There are countless rumours and stories about TVS’ much-awaited motorcycle floating around on the internet, all of which can now finally be laid to rest. The TVS Ronin has finally been launched, with prices ranging between Rs 1.49 lakh to Rs 1.68 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). With the Ronin, TVS has made its debut into the lifestyle retro motorcycle segment with an all-new 225.6cc powertrain, and features such as voice-assist, connected technology and plenty more.
TVS Ronin Design
If you think about it, the Ronin isn’t the first motorcycle from TVS with a retro design — remember the Fiero FX from back in the day? The Ronin gets a round LED headlamp with a T-shaped DRL in the middle that will remind you of the Zeppelin concept. There’s also a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, alloy wheels shod on 17-inch block-pattern tyres, and at the rear you get a scrambler-style treatment along with an integrated LED tail-lamp. The seat gets a slight step and the offset round LED instrument cluster further contribute to the retro theme. TVS calls the Ronin a dual-purpose motorcycle, with its retro-scrambler styling and dual-purpose tyres suggesting some light off-road abilities.
TVS Ronin Powertrain and Chassis
Powering the Ronin is an all-new 225.6cc single-cylinder oil-cooled powertrain that puts out 20bhp at 7750rpm and 19.9Nm of torque at 3750rpm. These figures show that the Ronin makes marginally lesser power but 2.6Nm of torque more than the Apache RTR 200, suggesting its more versatile nature compared to its sportier high-strung sibling. TVS claims the Ronin hits a top speed of 120kmph. Built on a synchro-stiff chassis, the motorcycle is suspended via 41mm Showa big-piston forks up front and a gas-charged monoshock at the rear. The Ronin also makes use of disc-brakes on both ends, and is available in both single-channel and dual-channel ABS variants.
TVS Ronin Equipment
The Ronin packs an extensive equipment list, as it gets an offset round, digital instrument cluster which displays the usual speedometer and tachometer, along with a side-stand indicator, phone battery alert, gear psoition indicator, and low fuel warning. Additionally, you also get voice commands, smartphone connectivity via TVS SmartXonnect, two riding modes (urban and rain), turn-by-turn navigation, silent starter, handlebar-integrated controls for call notifications and voice assist, a slip-and-assist clutch and the TVS Arive app which will enable customers to experience the TVS lineup in augmented reality.
Given its multi-purpose lifestyle approach, TVS is also rolling out a Ronin riding community and some cool riding gear.
TVS Ronin Price and Rivals
The TVS Ronin is being offered in three variants — the single-tone single-channel ABS variant priced at Rs 1.49 lakh, the dual-tone single-channel ABS variant for Rs 1.56 lakh, and the triple-tone dual-channel ABS variant which can be from Rs 1.68 lakh to Rs 1.7 lakh, depending on which paint scheme you opt for. The TVS Ronin seems to be pitted against the likes of the Husqvarna twins and the Honda CB350RS, but it could also target the Royal Enfield Scram and the Yezdi Scrambler. Stay tuned for our review of the TVS Ronin!