By Javed Ali Khan
TVS Motorcycles have always tried to do something new, something which was not done earlier, and if even it was, then doing it in a larger form, basically doing something unscripted. This is what they have done and pulled it off brilliantly by introducing Ronin 225 in the Indian market. The very comparison, although a wrong one as ronin has less engine capacity by 125cc and less torque by 7.07 Nm, with 350 hunter by many proves that indeed TVS has made something different.
If you see Ronin separately in a stand still form and by that we mean the fuel tank, the headlight, the indicators, front gold coloured USD suspension, rear lED lights etc etc… then you may not appreciate the beauty it holds. But when you see ronin in movement then you realise and appreciate how different it looks from other motorcycles present in the Indian motorcycle market. The looks and stance of Ronin has even confused many experts as they refer it as a cruiser which totally puts the motorcycle in a different range all together.
Ronin 225 has an oil coil engine generating 20.4 PS of power and 19.93 Nm torque which begins to show it’s magic post 3rd gear. The gear shifts are very smooth because of assist & slipper clutch and courtesy the 5 gears and open roads near by DELHI NCR region, helped us to reach a top speed of 127 on odometer and hitting 0-100 within 12 seconds which is 2nd fastest in India. The fastest 0-100 has been recorded by Rider Virji who achieved this in 11:10 seconds with a top spedd of 136km/hr as per the odometer of TVS Ronin.
Rushing Ronin before 3rd gear makes no sense because of Glide through technology which assists the rider to ride even without using accelerator. This is a boon especially when one is in a bumper to bumper traffic and you can easily manoeuvre without changing gears or using accelerator consisitinly and saving the wrist from the torture. But once you are out in open, Ronin put it’s rider in the commanding position and provides the pull which help in leaving the traffic behind. The only issue is that during the initial surge and excitement you tend to ignore the vibration which begins at almost 65+ Km speed and is observable only when you start to cruise on highways. It is another thing that TVS call Ronin a modern retro and not a cruiser.
The Ronin has great suspension, front 41mm USD suspension and 7 step adjustable monoshock at rear which makes potholes feel like a simple pebble under the tyre – front 110/70-17 and rear 130/70-17 tybeless. This is supported by dual channel ABS brake system with 300mm disc in front and 240mm disc at rear and they work beautifully when put in work together. Even the front brakes generate more confidence rather then the rear ones when used seperately and this is where TVS need to work a bit. Also, the 181 mm ground clearence makes jumping over the speed-breakers a calm and easy exercise.
The SmartXonnect makes Ronin a user friendly product which helps you to understand your riding pattern and also helps you to keep your Ronin well maintained as it provides the option of fixing service appointment just from your mobile. Overall, Ronin is an excellent opportunity for TVS Motorcycles to explore the un-explored by upgrading this beauty in terms of segment and features.