- TVS Ronin is available in three different versions: SS, DS, and TD
- Urban performance is good, smooth and agile for regular rides
- It comes loaded with a lot of features
In July, TVS launched its Ronin 225 neo-retro motorcycle. The TVS Zeppelin concept motorcycle displayed at the Auto Expo served as inspiration for the Ronin. TVS is known for providing high-quality products to the market, whether it's sports-focused Apache series motorcycles or entry-level commuters like Raider and Sport. Now with this new offering TVS wants to explore the cruiser segment. Here is a long term review of the TVS Ronin 225 after we had the opportunity to ride it for a week in different conditions.
TVS Ronin - Styling & Design
The Ronin's design is what initially draws people to it. The motorcycle has a unique design that combines elements of cruiser and scrambler motorcycles. In terms of design, the company has managed to keep its neo-retro appeal with a circular headlamp unit. The front's "T"-shaped LED DRL, which is attractive when lit up, is the main attraction. The 41mm Showa Up-Side Down (USD) forks, which are painted in a golden colour, are another noticeable design aspect of the bike.
In the TD variant we had with us, it gets a triple tone colour tone as it moves to the side. The hefty fuel tank gives the bike a chunky appearance, and the black engine case contrasts with the bike's overall colour. The instrument cluster on the motorcycle is offset. The bike boasts some scrambler characteristics on the back, including a slim LED tail lamp and a little elevated short and rear fender.
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TVS Ronin - Features
The Ronin features include Bluetooth connectivity, LED lighting throughout, tubeless all-terrain tyres with a block pattern, dual-channel ABD and a SmartXonnect system with voice assistance, alerts for new notifications, and turn-by-turn navigation. Additionally, it has Rain and Urban riding modes that modify the ABS's working power. A digital instrument cluster is included, which includes a speedometer, tachometer, gear shift indicator, two trip metres, a distance-to-empty indicator, and other relevant data. All day long, the instrument cluster is easy to read.
TVS Ronin - Ergonomics & Comfort
The Ronin offers the rider good riding comfort. It weighs 160 kg and has a seat height of 795mm. The feet will simply stay on the ground due to the seat height. The bike allows the rider to sit upright and doesn't require much stretching to reach the handlebars thanks to the sept back handlebar. In order to keep the legs in a good position, the foot pegs are also centre align. Due to its light weight, a bike is simple to maneuver, making it useful in confined locations. When your foot is completely planted on the ground, you can simply move the bike while riding or not.
When it comes to comfort, the USD forks offer a soft ride and easily absorb breaks and bumps at slow and moderate speeds. The rear gas-charged mono-shock absorbers likewise perform their function well and contribute to a smooth ride. The bumps in the back will be more noticeable at high speeds. The bike easily comes to halt thanks to the 240mm disc brake in the back and the 300 mm disc brake up front with dual-channel ABS. Even while you might think the first bite is harsh, you'll eventually grow acclimated to it.
TVS Ronin - Engine Performance
The Ronin receives a brand-new 225cc engine that was created specifically for the Ronin. The engine generates 19.93 Nm of maximum torque and 20.1 bhp of power. The engine is mated with a 5-speed gearbox.
I was pleased with the engine's performance in urban settings because TVS had adjusted it for low end and mid range torque. The bikes' agility makes it simple to maneuver, and its initial pull is strong. You can easily pick up the bike from as low as 30 kmph in fifth gear without worrying about the bike stalling because of the bike's strong acceleration and low-end torque. Additionally, the assist and slipper clutch with three step adjustment aid in seamless gear changes and enhance the riding experience.
The best place for the engine on the Ronin is at 3,000 to 6,000 RPM and 90 to 100 kmph. The revs get unpleasant as they exceed 6,000 RPM, and you can feel the buzz in the handlebar. Additionally, you will miss the sixth gear at that time. The sixth gear might have improved the bike's fuel efficiency and helped it control its revs. Although Ronin easily reach up to its top speed of 120 km/h, the engine appeared to be under strain above 100 km/h.
The Ronin's performance on the highway could have been better. The whole experience of riding on the highways is a little depressing due to the engine's high revs and buzziness of the handle bar.
TVS Ronin - Fuel Efficiency
The 14-liter fuel tank that comes standard on the Ronin allows it a total range of 500600 km. The bike was easily giving a fuel economy of 4045 km/l in city driving, which is a respectable figure for a bike in this class.
Verdict
When it comes to riding in urban settings with traffic, undulations, and other metropolitan obstacles, the TVS Ronin is a well-suited bike. The bike handles these scenarios with ease, and its performance will satisfy you as well. The bike's identity crisis originates from the fact that it is neither entirely a cruiser nor entirely a scrambler; rather, it is a hybrid of the two, which makes it difficult for people to understand until or unless they ride it. The Ronin is available from TVS in three variations, with prices ranging from Rs. 1.49 lakh to Rs. 1.68 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Ronin is a well-built motorbike with many useful features, a lively engine, and pleasant exhaust noise. Additionally, it benefits from TVS' extensive sales and service network, which aids in the maintenance of both the bike. The TVS Ronin 225 is a comfortable motorcycle with a powerful engine that you might want to take into consideration if looking for a bike under Rs 2 lakh.