The Bajaj Freedom 125 is a groundbreaking 125 cc commuter motorcycle built around a dual-fuel system that uses both CNG (compressed natural gas) and petrol. It’s proudly introduced as the world’s first factory-built CNG motorcycle. The bike primarily targets daily city commuters who want lower running costs and a more eco-friendly ride.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 124.58 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder |
| Power | Approx. 9.5 PS at 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 9.7 Nm at 5000–6000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel System | Dual-fuel (2 kg CNG + 2-liter petrol) |
| Mileage | 90–102 km/kg (CNG), 65 km/l (petrol) |
| Range | Up to 330 km |
| Brakes | Front disc (on top trims), rear drum |
| Suspension | Telescopic front, linked rear monoshock |
| Weight | About 149 kg |
| Features | Digital instrument cluster, LED lights, Bluetooth (on higher trims) |
| Price | ₹95,000 to ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom) |
Pricing and Variants
The Bajaj Freedom 125 comes in three variants:
- Drum with halogen headlight: ₹95,000 (ex-showroom)
- Drum with LED: Around ₹1.05 lakh
- Disc with LED: Around ₹1.10 lakh
As of mid-2025, Bajaj is offering discounts of ₹5,000 on the base variant and ₹10,000 on the mid variant, making it even more attractive for budget-conscious riders.
Design and Practicality
The bike features a purposeful commuter-friendly design. A trellis frame supports the chassis and securely holds a 2 kg CNG cylinder under the seat, while a small 2-liter petrol tank sits above. The Freedom 125 also features a long seat that easily accommodates two adults, along with wide handlebars that make it easy to ride in city traffic.
Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and a unique linked rear monoshock, a rare feature in this segment. It rolls on 17-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels, providing a balanced and composed ride. Overall, the design is practical, rugged, and well-suited to Indian roads.
Engine and Performance
Powering the Bajaj Freedom 125 is a 124.58 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox. It delivers around 9.5 PS of power at 8000 rpm and 9.7 Nm of torque at around 5000 to 6000 rpm. In everyday riding conditions, the engine feels smooth and manageable. It is tuned for efficiency and reliability rather than speed.
While the bike is slightly heavier than typical 125 cc machines due to the CNG tank and trellis frame (weighing about 149 kg), it still feels stable. Performance is best in the low and mid-range, making it ideal for city commuting.
Top-end variants offer added features like a full LED headlight, digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and even a switch that lets you easily shift between CNG and petrol.
Mileage and Range
This is where the Bajaj Freedom 125 truly shines. Real-world tests show the following figures:
- CNG mileage: Between 90 and 102 km per kg
- Petrol mileage: Around 65 km per liter
- Combined range: Up to 330 km (200 km on CNG and 130 km on petrol)
- Approximate running cost: Just ₹1 per km
Thanks to its dual-fuel system, riders can switch to petrol if the CNG runs out, adding convenience for longer trips or areas with fewer CNG stations.
Safety and Build Quality
The bike is built with safety in mind. The CNG cylinder is protected within the trellis frame and has been thoroughly tested for impact resistance and durability. The overall build quality feels solid, and the seat cushioning and ride comfort are commendable.
However, one downside is that even the top variant does not offer ABS. The braking system uses a front disc and rear drum with a combined braking system (CBS), which is adequate for most urban needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely low fuel cost
- Environmentally friendly dual-fuel system
- Practical design and comfortable ergonomics
- Decent performance and excellent range
- Good feature list on higher variants
Cons:
- Heavier than standard 125 cc bikes
- Limited petrol tank capacity (2 liters)
- No ABS on any variant
- Not ideal if CNG stations are limited in your city
Final Verdict
The Bajaj Freedom 125 offers a smart, cost-effective, and innovative solution to everyday commuting. With its impressive mileage, dual-fuel versatility, and practical design, it delivers excellent value for money. This bike is especially attractive to riders living in cities where CNG is easily available.
If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable, and eco-conscious commuter bike, the Freedom 125 should definitely be on your shortlist. While it may not appeal to performance enthusiasts, it offers unmatched running cost savings and a unique experience as India’s first CNG motorcycle.