The motorcycle market loves its labels and boxes. Cruiser, sport bike, adventure tourer – manufacturers typically pick a lane and stick to it. TVS, however, seems to have thrown out the rulebook with the Ronin, a motorcycle that stubbornly refuses categorization while delivering a surprisingly well-rounded experience.
Breaking the Mold with Neo-Retro Design
The first thing you notice about the Ronin is its distinctive appearance. That circular LED headlamp with T-shaped DRL gives it instant personality, while the teardrop fuel tank and split-seat setup hint at both classic and contemporary influences.
It’s a good-looking bike, with thoughtful touches everywhere you look. Those 9-spoke alloy wheels aren’t just for show – they’re wrapped in TVS’s own Remora dual-purpose rubber that handles both tarmac and light trails with surprising confidence.
Color options abound across the Ronin’s three variants. From the base model’s Lightning Black and Magma Red to the top-spec’s Nimbus Grey and Midnight Blue, there’s something for every taste. The mid-variants even sport gold USD forks for some extra visual punch.
Heart of the Matter
Under its stylish skin lies a newly developed 225.9cc single-cylinder engine that puts out 20.4 PS at 7,750 rpm and 19.93 Nm of torque at a relatively low 3,750 rpm. Those numbers might not win bar braggging rights, but they translate to usable, accessible performance where it matters most – in everyday riding situations.
The engine feels most at home between 60-90 km/h, delivering smooth, linear power that urban commuters will appreciate. A 5-speed gearbox with slip-and-assist clutch makes shifting virtually effortless, and TVS’s Glide Through Technology deserves special mention – it maintains a steady crawl in traffic without constant throttle input, a godsend in bumper-to-bumper situations.
“The Ronin’s powertrain prioritizes rideability over raw numbers,” one TVS engineer told me during a demo ride. That philosophy extends to fuel efficiency as well, with the bike delivering a respectable 40-42 kmpl in mixed conditions.
Jack of All Trades, Master of Most
What truly sets the Ronin apart is its remarkable versatility. The comfortable 795mm seat height, slightly forward-set footpegs, and pulled-back handlebar create an upright riding position that works for various rider builds.
The suspension setup deserves praise too. Those 41mm Showa USD forks up front and the gas-charged monoshock rear (with 7-step preload adjustment) deliver plush ride quality without sacrificing handling precision. At just 160 kg wet, the Ronin feels nimble around town but planted enough for weekend escapes.
Some folks in the forum communities have questioned the Ronin’s off-road capabilities, but let’s be clear – this isn’t trying to be a dirt bike. That said, with 181mm of ground clearance and those dual-purpose tires, it handles unpaved roads and light trails surprisingly well. Just don’t expect to tackle hardcore off-road challenges.
Tech That Makes Sense
Despite its retro aesthetic cues, the Ronin doesn’t skimp on modern conveniences. The offset digital LCD cluster is information-rich without being cluttered, and the top variant adds Bluetooth connectivity via TVS’s SmartXonnect system. This brings turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and even voice assistance to the party.
Safety features include ABS (single-channel on base and mid variants, dual-channel with Rain and Road modes on the top spec), all-LED lighting, and a side-stand engine inhibitor. The top variant also gets 3-step adjustable levers – small touches that enhance the overall package.
Pricing and Competitive Edge
The 2025 TVS Ronin starts at Rs. 1,35,551 for the base Lightning Black variant and tops out at Rs. 1,73,152 for the feature-loaded top variant. That pricing places it in an interesting spot – more affordable than the Honda CB350RS (Rs. 2,03,000) while offering competitive features against the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (Rs. 1,50,000 – 1,75,000).
What you’re paying for isn’t class-leading performance in any single area, but rather a thoughtfully designed motorcycle that adapts to various riding scenarios without compromise. The standard 5-year/60,000 km warranty adds peace of mind, and TVS’s extensive service network ensures maintenance won’t be a headache.
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The Verdict
The TVS Ronin arrives in a market saturated with specialists – bikes built for specific purposes or riding styles. Its appeal lies in refusing to be pigeonholed. It’s not the fastest, not the most off-road capable, not the most luxurious – yet it delivers a well-rounded experience that genuinely works for everyday riders.
For commuters who want weekend fun, for new riders seeking confidence, or for experienced hands wanting a versatile second bike, the Ronin makes a compelling case. In trying to be good at everything rather than great at one thing, TVS might have created something uniquely useful – a bike that adapts to your life rather than demanding you adapt to it.
The motorcycle world needs more machines like this – bikes built around the reality of how people actually ride rather than how marketing departments think they should. The Ronin might just be the right bike at the right time.
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