What Else Can You Buy For The Price Of The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG?

Bajaj has introduced a game-changer in the 125cc commuter segment with the world's first CNG motorcycle, the Bajaj Freedom 125. Priced between ₹ 95,000 - ₹1.10 lakh, the bike offers a 2 kg CNG carrying capacity alongside a 2-litre petrol tank, providing a combined range of approximately 330 km.  However, here are 5 other products you can consider for the same ₹ 1.10 lakh price range.

TVS Raider 125 - ₹ 95,000 to ₹ 1.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The TVS Raider 125 is a strong contender in the 125cc segment, offering a great balance of technology, design, and engine performance at an affordable price.  The bike comes in four variants, all powered by the same 124.8cc engine that produces 11 bhp and 11.2 Nm. The variants offer progressive upgrades in features like a front disc brake and a TFT instrument cluster. 

Hero Glamour Xtec 125 - ₹ 88,000 - ₹ 92,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Hero Glamour Xtec 125 is positioned as the premium sibling to the Hero Super Splendor and remains a solid option in the Hero lineup. It has a 124.7cc engine making 10.7 bhp and 10.6 Nm. Offered in 4 colours, the bike comes with either a disc or drum brake and features the IBS combi-braking system for safety. The design is muted yet appealing for its clean lines, with the option of a flashier "Candy Blazing Red" colour that reflects Hero's new design identity. The dual LED DRL stripe and red shock absorbers add more flare. In terms of basic tech features, the bike offers Bluetooth connectivity for calls and SMS alerts.

Honda SP 125 - ₹ 86,000 - ₹ 90,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Honda's sporty SP 125 combines a great design with a proven 125cc engine from Honda's long-running Shine 125 series. The 123.94cc unit produces 10 bhp and 10.9 Nm. The modern design features eye-catching tank shrouds and contrasting neon stripes that pop against the black base paint. The bike offers basic Bluetooth connectivity. It comes with either the option of a disc brake on the top variant or one can get some off on the lower disc variant.

Suzuki Burgman - ₹ 94,000 - ₹1.16 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Suzuki Burgman is a maxi-styled scooter, known for being one of the most spacious options in the Indian market. Its reliable 124cc engine produces 8.58 bhp and 10 Nm. The Burgman offers a large footboard with raised platforms for a comfortable, cruiser-like feet-forward riding position. Ample and thoughtful storage space is provided in the front compartment, complete with integrated charging slots. While the scooter's variants range up to ₹1.16 lakh, Bluetooth connectivity becomes available from the ₹98,000 variant onwards. The Burgman also features a large, comfortable seat and a generous 21-litre of under-seat storage. 

Ola S1 Air - ₹ 1.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Ola S1 Air with its ₹1.03 lakh price tag is very close to the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike’s mid model at 1.05 lakh.  Being an electric scooter from a tech-based company, it's heavy on features and tech wizardry. The scooter boasts a lot of connected features and has an advantage in terms of storage too. It has an IDC range of 151 km on a single charge and takes about 5 hours to charge. We have compared the e-scooter with the CNG bike in depth and you can take a look at the comparison here. 

In conclusion, while the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike offers significantly lower running costs compared to rivals, you'll need to pay a higher price upfront. CNG bikes are a relatively new option and their impact on CNG station wait times. Currently, the CNG stations are overburdened with three-wheelers and commercial transport. It might be wise to consider both the upfront cost and potential wait times at CNG pumps when making your decision.