Tired of petrol price hikes draining your wallet? Imagine filling up your bike for just a fraction of the cost. Bajaj has finally launched the world’s first CNG motorcycle, the Freedom 125, and the mileage numbers are absolutely insane!
But is it safe? How does it drive? And is it actually worth your money? Let’s break it down simply.
The Money Saver: Mileage That Shocks You
The biggest reason to look at this bike is the savings. Bajaj claims this bike can reduce your daily running costs by 50%.
- Real-World Test: In city conditions, the bike delivered a staggering 94.15 km per kg of CNG. On the highway, it went even further, hitting 126.2 km per kg.
- Running Cost: With these numbers, your running cost could drop to just ₹1 per km.
- Range: With a full 2kg CNG tank and a 2-litre petrol backup tank, you can travel roughly 330 to 350 km without stopping.
Is Sitting on a CNG Tank Safe?
This is the big question everyone is asking. To prove its safety, Bajaj went to extreme lengths.
- The Truck Test: Bajaj literally drove a 10-ton truck over the CNG tank, and it remained intact without leaking!.
- Crash Proof: The bike has passed frontal collisions with a 1.5-ton load and vertical drop tests. The tank is securely protected inside a strong “trellis frame” cage, so you don’t need to worry about it during your daily commute.
What is it Like to Ride?
It looks like a normal petrol bike, but it has some cool quirks:
- Switch on the Fly: You can switch between Petrol and CNG instantly with a simple button on the handlebar, even while riding.
- Comfort King: It features the longest seat in its segment, making it very comfortable for you and a pillion (or even your luggage). The rear suspension (linked monoshock) handles broken roads effortlessly.
- Tech Loaded: The top variant comes with Bluetooth connectivity, showing caller ID and battery levels on the digital screen.
The “Not-So-Good” Stuff (Read Before Buying)
No bike is perfect. Here are a few things current users and reviewers have pointed out:
- Highway Struggle: While great for the city, the highway performance is described as “mediocre.” It’s a commuter, not a racing machine.
- No ABS: The bike misses out on Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a key safety feature for rainy days.
- The Queue: If you live in a city with limited CNG pumps, be ready to wait in long lines alongside autos and taxis.
- User Issues: Some early owners have reported issues like the bike stalling suddenly, problems with the fuel gauge, and service centers running low on spare parts.
Should You Buy It?
The Bajaj Freedom 125 starts at ₹95,000. If your priority is saving money and you have easy access to CNG pumps, this bike could be a game-changer for your monthly budget. However, if you want high speed or hate waiting in queues, you might want to stick to petrol for now.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes