I remember the first time I saw the TVS Ronin 225 — it looked like a bike that wanted to be everywhere. TVS calls it a modern‑retro scrambler, and I agree. It blends classic looks with modern tech. In February 2025 TVS launched a refreshed 2025 edition with two new colours and safety upgrades (announced Feb 18, 2025), so it felt even more ready for daily rides and weekend trips.
Design & Comfort: Looks That Work on Any Road
The Ronin keeps a clean, honest silhouette. I like the upright riding position and the slightly wide handlebar. That makes city traffic easy and long stretches comfortable. The 14‑litre tank and about 181 mm ground clearance mean you can handle broken roads or gravel tracks without worry. TVS uses a double‑cradle split synchro stiff frame that gives the bike a planted feel.
People often ask about pillion comfort. Reviews note that short to medium rides are fine for a passenger, but very long two‑up trips can feel a little tight. If you plan long touring with a pillion, you might want to try the seat first.
Engine, Chassis and Quick Specs
The heart of the TVS Ronin 225 is its new 225.9 cc single‑cylinder oil‑cooled engine. It makes around 20.4 PS at ~7,750 rpm and about 19.93 Nm at ~3,750 rpm. TVS gives it a 5‑speed gearbox with an assist & slipper clutch. That tuning favors strong low and mid range, which is great for city overtakes and easy highway cruising.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 225.9 cc single‑cylinder, oil cooled |
| Power & Torque | ~20.4 PS @7,750 rpm / 19.93 Nm @3,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 5‑speed with assist & slipper clutch |
| Chassis & Suspension | Double‑cradle frame, 41 mm USD front, 7‑step rear preload |
| Brakes & Tyres | 300 mm front / 240 mm rear discs, 17″ tubeless tyres |
| Weight & Tank | ~159–160 kg kerb, 14 L tank |
Technology, Safety and Features I Use
One thing I appreciate about the Ronin is the level of rider tech for its segment. You get a fully digital instrument pod with SmartXonnect Bluetooth. That gives turn‑by‑turn navigation, call/SMS alerts and basic ride data. TVS also adds Glide‑Through Technology (GTT) that helps at low speeds—useful in heavy traffic.
Safety features are solid: dual‑channel ABS with switchable Rain and Urban modes on higher trims, all‑LED lighting, USB charging, adjustable levers, and a 41 mm USD front fork. In the 2025 refresh TVS improved safety and added two new colours to the range.
Pricing, Variants and Real‑World Numbers
The Ronin is offered in multiple trims (Base, Mid, Top) and several colourways. TVS had quoted a starting ex‑showroom price for the 2025 refresh at around ₹1.35 lakh in India. After the GST re‑slab announced on Sep 20, 2025, TVS published revised ex‑showroom prices and some variants saw reductions of up to about ₹14,330.
How does this bike perform in the real world? Mixed riding reports and group tests show typical fuel economy in the range of 35–45 kmpl. That means with the 14 L tank you can expect a practical range of roughly 400–600 km depending on how aggressively you ride and how much city traffic you encounter. Highway cruising usually gives the best numbers.
How It Feels on the Road: Practical Examples
I’ve ridden bikes in similar segments and the Ronin’s low‑end torque stands out. For example, when you pull away from a set of traffic lights or pass a slower car on a two‑lane road, the engine pulls without the need to drop many gears. Reviewers often praise this trait.
There are a few common critiques I want to share so you know what to expect. Some reviewers mention the low‑beam spread could be better for night highway rides. Others suggest a 6th gear would help at sustained high speeds; the Ronin uses a 5‑speed box. For most daily users, the strong midrange and assist & slipper clutch are more useful than an extra gear.
Who Should Buy the Ronin?
If you want a bike that looks good in town, handles rough patches, and has modern tech, the Ronin will appeal to you. It competes with small modern‑retro and 200–350 cc bikes and stands out for its feature set and value. If you plan long touring with a heavy pillion, consider trying the seat and suspension setup first. For city riders and solo weekend explorers, I think it’s a smart pick.
Also Read: Kia EV6 GT Review: 18-Min Fast Charging and 641bhp Power Make It a True Electric Beast
Final Thoughts
The TVS Ronin 225 is a strong blend of style, substance and tech. With a 225.9 cc engine making about 20.4 PS, a feature‑rich connected dash, Glide‑Through Technology, and practical fuel economy in the mid‑30s to mid‑40s kmpl, it covers most use cases well. The 2025 refresh added safety upgrades and colours (announced Feb 18, 2025), and a later GST re‑slab (Sep 20, 2025) brought some price relief for buyers.
To sum up: if you want a modern‑retro bike that is usable every day and fun on weekends, the Ronin is worth a serious test ride. Try the variant you like, check the final price for your city, and you’ll quickly see whether its mix of style and power fits your riding life.
