But there are lots of other options available in the same segment, and the TVS Ronin is one such bike. It plays hard on its retro aesthetics while being loaded with modern features to give you the best of both worlds. Here's how the two bikes stack up against each other, on paper:

Price & Variants

• The TVS Ronin is the more affordable bike in this comparison by a distance as its top variant is still Rs 3,000 less than the Bullet's cheapest Battalion Black colour.

Dimensions & Design

• The Royal Enfield has a 33mm longer wheelbase than the Ronin, which means it should have better straight-line stability and inspire more confidence when ridden at high speeds.

• Having a shorter wheelbase, on the other hand, should make it easier to make quick direction changes with the Ronin.

• The Ronin has 11mm higher ground clearance, which should make it easier to ride the bike over potholes and bad patches of roads.

• The fuel tank difference isn't significant enough to make a difference.

• The Ronin also has a 10mm lower seat height, which should make it more accessible for shorter riders.

• The Ronin is lighter than the Bullet 350, which should make the former much more agile around the corners and easier to manoeuvre out of tight parking scenarios.

• When it comes to styling, the Royal Enfield Bullet stays true to its timeless identity. It carries unmistakable retro appeal, highlighted by the round headlamp and mirrors, the classic teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and the signature peashooter-style exhaust. These elements come together to give the motorcycle an old-school character that few bikes in the segment can replicate.

• The TVS Ronin also pulls hard on the retro aspect with the round LED headlight. The bike looks well-proportioned from the front but the rear-end of the bike looks rather plain-jane. The colour schemes on offer are far from being bland and add a youthful touch to the whole design.

Underpinnings

• On paper, the TVS Ronin has a more sophisticated suspension setup with the upside down fork and monoshock compared to the Bullet's telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers.

• But having a more sophisticated setup on paper doesn't necessarily translate to better ride comfort in the real world. So, it would be advisable to take a test ride of both to gauge which setup suits you better.

• The front brake setup is identical on paper, so there isn't much to choose from here.

• The Ronin has a smaller disc brake at the rear, but the bike is also 35kg lighter than the Bullet. So, the overall braking performance should be similar in both bikes.

• The TVS Ronin has a smaller 17-inch wheel setup, which should make it easier to steer in tight traffic scenarios and more agile.

• The Royal Enfield's bigger 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel should make it more stable at high speeds on straight roads.

Features

• TheBullet comes equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster. It features an analogue speedometer, while a small digital inset displays information such as the fuel gauge, odometer, and trip meter readings. The layout stays true to the Bullet's retro character and blends old-school charm with basic modern functionality.

• As forBluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation - they are offered through the optional Tripper Navigation pod The bike also gets a USB charging port for added convenience.

• The Ronin gets a round LCD instrument console that's got a speedometer, tachometer, tripmeter, odometer, fuel gauge, clock, average speed, and gear position indicator readouts. The round console adds a retro charm while the LCD display adds a modern touch.

• Bluetooth connectivity for phone alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, voice assist, and other connectivity features are available through the Smart Xonnect app.

• The Top variant gets adjustable levers and two ABS modes: Rain and Urban, which make the features list quite premium.

• As a neo-retro bike, the TVS Ronin is the winner in the features department with the more extensive features list in this comparison.

Performance

• The Bullet 350's engine offers great low-end and mid-range grunt, which means you can cruise at speeds of 35-40kmph in the city in 3rd or 4th gear effortlessly. It also means making quick overtakes in the city and on the highway are easier.

• TheRonin is quite similar on that front. But where the Bullet 350's acceleration is linear and progressive, the Ronin's acceleration is comparatively more brisk.

• Both engines can handle speeds of 80-90kmph easily and feel strained past that mark. Both bikes are made for cruising and their engines reflect that, but the TVS motor feels a bit more peppy.

• Also, the Ronin gets a slip and assist clutch, which helps in making quick gear changes whereas on the Bullet, clutch action can feel heavy after riding the bike over long distances.

Verdict

The TVS Ronin has the styling elements of a retro bike but the overall design isn't as wholesome as that of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350. The colour schemes, though, are quite lively and make the bike pop. The handling is nimble and the ride comfort is very good. The engine feels tractable and the features list is quite extensive. So, if you are on the market for a sub-250cc neo-retro bike that's also quite affordable, then the TVS Ronin is the one you should consider.

On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is the all-out retro bike with a touch of modernity. The iconic Bullet styling is complemented well by the classy colour schemes. It offers good ride comfort and the long seat accommodates both rider and pillion very well. The engine offers smooth and linear power delivery, suitable for the easy-going nature of the bike. If these attributes are appealing to you, then the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is the one for you.