You need a cruiser, here it is.
You need a scrambler, look no further.
You need a city slicker, be my guest.
That’s TVS Ronin Agonda Edition for you – a unique, beach-inspired, custom-culture variant of the Ronin, inspired by the Agonda beach in Goa.
The design
It has a glossy white base with retro-style blue and red graphics. ‘Agonda’ badging on the fuel tank and a new seat cover with premium red stitching set it apart. Although the design is retro, features are modern – it has a digital speedometer, and the bike can be connected to your phone via Bluetooth.
The ride
Mechanically, it is identical to the standard Ronin (225.9-cc engine; 20.4 PS; 19.93 Nm). Riding position is upright (foot pegs are marginally towards the front side). Seat height is 795 mm, making it accessible for short-height adults. It weighs just 160 kg, and is extremely easy to ride in traffic.
It feels powerful when you are accelerating from about 40 km/h to 90-100 km/h in fourth or fifth gears. At speeds above that, there is an apparent loss of power. Its initial acceleration is average, mid-range is good, but the top-end peters out. All along, it produces a lovely exhaust note.
Braking feels solid, and tyres provide good grip.
The challenges
It’s good in city traffic, because its 5-speed gearbox allows you to hold a higher gear at low speeds, and pull away easily without excessive gear changes. But once you hit the highway and cross 100 km/h, the lack of sixth gear means the ride turns harsh and uncomfortable.
The seat has new fabric and stitching, but not wide enough or comfortable for long rides, and I started to have a ‘sore bum’ just after an hour on it.
The need
The Ronin Agonda Edition (Rs 1.31 lakh) faces intense competition from the Royal Enfield Hunter (Rs 1.38-1.67 lakh). Although the Hunter can’t match the refinement of the Ronin, it has a bigger engine, and feels more powerful and youthful. It doesn’t have the retro appeal of the Ronin, but comes across as a better overall package.
The Agonda Edition is a lifestyle upgrade for Ronin riders who want a distinctive machine straight from the showroom, without changing the performance or mechanicals.
Specifications
Engine: 225.9 cc
Power: 20.4 PS (15 kW)
Torque: 19.93 Nm
Speedometer: Digital
Kerb weight: 160 kg
Fuel tank: 14 litres
Ground clearance: 181 mm
ABS modes: Rain & Urban
Gears: 5 (1 down, 4 up)
Price: Rs 1.31 lakh
