Bajaj Freedom 125: Explained In Images

Bajaj Freedom 125, is the world's first factory-built CNG motorcycle that aims at reducing daily running costs significantly. Prices start at Rs 91,566 for the base Drum variant and go up to Rs 1,11,604 for the top-spec Disc LED model (all prices ex-showroom Delhi). Here’s a closer look at what it has to offer:

Design

The Bajaj Freedom 125 has a muscular design language intended to look purpose-built for its dual-fuel role. It does not look like a standard commuter with a kit attached. A key element is the trellis frame, which is styled with an exposed silver finish, and houses the CNG cylinder. This frame structure also serves as a protective housing for the CNG cylinder which extends beneath the long seat. To add visual bulk, the motorcycle gets chunky tank shrouds, an engine cowl, and substantial fork covers. 

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Details 

• It has an exceptionally long and flat seat. This leaves loads of room for the pillion to move around and adjust.

• Oblong headlight, plastic fork covers, 16-inch rear wheel: these elements are distinct from typical 17/18-inch commuter proportions. It’s not in a bad way as it manages to look quite modern.

• A colour-coded grab rail and a stylish LED tail light complete the rear profile.

Colours

Bajaj is offering the Freedom 125 in a total of seven colour options. That said, two of the colours have the same name but have different colour layout in different variants. Yes, the colour schemes’ availability is tied to specific variants. The lineup is structured across three trims: NG04 Drum, NG04 Drum LED, and NG04 Disc LED.

Details

• Base NG04 Drum variant: 2 shades: Pewter Grey, Ebony Black.

• NG04 Drum LED & NG04 Disc LED variants: 5 shades: Caribbean Blue, Ebony Black, Racing Red, Cyber White, Pewter Grey.

• Colour coded rim stickers add extra funk, while the wheels for all colours are finished in black.

Engine And Performance

The motorcycle is powered by a 125cc single-cylinder, bi-fuel engine. It produces an identical 9.5PS at 8,000 rpm and 9.7Nm at 5,000 rpm on both CNG and petrol. The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. A dedicated switch on the handlebar allows the rider to toggle between fuel modes while riding.

Details 

• Performance is adequate for city commutes; engine is refined even at higher rpms.

• Bajaj claims an efficiency of 102 km/kg on CNG and 65kmpl on petrol, delivering a combined range of over 300 km from its 2 kg CNG and 2L petrol tanks.

• It cruises at 60–70kmph but struggles if you try to push further, so not really ideal for frequent highway use.. 

Features

The Freedom 125 is equipped with a reasonable list of features for a commuter. Furthermore, higher variants get more equipment. The top-spec Disc LED variant features a full-LCD instrument cluster, with gear position indicator. This unit includes Bluetooth connectivity for call alerts, caller ID, and battery status.

Details 

• While there’s a gauge for the CNG tank, there isn’t one for the petrol tank. That said, the petrol mode is meant only for emergencies, and can hold only 2 litres of fuel. 

• Sure, there’s basic connectivity, but Bajaj should’ve given turn-by-turn navigation in the top variant. 

• It gets a combined braking system across all variants which partly applies the front brake when the rider applies the rear brake. A single-channel ABS in the top-end disc variant would’ve made the braking performance even better. 

Underpinnings And Other Specifications

The Freedom 125 is built on a robust trellis frame, which is tested for safety and also serves to protect the CNG cylinder within. The suspension setup consists of a telescopic fork and a linked rear shock absorber. Brakes include 130mm drum at both ends for the base and mid variants, whereas the top variant gets a 240mm disc. It rolls on a 17-inch front and a 16-inch rear alloy wheel wrapped with tubeless tyres.

Details 

• We tested the top variant, and the braking performance is confidence-inspiring. It stays composed even under hard braking, and this is definitely the variant we’d suggest.

• Handling is good for a commuter, but the suspension is a bit firm: sharper bumps will be felt by the rider.

• Tyres are grippy on wet and even gravel roads.

The Freedom 125 does not look like it is the company’s first attempt, as it works seamlessly without any glitches. The only trade-off is that the bike is heavily dependent on the CNG network. If your area has a dense network of CNG pumps, then this is a good option to choose over regular petrol-powered bikes if you want low running costs without having to go the full electric route.