The neo-retro motorcycle category has been experiencing a boom of late, with several different manufacturers jumping into the fray. TVS is the latest to join this bandwagon, with the launch of the Ronin. Here are 5 things you need to know about TVS’ entrant in this style-conscious segment.
1. TVS Ronin: engine
Unlike the rev-happy engines found in the Apache series of bikes from TVS, the Ronin sports an engine that’s focused more towards low and mid-range torque. The all-new air- and oil-cooled 225.9cc engine makes 20hp at 7,750rpm and 19.93Nm of torque at a very accessible 3,750rpm. Mated to this engine is a 5-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch. TVS claims the Ronin can achieve a top speed of 120kph.
2. TVS Ronin: chassis and underpinnings
The chassis underpinning the Ronin features a double-cradle frame suspended on a non-adjustable 41mm Showa Big Piston Fork and a gas-charged monoshock. The Ronin tips the scale at 160kg (dual-channel ABS), while the single-channel version weighs a kilo lesser, at 159kg. A sizable fuel tank of 14 litres is on offer.
.jpg?w=700&c=0)
The Ronin rides on 17-inch rims at both ends, shod with bespoke Remora block-pattern tyres with dimensions of 110/70 up at the front and 130/70 at the rear. Braking duties on both, the single-channel and dual-channel ABS variants are handled by a 300mm disc up front and a 240mm unit at the rear.
3. TVS Ronin: features
The Ronin features an all-new, offset single-pod digital instrument cluster with features such as turn-by-turn navigation, incoming call alerts, along with a voice assist function, as seen on other TVS models like the NTorq. A USB charger is optional across all variants of the Ronin. Also, pertinent ride information can be viewed on a smartphone via the TVS SmartXonnect app.
Through this display, one can also choose between two levels of ABS, Urban and Rain, with the latter promising earlier intervention. All LED lighting, a silent-start system, as well as TVS’ GTT technology are standard across all variants of the Ronin. It bears mentioning that adjustable levers are reserved only for the top-of-the-line dual-channel ABS variant of the Ronin.
4. TVS Ronin: pricing and variants
The TVS Ronin is priced at Rs 1.49 lakh for the single-tone, single-channel ABS version; Rs 1.57 lakh for the dual-tone single-channel ABS version; and Rs 1.69 lakh to Rs 1.71 lakh for the range-topping dual-tone dual-channel ABS version. The dual-channel ABS version is the only one here to get Bluetooth connectivity.
5. TVS Ronin: rivals
While the Ronin has no direct spec-for-spec rivals at the moment, sitting between the likes of the Yamaha FZ-X and the RE Classic 350/Honda H’ness CB350, comparisons based on price and displacement can be made with a whole host of bikes.
The recently updated Pulsar 250 twins, Dominar 250, Yamaha FZ25 and the RE Bullet 350 are some of the bikes it will go up against in terms of pricing and cubic capacity.
Would you pick the TVS Ronin over the other options available? Let us know in the comments section below.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
