issued an orange alert. Needless to say, we did not get to push the bike to its absolute limits, but the initial impression is very favourable. Although this motorcycle weighs only 160 kg, TVS has managed to strike the perfect balance between stability and light steering agility. Even with their blocky off-road design, the new TVS Rambler tyres performed surprisingly well and required very little effort to change direction.

The Ronin does seem to be made for some off-road riding with those kinds of tyres and 181mm of ground clearance. But as soon as you start doing dumb things, you’ll find that the standing posture is uncomfortable, the rear ABS can’t be switched off, and the suspension can easily bottom out.

The Ronin is obviously not an off-road vehicle, not even in the league of a mediocre Scrambler. However, it is really cosy while driving. The foot pegs are positioned comfortably beneath you, and the riding position is entirely upright and neutral with a reach down to the handlebar that feels natural. Although the roads in South Goa were generally very excellent, the suspension setup feels like it will be easy on your back over rough surfaces, and the seat is also well padded.

TVS Ronin: features and price

You would unquestionably anticipate good suspension comfort from a TVS, and the same is true of features.

The offset instrument console, which was inspired by the Ducati Scrambler, has a lot of information displayed, but it’s also highly legible and simple to read. The bike has hazard lights, a side-stand-down engine-kill feature, and a slip and assist clutch with a gentle action.

The two riding modes on the Ronin merely modify the sensitivity of the ABS, though. Speaking of, the lower and middle models only come with single-channel ABS, whilst the top-spec model includes a dual-channel setup, adjustable levers, and a tonne of linked features accessible through a special TVS app.

The Ronin’s starting price of Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom) is actually rather alluring. However, the base SS variant only comes in two solid colours, and the mid-range TD model will set you back Rs 8,000 more if you like the classier dual-tone colour scheme or the gold USD fork. Be prepared to spend approximately Rs 20,000 more than the base model if you get the highest-spec TD model.

The Ronin now competes with a number of 250cc choices on the market, and while it performs less well overall, it outperforms them all in terms of features.

TVS Ronin: Should you buy one?

If you really pushed me to describe the TVS Ronin, I’d say it’s an easy-riding cruiser type of bike with a little bit of toughness built in. But I’m still not really sure what it’s aiming to be. It doesn’t really have any direct competitors, but depending on your point of view, options may include the Bajaj Avenger 220, Royal Enfield Meteor, Honda CB350RS, or any number of similarly priced 250s.