TVS Ronin first ride, review

TVS has launched the new TVS Ronin in the neo retro segment dominated by the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda H’ness CB350 and the Jawa 42. So what makes it different, and how does it ride? We rode the bike in rain soaked Goa to bring you a detailed review.

The neo-retro segment is dominated by motorcycles like the Royal Classic 350, Honda H’ness CB 350, Jawa 42, Yezdi Roadster, and so on. Each and every motorcycle has tried hard to dominate the market and now TVS has joined in with the Ronin. However, the Ronin appears to be the ‘Jack of all trades’ and hence makes for a solid case for itself. Let’s then delve deeper and see what all it offers and how it rides.

TVS Ronin: Design, features, seating, etc

The silhouette of the Ronin shouts retro. The Ronin rides on 17in alloy wheels which are shod with block pattern tyres. The short fender looks cool too. The front end though is dominated by the chunky 41mm Showa USD forks which are draped in gold. The all-LED headlamp also gels well with the overall front-end design. TVS has also loaded the Ronin with LED winkers which come with a sporty light pattern. We would also like to add here that TVS will be offering a long list of accessories for the bike and a small screen which is a part of the list adds to the looks of the Ronin. In profile, one can spot the massive and muscular 14-litre fuel tank which offers decent grip and also looks good. The multitude of colour options further adds to the sporty aura of the Ronin.

TVS has also resorted to an offset instrument pod mounted on the handlebar. It offers a plethora of features and is also the first one to obey voice commands. The system also offers navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. We would have liked it even more if it had a colour display, but as far as visibility is concerned, we have nothing to complain. The Ronin comes with a large seat which does not have a high contour between the rider and pillion sections. With a seat height of 795mm, there is no tip-toeing needed here too. The foot pegs are forward set, and the handlebar falls to hand easily as well. So overall the Ronin offers a comfortable rider’s triangle which allows the rider to sit upright thus making it good for long rides. At the back, the Ronin continues to impress with unique design ideas like the integrated LED taillight. The light is bright and clear to the eye. The very scramblerish fender at the back finishes off the design making it look all purposeful.

TVS Ronin: Engine, transmission, chassis, dimensions

TVS has deployed a brand new double-cradle chassis for the 225.9cc engine which essentially comes from the TVS Apache. From then on the engine has been heavily reworked with changes like an enlarged cylinder fin area, slip and assist clutch, bigger oil cooler and so on. The engine now offers 20.4bhp and 19.93Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels using a 5-speed gearbox and then there is a slip and assist clutch as well. TVS has also added an ISG system which offers a smoother startup. As far as suspension goes, the Ronin uses 41mm USD forks from Showa and then there is a gas-charged mono-shock at the back.

As far as dimensions go, the Ronin is a rather large motorcycle and measures 2,040mm in length, 805mm in width and is 1,170mm in height. It features a wheelbase of 1,357mm. The Ronin weighs 160kg and offers a ground clearance of 181mm.