Image Source: autocarindia.com
Just weeks after its launch, the Bajaj Freedom 125 has begun deliveries, with the first unit handed over to a customer in Pune.
Pricing and Availability
The Bajaj Freedom 125 is priced between Rs 95,000 and Rs 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom) and is now available for booking nationwide.
First CNG Bike Delivered
Bajaj delivered its first CNG bike in Pune, marking a milestone in the launch of the Freedom 125.
Initial Availability and Expansion
Initially, Bajaj had limited the Freedom 125’s availability to Maharashtra and Gujarat. However, due to high demand, the Chakan-based company has expanded bookings nationwide. Bajaj reports receiving over 30,000 enquiries from across the country for the Freedom CNG bike.
Variants and Pricing
The Freedom 125 is offered in three variants:
– Drum: Rs 95,000
– Drum LED: Rs 1.05 lakh
– Disc LED: Rs 1.10 lakh
The introduction of the Bajaj Freedom 125 as a CNG bike has generated significant interest, reflecting the growing demand for more economical and eco-friendly transportation options in India.
The Bajaj Freedom 125 has ignited significant discussion with its remarkable mileage figures. As the world’s first purpose-built CNG-powered motorcycle that also runs on petrol, the Freedom 125 has attracted much attention. We had the opportunity to test this innovative bike for a few days, and here are our detailed findings.
Real World Fuel Efficiency
Our tests encompassed both petrol and CNG, including city and highway runs for each fuel type.
CNG Performance
Filling up the Freedom’s CNG tank was an intriguing experience, marking our first time refueling a two-wheeler at a CNG pump. During our city test, we drove 49.9 km before refueling, which required 0.53 kg of CNG, resulting in an impressive 94.15 km/kg. On the highway, the bike covered 61.6 km, consuming only 0.49 kg of CNG, which translates to a remarkable 126.2 km/kg.
Petrol Performance
Switching to petrol, the Freedom 125 delivered 53.4 kpl in the city and 62.37 kpl on the highway, highlighting its versatility.
Important Considerations for CNG
Achieving accurate fuel economy figures for CNG can be challenging due to variability at filling stations. Different pumps supply gas at various pressures, which can also fluctuate based on the time of day and ambient temperatures. To assist with this, the Freedom 125 is equipped with a pressure gauge on the right-hand side of the headstock. Despite these potential variances, achieving 90-100 km/kg with economical riding is feasible. Compared to 100-110cc commuters that typically return around 65 kpl in the city, the Freedom 125 significantly reduces running costs.
Fuel Efficiency Analysis
The Freedom 125’s 124.58cc engine was specifically developed for CNG efficiency. With 9.5 hp and 9.7 Nm of torque, it is the least powerful 125cc bike available, aligning more closely with 100-110cc bikes. However, its performance is sufficient for daily commuting. The short-geared first four gears reduce the need for downshifts and enhance city fuel consumption, while the tall fifth gear keeps engine RPMs lower on the highway, further improving fuel economy.
At 149 kg, the Freedom 125 is relatively heavy for a commuter bike, partly due to the 18 kg CNG cylinder. Bajaj has mitigated this by equipping the bike with a 16-inch rear wheel, which reduces unsprung mass and uses slim tyres to minimize rolling resistance. These features contribute to the exceptional mileage figures in CNG mode. The base variant also features an even thinner 80-section rear tyre to further enhance fuel efficiency.
While the petrol mileage is lower, it is comparable to the TVS Raider 125, indicating that, on average, you can expect to cover 350 km using both fuels before needing to refuel. This combination of innovative design and practical performance makes the Bajaj Freedom 125 a compelling choice for economical and eco-friendly commuting.
