Bajaj Freedom is the first ever CNG motorcycle in the world!
The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG has been officially launched in India, priced starting ₹ 95,000 (ex-showroom). It has a total of 3 variants while the top-end Freedom comes equipped with LED-headlights, bluetooth connected meter and disc brake as well.
As CNG tank on a motorcycle is a risky factor, the Bajaj Freedom has gone through a total of 11 stringent tests to ensure safety and hence it is the only motorcycle in the 125cc segment to come equipped with a trellis frame apart from the KTM Duke 125.
Powered by a 124.58cc motor, for the first time ever, Bajaj has followed a horizontal(flat) layout for the engine construction. This air cooled motor produces 9.3 BHP and 9.7 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox and has a compression ration of 10.5:1.
The CNG tank capacity is about 12.5 litres or 2 kgs and that itself weighs about 16 kgs. The CNG tank sits below the seat and is extended all the way below the fuel tank. CNG is the primary fuel for the Bajaj Freedom while it has a 2 litres tank for petrol as well for limp-home.
Equipped with 30 mm telecscopic forks upfront with 125 mm travel and a link-type monoshock at the rear with 120 mm travel, the Bajaj Freedom weighs almost 147 kgs in kerb. While it still retains a good ground clearance of 170 mm. At the front it gets a 90-section tyres on 17-inch alloys while the rear is a 16-inch alloy with 110-section tyre.
There are two disc variants and both get a 240 mm disc upfront and a 130 mm drum brake setup at the rear with CBS as standard. It also gets special screws next to the taillamp to remove the whole rear setup quickly for CNG hydrotest which is mandatory every 3 years.
Codenamed NG04, the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG looks the part with a unique design language and a tall seat heigh of 825 mm with the longest seat in the segment too of 785 mm. The initial impression do make it look like an enduro-commuter motorcycle.
The adaptation to EV had just begun and an alternate to petrol and diesel has been introduced with CNG on a motorcycle. Do you think the Bajaj Freedom is worthy of the price and attention? Is the market ready for the adaptation of CNG in motorcycles?
