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Ronin, a rogue samurai with no lord or master. If there is a moniker with more heft to it, one doesn’t come to mind. Maybe the Shogun? Military dictators, that relegated emperors to positions of theoretical supremacy? Come to think of it, TVS have had some pretty gnarly names in their roster (no, we’re not talking about the iQube or Wego, or Scooty Pep).
More importantly, TVS aren’t known for writing cheques their bikes can’t cash. The Shogun was a 2-stroke, 110cc that was cleaning up racing championships in India in the 90s. The Apaches have an equally strong repertoire, one that the motorcycling fraternity is very much familiar with. So, expecting big things from the Ronin now wouldn’t be a wild guess but more of a well-calculated and educated prediction, would it not?
DESIGN
The neo-retro scrambler, that is the Ronin, does not have a sharpness that you would expect with such an aggressive name. It’s difficult to categorize it into a particular styling because it doesn’t look like anything out there. It’s like a subdued amalgamation of a pure-bred scrambler and a cruiser. You wouldn’t expect a masterless Samurai to blend in, would you?
Although tame, the design would not go unnoticed. There are elements of maturity you would expect from classic-styled retro motorcycles like the muscular fuel tank, brown single-piece seat, exposed swingarms fenders, and round headlights. However, elements like the T-shaped DRL in the headlights, an offset round speedo, golden USD Showa forks up front, slim LED tail lights, and an all-black exhaust along with the tech modernize the motorcycle.
Visually, the Ronin splits opinion. Ours is that it’s a bike that is difficult to overlook. Honestly, we like how it looks, and we see it appealing to motorcyclists who don’t want something that screams for attention but still manages to get noted.
The feature list is difficult to critique. The offset, fully digital instrument cluster looks great and is useful. The single-pod instrument cluster provides essential information including distance-to-empty, gear shift and assist indicator, side stand status, twin trip meter, and other vital data. The two modes of ABS, urban and rain, TVS’s SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity system, along with an assist and slipper clutch is as much modernity as we would expect in the segment.
ENGINE
Much to the chagrin of pretty much anyone and everyone else but the rider, a loud, throaty exhaust note is a massive tick on the list of things you want from your motorcycle. In this respect, the Ronin was a treat for the ears.
The 225cc, four-valve, single-cylinder engine sounds wonderful, especially when you get to rev it in an empty underground parking lot. Ironically, the gruff, raspy grumble is brought on by a gentle push of a button; an experience made possible by the Ronin’s silent starter system that starts the engine and brings it to a refined idle. You’ll appreciate it every time you turn on the ignition, we did.
This engine produces 20.4 PS @ 7750 rpm of maximum power and 19.9 Nm @ 2750 rpm of peak power, paired with an oil cooling system. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with an Assist & Slipper clutch, as mentioned earlier.
RIDE AND HANDLING
On the road, the Ronin's engine delivers impressive smoothness and tractability. Its short gear ratios contribute to a satisfying low-end pull, minimizing the need for frequent gear changes, which comes as a godsend when you’re navigating Kathmandu traffic.
The Ronin is agile in urban settings, thanks to the Glide Through Technology (GTT), enabling the rider to navigate dense traffic by simply releasing the clutch in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears without the need for throttle input. The upright riding position allows for easy reach to the handlebar, while the front-set foot pegs contribute to a relaxed journey for the rider. Notably, the adjustable brake and clutch levers add to rider convenience.
It continues to impress with its midrange grunt making light work of overtaking in the city. Importantly, the engine never felt too stressed or vibey, despite us trying to make full use of the tachometer. However, once the motor surpasses 8,000 rpm, it starts to lose momentum. Despite its strong low and mid-end pull, you are left wanting slightly more when you reach higher up in the rev ranges. It seems to run out of oomph especially when you surpass the 80kmph mark.
If you get a long enough stretch it will most definitely reach well past this speed (with a top speed of 120kmph), but it does feel more comfortable south of the triple digits’ mark. Regardless, the Ronin holds its own on the highways. Overtaking is easy and the motorcycle inspires enough confidence to do the deed. Seating is also very comfortable, even for shorter riders.
While the footpegs did feel slightly too front-set for our liking at first, we got used to it pretty quickly. The comfortable seats are also worth acknowledging. Mounted on a double cradle split synchro stiff frame, the TVS Ronin incorporates 41 mm USD Showa forks at the front and a mono-shock with a 7-step adjustable pre-load at the rear for suspension.
The suspension setup which is set on the softer side does a great job of ironing out road undulations while still providing the firmness you desire on the highways. It proved to be nimble, belying its relatively large stature, while still feeling planted in corners. Braking capabilities are impressive, with a 300 mm disc unit at the front and a 240 mm disc unit at the rear, complemented by dual-channel ABS.
VERDICT
So, how do you define the Ronin? It lives up to its name. This Samurai has no master, it doesn't identify itself with any particular segment; instead, it adjusts to match your riding style.
The Ronin is a quintessential urban motorcycle. Although its true home is on urban streets, the Ronin can handle highway outings patiently. It fills the niche for young riders seeking a step up from mundane commuters, craving both performance and modern retro aesthetics while prioritizing comfort.
The Ronin doesn't boast anything ground-breaking, nor does it pretend to. However, it makes a strong statement - signifying TVS' readiness to explore new territories defined by a new breed of riders.
