Bajaj Auto has made history by launching the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle, the Bajaj Freedom 125. This bike is a game-changer, offering nearly 50% lower running costs compared to a regular petrol-only motorcycle. The best part? It comes with a dual-fuel setup, meaning you get both a CNG tank and a petrol tank, giving you the flexibility to switch between fuels whenever needed.
Engine and Performance
The Bajaj Freedom 125 is powered by a 124.58cc engine that produces 9.5PS of power and 9.7Nm of torque. It’s paired with a 5-speed gearbox for smooth gear shifting. Bajaj claims that when running on CNG, the bike delivers an impressive mileage of 102 km per kg of CNG. If you switch to petrol, it still gives a solid 65 km per liter. With both tanks full, you can ride up to 334 km without stopping for a refill.
One interesting thing about this bike is that it starts directly in CNG mode, unlike CNG cars that start in petrol mode first and then switch to CNG. But if your CNG tank runs out, you can seamlessly switch to petrol mode without any hassle.
Design and Features
The Bajaj Freedom 125 is built on a trellis frame, which makes it lightweight yet strong. It features a telescopic suspension at the front and a link-type monoshock at the rear, ensuring a comfortable ride on Indian roads. The front wheel is a 17-inch alloy, while the rear is a slightly smaller 16-inch alloy, both equipped with tubeless tyres for added safety.
When it comes to braking, the bike has different setups across its variants. The top-end variant gets a 240mm front disc brake, while the other two come with a 130mm drum brake at the front. At the rear, all models get a 110mm drum brake with CBS (Combi-Braking System) for better stopping power.
The bike is available in three variants: NG04 Drum, NG04 Drum LED, and NG04 Disc LED. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their differences:
| Feature | Freedom 125 NG04 Drum | Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED | Freedom 125 NG04 Disc LED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Brake | 130mm drum | 130mm drum | 240mm disc |
| Rear Brake | 110mm drum – CBS | 110mm drum – CBS | 110mm drum – CBS |
| Front Tyre | 80/90 -17 (TL) | 90/80 -17 (TL) | 90/80 -17 (TL) |
| Rear Tyre | 80/100-16 (TL) | 120/70-16 (TL) | 120/70-16 (TL) |
| Seat Height | 825mm | 825mm | 825mm |
| Headlamp | Bulb | LED | LED |
| Connectivity | Small LCD (No connectivity) | Small LCD (No connectivity) | Inverted full LCD (With connectivity) |
| Belly Pan | Sheet metal only | Plastic + steel metal | Plastic + steel metal |
| Tank Cover Flap | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pricing and Availability
Bajaj has priced the Freedom 125 quite competitively, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious riders looking for an economical and eco-friendly ride. Here’s how much each variant costs (ex-showroom):
- Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 Drum – Rs 95,000
- Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED – Rs 1.05 lakh
- Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 Disc LED – Rs 1.10 lakh
Riding Comfort and Practicality
Bajaj has focused on making this bike as practical as possible. The 825mm seat height ensures a comfortable riding position for most riders, and the link monoshock rear suspension helps in handling bumps and rough patches smoothly. The fuel tank has a flap cover, making it easier to refuel without dirt getting in.
In terms of tech, the base and mid-level variants get a small LCD display without connectivity, while the top-end model comes with an inverted full LCD display that supports connectivity features. This means that if you want a more high-tech dashboard with extra features, you might want to go for the NG04 Disc LED variant.
Where Can You Buy It?
Currently, the Bajaj Freedom 125 is available in Maharashtra and Gujarat. However, Bajaj plans to roll it out across the country in a phased manner, starting next quarter. So if you’re from another state and are eager to get your hands on this revolutionary bike, you’ll have to wait a little longer.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re someone who rides a lot and wants to cut down on fuel costs, the Bajaj Freedom 125 is definitely worth considering. The ability to switch between CNG and petrol ensures that you’re never stuck without fuel options. Plus, it’s a good step towards a greener future with lower emissions.
The pricing is also quite reasonable, considering that you get a dual-fuel system and decent performance. If you’re okay with a basic setup, the NG04 Drum variant is the most affordable. But if you want better braking, LED lights, and a more advanced instrument cluster, the NG04 Disc LED is the way to go.
Overall, the Bajaj Freedom 125 is an innovative motorcycle that brings something fresh to the market. It’s fuel-efficient, cost-effective, and offers a practical solution for daily commuting. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, environmentally conscious bike with solid mileage, this could be the perfect ride for you!