Autoportal India

TVS recently launched the Ronin in India at Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) onwards. The company suggests that the bike is from a completely new segment with ample versatility. So, to test the latter, we rode the bike in and around Goa and here’s what we found out.

While the pictures may not necessarily say the same, the TVS Ronin appears appealing in person. Its design seems like a mixed bag of various models with ample retro bits and a dash of modern tech.

TVS has equipped the Ronin with LED illumination throughout and the headlight gets a T-shaped DRL. You can buy the motorcycle in three different trims. The base variant gets a single-ton paint scheme, the middle one gets single-ton colour with golden-coloured USD forks and the top-end model gets a dual-tone paint scheme with golden USD forks.

Overall, the build quality of the TVS Ronin is commendable and won’t leave you wishing for better. The switchgear feels sturdy and the panels are put together well. Even the paint finish seems quite premium.

Powering the TVS Ronin is a 225.9cc,oil-cooled, single-cylinder mill that dishes out 20bhp and 19.93Nm. Not to mention, TVS has derived the new motor from the Apache RTR 200 4V’s unit but with a few internal tweaks. The output figures may not be extraordinary but the performance is worth talking about.

There’s ample low and mid-range torque making the motor quite tractable. You can ride in the fifth gear at a speed of 30kmph and the motor accelerates further without any hesitation. However, post the 7,000rpm mark, the drive dulls down a bit. Even the five-speed gearbox and the light clutch are likeable.

As you approach the 8,000rpm mark, minor vibrations creep in from the large fuel tank and the footpegs. Not to mention, the exhaust note is quite bassy, in a good manner.

The overall ride quality is soft sans the rear suspension’s stiffness. The front and rear brake offer ample bite too.

But what about its features, handling, and overall comfort? And for the aforementioned price tag, should you buy it or not? Read the first ride review to get your answers.