When TVS launches a new bike… TVS showrooms are buzzing. Ronin is the bike that has created such expectations among customers. Even before our first ride report, various inquiries like ‘How is the bike… how will the mileage come… is the price just right’? That and this Ronin bike is enthralling everyone, young and old. The reason is its retro style and low price. So I caught Mohammed Peroz, who was driving the Ronin all over Madurai city, for a reader’s review. Here is the report he gave in a nutshell!
Why TVS Ronin?
I used to love Honda’s cruiser bikes when I was younger. But for me mileage is the most important pass. So, I kept the mileage bikes like Splendor and Unicorn for the last 20 years due to necessity. When looking to buy a new bike, I first tried Honda Shine SP125, Yamaha’s FZ series bikes and retro ranges like Benelli 300, Honda CB350. Not at first Ron had in mind when he thought he might switch from mileage bikes. Then I thought of switching to a slightly higher end vehicle.
I analyzed the market. I also looked at the existing big players like Royal Enfield, Honda and Java bikes. That’s when I heard about Ronin, which TVS introduced as a combination of Scrambler and Retro. As a retro lover I immediately liked the bike. The facilities were also good. On enquiry, they said the mileage will also change. And since TVS is our local company, I already know that their service and maintenance costs are excellent. So, Ronin is now my family friend.
What’s your favorite thing about Ronin?
At first it was the color and design that impressed me the most. The basic variant that I have now, Magma Red is my favorite color. TVS have also shown their uniqueness in its petrol tank and headlight design. One of the most popular features of this bike is the two riding modes provided. Rain and Urban are the 2 modes! I have driven both. It is mature.
Then, another aid to the ride and handling is its assist slipper clutch. This feature is only available on bigger bikes like KTM. This helps prevent wheel spin by engine braking at low speeds. It’s fun to drive with no engine knocking even when you don’t downshift on the speed breakers. Both in city traffic and on the highway, the Ronin is fantastic to drive.
It has a low seat height of 795 mm to make it easy for shorter people to drive! I also like the Ronin’s ground clearance. 181mm means I drive without fear of any speed breakers. Since it also has a side stand engine cut off facility, it is confident that you cannot drive without taking a ‘side stand’.