The Indian motorcycle market is changing fast and TVS Motor Company has just thrown down the gauntlet with an updated version of their popular Ronin 225. This neo-retro scrambler has been a hit since its launch and the new one promises to cement its position as the go-to bike for young riders who want both style and performance.
Building on the success of the original launch, TVS has fine tuned the Ronin 225 to address market feedback while keeping the rebellious spirit that made it a favourite among college students and young professionals. The bike is more than just a mode of transport, it’s a statement piece that speaks to the aspirational desires of India’s youth demographic.
The timing couldn’t be better as the 200-250cc segment is seeing intense competition from established players. TVS knows that to win over young buyers it requires more than just competitive pricing – it needs a complete package that delivers on style, substance and street cred.
Killer Looks Command Attention
The updated Ronin 225 maintains its aggressive stance while introducing new elements that enhance its road presence. The design language is scrambler inspired but with modern twists that prevent it from looking like a retro copy.
At the front the distinctive round LED headlamp continues to dominate the visual narrative. The T-shaped daytime running light creates an unmistakable signature, so the bike stands out even in heavy traffic. This isn’t just about looks – the LED technology is better than halogen.
The fuel tank design is worth a special mention for its thoughtful execution. The teardrop shape isn’t just aesthetically pleasing – it also has natural knee indents that improve rider comfort during long rides. The tank graphics have been refreshed for 2025 with bolder color combinations that appeal to younger sensibilities.
The most significant visual update is the new color options. Glacier Silver and Charcoal Ember are the new additions to the palette beyond the existing ones, so buyers have more options to express themselves. These aren’t just different shades – each color has its own graphics and accent pieces that create different themes.The rear has the scrambler design with high mounted exhaust and integrated LED tail lamp. 17-inch alloy wheels with block pattern tyres complete the purposeful look and hint at the bike’s off-road capability.
Engine Performance Balances Power and Efficiency
Under the sleek bodywork lies a modern 225.9cc single-cylinder engine designed specifically for Indian riding conditions. This isn’t a scaled up version of an existing motor – TVS has engineered this powerplant from scratch to give young riders what they want.
The engine puts out 20.4 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 19.93 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm. The numbers may seem modest compared to some competition, but the real story is in how this power is delivered. The engine has been tuned to give strong low-end torque so city riding is effortless and there’s enough top-end punch for highway overtaking.
One of the standout features is TVS’s ‘Glide Through Traffic’ technology. This optimizes engine mapping to give smooth power delivery at low RPMs across all gears. In simple terms, this means riders can cruise in higher gears at city speeds without the engine feeling strained or jerky.
The 5-speed transmission has both assist and slipper clutch. The assist function reduces lever effort, making stop-and-go traffic less tiring, while the slipper clutch prevents rear wheel lock-up during aggressive downshifting. These aren’t premium features – they’re practical features that make daily use easier.
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Oil cooling keeps temperatures in check even during long rides or traffic crawls. This cooling method is a balance between the simplicity of air cooling and the complexity of liquid cooling, perfect for the Ronin’s target market and price point.
Technology Integration Meets Youth Expectations
Modern motorcycles need to deliver more than just mechanical excellence and the Ronin 225 doesn’t disappoint in the technology department. The bike has a full digital instrument cluster that gives all the essential riding info at a glance.
The TVS SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity system turns the motorcycle into a connected vehicle. Riders can get call and SMS notifications directly on the display, while turn-by-turn navigation support ensures they never get lost during explorations. This level of connectivity resonates with young riders who are used to their smartphones.
The lighting system is complete. Full LED implementation includes the headlamp, tail lamp and turn indicators, giving better visibility and contemporary looks. LED is also more durable than conventional bulbs, reducing long term maintenance costs.Two modes – Rain and Road – so riders can switch the ABS to suit the conditions. Not just about safety, but confidence, especially for new riders who will encounter different road surfaces during their ride.
Variant Strategy Covers All Bases
TVS has designed the Ronin 225 to cater to different segments of the youth. The base SS variant starts at Rs 1.35 lakh and is for the budget conscious without compromising on the core Ronin experience.
The mid segment DS variant adds dual channel ABS and Bluetooth for Rs 1.60 lakh which is the sweet spot for most buyers. The top of the line TD variant at Rs 1.73 lakh gets premium color options and all the connected features.
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This tiered approach allows TVS to cover all bases and even the entry level buyer gets a desirable motorcycle. The price gap between variants is reasonable so buyers can upgrade without burning a hole in their pocket.
TVS Ronin 225 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, 4-Valve, SOHC |
| Displacement | 225.9 cc |
| Cooling System | Oil Cooled |
| Maximum Power | 20.4 PS @ 7,750 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 19.93 Nm @ 3,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Clutch Type | Assist & Slipper Clutch |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 Liters |
| Kerb Weight | 159 kg |
| Front Suspension | USD Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Mono-shock with Preload Adjustment |
| Front Brake | Disc with ABS |
| Rear Brake | Disc with ABS |
| Wheel Size | 17-inch (Front & Rear) |
| Tire Type | Block Pattern |
Market Competition and Positioning
The 200-250cc segment is getting crowded with manufacturers recognizing the growth potential among young Indian riders. The Ronin 225 has competition from established names like Bajaj Dominar 250, Honda CB350RS and Royal Enfield Hunter 350.
But TVS has positioned the Ronin smartly by focusing on visual impact and technology integration rather than pure performance numbers. While some competitors might offer more power or traditional brand prestige, the Ronin offers a more modern ownership experience.
The neo-retro styling sets it apart from purely modern designs and avoids the sometimes polarizing traditional looks of classic motorcycles. This approach makes it appeal to different style preferences within the youth demographic.
Fuel Efficiency Meets Performance
Despite being performance oriented, the Ronin 225 delivers an impressive fuel efficiency of 42-43 kmpl in normal riding conditions. This is not due to compromising on performance but because of engine tuning and power to weight ratio.
For young riders who have to manage a tight budget, this fuel efficiency translates to lower running costs. The 14 liter fuel tank is enough for daily commuting and weekend adventures without frequent fuel stops.
Safety Features Give Confidence
The dual channel ABS on higher variants is a big safety benefit especially for new riders. It prevents wheel lock up during emergency braking and maintains steering control which can prevent accidents in critical situations.
The USD front forks and preload adjustable rear mono shock provides both comfort and control. This suspension can handle various road conditions and maintains stability during spirited riding giving young riders the confidence to push their limits safely.
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Future and Evolution
TVS seems to be planning to evolve the Ronin platform based on market feedback and trends. Electric variants have been discussed and with the growing interest in sustainable mobility solutions among environmentally conscious young buyers.
The foundation laid by the current Ronin 225 provides a lot of scope for future upgrades. Additions could be advanced rider assistance systems, more connectivity features or even performance variants for more experienced riders.
The success of Ronin 225 shows TVS’s understanding of the youth market and their ability to convert that into a product. For young riders looking for a motorcycle that looks good and is practical the updated Ronin 225 is a great option that doesn’t compromise on style or substance.
Dealerships are reporting good interest and booking numbers are looking good, the Ronin 225 seems to be well poised to capture a big chunk of the youth focused motorcycle segment. The combination of aggressive styling, modern features and affordable pricing is a package that resonates well with India’s young riding community.
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