Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG Road Test: The Game-changing Money Saver?

The mission statement behind the CNG bike was simple: half the running cost. On the launch of the Pulsar NS400Z, Rajiv Bajaj had vowed to us that the company’s upcoming CNG bike, the first of its kind in the world, would be able to half the running cost when compared to a petrol bike. So, has the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG been able to deliver on that promise? Is it really the game changer everyone is touting it to be? And what are the compromises that you will have to live with a CNG bike?

BETTER THAN CLAIMED

Does it actually half the bill? According to the ARAI, the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG can go 102 km/kg. However, in our tests, we were shocked with the results:

The test runs were conducted by me and even though my 100 kg self is not the ideal candidate for such mileage runs, the Freedom managed to deliver a stunning 104.6 km/kg in CNG mode. The aim was to replicate a commuter’s journey through the city. Hence, I kept pace with the traffic, no sudden hard accelerations, no hypermiling, just making sure that the speeds were between 45-50 kmph.

To put that into a little perspective, that is ₹0.84 for every kilometre of riding. A typical 125 cc petrol commuter motorcycle takes ₹1.5 or ₹1.6 for every kilometre. So technically, just with the 2 kg CNG tank alone, a commuter buyer with an average weight would be able to easily clock in over 210-215 km. And that is basically less than ₹180 for a full tank of CNG.

And if the tests were conducted in Mumbai and similar figures were achieved, the running cost would be even lower, almost ₹0.7 per km. Since CNG prices are not as regulated as petrol, the prices vary from district to district and even provider to provider. So, in Pune itself I found CNG rates being ₹83-₹89/kg, in Mumbai it is roughly ₹73.50/kg and in Ahmedabad it is ₹76/kg. 

While the Freedom is meant to do its bidding as a commuter, if you do decide to take it out on the highway or your commutes involve a bit of highway riding, then the fuel efficiency is likely to take a hit. On our 100km highway stint, the Freedom returned 100 km/kg in CNG mode with speeds kept between 65 and 70 kmph.

Bajaj has also provided a small 2-litre petrol tank on the Freedom that is mainly to be used as a limp home measure. The claimed efficiency in petrol mode is 65 kmpl but we managed to achieve just 53 kmpl. Furthermore, there’s no fuel gauge for the petrol tank and the only way to know you are running low is if the orange light starts blinking, which is when there is just 0.5 litres left in the tank. So, you should not ride the bike for too long in petrol mode only. 

PUBLIC CONCERN 1: FILLING CNG NEEDS SPECIAL TOOLS?

This was a thought for us as well. I have never used or tested a CNG car but have always seen a huge line at the pumps. So, it thought it would be a complicated process. However, filling CNG isn’t that difficult either. There’s no special unique equipment for a CNG bike, it uses the same nozzle as CNG rickshaws or cars. Just check it out in the reel below:

Since it is early days, the rickshaw drivers and CNG pump attendants are also pretty kind in case you cut ahead. The whole fuel filling process should take less than five minutes. Will there be a separate line for bikes only? Bajaj has requested for the same. However, if things do go well, which there is a high chance for it to do so, there will be separate lines for bikes. In fact, at the launch press conference itself, Adani Total Gas Limited officials have stated that it will have a dedicated line soon at its CNG pumps, giving impetus to other providers to follow suit.

PUBLIC CONCERN 2: HOW EASILY AVAILABLE IS CNG?

The issue with the CNG filling process with the Freedom 125 arises with the availability of CNG pumps and CNG being present there in the first place. Pune doesn’t have a central line and hence has a bullet style bunk system. So, you have to wait for a truck to get the fuel to the pumps.

Secondly, if you do decide to step out of the city limits, chances are that finding a CNG pump will be a challenge. You will have to plan and prepare for CNG pumps on the way. So during our highway fuel efficiency test part of the journey, we only found 1 pump on the way to Satara, and that too it was closer to the Pune side than Satara. So, planning is going to be key. But as the infrastructure for the same improves, this will be a far less of an issue.

PUBLIC CONCERN 3: HOW SAFE IS THE TANK?

How safe is the cylinder, what happens to it in the event of a crash and does it need periodic servicing? Well, Bajaj has taken all of those concerns into consideration and conducted several crash tests where the CNG tank did not get deformed whatsoever. Read this story to know about every safety test in detail.

All of the CNG fittings as well as the cylinder need to be certified for health clearance every two years. In case of any irregularity, a component might need to be changed. This entire process will be a fixed expenditure that one needs to consider but it will definitely be way cheaper than replacing an electric scooter’s battery pack for instance.

TYPICAL COMMUTER INTENTION

As the CNG tank is placed underneath the seat, you get this really long flat seating space that can technically sit two large riders with backpacks very easily. The 825 mm seat height isn’t too tall and the overall posture is very typical urban commuter like, nice and upright. It was comfy spending around a couple of hours riding calmly in the city and people who are looking to use it for delivery services, it should be a brilliant choice.

The Freedom 125 might be bearing a 125 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that puts out 9.37 bhp and 9.7 Nm, its riding mannerisms are that of a calm 100 cc motor. In the CNG mode, it is not quick like typical petrol motorcycles and hence overtakes will need to be planned a bit in advance as you simply cannot just roll on the throttle and expect to surge forwards.

Thankfully, there is a trick. As the Freedom is a bi-fuel product, you can easily switch from CNG to petrol in seconds. You will get a little extra responsiveness in petrol mode to make quicker overtakes. And once you get ahead, switch back to CNG mode and continue reaping the benefits.

Also, with a pillion, things do get a bit more sluggish in CNG mode. It will take quite a bit more time to reach commuting speeds and while climbing flyovers, you will notice the speeds dropping off gradually. 

The long seat does make sure that the pillion sits comfortably for long commutes and one doesn’t need to huddle up and stick to the rider. The ride quality is a bit better with the pillion on board. It isn’t supple or mushy when riding solo, as the bike stays flat and neutral. It handles the daily grind well and maintains stability when changing lanes or taking tight turns. Braking is good for the intention and CBS works well.

WELL BUILT PRODUCT

One thing that you can say about the Freedom that we haven’t said about any recent Bajaj product is that it looks like nothing else in the Bajaj line-up or even in the commuter space. Sure, there’s some Triumph inspiration with the Trident 660-like colour graphics and LED headlight (on the mid and top trims) as well as an exposed rear subframe like the KTMs. However, it just makes for a handsome design. And the amount of attention it receives anywhere it goes, is just phenomenal for a humble little commuter.

Feature-wise, LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity and USB charging are now a must have on the brochure and so the Freedom has it. Realistically, though, only the USB charger will work the best. The headlight isn’t quite as powerful and the Bluetooth connectivity doesn’t unlock any navigation. 

What we must commend Bajaj for is that the step up in overall quality is visible on the Freedom. It doesn’t feel like a cheap bike but rather a well put together one. Finishing could be improved here and there but overall it feels robust and well built.

A LITTLE PRICEY?

Bajaj has managed to easily achieve its mission statement with the Freedom 125 of halving fuel costs. By using a relatively cleaner alternate fuel, the Freedom 125 turns out to be quite an economical solution when compared to electrics, especially electric motorcycles, as well. Yes, the asking price seems a bit more when compared to other 125 cc bikes. 

Take the Honda Shine 125 for instance. It is roughly ₹25,000 cheaper and for that amount, the fuel that you will use will make you go for at least 16,000 km if not a bit more. However, a commuter buyer usually keeps a bike for a good five to seven years and over that course of time, you are bound to recover the additional premium and enjoy major cost savings soon thereafter. 

A NEW CHAPTER IN INDIAN COMMUTER MOTORCYCLE HISTORY

So, the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is perhaps the most important motorcycle to arrive in the mass-market Indian motorcycle in 2024 and maybe could just be a new champion of commuter bikes. And as our young nation enjoys its freedom daily, this Bajaj Freedom 125 is a great solution for the commuter buyer for years to come. And if it does perform well, there might be a larger one in store in the future.

We must commend Bajaj’s engineers for finding a great solution as an alternate fuel motorcycle and also making sure that the CNG tank is packaged in a neat and safe manner. Furthermore, kudos to Bajaj for taking the bet on CNG with the Freedom 125. Will Indian commuters also gamble and take it up for their future motoring needs? Judging by the response and adoration that the bike received during our tests, it certainly seems so.