In a market dominated by legacy cruiser brands like Royal Enfield and Jawa, TVS has thrown its hat into the ring with a bold and unconventional offering—the TVS Ronin. This isn’t your typical laid-back highway cruiser. Instead, the Ronin is a genre-bending motorcycle that fuses cruiser comfort with scrambler aesthetics and urban agility. It’s a bike that doesn’t just challenge conventions—it rewrites them.
So, what makes the TVS Ronin stand out in the crowded mid-size motorcycle segment? Let’s take a deep dive into its design, performance, features, and the kind of rider it’s built for.
🧩 Design: Cruiser, Scrambler, or Something Else?
The Ronin’s design is a deliberate departure from traditional cruiser styling. It sports a round LED headlamp with a unique T-shaped DRL, a chunky fuel tank, and a single-piece brown seat that evokes retro roadster vibes. The gold USD forks up front add a premium touch, while the blacked-out engine and exhaust components give it a stealthy, modern look.
TVS has blended elements from scramblers, cruisers, and neo-retro bikes to create something that feels fresh and distinctive. The slim LED tail lamp, diamond-cut alloy wheels, and minimalist rear fender complete the Ronin’s urban rebel aesthetic. It’s a bike that turns heads—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s different.
⚙️ Engine and Performance: Punchy and Practical
Under the hood, the Ronin is powered by a 225.9cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 20.1 bhp and 19.93 Nm of torque. While those numbers might not scream “powerhouse,” the Ronin’s real-world performance is surprisingly spirited. The engine is tuned for low-end torque, making it ideal for city riding and quick overtakes.
The 5-speed gearbox is smooth, and the assist-and-slipper clutch adds refinement to gear shifts. The Ronin accelerates briskly up to 80 km/h, and while it can stretch to around 120 km/h, it’s most comfortable in the 60–90 km/h range—perfect for urban commutes and short weekend rides.
🛣️ Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Control
One of the Ronin’s biggest strengths is its ride quality. The 41mm Showa USD forks and gas-charged monoshock at the rear are tuned on the softer side, soaking up potholes and road imperfections with ease. The upright riding posture, wide handlebars, and well-padded seat make it a joy to ride—even in traffic.
Despite its cruiser DNA, the Ronin handles surprisingly well. It’s nimble enough to weave through city streets, and stable enough for highway cruising. The only minor gripe is its turning radius, which could be tighter for better maneuverability in congested areas.
📱 Features and Tech: Smart and Stylish
TVS has packed the Ronin with a host of modern features. The fully digital instrument cluster offers Bluetooth connectivity via SmartXonnect, enabling turn-by-turn navigation, call and message alerts, and voice assistance. Dual-channel ABS is available on the top variant, with two modes—Urban and Rain—for added safety.
Other thoughtful touches include LED lighting all around, a USB charging port, and high-quality switchgear. While it doesn’t have a TFT display or ride modes like some competitors, the Ronin’s tech package is more than adequate for its price point.
💰 Pricing and Variants: Value-Driven Versatility
The TVS Ronin is available in three variants, with prices ranging from ₹1.35 lakh to ₹1.73 lakh (ex-showroom). This places it squarely in competition with bikes like the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Jawa 42. While the Ronin may not match the Hunter’s torque or the Jawa’s heritage, it offers a more versatile and tech-savvy package for urban riders.
Its fuel efficiency of around 42 km/l adds to its practicality, making it a solid choice for daily commuting without sacrificing style or comfort.
🧍♂️ Who Should Buy the Ronin?
The Ronin is for riders who want a cruiser but don’t want to be boxed into the traditional mold. It’s for the urban explorer who values comfort, style, and smart features. If you’re looking for a bike that’s easy to ride, looks unique, and offers a good balance of performance and tech, the Ronin is worth a serious look.
It’s not a highway tourer or a track machine—but it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s a lifestyle motorcycle that’s as much about expression as it is about mobility.
🏁 Final Verdict: A New Kind of Cruiser
The TVS Ronin is a bold experiment that pays off. It challenges the norms of what a cruiser should be, offering a fresh take that blends retro charm with modern sensibilities. It’s not trying to be a Royal Enfield or a Harley—it’s carving out its own identity.