Uncharted routes often lead to new destinations, and on a similar note, TVS took a blank sheet of paper and designed a motorcycle that would also invent a new segment. Well, the company came up with a brand new offering called Ronin. Launched in the Indian market at a starting price of Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom), we can understand that the 2022 TVS Ronin will rival many motorcycles in our market. But what exactly is it? Is it worth the space in your garage or not? Well, these are the questions that we have been hearing about it, and the answer to them all lies in our TVS Ronin review.
TVS Ronin Review: The Watcher?
TVS has used a neo-retro theme for the Ronin’s design. Since it looks polarizing, it will remain a hit or miss for the masses. While some will fall head over heels for it, the rest will find it hard to be attractive to the audience. The interesting thing is that it looks neat in person. Like the color scheme, the fit and finish levels are of the highest order.
Talking about the design highlights, the off-centred instrument console, LED headlamps and golden-painted USD forks give it a premium look. Lately, we have seen some oddly designed rear-view mirrors on motorcycles, but the Ronin sports sharply-designed units. The alloy wheels measure 17 inches in diameter, and have a diamond-cut finish. The exhaust canister is bigger, but it is not a design element like the Apache RR 310.
Overall, it is a fresh design, and it will take time to reach the audience. However, the rear fender could have been done with a minimalistic approach. Plus, the lighting on the Ronin is entirely LED.
TVS Ronin Review: Tech-Packed?
The switchgear and instrument console on the Ronin get high marks for quality. In fact, the instrument console provides a lot of information, which is sometimes really difficult for the rider to process. Thankfully, it’s legible in all kinds of riding conditions. TVS is also offering turn-by-turn navigation and Bluetooth connectivity for call and SMS notifications. A silent starter motor along with TVS’s Glide Thru Traffic technology is a part of the package. And we’re happy to report that all of this technology worked flawlessly on our ride.
TVS Ronin review: Fun to ride?
The TVS Ronin is powered by a 225cc single-cylinder motor that churns out a maximum power of 20hp and a maximum torque of around 20 Nm. With its perfectly square architecture, the engine delivered a strong mid-range and a prominent low-end grunt. Stays top-end bland. The gearbox is a 5-speed unit, and it is smooth. A slipper clutch has been used on the Ronin with assist function. Well, it makes downshifting easy, and it’s not overwhelming.
The Ronin is a playful motorcycle, and it doesn’t overwhelm the rider when the roads get rough. The offset front axle helps the motorcycle in this regard by offering sharp steering geometry. Furthermore, the suspension setup offers a good balance of both maneuverability and comfort. The front end gets upside-down forks from Showa, while the rear end gets a monoshock with box-section swing arm.
During our ride in the orange-alert Goa, the TVS Remora tires exuded confidence with ample grip at all times. They receive a block pattern and measure 110-section and 130-section for the front and rear rims, respectively. Also, the riders triangle offers an upright riding position, which makes the overall experience comfortable. Adjustable levers and practical rear view mirrors make it more enjoyable.
Coming to the brakes, the Ronin gets dual-channel brakes with two modes – Urban and Rain. In Rain mode, the intrusion is more pronounced, while in Urban mode, the ABS kicks in a little later. Therefore, it was easy to understand that the Ronin is an approachable motorcycle.
TVS Ronin Review: Final Take?
With a starting price of Rs 1.49 lakh ex-showroom, the Ronin sounds like a very versatile motorcycle to me. And I think it’s more about making the motorcycle accessible. It brings accessibility in terms of financial aspects and ride as it is fun to ride and affordable too. Of course, the design will please many. However, in some places this needs to be changed. Well, who should buy? We believe that for anyone who needs a comfortable motorcycle that can make urban travel fun, the answer is in the form of the 2022 TVS Ronin.