TVS Ronin

The TVS Ronin represents a departure from the Hosur-based motorcycle manufacturer's racing heritage, embracing a diverse blend of characteristics from the cruiser, scrambler, and neo-retro motorcycle genres. 

Design

Design is a matter of personal taste, and we find the Ronin to be somewhat unconventional. It attempts to incorporate various elements simultaneously, resulting in an awkward appearance. The fuel tank's shape doesn't quite harmonize with the frame's headstock, the side panels appear overly boxy, and the substantial rear fender is surprisingly flashy. Personally, I would favor a more streamlined look with a shortened rear fender and an integrated license plate holder for a cleaner aesthetic. Nevertheless, it's undeniable that the Ronin's distinctive design is bound to attract attention.

Engine, Mileage & Performance

The TVS Ronin truly excels in urban environments. It exhibits a keen awareness of its surroundings and navigates them with remarkable finesse. The key contributor to this capability is the engine. Its exceptional tractability, characterized by ample torque, allows for higher gear usage at lower speeds. We found ourselves comfortably tackling various obstacles like speed bumps and executing slow U-turns while cruising in third gear. In this gear, city commuting feels effortless, at least until reaching speeds of around 52-53kmph, beyond which it exhibits a hint of vibration, prompting a gear shift.

An added bonus is the "Glide Through Traffic" feature, TVS' terminology for low-rpm assist. It operates in all gears, allowing you to control the clutch without needing to apply throttle input in slow-moving traffic. Notably, the fifth gear remains effective from as low as 30kmph, simplifying city commuting by minimizing the need for frequent gear changes. The gear shifts are precise, and the clutch lever feels lightweight, enhancing its city-friendly attributes. Furthermore, the extended stroke has notably enhanced the bike's roll-on acceleration, making it approximately 0.2 seconds quicker than the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.

The fuel efficiency numbers are respectable for a motorcycle in this engine category. With the 14-liter fuel tank, you can anticipate a practical range of approximately 560 kilometers on a full tank.

On the highway, the Ronin seems to run out of breath. The same engine that excelled in the city showed signs of strain when pushed at higher speeds. The majority of the power is concentrated between 4000 and 6000rpm, particularly in the third through fifth gears. While it boasts ample low-end power in the first two gears, as the road opens up, the limited powerband and the absence of high-end performance become limitations for the bike's cruising abilities.

The Ronin feels comfortable at approximately 80kmph, where vibrations are minimal, and the riding experience is relaxed. If you can tolerate a bit of vibration, you can also cruise at 90kmph, which aligns with the tachometer needle at around 6000rpm. However, beyond this range, there's hardly any noticeable power, and reaching and sustaining triple-digit speeds will demand a significant twist of the throttle.

This aspect is somewhat disappointing, especially when compared to its sportier counterpart, the Apache RTR 200 4V, which handles higher speeds more adeptly. Adding to the concern are vibrations, which start to become noticeable at around 5,500rpm, particularly at the left footpeg and the handlebar.

Handling & Ride Quality

Despite the relaxed rake angle, you might anticipate some sluggishness, but remarkably, it's completely absent. The wide handlebar, offering excellent leverage, combined with the upright riding posture and the manageable 160kg kerb weight, makes weaving through traffic a breeze. While your upper body remains upright, your legs are positioned forward, which might lead you to expect a heel-toe shifter. Unfortunately, it only features a toe-only unit, and adjusting your ankle beneath the lever can feel somewhat awkward.

The braking performance, although acceptable, leaves room for improvement in terms of feedback and progression from the brakes. To achieve aggressive braking, you may find yourself having to apply significant lever pressure because, after the initial strong bite, the system feels somewhat spongy.

Comfort

The suspension is supple and finely tuned to manage both gentle, and low-speed undulations and inspire confidence at higher speeds. It effectively absorbs most of the harsh bumps, sparing the rider from their impact.

Also, the TVS Remora tyres with their block-patterned design offer solid grip, instilling confidence when cornering at higher speeds. Combined with the engine's ample torque, this setup should keep you content while navigating winding mountain roads.

Features

TVS has left no stone unturned when it comes to equipping the Ronin with all the features one would anticipate from a contemporary, "connected" motorcycle. You have the standard information on the single-pod offset LCD display, complete with smartphone connectivity (exclusive to the TD variant, which we have here). That said, all the "smart" data is consolidated into a compact digital inset, which might require some getting used to.

The company from Hosur has also invested substantial engineering effort into the silent starter, which functions flawlessly. Nonetheless, it remains a novelty feature that I, personally, would have traded for improvements in engine refinement or the addition of an extra gear. The overall fit and finish are superb, meeting the expectations of a modern motorcycle. The switchgear exudes a sturdy feel, the body panels are neatly assembled, and the wiring is skillfully concealed. However, a noteworthy issue with our test bike was the recurring problem of the headlight, console, and horn fuse repeatedly blowing, even after replacement with a spare one.

Verdict

The TVS Ronin proves to be a well-equipped motorcycle, particularly suited for city commutes. However, it fulfills its role mechanically, lacking a certain "soul." Priced at Rs 1,68,750 (ex-showroom Delhi), it leans a bit towards the expensive side for a city-only bike.

In contrast to other TVS models like the Apache RTR 160 4V, NTorq 125, or even the Radeon, the Ronin fails to evoke that special feeling and seems to grapple with an identity crisis. While TVS initiated an interesting concept with the Ronin, the execution could have been more refined. It's worth noting that there are other competitors in the segment, but that's a discussion for another time.