TVS has launched the Ronin Neo-retro motorcycle in India, priced at ₹ 1.49 Lakh (ex-showroom, India). The new TVS Ronin is available in three variants – Ronin SS (₹ 1.49 Lakh), Ronin DS (₹ 1.56 Lakh) and Ronin TD (₹ 1.69-1.71 Lakh). TVS’s new motorcycle is powered by a 20hp, 225cc engine.
In terms of design, the new TVS Ronin takes the shape of a retro-styled, scrambler-and-cafe racer motorcycle. Up front, the Ronin features a round headlight with a T-shaped LED DRL, and an offset, single-pod instrument cluster. TVS has also given the bike an all-black exhaust system with single-piece seats, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, blacked-out engine casing, a larger belly pan and silver-colored tip on the end-can. TVS has also said that it will offer several customization options with the Ronin, though it hasn’t specified what those options are.
Color options on the SS variant include Lightning Black and Magma Red, while the DS could be had in Delta Blue and Stargaze Black shades. The top-of-the-range Ronin TD will be available in Galactic Gray and Dawn Orange.
As far as features go, the new Ronin comes equipped with LED surround lighting, a USB charger and TVS’ Smart Axonect Bluetooth connectivity system that offers call and message alerts, turn-by-turn navigation and voice assistance features. It also gets two modes for ABS – Urban and Rain, and an assist-and-slipper clutch
The new TVS Ronin is powered by a 225.9cc, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine that generates 20.4hp at 7750rpm and 19.93Nm at 3750rpm. The new engine gets an integrated starter generator with an oil cooler and a 5-speed unit gearbox. Suspension duties on the new TVS Ronin are handled by golden, 41mm USD Showa forks up front and a gas-charged monoshock. The bike rides on alloy wheels coupled with dual-purpose tyres, with 110/70-17 at the front and 130/70-17 at the rear. Braking is taken care of by discs at both the ends, with the top variant featuring dual-channel ABS. TVS Ronin has a wheelbase of 1357mm and a curb weight of 160kg.
Given that TVS Ronin doesn’t suit any particular style of motorcycle, it will have to contend with a variety of rivals. The Ronin sits between bikes like the Yamaha FZ-X, Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Honda H’ness CB350, as well as the Bajaj Pulsar 250s and Dominar 250.