There’s something oddly rebellious about the TVS Ronin. It’s not trying to be a sportbike. It’s not trying to be a cruiser either. And it sure as hell isn’t begging for retro cred like half the bikes flooding the 200–350cc market right now. What it does instead is walk its own weird little path — part roadster, part scrambler, part “don’t label me, bro” energy. And the result? Surprisingly cohesive.
Spend a day on the saddle, and you’ll realize this isn’t a motorcycle built to win spec sheet showdowns. It’s built to fit lives — especially the urban young Indian rider juggling work, weekend escapes, and the daily mess that is traffic in cities like Delhi, Pune, or Bengaluru.
Ride and Handling: Easy Power, Big Smile
Let’s be honest: a 225.9cc engine doesn’t scream excitement, especially if you’ve been spoiled by parallel twins or thumpy 350s. But the Ronin flips the script. It doesn’t roar. It flows.
That 20.4 PS of power and 19.93 Nm of torque comes in clean, and more importantly — comes in early. Which is exactly what you need when you’re weaving through jam-packed traffic or making a quick overtake on a narrow state highway. No drama, no lag, just smooth, linear delivery.
The 5-speed gearbox deserves praise too. Thanks to the assist-and-slipper clutch, shifts are buttery, and you won’t get punished for late downshifts. In fact, this gearbox feels like it was tuned for everyday pleasure rather than weekend thrashing — and that’s honestly a smart move.
Push it a bit, and the Ronin will comfortably cruise between 80–100 kmph without protest. Will it hit 120? Sure. But that’s not the point. The point is that real-world 85kmph cruising is quiet, planted, and relaxing. And isn’t that what most of us actually want?
Styling That Doesn’t Apologize
Visually, the Ronin plays it cool. It doesn’t shout for attention, yet turns heads. The circular LED headlamp with the signature T-shaped DRL looks slick — almost neo-retro without being cliché. The teardrop tank is sculpted just right. And the color options? Some genuinely bold choices without veering into gaudy territory.
From the wide handlebars to the stubby tail section and neatly integrated tail-light, everything feels purposefully different. Not overdesigned, not “trying hard” — just a motorcycle with its own visual identity. Something rare these days.
And for riders who pay attention to details, things like the gold-colored USD forks or the offset instrument cluster show that TVS isn’t cutting corners.
Rider-Focused Features That Actually Matter
No unnecessary gimmicks here. The Ronin’s digital console tells you what you need to know — gear position, distance to empty, trip meters, and even service alerts. Want Bluetooth and navigation? The top variant with TVS SmartXonnect has you covered. It’s handy, not showy.
There’s even a USB charging port tucked in neatly — a must-have if your phone doubles as your GPS. Oh, and it’s one of the very few bikes in this segment to offer Rain and Urban riding modes. No, these don’t transform it into a Ducati Multistrada, but they do slightly tweak throttle response for different conditions — and that’s enough to feel meaningful on wet city roads.
Ride Quality: Where It Quietly Wins
Here’s the thing most reviews miss: the Ronin might be one of the most comfortable bikes under ₹1.5 lakh — especially if you ride every day.
The 41mm USD front forks and a 7-step adjustable rear monoshock eat up potholes and patchy roads like champs. It’s not plush like a Himalayan, but way better than most commuter bikes. The suspension is soft enough for daily comfort, yet firm enough to not wallow at speed.
At 159 kg kerb, it’s light enough for newer riders, and the 795 mm seat height makes it accessible for people of most heights — short or tall. Add to that a generous 181 mm ground clearance, and you’ve got a city bike that doesn’t flinch at monstrous speed breakers or surprise craters.
Touring Capability: Sneaky Good
TVS never markets the Ronin as a “tourer.” But spend a weekend on it, and you’ll start wondering why not.
With its chilled-out engine, comfortable seat, relaxed ergonomics, and 14-litre tank, it wants to be ridden long. You won’t be setting land speed records, but you will get to the hills or the coast without needing a chiropractor after. That’s a win.
Mileage? In real-world conditions, riders are consistently getting around 42–45 kmpl, especially in city use. Out on highways with steady throttle, that number can creep up to 48 kmpl. When petrol costs ₹100+ per litre, this matters.
Safety and Braking: Decent, But Not Class-Leading
Braking duties are handled by disc brakes on both ends, with single-channel ABS as standard. For urban riding, that’s enough. But yes, enthusiasts will point out — and rightly so — that dual-channel ABS should be there at this price.
Still, the bite is progressive, and lever feel is confidence-inspiring. For most daily riders, it’s perfectly adequate.
Specification Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 225.9cc oil-cooled, single-cylinder |
| Power | 20.4 PS @ 7750 rpm |
| Torque | 19.93 Nm @ 3750 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed with assist & slipper clutch |
| Mileage (City) | 42.95 kmpl (claimed) |
| Suspension (Front) | 41mm USD forks |
| Suspension (Rear) | 7-step adjustable monoshock |
| Brakes | Disc brakes, single-channel ABS |
| Seat Height | 795 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 159 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 litres |
| Top Speed | 120 kmph (approx.) |
| Riding Modes | Rain, Urban |
| Console | Digital (Bluetooth in top variant) |
| Connectivity | TVS SmartXonnect (higher variant) |
Pricing & Variants
Here’s the kicker — the starting price is just ₹1.49 lakh (ex-showroom). That places it a notch below competitors like the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda CB350RS. And while it might not have the badge value of RE or Honda, it gives you better tech, more usable torque, and daily livability that’s hard to beat.
Top variants with SmartXonnect and dual-tone colors go up to around ₹1.72 lakh — still a solid value proposition.
Verdict: Who’s It For?
The TVS Ronin is for riders who don’t care about categories. It’s for people who ride to work on weekdays and head to the hills on Sundays. It’s for folks who want their bike to look good without being flashy, and ride well without breaking their back — or their bank account.
Is it a perfect motorcycle? No. But it’s real, usable, and refreshingly honest. And in today’s overhyped market, that’s a rare thing.
FAQs
Yes. Its low seat height, light weight, smooth power delivery, and friendly ergonomics make it ideal for new riders.
Only the top variant comes with SmartXonnect, which supports Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and call/SMS alerts.
In city conditions, it delivers around 42–45 kmpl. Highway mileage can go up to 48 kmpl with relaxed riding.
Yes. Despite not being branded as a tourer, it offers a comfortable ride, relaxed engine, and a 14-litre tank for decent range.
The Hunter has more brand cachet and thump, but the Ronin is lighter, more fuel-efficient, better on features, and cheaper.
