TVS Ronin: The Indian motorcycle scenario has seen a substantial shift in dynamism and younger riders have angled their interest towards machines that package styling, performance, premium and kudos, without needing to break the bank in order to get it.
Acknowledging the change in trend, TVS Motor Company has come out with Ronin – a bike that has already become a hit among young males on the go in no time.
This neo-retro roadster offers a fine blend of old-school features and modern technology, and that’s what makes it different from conventional players in the market.
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TVS Ronin philosophy of design: Desecrate the Conventional
The TVS Ronin immediately surprises the eye with plenty of design cues that is at hard to classify. Inspired by scrambler and roadster styles, the motorcycle features a number of bespoke touches to be unique.
The front of the bike is dominated by a round LED headlamp with T-shaped DRL signature, It also comes with chunky inverted front forks that give a powerful indication of the bike’s design & agressive potential.
Its teardrop-shaped fuel tank has been engineered with knee recesses that offer a hallmark form following function and enables the bike to be hugged by drivers particularly delightfully while riding dynamically.
The one-piece seat provides a comfortable perch for rider and passenger and complements the Z H2’s aggressive, athletic styling.
At the back end, they have neatly integrated the LED tail light and turn indicators to keep the Ronin’s lines uncluttered.
Where the Ronin separates itself in the looks department is its attention to detail and quality finish.
Featuring brushed aluminum details, a premium paint scheme, and unobtrusive plastic cladding, the combination of racy graphics with metallic paint and handsome pin stripes along a one-of-kind profile result in motorcycle that’s as edgy as it is luxurious for riders who are proud to make a statement on the road.
The contemporary touch of the round classic instrument gathering the LCD display underlines the neo-retro look.
TVS Ronin Performance - There’s a Reason for the Looks
The Ronin’s handsome looks will draw attention for sure, but TVS has put in place a riding experience that’s high-end in keeping with the looks of the motorcycle.
At its core, you get a well proven 225.9cc single-cylinder oil-cooled mill that makes a usable 20.4 bhp and 19.93 Nm of torque.
Those numbers might not sound like much on paper, but the engineering priority has been to amass accessible performance, not to chase headline figures.
The engine employs sophisticated VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) technology, a first in the segment, producing high low-end torque and economical high-speed cruising.
The light and smooth five-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch aids the rider to make easy work of gear changes in city traffic and also reduce wheel hop under hard downshift conditions.
Add those two things together and you have an eager, but not intimidating bike that’s great for young riders learning how to ride.
The frame and engine work with the handling nicely. Suspension set-up is a pair of 41mm USD front forks and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, offering a pliant ride quality that takes care of road imperfections without being too soft on the twisties.
He wide handlebars give great leverage for fast changes of directions, the footpegs are in neutral position, and when combined with the handlebar and the seat, makes for the perfect triangle for the rider to sit in, with enough room to move around but still be comfortable upright for day to day riding, but also have the support for the weekend canyon carving.
Technology Integration: Traditional vs. modern in a single machine
TVS Ronin But the Ronin’s real calling card is its careful inclusion of contemporary technology. The motorcycle also gets Bluetooth connectivity that connects to TVS’s SmartXonnect system, that provides navigation assist, call notification and ride statistics on the bikes’s LCD screen.
This is an important feature for younger riders, who are used to their vehicle being connected to the rest of their lives.
Safety features have not been neglected. Dual-channel ABS is standard on the higher variants of the Ronin and teams up with the 300mm front and 240mm rear disc for surefooted braking in all road conditions.
It has a LED lighting system, for better visibility and security of the highest quality.
Rain riding mode – An oddity given the displacement – modifies the throttle response to make it more friendly to slippery surfaces, and shows that TVS possessed some real-world usability rather than just on-paperness.
Added practicality comes in the form of its integrated USB charging port, which also allows riders to charge their device when on the move.
Ownership Experience - Beyond Product
TVS has understood that for the younger breed of buyers, the experience of owning a motorcycle is not just about the motorcycle on its own.
The Ronin also features a complete digital ownership platform that eases maintenance scheduling, customizes settings and creates a new community of like-minded owners.
“Our custom app gives the rider the ability to manage trips, analyze how and where they have ridden and even schedule service with the push of a fingertip.
The company has also added a variety of officially-licensed attachments that allow owners to personalize their Ronin to their liking.
From functional add-ons like crash bars and luggage to stylish accessories including fender extenders, headlight guards, skid plates, and barbacks, we are pleased to offer a wide range of products from both touratech and zega products.
Position/Meaning in the Marketplace
The Ronin plays a crucial role in the Indian motorcycle market, acting as the much-needed stepping stone between commuter motorcycles and premium offerings.
Its price point puts it squarely within the budget of go-getting young professionals in the market for their first big motorcycle, a position amply justified by the bike’s advanced technology and performance advantage over 200cc fare.
DEBORAH LEE LORENZANA Ronin has blazed a new trail that seems to dispense with the need for the “gnar” of horsepower, heritage or patina, and has crafted the first truly style centric sub-segment.
This strategy has struck a chord with young, urban male riders in their early 20s — an age group that is increasingly being exposed to international motorcycling trends but bound by local road realities and pocketbook limitations.
TVS Ronin Conclusion
The TVS Ronin is an intelligent derivative of young men customers and their evolving tastes in motorcycles in India.
With its blend of neo-retro design with current tech and everyday usable performance, TVS has managed to give us a motorcycle that works as a daily rider and as a style statement too.
The pro-level quality of the paint and build has placed the Ronin up there as the obvious first bike for those young men of distinction who have decided they want to stand apart from the rest of the world with their choice of two-wheeler.
As the market grows up and a new generation of consumers becomes more discerning and demanding in the way a product is conceived, the Ronin is proof enough that the Indian manufacturer can design products that not only capture global design sensibilities, but also cater to the unique needs and aspirations of the people from our part of the world.
