In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian two-wheelers, innovation often comes in unexpected forms.
While electric vehicles have dominated conversations around sustainable transportation, Bajaj Auto has taken a different path with the launch of the Freedom 125—the world’s first factory-fitted CNG motorcycle.
This groundbreaking vehicle represents not just a technological achievement but potentially a paradigm shift in how we think about affordable, eco-friendly mobility in India and beyond.
The Genesis of a Revolution
The story of the Bajaj Freedom 125 begins with a simple yet powerful insight: in a market where fuel economy reigns supreme, why not leverage an alternative fuel that’s already widely available in many Indian cities?
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has been a staple in India’s public transportation and passenger car segments for years, but until now, no manufacturer had successfully integrated it into a two-wheeler platform.
Bajaj’s approach wasn’t merely to retrofit existing models with CNG tanks but to design a motorcycle from the ground up around this alternative fuel source.
The result is the Freedom 125, which was launched in July 2024 after years of research, development, and rigorous testing.
This wasn’t just another variant in Bajaj’s extensive lineup—it represented the birth of an entirely new category in the global motorcycle industry.
The timing couldn’t have been more strategic. With fuel prices fluctuating and environmental concerns mounting, the market was ripe for an alternative that promised significant savings without compromising on the practicality that millions of Indian commuters depend on daily.
Design Philosophy: Form Meets Function
At first glance, the Bajaj Freedom 125 presents a distinctive silhouette that departs from conventional 125cc commuter aesthetics.
Its design is characterized by sharp, modern lines that convey a sense of purpose rather than merely following industry trends.
The motorcycle features a tall stance with angular tank shrouds and a substantial engine cowl, giving it a purposeful appearance that distinguishes it from the typically understated look of economy commuters.
The front end sports a round LED headlamp (in higher variants) flanked by elegant indicator housings, while a compact flyscreen adds a touch of sportiness to the overall design.
A prominent feature is the elongated single-piece seat, which at 785mm in length, is among the most spacious in its segment, designed to accommodate both rider and pillion comfortably during extended commutes.
However, the most striking aspect of the Freedom’s design is undoubtedly how seamlessly it integrates the CNG storage system into the motorcycle’s architecture.
Unlike retrofitted solutions that often appear bulky and awkward, the Freedom’s horizontally mounted CNG cylinder is cradled within a protective trellis frame, forming an integral part of the motorcycle’s structure while maintaining clean lines and balanced proportions.
The 2-liter petrol tank sits above and in front of the CNG cylinder, in the position where fuel tanks are traditionally located on conventional motorcycles.
Both fueling points are conveniently positioned together, allowing for straightforward refilling without compromising the bike’s aesthetics or ergonomics.
Available in seven distinctive color schemes—Caribbean Blue, Pewter Grey-Black, Cyber White, Ebony Black-Grey, Racing Red, Pewter Grey-Yellow, and Ebony Black-Red—the Freedom offers buyers ample opportunity for personalization while maintaining its unique visual identity.
Engineering Excellence: The Bi-Fuel Heart
The technical centerpiece of the Bajaj Freedom 125 is its innovative 125cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that has been specifically engineered to operate on both CNG and petrol.
This horizontally mounted powerplant produces 9.5hp at 8,000rpm and 9.7Nm of torque at 6,000rpm—figures that position it competitively within the 125cc commuter segment despite the engineering challenges of dual-fuel operation.
Creating an engine that performs efficiently with CNG required significant modifications to standard motorcycle engine architecture.
CNG burns hotter and drier than petrol, necessitating redesigned pistons, enhanced cooling systems, and specialized valve and ignition timing.
The Freedom’s engine features larger cooling jets and expanded fins compared to conventional 125cc motors, ensuring optimal thermal management during extended operation on either fuel type.
The transmission is a smooth-shifting 5-speed gearbox that delivers power to the rear wheel via a chain drive, providing an ideal balance between acceleration and fuel economy.
A sophisticated fuel management system allows riders to switch between CNG and petrol modes on the fly via a conveniently positioned switch on the left handlebar, ensuring seamless transitions without interrupting the ride.
The CNG tank itself holds 2kg of compressed natural gas, while the auxiliary petrol tank carries 2 liters of fuel.
This combination provides a claimed range of approximately 330km—202km on CNG alone at an impressive efficiency of 102km per kg, and an additional 130km on petrol at 65km per liter.
For commuters, this translates to potentially weeks of daily riding between refueling stops, depending on usage patterns.
Safety considerations were paramount in the development process, with Bajaj subjecting the Freedom to 11 distinct safety tests based on both industry standards and the company’s internal benchmarks.
The trellis frame that houses the CNG cylinder serves as a protective cage, while additional shielding provides further safeguards against potential impacts.
These measures ensure that the CNG storage system meets or exceeds the safety standards established for automotive applications.
Riding Dynamics: Balancing Comfort and Control
Despite its innovative powertrain, the Bajaj Freedom 125 remains fundamentally a commuter motorcycle, prioritizing comfort, stability, and ease of use over sporty handling characteristics.
The suspension setup consists of conventional telescopic front forks with protective covers and a linked monoshock rear—the latter being a first for this segment in India, offering improved ride quality over the twin shock absorbers typically found on entry-level commuters.
The motorcycle rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with tubeless tires, providing adequate grip and stability on varied road surfaces.
Braking duties are handled by either 130mm drum brakes at both ends in the base and mid-tier variants or a 240mm front disc coupled with a rear drum in the top-spec model.
All variants feature a combined braking system (CBS) for enhanced stopping power and stability during emergency maneuvers.
With a kerb weight of approximately 149kg, the Freedom is noticeably heavier than conventional 125cc motorcycles—a consequence of the additional components required for its dual-fuel system.
This extra mass is primarily concentrated low in the chassis, however, which helps maintain stability without significantly compromising maneuverability.
The 825mm seat height is slightly taller than some competitors but remains accessible for riders of average height, while the 170mm ground clearance ensures adequate clearance over urban obstacles and uneven rural roads.
In CNG mode, the Freedom delivers smooth, linear power delivery ideal for urban commuting, with adequate torque for navigating traffic and moderate inclines.
The petrol mode offers a slight increase in responsiveness, particularly useful for situations requiring quick acceleration such as highway merging or overtaking.
The top speed of approximately 90km/h is suitable for occasional highway use, though the motorcycle is clearly optimized for urban and suburban environments where its fuel efficiency advantages can be maximized.
Feature-Rich: Technology Meets Practicality
The Bajaj Freedom 125 comes in three distinct variants—NG04 Drum, NG04 Drum LED, and NG04 Disc LED—with escalating levels of equipment to suit different budgets and preferences.
Even the base model offers essential features for daily commuting, while higher variants incorporate modern amenities that enhance both convenience and safety.
A standout feature across the lineup is the CNG/petrol selector switch, which allows riders to change fuel sources instantly without stopping or interrupting their journey.
This is complemented by a dedicated fuel gauge for each system, ensuring riders can monitor both CNG and petrol levels independently.
The mid and top-tier variants feature LED lighting systems that provide improved visibility and reduced power consumption compared to conventional halogen setups.
The top-spec model incorporates a fully digital instrument cluster with negative LCD display, offering comprehensive information including speedometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauges, gear position indicator, and clock functions.
Bluetooth connectivity is available in the premium variants, enabling features such as call alerts with caller ID, missed call notifications, and battery level indicators when paired with a smartphone.
While not as comprehensive as the connected features found in some premium offerings, these functions provide useful convenience for urban commuters who need to stay connected while on the move.
Comfort features include a spacious seat with ample padding for both rider and passenger, wide handlebars for comfortable positioning, and robust footpegs that provide secure footing in various riding conditions.
The linked monoshock suspension system delivers a plush ride over uneven surfaces, reducing fatigue during extended commutes.
Storage solutions are limited by the presence of the CNG system, though the motorcycle does include modest under-seat storage suitable for essential documents and small personal items.
Aftermarket accessories can expand these options for riders requiring additional carrying capacity.
Economic Proposition: The Freedom Advantage
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Bajaj Freedom 125 is its economic proposition.
With prices starting at approximately ₹90,272 for the base drum brake variant and extending to ₹1,10,272 for the top-spec disc brake model with LED lighting and connectivity features, the Freedom positions itself at a premium relative to conventional 125cc commuters.
This price differential of roughly ₹15,000-30,000 compared to equivalent petrol-only motorcycles represents the initial investment required to access the Freedom’s long-term savings potential.
Where the Freedom truly shines is in its operating costs. CNG typically costs 40-50% less than petrol per unit of energy, and when combined with the Freedom’s impressive efficiency, this translates to potential savings of up to 50% on daily running costs compared to conventional motorcycles.
Bajaj claims that these savings could amount to approximately ₹75,000 over five years of ownership—more than offsetting the higher initial purchase price.
For perspective, consider a commuter traveling 50km daily for work. On a conventional 125cc motorcycle achieving 60km/l at current fuel prices, this would cost approximately ₹80-90 per day in fuel expenses.
The same commute on the Freedom using CNG would reduce this expenditure to roughly ₹40-45—a saving that compounds significantly over weeks, months, and years of ownership.
Maintenance costs remain competitive with conventional motorcycles, with service intervals recommended at every 5,000km, similar to petrol-powered alternatives.
The CNG system requires minimal additional maintenance beyond regular safety inspections, further enhancing the Freedom’s economic appeal.
However, it’s worth noting that these advantages are contingent on access to CNG refueling infrastructure, which remains concentrated primarily in major metropolitan areas and select states including Delhi NCR, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
For riders in these regions, the Freedom presents an unparalleled value proposition, while those elsewhere may find its benefits more limited until infrastructure expansion catches up with demand.
Market Positioning and Competition
The Bajaj Freedom 125 occupies a unique position in the Indian motorcycle market as the sole CNG-powered option currently available.
While it doesn’t compete directly with any equivalent models, its price point and performance characteristics place it in the broader context of premium 125cc commuters and entry-level 150cc motorcycles.
In terms of primary competitors, the Freedom faces indirect competition from models such as the TVS Radeon, Honda Shine, and Hero Splendor+, though its value proposition is fundamentally different due to its dual-fuel capability.
The decision between the Freedom and these alternatives ultimately depends on individual priorities regarding initial investment versus long-term operating costs, as well as access to CNG infrastructure.
Within Bajaj’s own lineup, the Freedom complements rather than cannibalizes existing offerings, occupying a distinct niche aimed at highly cost-conscious commuters in urban areas with developed CNG networks.
This positioning aligns with Bajaj’s broader strategy of segmentation across displacement classes and use cases, ensuring options for virtually every type of Indian rider.
Looking beyond domestic markets, Bajaj has expressed intentions to export the Freedom to international markets with established CNG infrastructure, particularly countries such as Egypt, Tanzania, Colombia, Peru, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
This global ambition underscores the potential of CNG technology to address fuel affordability and environmental concerns across developing economies worldwide.
Real-World Experience: Living with the Freedom
Early owner experiences with the Bajaj Freedom 125 have been predominantly positive, with particular praise for its exceptional fuel economy and comfortable riding dynamics.
Users report achieving close to the claimed 80-90km/l equivalent mileage in mixed riding conditions, with some highway-focused riders reporting even higher figures approaching the 102km/kg benchmark under ideal conditions.
The transition between CNG and petrol modes has proven seamless in practice, with the selector switch allowing for instant fuel source changes without perceptible interruption in power delivery.
This flexibility has proven especially valuable for riders who occasionally venture beyond the reach of CNG infrastructure, knowing they can always fall back on the petrol reserve for return journeys.
Performance in CNG mode is described as adequate for urban environments, with sufficient acceleration for traffic navigation and moderate gradients.
Some riders note a slight reduction in top-end power compared to petrol mode, though this is rarely a limitation in typical commuting scenarios. The petrol mode provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness that proves useful for highway overtaking maneuvers.
Comfort aspects receive consistent praise, particularly the spacious seating arrangement and the linked monoshock suspension’s ability to absorb urban road imperfections.
The CNG tank placement does increase seat height slightly compared to conventional commuters, which smaller riders occasionally mention as requiring an adjustment period, though most adapt quickly to the riding position.
Refueling experiences vary depending on the CNG infrastructure quality in different regions. Modern automated stations offer refilling times comparable to petrol motorcycles—typically under a minute—though older facilities may require slightly longer processes.
The combined CNG/petrol filling point arrangement simplifies maintenance of both fuel systems, requiring minimal additional effort compared to conventional motorcycles.
The Road Ahead: Implications and Future Prospects
The introduction of the Bajaj Freedom 125 represents more than just a new model launch—it potentially signals the beginning of a significant shift in India’s approach to sustainable mobility.
While electric vehicles continue to face challenges related to charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and initial cost, CNG offers an immediately implementable alternative that leverages existing infrastructure and provides tangible economic benefits without substantial compromises.
For Bajaj Auto, the Freedom establishes technological leadership in an emerging segment with considerable growth potential.
The learnings from this pioneering model will likely inform future developments across displacement classes and potentially even in the three-wheeler segment, where Bajaj already maintains a significant presence.
Reports already suggest that an entry-level variant of the Freedom with further cost optimizations is under development for launch in early 2025, potentially broadening the appeal to even more price-sensitive consumers.
From a policy perspective, the Freedom aligns with India’s national objectives of reducing petroleum imports and improving urban air quality.
CNG produces significantly fewer particulate emissions than petrol or diesel fuels, contributing to cleaner air in congested urban environments.
Government initiatives to expand CNG infrastructure nationwide could accelerate adoption of vehicles like the Freedom, creating a virtuous cycle of increased demand and improved accessibility.
For consumers, particularly those in regions with established CNG networks, the Freedom offers a pragmatic path to reduce transportation costs without the compromises associated with electric two-wheelers, such as limited range or extended charging times.
This practical approach to sustainable mobility may prove particularly compelling for commercial users such as delivery services and courier companies, where operating costs directly impact business viability.
India’s first Bajaj Freedom CNG bike come in 500 KM range
The Bajaj Freedom 125 lives up to its name by offering riders liberation from the fluctuating costs and environmental impact of conventional fuels.
By pioneering CNG technology in the two-wheeler segment, Bajaj has created not just a new motorcycle but potentially a new category that addresses the pressing needs of cost-conscious, environmentally aware commuters across India and similar markets worldwide.
While the Freedom’s success will ultimately depend on factors including infrastructure development, regulatory support, and consumer acceptance, its introduction marks a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable mobility solutions for the masses.
Unlike many green technologies that require substantial compromises or lifestyle adjustments, the Freedom’s approach of integrating CNG within a familiar, practical package ensures accessibility to mainstream consumers rather than just early adopters.
In a landscape increasingly dominated by discussions of electric futures, the Bajaj Freedom 125 serves as a potent reminder that multiple paths to sustainability exist, each with distinct advantages for different user profiles and regional contexts.
For millions of daily commuters seeking immediate relief from rising fuel costs while contributing to cleaner urban environments, the Freedom offers exactly what its name promises—the freedom to choose a more economical, sustainable way forward without sacrificing the mobility that modern life demands.
As the world’s first CNG motorcycle, the Bajaj Freedom 125 will undoubtedly secure its place in automotive history.
More importantly, however, it may well pioneer a practical alternative in the ongoing transition toward more sustainable personal transportation—one that meets riders where they are today while pointing toward a cleaner, more affordable tomorrow.