TVS Motor Company has been working on number of new motorcycles for year 2021 and recently company has trademarked a new product name, ‘Ronin’. So chances are that their upcoming bike will be called Ronin. ‘Ronin’ is a Japanese word that describes a ‘wandering Samurai who has no master’.

TVS Zeppelin Concept

There has been speculation that it will be based on the ‘310’ platform shared by BMW Motorrad’s G 310 range and TVS’s Apache RR 310. It could most likely be a naked version of the RR 310 to direct rival to the Bajaj Dominar 400. Or, it could be the much awaited cruiser – the production variant of TVS Zeppelin concept which was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo.

The trademark was filed earlier this year. While one could expect the above-mentioned product to bear the ‘Ronin’ badge, we believe it won’t be the case as it should ideally have a ‘310’ tag following it. Furthermore, it could be an addition to the Apache line-up. Meanwhile, the BS6 BMW G 310 range is yet to be launched.

While we wait for new product, the 2020 TVS Apache RR 310 comes with a range of upgrades including four riding modes. In the latest BS6 format, its 312.2cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder motor churns out 33.5bhp @ 9,500rpm and 27.3Nm @ 7,700rpm. The previous BS4 version (or the current BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS) made 33.6bhp @ 9,500rpm and 28Nm @ 7,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch (not available in the BS4 G 310 range).

The cruiser motorcycle space is an area where TVS has been absent, allowing Bajaj to reap the benefits of zero competition. The production-spec Zeppelin could be the first serious challenger to Bajaj’s dominance with its popular Avenger series in the mini-cruiser segment. It is more likely that its launch will be affected by the COVID-19 crisis that has impacted manufacturing and supply of components.