India’s two‑wheeler market witnessed something unprecedented in mid‑2024. Bajaj Auto, renowned for its innovative and value‑driven offerings, introduced the Bajaj Freedom 125, the world’s first mass‑produced CNG motorcycle. Designed primarily for daily commuters, the Freedom blends fuel economy, modern convenience, and safety—ushering in a new chapter for affordable mobility.
A Game‑Changer in Fuel Efficiency
At the heart of the Freedom lies a clever dual‑fuel system—a 2 kg CNG tank integrated within a protective trellis frame and a compact 2‑litre petrol tank cleverly positioned above it. Riders can switch between fuels via a handlebar toggle, with a unified filler cap simplifying refueling.
Mileage claims are compelling:
- ~102 km per kg on CNG
- ~65 km per litre on petrol
- Combined range: ~330 km
Real-world tests support those numbers: Autocar reports 94 km/kg in city and up to 126 km/kg on highways with CNG, while petrol delivered around 53–62 kmpl. Financial analysis by Mint estimates the cost per km as low as ₹0.70 using only CNG—nearly half the running cost of conventional petrol bikes.
Strong on Design, Features & Comfort
Performance & Powertrain
- Engine: 124.58 cc air‑cooled, single-cylinder, 9.5 PS @ 8,000 rpm, 9.7 Nm torque around 5,000–6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 5‑speed gearbox
- Top speeds: ~90.5 km/h (CNG) and ~93.4 km/h (petrol)
Chassis & Ergonomics
- Tubular trellis frame with telescopic front forks and link‑monoshock rear suspension—first in its segment
- Seat height: 825 mm; ground clearance: ~165–170 mm; kerb weight: ~148 kg
- Seamlessly blends scrambler-esque styling, an elongated seat, and practical dirt‑bike design cues
Tech & Convenience
- Higher variants include LED headlight, fully digital cluster with Bluetooth, turn‑by‑turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, USB charging, and call switch
- Safety features include a Combined Braking System (CBS) and robust frame-tested protection for the CNG tank
Price, Availability & Recognition
Variants & Pricing
- NG04 Drum (base): ~₹89,997 (ex-showroom)
- NG04 Drum LED (mid): ~₹95,002
- NG04 Disc LED (top): ~₹1.09 lakh
- Launch prices hovered around ₹95,000, with promotional discounts dropping the base variant to ₹85,967 temporarily
Market Response & Accolades
- Rapid adoption—over 20,000 units sold across India by October 2024, highlighting its appeal among cost-conscious riders.
- Named Motorcycle of the Year 2025 by car&bike, praised for its innovation, accessibility, and value proposition.
Final Thoughts: A Smart Choice for Commuters
The Bajaj Freedom 125 isn’t about high-speed thrills. It’s about efficiency, affordability, and functional innovation. Especially for urban riders grappling with rising fuel costs, the switch to CNG translates into substantial monthly savings. As one user put it, monthly fuel expenses dropped from ₹6,000 to just ₹1,500.
While reliance on CNG infrastructure—still developing in many regions—poses a limitation, Bajaj’s dual-fuel approach mitigates fuel anxiety. Plus, their wide service network and the “Bajaj ki Guarantee” ensure long-term peace of mind.
Verdict:
For those seeking a practical, future-ready commuter with cutting-edge fuel efficiency and modern conveniences, the Bajaj Freedom 125 is a standout—and a real symbol of evolving two-wheeler technology in India.