TVS Ronin 2025 Review
The Indian motorcycle market has always been diverse — from commuter bikes to supersports and everything in between. But in recent years, one particular genre has captured the attention of young, urban, and style-conscious riders: the modern retro segment. Enter the TVS Ronin, a bike that challenges the traditional notions of what a motorcycle should be. In this detailed blog, we’ll dive deep into what makes the TVS Ronin such a unique offering in 2025, and whether it’s the right fit for you.
Table of Contents
Overview: What Is the TVS Ronin?
Launched initially in 2022 and now refreshed for 2025, the TVS Ronin is a neo-retro motorcycle that blends classic styling with modern performance and tech. It’s not a café racer, it’s not a cruiser, and it’s not an off-roader — but rather a stylish all-rounder aimed at the urban explorer.
TVS has clearly attempted to create a new niche rather than fitting into existing ones. And in many ways, they’ve succeeded.
Design and Styling: A Blend of Old and New
One of the biggest highlights of the TVS Ronin is its design language. It borrows cues from multiple motorcycle styles:
- Round LED headlamp with T-shaped DRLs
- Chunky tank with sculpted lines
- Minimalist tail section and floating seat
- Wide handlebar for upright, comfortable ergonomics
From the side profile, the Ronin appears both muscular and minimal. The bronze-colored engine casing, sleek badging, and subtle matte finishes on certain variants offer a premium touch.
This bike is for those who don’t want to ride what everyone else is riding.
Engine and Performance: Punchy and Refined
The TVS Ronin comes equipped with a 225.9cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine that’s tuned for both city agility and highway cruising. Key performance specs:
- Power: 20.4 PS @ 7750 RPM
- Torque: 19.93 Nm @ 3750 RPM
- Transmission: 5-speed gearbox
- Top Speed: Around 120 km/h
- 0–60 km/h: Approx. 4.5 seconds
The engine is surprisingly smooth for a bike in this segment and delivers a linear, usable torque curve — especially handy in city conditions. You won’t get a sudden punch, but instead, a refined and responsive performance.
The slipper clutch and assist function are big pluses for city traffic, providing a light lever pull and avoiding wheel lock during aggressive downshifts.
Ride and Handling: Comfortable, Agile, and Confident
TVS has focused heavily on ride quality, and it shows. The suspension setup includes:
- Front: USD forks (gold-finished)
- Rear: Monoshock with 7-step adjustable preload
This setup, along with 17-inch alloy wheels, gives the bike a planted and confident feel. Whether you’re gliding over speed breakers or leaning into corners, the Ronin feels stable yet nimble.
It’s not a corner carver like the Apache RTR 200 4V, but it offers enough flickability for city roads and occasional weekend rides.
Ground clearance: 181 mm — good enough for most Indian conditions.
Seat height: 795 mm — accessible for shorter riders.
Braking and Safety Features
The TVS Ronin comes equipped with:
- Front Brake: 300mm disc
- Rear Brake: 240mm disc
- ABS Options: Single-channel & Dual-channel
The dual-channel ABS variant offers better stability under emergency braking. The brakes have a progressive bite and inspire confidence during spirited riding.
TVS has also included Rain & Urban ride modes in the top variant, allowing the rider to modulate throttle and ABS response based on road conditions.
Technology and Features
TVS has truly packed this bike with features, giving it a tech-savvy edge:
- Fully Digital Instrument Cluster with Bluetooth connectivity
- SmartXonnect App Integration: Turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, ride stats, and more
- Voice Assist (on higher variants)
- USB Charging Port
- Side Stand Engine Cut-Off
- Adjustable Levers
All this adds to the practicality and tech appeal that many modern riders demand in 2025.
Variants and Pricing (2025)
TVS Ronin comes in 3 main variants:
| Variant | ABS Type | Key Features | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SS | Single-Channel ABS | Base model | ₹1.49 Lakh |
| DS | Single-Channel ABS | Alloy wheels, color options | ₹1.57 Lakh |
| TD | Dual-Channel ABS | Ride Modes, Voice Assist, SmartXonnect | ₹1.69 Lakh |
Prices may vary slightly depending on your location.
Fuel Efficiency and Mileage
Real-world fuel economy is another strong point for the Ronin. While TVS claims around 40 km/l, users often report between 35–42 km/l, depending on riding style and traffic.
With a 14-liter fuel tank, this gives the Ronin a range of around 500–550 km, making it quite usable for longer rides.
TVS Ronin vs Rivals
Let’s see how the Ronin compares with some of its closest rivals:
| Bike | Engine | Power | ABS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVS Ronin | 225cc | 20.4 PS | Dual | ₹1.69L |
| Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | 349cc | 20.2 PS | Dual | ₹1.74L |
| Honda CB350RS | 348cc | 20.8 PS | Dual | ₹2.15L |
| Yamaha FZ-X | 149cc | 12.4 PS | Single | ₹1.40L |
Despite a smaller engine compared to the RE and Honda, the Ronin holds its own thanks to a better power-to-weight ratio and more tech.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish modern-retro design
- Excellent ride comfort and suspension setup
- Packed with tech (Bluetooth, ride modes, navigation)
- Lightweight and city-friendly
- Fuel efficient and refined engine
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit in a clear segment (may confuse some buyers)
- Lacks the thump of a classic 350cc engine
- No 6th gear — which could’ve helped highway riding
Who Should Buy the TVS Ronin?
The TVS Ronin is ideal for:
- Urban commuters wanting a stylish yet practical bike
- Riders looking for a unique motorcycle in a sea of sport bikes and cruisers
- Beginners who want a feature-rich and manageable machine
- Weekend explorers who value comfort, connectivity, and reliability
If you’re someone who values individuality, daily usability, and futuristic features, the Ronin won’t disappoint.
Ownership Experience and After-Sales
TVS has a strong service network across India, and initial owners have praised:
- Low maintenance cost
- Good parts availability
- Decent resale value in the 200–250cc category
First service is typically done at 750–1000 km, followed by every 3,000–5,000 km depending on riding conditions.
Conclusion: The Rebel with a Purpose
The TVS Ronin 2025 is more than just a motorcycle — it’s a statement. It doesn’t follow the rules, nor does it try to fit into traditional segments. Instead, it offers a fresh perspective for the Indian rider: modern, tech-savvy, bold, and purpose-built.
It may not appeal to hardcore enthusiasts or retro purists, but for the urban adventurer — the one who rides with intent and style — the Ronin is a breath of fresh air.
