We answer some of the FAQs about the world's first production CNG-powered motorcycle, the Bajaj Freedom 125.
Published on Sep 02, 2025 04:08:00 PM
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The Bajaj Freedom 125 is the world's first production CNG-powered motorcycle and represents a significant milestone in affordable, eco-friendly commuting. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about it.
The Bajaj Freedom 125 uses a 124.58cc single-cylinder, air-cooled ‘sloper’ engine that produces 9.5hp at 8,000rpm and 9.7Nm at 5,000rpm. Designed specifically to run efficiently on both CNG and petrol, it is currently the least powerful 125cc engine on sale in India, with performance closer to 100-110cc motorcycles. That said, in our tests it proved adequate for daily commuting and real-world use.
The Freedom 125 delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, particularly in CNG mode. In our tests, the bike returned 94.15km/kg in the city and an impressive 126.2km/kg on the highway when running on CNG. When switched to petrol mode, it achieved 53.4kpl in the city and 62.37kpl on the highway. With economical riding, achieving 90-100km per kg on CNG is realistic, which can effectively halve your running costs compared to a regular petrol motorcycle.
The Freedom 125 weighs 149kg, which is quite heavy for a commuter motorcycle. This additional weight comes primarily from the 18kg metal CNG cylinder mounted under the seat. To mitigate this, Bajaj has equipped the bike with a 16-inch rear wheel that helps with packaging and reduces unsprung mass, putting less stress on the engine.
The Freedom 125 packs in a few essential features, including a silent starter system and side-stand cutoff across all variants. The top-spec Disc version adds premium touches such as an LED headlight, front disc brake, and Bluetooth connectivity that displays call and SMS alerts on the digital console. The mid-tier Drum LED sticks to drum brakes at both ends and a simpler display, while the entry-level model makes do with a halogen headlamp, slimmer tyres, and smaller drum brakes.
The Bajaj Freedom 125 is available in three variants – Drum, Drum LED, and Disc – with prices ranging from Rs 90,976 to Rs 1.11 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This pricing positions it alongside other 125cc motorcycles like the Hero Xtreme 125R, TVS Raider 125, and Bajaj's own Pulsar N125. With its competitive price and ultra-low running costs, the Freedom 125 is ideal for riders who want to save big on fuel without making the switch to an EV.
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