TVS Ronin vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Real-world Performance Numbers Compared

Two lifestyle urban motorcycles that are similarly priced–which one offers better numbers?

As motorcycles are evolving into lifestyle products, there’s no brand better than Royal Enfield to embody that spirit. And with the Hunter 350, the retro bikemaker wants to capture the attention of younglings. For the same price, there is a new entrant in the retro motorcycle ecosystem. Ditching its racing roots, TVS has brought out the Ronin, a motorcycle that doesn’t conform to one identity. So, does the newbie upset the established or is it too non-conformist? Well, we let the numbers have their say.

Acceleration 

There’s quite a major difference with the engine architecture of the two bikes. The Ronin’s 225cc motor’s roots can be traced back to the Apache RTR 200 4V, as TVS has gone for a squared engine configuration. Royal Enfield has played to its strengths. The J1-349 continues to be the typical long-stroke motor that we have come to associate with the iconic bikemaker. Plus, the Ronin is 21kg lighter than the Hunter.

No surprises then that the less torquey but harder revving Ronin is the quicker motorcycle of the two. It even has impressive roll-on acceleration figures, making it quite an easy bike to commute on.

However, it isn’t all rosy for the Ronin. Engine buzziness at lower revs is apparent and becomes harsh post 80kmph. In that regard, the Hunter 350 feels more relaxed and composed. The vibes are a lot subdued and the bike can sustain 100kmph more effortlessly than the Ronin.

Fuel Efficiency

A smaller motor does allow the Ronin to be a bit more fuel efficient in the city. The Glide Through Traffic technology and incredible amount of low-end grunt on the Ronin mean you can ride the bike slowly in higher gears. Gear shifts are slicker and the clutch action is super light. 

Even though the Hunter is a calmer motorcycle on the highway, its spirited nature does compromise its frugality a bit. So, you will be cruising comfortably on Hunter, but the Ronin will allow you to run for quite a bit longer.

Braking

In typical TVS fashion, the Ronin’s initial brake bite feels fierce, and the latter part of the brake travel is a little vague and mushy.

The Hunter isn’t phenomenal in terms of feel and feedback. However, the system allows for better control when coming to a hard stop from triple-digit speeds.

Which One’s Better?

As a commuter, the TVS Ronin’s easy riding abilities, comfy ergos and neutral handling make it the better choice. Plus, the modern bits that you find on the bike make the deal even sweeter. 

However, it might just come across a bit too quirky. As a cohesive product that does what it is intended to do, the Hunter 350 is better suited. It is easier on the eyes, has cool colours, and the performance is enough to keep the youngsters engaged. We would change the tyres at the first instance as that would instill more confidence when riding the bike sportily.