Problems After 50,000 Kms | Ownership Review TVS RONIN 225 After 3 Years!

Product reviewed

TVS Ronin 225 — owner review after ~3 years and 51,450 km (often referenced as ~51,000 / 51,000+).

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Key features & ownership details mentioned

• Build/metal parts

  • Claimed “metal build” across components like mudguards, tank, side fairing/upper, and rear portion (metal feel vs typical segment).

• Engine performance targets

  • Mentions the 225cc makes about ~20 bhp and ~20 Nm (as stated in the video).

• Fuel tank

  • 14-litre fuel tank mentioned.

• Variant

  • DS variant discussed, compared against the base “all black,” with comments on availability/colour choice.

• Braking & hardware

  • Single-channel ABS mentioned as the preferable/standard budget choice.
  • Front disc brake and cheap pads referenced.
  • Diamond cut alloys mentioned.

• Transmission/controls

  • Slipper assist clutch; clutch described as light.

• Instrument cluster

  • Digital cluster with RPM, time, gear indicator, speedometer, and odometer/trip toggle.
  • No Bluetooth (explicitly noted).
  • Distance-to-empty shown (example: ~153 km displayed).

• Comfort usage

  • Family use described with mom/grandmother (~75 years).
  • Comfort judged acceptable, but rear pillion fit needs improvement (see cons).

• Lighting

  • Low beam: “not impressive,” effective more for rural than city.
  • High beam: very bright, long range (approx ~120 meters stated).

• Top speed claim

  • 137 km/h clocked; belief it can go around 139.

• Service interval & cost (as stated)

  • Service interval: every ~6000 km (also mentions ranges like 5000–6000 / 5500–6000).
  • Paid service cost: ~₹1800
    • Breakdown roughly ₹500–₹570 labor/charges + ~₹1200 parts.
  • Free service mentioned at ~1200 km, then paid service from there.

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Pros (positives) mentioned

1. Strong overall usability after high mileage (~51k km)

   • “Runs very well,” “not many problems.”

2. Durable chain longevity

   • Chain/sprocket area described as lasting long.
   • Chain pocket reportedly changed once around ~42,000 km, still in good condition afterward.

3. Service affordability

   • Parts and service costs described as cheap and “easily done.”

4. Light clutch / easy riding

   • Slipper assist clutch; shift feel described as very smooth.

5. Headlights high-beam performance

   • Excellent for highway/city/rural.

6. Ride manners (no bobbling claimed)

   • No bobbling even up to ~110.

7. Suspension acceptable for long rides on rough roads (with caveats)

   • Claims of ~600 km comfortably on village/rough routes.

8. Design/visual appeal

   • “Sexy,” “looks great,” with people asking which bike it is.

9. Build quality feel

   • Metal components and “good rubbers/build quality” referenced.

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Cons (negatives) mentioned

1. Chain noise (major downside)

   • Chain “makes a lot of noise.”
   • Requires regular lubrication/upkeep (mentions daily-ish attention).
   • Says newer models might be improved, but confirms his bike still has this issue.
   • Emphasizes chain noise as the “only negative” strongly.

2. Suspension issues (rear) due to load/weight

   • Rear suspension described as settling/collapsing slightly after carrying heavier pillions.
   • Effects:
     • Seat height reduced
     • Not able to take jerks as well
   • Repair mentioned:
     • Around ~₹3400 (after-market) and separately ~₹1000 (minor adjustment/repair referenced later)

3. Fork/left-side leakage (front section)

   • Left side “starting to leak a little bit,” oil visible.
   • Needs fixing/replacement (exact cost unclear).

4. Paint/fade/rubbing

   • “Colour has faded” / slight paint peeling from nuts/road gravel.
   • Change/paint treatment suggested around ~₹500.

5. Lock set stuck / safety concern

   • Lock set sometimes gets stuck; sometimes cannot unlock properly.
   • Mentions the car sometimes doesn’t lock (touring risk).
   • Replacement cost stated around ~₹2200–₹2800.

6. Family comfort specifics (rear pillion fit)

   • Pillion needs a backrest for better comfort.
   • Without it, if someone sits oddly, they slip and stress screws area.
   • He didn’t install one due to dislike of look/fit.

7. Low beam not strong enough (compared to high beam)

   • Limited for city use.

8. Fuel efficiency degradation with time/speed (as observed)

   • Previously up to ~45 km/l; currently around ~42.
   • Mileage examples:
     • Village/slow: ~40
     • 50–60 km/h: ~43–44
     • Hard riding: ~38

9. Vibration starts at higher speeds

   • Vibrations start around 90+
   • Cruise at ~100 possible, but earlier cruising range is reduced.

10. Front alloy wheel feels small (subjective)

    • Reviewer feels it should be 18/19-inch (or similar) for better stance/looks.

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Comparisons made with other bikes/models (in-video)

• Against Classic 350 / Bullet / CB350 / Highness

  • Buyer story: Ronin chosen due to budget (~₹2 lakh) and desire for a “Classic-like” metal build option.
  • At that time, alternatives mentioned included CB350/Highness; competitors reportedly didn’t match the desired build/feel.

• Suspension comparison (direct)

  • Ronin suspension claimed worse than Classic 350 but better than Hunter.
  • Mentions XPS has soft suspension (in his comparison line).

• ABS variant recommendation

  • Suggests single-channel ABS rather than spending on double-channel ABS.
  • Frames it as unnecessary for most riders (mentions ~₹300 difference in narrative).

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User experience highlights (how it feels day-to-day)

• Daily riding

  • “Works very well in daily life,” easy clutch, easy shifting.

• High speed behavior

  • No bobbling
  • Vibrations begin around 90+
  • Top speed claimed: 137 km/h

• Maintenance routine

  • Chain noise requires consistent lubrication/cleaning.

• Touring risk

  • Lock set sometimes fails to lock properly until fixed.

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Ratings / numerical scores

• No formal rating out of 5/10 or similar.

• Key numeric statements include:

  • Mileage: ~38–44 (with ~40 in village/slow riding)
  • Service cost: ~₹1800 paid, free at ~1200 km
  • Chain pocket replacement: around ~42,000 km
  • Headlight high-beam range: about ~120 meters
  • Top speed: 137 km/h (believes ~139 possible)
  • Distance-to-empty: ~153 km shown at one moment
  • Example component costs mentioned:
    • Front brake pads: ~₹500
    • Rear brake pads: ~₹350
    • Clutch plate: ~₹3000 (also later ~₹2800)
    • Lock system: ~₹2200–₹2800
    • Chain/sprocket: ~₹2600
    • Rear suspension repair: ~₹3400 and separately ~₹1000 (likely different scope)

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Unique points mentioned about the product (consolidated list)

• Ownership context: Popularity/availability at purchase time.
• Duration & usage: 3 years, ~51,450 km
• Service interval: ~6000 km
• Metal build elements: mudguards/tank/fairings/rear are metal
• DS preference: look-based preference (USD forks mentioned)
• Chain issue: chain makes a lot of noise; chain pocket replacement around ~42,000 km; frequent maintenance needed
• Front issue: front left side oil leak
• Rear suspension issue: settles/collapses under heavy load; reduced seat height; worse over jerks
• Paint/rust concerns: fading/dusting/rust started earlier; exhaust rust minimal; small paint peeling
• Durability observations: rubbers good; no engine oil leakage; belt maintained
• Accident note: avoided aftermarket crash guards; bike fell once but no serious damage
• Alignment note: spring/bushing alignment slightly off on one side; might require spring replacement
• Seat comfort: thick cushioning; backrest improves pillion comfort; he dislikes backrest look/fit
• Clutch/gear behavior: slipper assist; light clutch; no gear sensor issue; no clutch plate replacement yet
• Lock set issue: stuck / fails to lock properly (touring concern)
• Stability: bobbling claimed not present, stable up to ~110
• Wheel size feel: subjective, feels small
• Lighting: low beam weak; high beam excellent (~120 m)
• Digital cluster: no Bluetooth
• Riding modes: Rain/Urban said to “make no sense”
• Vibration: starts at 90+, cruising harder than earlier; mileage slightly decreased
• Tyres: 110 front, 130 rear (replacement planned for new tyre size earlier)
• Cost emphasis: service/parts described repeatedly as affordable
• Accessories: tank pad, windshield, charging port (new accessory mentioned later)

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Speakers/views

• One primary speaker: an owner/reviewer.
• No distinct multi-speaker opinions beyond the reviewer referencing “people asked/comments.”

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Overall verdict / recommendation

Buy recommendation (with clear caveats): The reviewer strongly recommends the TVS Ronin 225 as a value-for-money motorcycle with:

• good build quality
• strong high-beam lighting
• smooth riding (no bobbling)
• affordable service costs—even after ~51k km

Main reason to consider carefully:

• Chain noise and some suspension/fit issues (rear suspension under heavy load, front leak, lock set malfunction).

If you maintain the chain well and avoid excessive rear loading, the bike appears worth it per the reviewer’s experience.