5 125 cc Commuter Bikes The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG Will Rival

Bajaj’s upcoming Freedom 125 CNG commuter motorcycle has set quite the precedence as it will be the world’s first motorcycle that will run on CNG. A proposition that is set to exceed several expectations, especially for those looking for a workhorse on two wheels with high-mileage figures. However, as lucrative as it sounds this new technology will initially have its fair share of doubts, and rightfully so. The market is already populated by several 125 cc motorcycles, which neither cost heavy on the pocket to purchase nor demand much attention to maintain. What are these motorcycles? And how can they reckon the advent of Bajaj’s upcoming 125 cc CNG bike, we discuss below:

Honda Shine 125 - ₹79,800 (starting ex-showroom price, Delhi))

Pros:

The Honda Shine 125 stands out for its legendary reliability and smooth engine power delivery, making it a top choice in the 125cc segment. Its affordable starting price and practical nature make it an ideal choice for those seeking a no-frills, dependable motorcycle for everyday use. The Shine 125 has maintained its position as a segment leader for decades, which is a testament to its enduring appeal.

Cons

The Shine 125's conservative styling and basic feature set may not appeal to riders looking for a more modern or feature-rich motorcycle, especially in 2024. Its focus on reliability and simplicity means it lacks some of the advanced features found in newer competitors. While Honda has the SP 125 that in essence is just a more stylish Shine, the feature set is still not quite as comprehensive.

Hero Super Splendor XTEC (₹85,178 - starting ex-showroom, Delhi)

Pros

Speaking of reliability, Hero’s Splendor badge has been one of the longest-production motorcycles. Making this staple product all the more lucrative was the latest update, which saw the bike gain new modern features like an all-digital instrument cluster with an instantaneous fuel efficiency display, Bluetooth connectivity for call and message notifications, and a USB charger. Hero claims that the 125 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder mill in the Super Splendor XTEC can do 69 kmpl, and that’s quite commendable for a 125 cc motorcycle.  

Cons:

It’s starting ex-showroom price of ₹85,178 sounds a bit expensive, especially when Hero already sells the Super Splendor. The latter just misses out on the all-digital instrument cluster, but the engineering is essentially the same in both the bikes. 

Hero Glamour - ₹82,598  (starting ex-showroom price, Delhi)

Pros

Hero's Glamour offers a sportier ride with a more premium appeal. It boasts a fully digital instrument cluster and aggressive graphics, giving it a more upscale appearance. The Glamour is designed to make a statement, with body panels and styling that grab attention, making it an attractive option for those who want to stand out.

Cons

On the downside, it’s style and features are still not able to match the image of reliability associated with Honda's offerings in this segment. 

TVS Raider 125 - ₹95,219 (starting ex-showroom, Delhi)

Pros

TVS' Raider 125 has been the champion for someone who wants the sporty commuting experience without compromising on the basic essentials of frugality and calm riding. It offers a wide range of choices with four different variants and unique themed editions. Its strong feature set and safety options make it a compelling choice for tech-savvy riders.

Cons

The Raider 125's drawbacks include a slightly higher price point. Its performance-focused nature might be more than some commuter-oriented buyers are looking for. 

Bajaj Pulsar 125 - ₹93,221 (starting ex-showroom, Delhi)

Pros

The Pulsar 125 sits at the bottom of the Pulsar family. It continues to carry the same body design that Bajaj debuted eons ago, but lately it gained a new all-digital instrument negative lit LCD display. It supports Bluetooth connectivity for features like call/SMS alerts and turn-by-turn navigation. Thus, giving it that modern touch to keep it up with times.  

Cons

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Bajaj Pulsar 125 is its OG body design, which looks quite dated in today’s sea of commuter bikes. On top of that aged design, the Pulsar 125 is one of the most expensive bikes in this list, and on-road price will almost breach the ₹1 lakh mark, thus making it an expensive affair for an old-looking 125 cc commuter.