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| Bajaj Freedom |
Introduction
Indian two-wheeler maker Bajaj Auto has introduced the Freedom 125 CNG, touted as the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle. The bike is designed as a cost-efficient commuter for Indian roads, offering dual fuel (CNG + petrol) capability.
Price
· The ex-showroom price for the base variant of the Freedom 125 CNG starts at around ₹85,976 (after recent discounts) in India.
· Higher variants (Drum LED, Disc LED) are priced around ₹95,981 and ~₹1.11 lakh, respectively.
· Earlier listings show a starting price of ~₹91,130 for the base variant.
Key Specifications
· Engine: 124.58 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled (compatible with both CNG and petrol)
· Maximum power: ~9.5 PS at ~8,000 rpm.
· Maximum torque: ~9.7 Nm at ~6,000 rpm.
· Gearbox: 5-speed manual.
· CNG Tank & Petrol Tank: The bike carries a 2 kg CNG tank (approximately) and a small 2-litre petrol tank as backup.
· Claimed combined riding range: Around 330 km (approx. 200 km on CNG + 130 km on petrol) in ideal usage.
· Kerb weight: ~147.8 kg / ~149 kg depending on variant.
· Seat height: 825 mm.
· Ground clearance: 170 mm.
· Brakes & suspension: Telescopic front fork, linked monoshock at rear; brakes include a combined braking system (CBS), with Drum or Disc variants depending on model.
Bajaj Freedom
Features
· The bike includes a toggle switch on the handlebars to switch between CNG and petrol modes.
· Under-seat positioning of the CNG tank to conserve space and maintain a commuter-friendly profile.
· Digital LCD instrument cluster (in higher variants) with connectivity features and a mobile phone charging port in certain trims.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
· Very low running cost when using CNG — this can make it an economical choice for daily commuting.
· Dual-fuel option provides flexibility if CNG filling stations are less available in some areas.
· Novelty and eco-friendly characteristics of a CNG motorcycle brandishing “first in the world” status.
Cons:
· Performance is modest compared to traditional petrol bikes of similar cc, due to the dual fuel and CNG setup. The ride may feel more like a typical 110 cc commuter bike rather than a full-fledged 125 cc.
· Availability of CNG refuelling stations may still be spotty in many parts of India, limiting convenience.
· Smaller petrol reserve (2-litre tank) means that once CNG is depleted, you rely on the petrol backup for a short range only.
Conclusion
The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG represents an interesting step in commuter motorcycle evolution in India, with a focus on fuel economy and alternative fuels. For riders in cities or regions with good CNG infrastructure who primarily commute, this bike offers a compelling proposition. However, one must weigh the performance trade-offs and ensure that CNG refilling is practical in their locality. If your needs align with economical urban commuting and you have access to CNG, this could be a smart choice.
If you like, I can pull up a more detailed spec sheet (dimensions, tyre sizes, maintenance schedule) and compare it with its petrol-only and electric rivals. Would you like that?
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