SCOOP: Bajaj CT100 CNG Details Revealed

With petrol prices reaching new highs, running costs for commuter bikes have increased a lot over the past few years. For four-wheelers we saw a massive switch to CNG by consumers to counter the riding cost, but two-wheeler buyers didn't have an option until now. A CNG-powered motorcycle? Sounds absurd, right? Packaging constraints being the biggest challenge of them all as how can you safely fit a gas cylinder on a motorcycle that is even more exposed to the elements than what you would be in a car. Well, Bajaj seems to have found the answer and we shall see the fruits of the project in the coming few months itself.

So, how did Bajaj solve the problem? Simply by placing the cylinder along the length of the bike and within the confines of the double cradle frame. Given the tech is aimed for commuter-centric motorcycles, specifically between 100-110cc, this shouldn’t be an issue as the engine is almost of a sloper configuration.

Then comes the issue of what to do if and when the cylinder invariably gets compromised in some form or manner. How do you remove it? Bajaj has sort of tackled that problem by simply making sure that you can remove the canister by removing the rear wheel. There would be some sliding and locking mechanism of sorts to have the cylinder firmly in place once again without disrupting the airflow valves and other systems associated with allowing the fuel to flow from the cylinder to the engine.

There is no petrol tank as such. Unlike cars, you can’t have a dual fuel solution here. So the typical petrol tank area is likely to be utilised for stuff like an air filter, battery and other miscellaneous bits. There is a limp home reserve tank, though. Bajaj is providing you with the option of having some fuel on board so that you can use it to ride the bike to the nearest CNG filling station.

Bajaj was the only one to fiddle around with e-carburettors for BS6 but it seems to have abandoned that tech after BS6.2 norms came into effect this year. While the patent states that using a carburettor would be a possibility, the likelihood is that the fuel will be supplied by a fuel injection system.

Given its commuter intentions, the Bajaj CNG bike is expected to run on simpler foundations. So, telescopic fork, twin shocks, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, a front disc brake option and CBS.

While the Bajaj CT100 CNG is targeted towards the semi-urban and rural audiences, we also see this to be quite handy for last mile delivery services. This solution could be a neat option alongside the plethora of China-sourced electric options that have flooded the market.

We expect to hear more from Bajaj on this particular CNG motorcycle in the coming few months.