TVS Ronin: Power cruiser, ADV or naked Apache RR 310?

With TVS registering the name 'Ronin' for its upcoming motorcycle, the rumour mill is running full force in order to guess what's it going to be - a power cruiser, ADV or naked version of the Apache RR 310? Here's our two cents...

TVS Motor has registered the name ‘Ronin’ for its new product. While details are sparse on what type of motorcycle it will actually turn out to be, the rumour mill is rife with many possibilities. So, what will the Ronin look like – a power cruiser, ADV, or is it going to be a stripped-out naked version of the Apache RR 310?

Let’s start with the first and most likely possibility – a power cruiser. If you remember, TVS showcased the Zeppelin concept at the 2018 Auto Expo. It was a concept power cruiser that featured some cutting-edge tech, including a 20bhp 220cc single-cylinder engine, a 1.2kW assist motor with a 48V Li-Ion battery, belt drive, and more. Now, if the Ronin turns out to be the production version of the Zeppelin, don’t expect to see all of those features. However, the design and other cycle parts such as the USD front forks are likely to make it to the production version. The 220cc single-cylinder engine in the concept was a working unit at the time of its reveal in 2018, but don’t be surprised if TVS puts the 200cc engine from the Apache RTR 200 4v in the Ronin. 

If it’s not the Zeppelin, this could be the naked derivative of the company’s Apache RR 310. However, if that is going to be the case, then why would TVS dump the Apache moniker? The company has always been proud of the Apache brand and so it doesn’t make sense to us if they will launch a naked version of the Apache RR 310 and not call it an Apache.

However, at the same time, a couple of months back, TVS did hint that the company is working on another iteration of the Apache RR 310. So, could it be that the Ronin is an Apache RR 310 in Zeppelin's cruiser clothing? Maybe TVS is trying to kill two birds with one shot?

Last but not least, an ADV. The ADV segment is growing rapidly in the country and with the KTM 390 Adventure entering the market recently, TVS might be ready to foray into this segment. Not to mention, the company already produces BMW’s mini ADV, the G 310 GS, at its Hosur plant, and thanks to TVS motorsports’ active participation in local and international rallies, the company has the knowhow to build an able ADV.

That being said, at the moment, all we can do is speculate and wait for the official statement from TVS. And that may come very soon since the Ronin is expected to go on sale either by the end of 2020 or early 2021.

Also read, 

TVS’ Norton acquisition: Everything you need to know

2020 TVS Apache RR 310 Review