My Honest Take on Riding the TVS Ronin: A Motorcycle That’s Got It All (Almost!)
Hey there, fellow riders! If you’re on the hunt for a motorcycle that’s versatile, stylish, and perfect for city commutes, let me tell you about my experience with the TVS Ronin. This bike is a bit of a genre-bender—not quite a cruiser, not a street scrambler, but a unique mix that’s carving its own space in the Indian motorcycle market. After spending some quality time riding it, here’s my personal take on what makes this bike tick, what it does well, and where it could use a little polish. Let’s dive in!
A Quick Look at the TVS Ronin
The TVS Ronin is powered by a 225.9cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve, SOHC, oil-cooled engine, delivering 20.4 horsepower at 7,750 RPM and 19.93 Nm of torque at 3,750 RPM. With a five-speed gearbox, a slip-and-assist clutch, and a curb weight of 160 kg, it’s built to be nimble yet sturdy. The bike comes with a 14-liter fuel tank, a 795 mm seat height, and 181 mm ground clearance, making it accessible for a wide range of riders. It’s priced between ₹1.49 lakh to ₹1.69 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant, which is competitive for the features it offers.
Why It Stands Out
This motorcycle isn’t your everyday commuter. Its retro-modern design blends sharp lines with a compact, muscular stance that turns heads. The dual-purpose block-pattern tires and 17-inch alloy wheels give it a rugged yet urban vibe, perfect for city streets and the occasional off-road detour. Plus, it’s got a fully digital instrument cluster, smartphone connectivity, and even a gear shift assistant—features you don’t always find in this price range.
Riding the Ronin: My Experience
Let’s talk about what it’s like to actually ride this beast. From the moment I hopped on, the Ronin felt compact and easy to handle. At a 795 mm seat height, I could plant both feet flat on the ground at signals, which gave me a ton of confidence, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The slip-and-assist clutch is a game-changer—it’s super light and smooth, so weaving through city traffic didn’t leave my left hand begging for a break.
Engine and Performance
The 225.9cc engine is a gem for daily commutes. It’s torquey at low RPMs, which means you can cruise in higher gears at lower speeds without the engine stuttering. This is thanks to the Glide Through Technology, which keeps the bike moving smoothly even if you’re lugging it at 35-40 kmph in fifth gear. No knocking, no hesitation—just a confident pull. The exhaust note? Oh, it’s music to a rider’s ears! It’s throaty and resonates beautifully, especially when you twist the throttle, making every ride feel connected and alive.
For city riding, the Ronin’s sweet spot is 60-80 kmph, where the engine feels relaxed and unstressed. On highways, it can maintain 80-100 kmph comfortably, but push it beyond that, and you’ll notice vibrations creeping in, especially at higher RPMs. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re planning long, high-speed rides, you might feel those vibes in the handlebars and footpegs. For me, the ideal cruising speed is around 80 kmph, where the bike feels planted and the ride quality is smooth.
Handling and Suspension
The Ronin’s 41 mm upside-down front forks and rear monoshock do a solid job of soaking up bumps. I rode it over some pretty rough city roads, and the suspension kept things comfortable without jarring my back. The upright riding position is another win—no leaning forward like a sportbike, which means no strain on my wrists or shoulders during long rides. It’s relaxed, making it ideal for daily commutes or short weekend getaways.
The bike’s 181 mm ground clearance is decent, but I wouldn’t call it a true off-roader. It handles mild rough patches well, but don’t expect it to tackle serious trails. The dual-purpose tires offer good grip for city streets and light off-roading, but they’re not as aggressive as a full-on scrambler’s would be.
Braking and Safety
The Ronin comes with disc brakes on both ends and dual-channel ABS with adjustable modes, which is a nice touch. The brakes are confidence-inspiring, offering enough stopping power without feeling grabby. Whether I was emergency braking or slowing down gradually, the bike stayed in control. The ABS sensitivity can be tweaked, which is great for switching between city and slightly rougher terrain.
Features That Impress
The fully digital instrument cluster is a highlight. It’s offset, white-backlit, and easy to read without being too bright at night. You get a digital speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, and even a gear shift assistant that tells you when to upshift or downshift. There’s also smartphone connectivity for call and SMS notifications, plus navigation assist, which is super handy for urban riders. One small gripe? No real-time or average fuel economy display, which would’ve been nice to have.
The switchgear quality is top-notch, and everything feels tactile and easy to use, even with gloves on. The adjustable brake and clutch levers (with three settings) add a premium touch, letting you dial in the perfect feel. Oh, and the mirrors? They’re sturdy, well-designed, and don’t vibrate at speed—some of the best I’ve seen in this price range.
What Could Be Better
No bike is perfect, and the Ronin has a couple of quirks. The seat cushioning is a bit of a letdown. It’s supportive for short rides, but on longer journeys, it starts to feel uncomfortable. My solution? I’d probably get a custom seat cover or add some extra padding to make it more plush. Also, the turning radius isn’t the tightest, so maneuvering in super tight spaces or parking lots can feel a bit cumbersome. Lastly, the vibrations at high speeds (above 100 kmph) can be noticeable, so if you’re a highway warrior, you might want to keep that in mind.
Who’s This Bike For?
The TVS Ronin is a fantastic pick for riders looking for a versatile, premium commuter that can handle daily city rides with ease and still look cool doing it. It’s not a razor-sharp streetfighter or a hardcore cruiser—it’s a well-balanced mix that’s perfect for zipping through traffic, running errands, or even taking short weekend trips. If you’re a beginner, the accessible seat height, light clutch, and gear shift assistant make it a great first bike. For seasoned riders, it’s a fun, relaxed option for urban adventures.
How It Stacks Up
Compared to other bikes in its segment, like the Royal Enfield Hunter, the Ronin offers more modern features like smartphone connectivity and adjustable levers. It’s a tough call between the two, as they cater to slightly different vibes. The Ronin feels more tech-forward and urban-focused, while the Hunter leans into that classic retro charm. Which one would you pick? Let me know in the comments!
Final Thoughts
Overall, the TVS Ronin is a well-rounded motorcycle that nails the basics: a torquey engine, comfortable ride quality, and a feature-packed design. It’s not perfect—the seat could use more padding, and high-speed vibrations are a thing—but for city commuting and short trips, it’s hard to beat. The exhaust note, smooth gearbox, and premium features make every ride a joy. If you’re looking for a bike that’s easy to ride, stylish, and affordable, the Ronin deserves a test ride.
So, what’s the verdict? I’d say it’s a solid 8/10 for me. It’s a bike that grows on you, especially if you value practicality with a dash of personality. Have you ridden the Ronin or are you considering it? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation rolling. Until next time, ride safe, wear a helmet, and stick to those speed limits!