The Bajaj Freedom 125 represents a groundbreaking innovation in India’s two-wheeler market as the world’s first production motorcycle with factory-fitted CNG technology. Launched to address rising fuel costs and environmental concerns, this commuter bike combines traditional petrol power with compressed natural gas capability, offering unprecedented flexibility and economy for daily riders. With a starting ex-showroom price of ₹90,976, the Freedom 125 targets cost-conscious consumers seeking maximum fuel efficiency without compromising performance. This comprehensive analysis examines every aspect of this revolutionary motorcycle, from its dual-fuel system specifications to real-world ownership costs.
⚡ Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency
🎯 Petrol Mode Mileage and Performance
The Bajaj Freedom 125 houses a 124.58cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 9.5 PS at 8,000 rpm and 9.7 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. In petrol-only operation, the motorcycle delivers an ARAI-certified mileage of 65 kmpl, positioning it among the most fuel-efficient 125cc commuters available. The 2-litre petrol tank alone provides approximately 130 kilometers of range, making it sufficient for short commutes or emergency backup when CNG stations are unavailable.
Real-world testing indicates riders can achieve 60-68 kmpl in mixed city-highway conditions, depending on riding style and traffic conditions. The 5-speed manual transmission ensures optimal gear ratios for maintaining efficiency across different speed ranges, while the digital instrument cluster provides real-time mileage indicators to help riders maximize fuel economy.
🎯 CNG Mode Efficiency and Range
The revolutionary aspect of the Bajaj Freedom 125 lies in its integrated CNG system. The motorcycle carries a 2 kg CNG cylinder that delivers approximately 80-100 km per kg, translating to 160-200 km range on CNG alone. Owners report achieving 90 km/kg in real-world conditions with economical riding. The combined range of 330 km (200 km CNG + 130 km petrol) eliminates range anxiety and reduces refueling frequency significantly.
Switching between fuels occurs seamlessly via handlebar-mounted controls, with a clear digital display indicating the active fuel mode. The CNG system delivers slightly reduced performance—top speed drops to 90.5 kmph compared to 93.4 kmph on petrol—but maintains adequate power for urban commuting and highway cruising.
⚡ CNG Tank Capacity and Technical Specifications
The Bajaj Freedom 125 features a strategically positioned 2 kg CNG tank mounted under the seat, engineered to maintain the motorcycle’s balanced ergonomics. This capacity represents a careful compromise between range, weight distribution, and practicality. While some owners might prefer larger capacity, Bajaj’s engineering team optimized the 2 kg size to preserve the bike’s commuter-friendly dimensions and handling characteristics.
The CNG system operates at standard pressure ratings and includes safety features such as automatic shutoff valves and leak detection sensors. The refueling process takes approximately 2-3 minutes at dedicated CNG stations, with the nozzle connecting to a filler valve located near the petrol tank cap for convenient access.
🎯 Weight Distribution and Handling
Despite the additional CNG hardware, the Bajaj Freedom 125 maintains a kerb weight of just 147.8 kg. This competitive weight figure ensures the motorcycle remains nimble in traffic and easy to maneuver at low speeds. The CNG tank’s under-seat placement lowers the center of gravity, actually improving stability compared to conventional petrol-only motorcycles with higher-mounted fuel tanks.
The 1340 mm wheelbase and 170 mm ground clearance provide stable highway manners while handling urban speed breakers and potholes effectively. The 825 mm saddle height accommodates riders of varying statures, making the Freedom 125 accessible to a broad consumer base.
⚡ Pricing Structure and Variants
🎯 Ex-Showroom Pricing
Bajaj Auto offers the Freedom 125 in three distinct variants, allowing buyers to choose features based on their budget and preferences:
- NG04 Drum – ₹90,976 – Drum brakes, standard halogen headlight
- NG04 Drum LED – ₹95,981 – Drum brakes, LED headlight
- NG04 Disc LED – ₹1,11,000 – Disc brake, LED headlight
(All prices ex showroom and might change according to place and state taxes)
The base variant provides essential features including the combi brake system (CBS), digital instrument console with fuel mode indicator, USB charging port, and real-time mileage display. Higher variants add aesthetic and safety enhancements without compromising the core dual-fuel technology.
🎯 On-Road Price Analysis
On-road prices include mandatory RTO registration, comprehensive insurance, and standard accessories. In Delhi, the on-road price for the base variant reaches approximately ₹1,05,000-₹1,10,574. The mid-range Drum LED variant costs around ₹1,24,129 on-road, while the premium Disc LED version totals approximately ₹1,28,291.
Regional variations affect final pricing:
- Mumbai/Pune: ₹98,527 onwards (ex-showroom), with on-road prices similar to Delhi
- Faridabad: ₹1,03,547 starting on-road price
- Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore: ₹98,527 ex-showroom, with on-road costs varying by local taxes
The on-road calculation typically includes:
- Ex-showroom price: ₹90,976
- RTO charges: ₹7,873-₹8,500
- Insurance: ₹7,781-₹8,200
- Standard accessories: ₹3,944
⚡ Ownership Economics and Running Costs
The Bajaj Freedom 125’s primary value proposition lies in its exceptional running cost efficiency. With CNG priced significantly lower than petrol in most Indian states, the dual-fuel system delivers substantial savings:
Cost Per Kilometer Analysis:
- Petrol mode: At ₹100/liter and 65 kmpl, cost = ₹1.54/km
- CNG mode: At ₹80/kg and 90 km/kg, cost = ₹0.89/km
- Average combined: Approximately ₹1.15/km
Daily commuters traveling 50 km can save ₹20-₹30 per day compared to conventional petrol motorcycles, recovering the premium paid for CNG technology within 18-24 months. Additionally, CNG combustion produces fewer emissions, contributing to cleaner air quality in urban environments.
⚡ Practical Ownership Considerations
🎯 Refueling Infrastructure
While India’s CNG station network continues expanding, riders should verify station availability along regular routes. Major metropolitan areas offer extensive coverage, but rural and semi-urban areas may have limited access. The Freedom 125’s 2-litre petrol reserve provides crucial backup, ensuring riders never stranded when CNG stations are unavailable.
🎯 Maintenance and Servicing
The CNG system requires periodic inspection of valves, seals, and pressure regulators at authorized Bajaj service centers. Standard maintenance intervals follow conventional 125cc motorcycle schedules, with additional CNG component checks recommended every 10,000 km. Bajaj’s nationwide service network provides trained technicians for CNG system maintenance, though specialized components may command premium pricing.
🎯 Competition and Market Positioning
The Bajaj Freedom 125 competes directly with premium commuter motorcycles like:
- Honda SP 125 (₹86,000-₹90,000)
- Hero Glamour (₹81,000-₹85,000)
- Bajaj Pulsar 125 (₹92,000-₹98,000)
While priced slightly higher than petrol-only competitors, the Freedom 125’s CNG capability and 330 km combined range create a unique value proposition that justifies the premium for cost-conscious buyers.
⚡ Is the Bajaj Freedom 125 Right for You?
The Bajaj Freedom 125 pioneers a new category in Indian motorcycling, successfully integrating CNG technology into a practical commuter package. With 65 kmpl petrol mileage, 2 kg CNG capacity, 147.8 kg weight, and prices starting at ₹90,976 (ex-showroom), it delivers compelling economics for high-mileage riders.
Ideal buyers include:
- Daily commuters exceeding 40 km
- Riders in cities with established CNG infrastructure
- Environmentally conscious consumers
- Budget-focused buyers prioritizing running costs
The motorcycle’s 330 km combined range eliminates range anxiety, while the seamless fuel switching provides unmatched flexibility. Although the CNG network requires consideration, the Freedom 125’s petrol reserve ensures reliability. For Indian commuters seeking maximum fuel economy with minimal environmental impact, the Bajaj Freedom 125 represents a revolutionary choice that balances innovation, practicality, and affordability.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Engine Displacement | 124.58 cc |
| Maximum Power | 9.5 PS @ 8,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 9.7 Nm @ 5,000 rpm |
| Petrol Tank Capacity | 2 litres |
| CNG Tank Capacity | 2 kg |
| Petrol Mileage | 65 kmpl (ARAI) |
| CNG Efficiency | 90-100 km/kg |
| Combined Range | 330 km (200 km CNG + 130 km petrol) |
| Kerb Weight | 147.8 kg |
| Top Speed (Petrol) | 93.4 kmph |
| Top Speed (CNG) | 90.5 kmph |
| Starting Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹90,976 |
| On-road Price (Delhi) | ₹1,05,000 – ₹1,28,291 |
The Bajaj Freedom 125 stands as a testament to Indian engineering innovation, offering a practical solution to rising fuel costs while maintaining the reliability and performance expected from India’s third-largest motorcycle manufacturer.