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    Pulsar 400 Becomes No 1 Selling 400cc From Bajaj – Overtakes Triumph, KTM, Husqvarna

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    Bajaj Pulsar 400 Sales AnaysisRoyal Enfield has expanded its Sherpa 450 lineup with Guerrilla 450 to rival the 400cc offerings from Bajaj and its partnersEver since it was launched, Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z has had a lot of sales potential. Bajaj is known to pull aggressive price points and Pulsar NS400Z is no different. Launched at an attractive price point of Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh) Pulsar NS400Z has surpassed the sales of other Bajaj-alliance 400cc motorcycles. Let’s break down the numbers.Pulsar 400 Bags Excellent SalesThe combination of high performance and low price is a rather powerful one. For price-conscious Indian buyers, the higher price for marginal to no real benefits of rival single-cylinder high-performance motorcycles looks obsolete. Hence, Pulsar NS400Z emerges as the value champion.Same analogy is seen in the sales charts. Pulsar NS400Z has out-performed other 400cc motorcycles from Bajaj’s own alliances with Triumph, KTM and Husqvarna. In June 2024, Bajaj Pulsar 400Z sold 2,515 units and secured top position among the likes of Triumph Speed 400, KTM 390 lineup, Bajaj Dominar 400 and Husqvarna Svartpilen 400.With 2,515 units sold, Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z secured a 43.28% market share among this list. Bajaj launched Pulsar NS400Z in May 2023 and it only sold 32 units in that month. For June 2024, MoM growth comes out to be 7,759.38% with volume growth of 2,483 units MoM.Bajaj Pulsar 400 Sales Anaysis – YoYIn 2nd place, we have Triumph 400 lineup including Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. Together, they sold 2,135 units and carved out a 36.74% market share among this list. When compared to 2,117 units sold in May 2024, Triumph 400 registered a 0.85% MoM growth with 18 units gained in volume.KTM’s highly popular 390 lineup took 3rd place in this list with a 12.01% market share. The 698 KTM 390 units sold in June 2024 ensured that the sales numbers halved YoY at a 50.32% YoY decline, losing 707 units in volume. When compared to the 655 units sold a month before, KTM 390 gained 43 units in volume registering a MoM growth of 6.56%.Husqvarna sold 88 Svartpilen 401sBajaj’s Dominar 400 is probably the oldest in the bunch and it still manages to carve out a decent sales proposition. At 375 units, sales have dropped considerably with a 40.19% YoY decline losing 252 units in volume. There was no luck for Dominar 400 in MoM analysis too as numbers dropped from 477 to 375, a 21.38% MoM decline.Bajaj Pulsar 400 Sales Anaysis – MoMEven though it has a unique design character of its own and shares the platform with the new 390 Duke, Husqvarna Svartpilen emerges as the slowest-selling product in this list. With 88 units sold as opposed to 142 units sold in May 2024, Husqvarna 401 saw a 38.03% MoM decline with 54 units lost in volume.In total, Bajaj sold 5,811 400cc bikes through its own brand and partner brands like Triumph, KTM and Husqvarna. This segment is doing extremely well with numbers almost quadrupling YoY at 185.97% growth and a 69.76% MoM growth. Royal Enfield is readying its Sherpa 450-based lineup with Himalayan 450 and the just-launched Guerrilla 450. More

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      Bajaj Freedom 125 Sales and Delivery Starts – Bookings Open Nationwide

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      Bajaj Freedom CNG Delivery StartsFirst Bajaj Freedom 125 Sale and Delivery in Pune – Over 30,000 enquiries recordedBajaj Auto launched the Freedom 125 on 5th July 2024. The first motorcycle has now been delivered to Mr. Pravin Thorat in Pune, India. The bike is available in three variants and starts at ?95,000 (Ex-Showroom Delhi). Bookings are now open nationwide. This model’s unique selling proposition is its CNG integration, making it the world’s first motorcycle with this feature.Comfort and convenience are prioritised with a mono-linked suspension system, a long and quilted seat, LED headlamps, and digital speedometers. Bluetooth connectivity enhances rider experience by providing seamless integration, adding to the bike’s modern appeal. Bajaj Auto is working on ramping up distribution routes across its dealer network to meet high consumer demand. By making innovation accessible to a broader audience, Bajaj reinforces its legacy of pioneering advancements in the motorcycle industry.[embedded content]Dual-Fuel Efficiency with 330 km RangeCustomer interest has surged, with over 30,000 enquiries within a week. Freedom 125 boasts a CNG tank range of over 200 km on 2 kg of CNG. The petrol tank holds 2 litres, providing a total range of 330 km when combined with the CNG. Dual-fuel capacity not only extends the range but also offers flexibility in fuel usage. A feather in the cap of flexi fuel vehicle options.Environmentally, the Freedom 125 reduces CO2 emissions by 26.7 percent compared to traditional petrol motorcycles. Operating costs are up to 50 percent lower than similar petrol models, making it both eco-friendly and economical. The motorcycle’s advanced safety features include a trellis frame that securely houses the CNG tank, ensuring stability and protection.2W CNG Integration: Go Big, or Go HomeBajaj Auto’s commitment to innovation is evident in the Freedom 125’s design and features. The company aims to set new standards in the motorcycle industry by offering advanced technology at an affordable price. This approach not only benefits consumers but also positions Bajaj as a leader in sustainable mobility solutions. On the alternate mobility front, the company sells Bajaj Chetak. A field that is being increasingly occupied by new age manufacturers.Bajaj Freedom 125 addresses the pressing need for cost effective commuter bikes. By integrating CNG, Bajaj provides a viable alternative to petrol motorcycles, reducing emissions and operating costs. This move aligns with global trends toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. Bajaj Freedom 125 sales projections are set at 10k units in the early months. Numbers are expected to increase to 40k units pm by fiscal end.Bajaj Freedom 125: Setting New StandardsWhile nothing has been said about the ideal buyer group, the bike could also be an attractive proposition to fleets. It’s convenient, cost effective, and quick to fill CNG. A long seat to carry large delivery loads, and a steady ride in city conditions. With CNG bunks on the rise, filling stations could very well be set up in the vicinity of delivery warehouses.“The Bajaj Freedom 125 launch has generated almost unprecedented consumer interest in this innovation, which helps deliver significant operating cost savings as well as a greener ride as compared to traditional petrol bikes. We are working hard to ensure that we meet this demand by expanding distribution rapidly across our expansive dealer network. Booking is now open across the country”,” said Mr. Sarang Kanade, President Motorcycles, Bajaj Auto Ltd. More

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      Do Not Invest In CNG Bike, Not Worth Your While – Rajiv Bajaj To Rivals

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      Nitin Gadkari, Rajiv Bajaj, Rakesh Sharma at the CNG Bike LaunchBajaj has filed multiple patents for its CNG two-wheeler platform, of which, around 3-4 are in final stagesAt the Q&A session of Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike launch, the interactions revealed some interesting facts and insights. For example, Rajiv Bajaj revealed how the Freedom CNG bike will challenge the might of Hero MotoCorp in the commuter segment. The Q&A panel also talked about the reasons why a larger CNG tank was not possible.Bajaj Freedom CNG motorcycle patentsResponding to a question about how many patents have been filed for Bajaj Freedom CNG motorcycle, the panel said that multiple patents have been filed. While an exact number was not provided, it was stated that around 3-4 patents are in the final stages. These patents cover various features and functions of the CNG bike. For example, the fuel tank packaging is unique, as there’s a CNG tank as well as a petrol tank.Nitin Gadkari and Rajiv Bajaj at the Freedom CNG launchThe objective was not just to make the dual-fuel system work, but also to ensure optimal safety for users. Bajaj has internally crash tested the Freedom 125 CNG bike, including being completely run over by a 10-ton truck. The bike passed all the tests without any damage to the CNG tank. The pressure gauge remained unchanged, with no leaks detected.Another patent is for the unique ignition system that does not utilize any starter motor. The bike comes to life with just the push of a button. It is also worth noting that Bajaj CNG bike can start directly with CNG fuel. There is no need to start the bike with petrol and later switch to CNG. A third patent is for the automatic switching mechanism between the two fuels. If the CNG tank reaches minimums, the bike will automatically shift to petrol and vice-versa.Bajaj Freedom CNG BikeHeavy investments – Don’t take the CNG routeAdding to the discussion about patents, Rajiv Bajaj said that the company has made significant investments in developing the CNG bike. On a lighter note, he recommended that other OEMs should avoid this segment due to the heavy investments involved. Below is the entire QnA with Rajiv Bajaj at the CNG bike launch, the part where he tells rivals not to invest in CNG bike is from 23:10 mark.[embedded content]Interestingly, there are reports that TVS has started testing the CNG version of its Jupiter 125cc scooter. It is expected to be launched in the next 3-12 months’ time frame.What does NG represent in the bike’s name?Talking about how the bike got the NG suffix in its name (Freedom 125 NG04), Rajiv Bajaj provided the complete details. While using CNG would have made the messaging crystal clear, this name sounded too mechanical. After a lot of research and discussion, the NG name was chosen for the bike. NG directly relates to CNG and it can also refer to the New Generation or Next Generation. It also sounds good, which is why it was finalized.On a funnier note, the company’s CFO pointed out that NG can even relate to Nitin Gadkari. It is Nitin Gadkari who has been making a strong push for greener fuels including CNG. He was present at the launch event and had unveiled the Bajaj Freedom CNG bike. More

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      2025 Bajaj Pulsar ADV Spied Testing Again – Reveals New Details

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      Bajaj Pulsar ADV SpiedWhen launched, Bajaj Pulsar ADV is likely to be in a niche and attract a lot of buyers who want a high-riding ADV-styled motorcycleThe new Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle is currently all the rage in India. It has unprecedented popularity and is likely to be the hottest Indian motorcycle in the coming months. However, Bajaj is creating another buzz with an upcoming ADV style Pulsar motorcycle. It has been spotted testing for the second time, revealing new details.Bajaj Pulsar ADV Spied Testing AgainIf we take a look at Bajaj’s portfolio, we can see that the company lacks a proper ADV or even a faux ADV. In a time where ADVs and ADV-styled motorcycles are gaining popularity, Bajaj is diving into the genre too. Not that Bajaj never designed an ADV styled motorcycle.Bajaj Pulsar ADV SpiedThe company offered Pulsar AS series (Adventure Sports), which was discontinued owing to poor sales. Now, Bajaj seems to be at it again. This is the second time Bajaj’s upcoming ADV-styled motorcycle has been spied. The new spy shot is credited to automotive enthusiast Irfan Khan, who spotted it in Lonavala.We can see the bike from its exhaust side, showing interesting details from the side profile. Overall, Bajaj Pulsar ADV spied, looks a lot like Pulsar NS. So, Bajaj might be positioning its upcoming ADV on Pulsar NS platform boasting its tried and tested perimeter frame and the box-section swingarm.Bajaj Pulsar ADV SpiedNotable changes are the new front seat, which is scooped out quite a bit, to offer a low seat height. This is a common practice in high-riding ADVs. Seat is of split design and looks like it offers decent wiggle room. Fuel tank looks large and muscular with beefy tank shrouds. There is no bikini fairing and tall windscreen like Pulsar AS, though.Bajaj Pulsar ADV SpiedTail section looks very similar to Pulsar NS range, packing almost identical tail lights. Grab rail is a single-piece design on this upcoming Pulsar ADV, while NS gets a split design. There is a beak-like element protruding down from the headlight too, lending the whole ADV look.What to expect?Thie upcoming Bajaj Pulsar ADV looks like it has USD telescopic front forks. But the rear disc brakes and skinny tyres suggest that this could be a 125cc motorcycle. So, the beefy appeal from the front suspension area might be due to fork covers, similar to what we saw in Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle. So, RSU telescopic forks with beefy covers are most likely.125cc Pulsars are Bajaj’s best-sellers and sell like hot cakes when compared to other motorcycles. So, expanding this category further to include an ADV-style motorcycle might prove to be a good decision. LED headlights, LED tail lights, a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth support, USB charging port, rear mono-shock suspension setup, 17-inch alloys at both ends and front disc brake are some of the features and componentry.Powertrains-wise, upcoming Bajaj Pulsar ADV is likely to come equipped with a similar setup as Pulsar NS125. So, around 12 PS of peak power, 11 Nm of peak torque, 5-speed gearbox, air-cooled engine, underbelly exhaust setup, kick and self start maybe the ballpark. More

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      Bajaj Freedom 125 First Ride Review – The Dawn Of CNG Motorcycles

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      Bajaj Freedom 125 First Ride ReviewMost notable attribute about the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle is its incredible mileage (fuel efficiency) claiming up to 102 km/kgBajaj is rewriting the books of automotive history by launching the Freedom 125 in India. With huge export ambitions, Freedom 125 CNG will be remembered in history as the one that started it all. The first, the pratham, la primera, o primeiro, la premiere. Bajaj had provided Rushlane with a review sample for a short time. This is what we think about the world’s first CNG motorcycle.Bajaj Freedom 125 First Ride ReviewFor a motorcycle like this, everything depends on pricing. So, let’s start with that. Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG starts from Rs 95,000 for base variant and goes till Rs 1.10 lakh (Ex-sh). It is to be noted that Bajaj is matching the base price with other premium sporty 125cc motorcycles. This is commendable move, considering CNG bike has added costs and complexities to account for. The base variant would appeal a lot to fleet operators, while top variant would appeal to individual buyers.Bajaj Freedom 125 First Ride ReviewBajaj decided not to offer a drab-looking motorcycle as their first CNG offering. Even if you take away the CNG wow factor, Freedom 125 is still a handsome looking motorcycle and a standalone quality. We get an exposed trellis frame, beefy tank shrouds, muscular front fork covers, stylish alloy wheels, attractive lighting elements, swanky colours, and a really long seat. Knuckle guards would have made the bike even more attractive.Bajaj Freedom 125Features-wise, Bajaj has offered a fully digital negative LCD instrument cluster that is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. LED headlights, LED tail lights, side-stand engine cut-off, USB charging socket and sturdy hooks for practicality are some of the notable features. All these features make Freedom 125 feature loaded, practical and versatile, apart from being fuel efficient.Bajaj Freedom 125 First Ride ReviewEngine, Specs and MileageMain highlight of Bajaj Freedom 125 is its brand new CNG+Petrol bi-fuel capable engine. This is a brand new 124.58cc single-cylinder Bi-fuel unit from Bajaj capable of running on both petrol and CNG with up to 102 km/kg mileage from CNG and 67 km/l from Petrol. Bajaj could fit this CNG tank under the seat because of this engine’s sloper design of this engine. This whole CNG setup, however, weighs a lot and contributes significantly to the bike’s 147.8 kg kerb weight.CNG tank alone weighs 16 kg and holds 2 kg worth of CNG gas. This CNG tank is protected by the bike’s trellis frame. Because of this whole setup, Bajaj repositioned air box into the fuel tank area, hence pushing a small 2L fuel tank towards the right. According to Bajaj, total range from this system is 330 km, which is not bad for a commuter. Rider can toggle between CNG and petrol modes easily with the flick of a switch on left switchgear.Bajaj Freedom 125 First Ride ReviewThere is a noticeable performance gap between CNG and Petrol. In crude words, Petrol is like a “Sport” mode, while CNG is “Eco”. When compared to other 125cc motorcycles, Bajaj Freedom 125’s performance is a cut below. The 147.8 kg kerb weight slows it down further. Performance metrics are 9.37 bhp and 9.7 Nm. Acceleration is fairly brisk, but overtakes need planning. For a motorcycle geared towards fuel efficiency, performance is perfectly acceptable. We experienced a few false neutrals with the bike’s 5-speed gearbox. Clocking more kilometres may smoothen things out.We did a thorough mileage run on this motorcycle. But the pressure at CNG filling station was not enough refill consistently. So, our mileage test yielded 85 km/kg when run on CNG, which varies with Bajaj’s 102 km/kg number. We might do a proper 100% to 0% mileage run for a more accurate reading in the future. Even at 85 km/kg, Bajaj Freedom 125 easily has the least running costs of any motorcycle in India, owing to the lower price for CNG fuel.Bajaj Freedom 125 First Ride ReviewRide, Handling and ComfortBajaj Auto Has taken special care when it comes to comfort on Freedom 125. The seat is probably the longest in the world and has acres of space. Seat height is 825 mm and was perfectly fine for me (182 cm tall individual) and I could even flat foot without any issues. Rider ergonomics was alright. The bike commanded a slight lean towards the handlebar, but not stress inducing for city commutes in any way. Which is the primary intended use for this bike.Bajaj Freedom 125The bike felt sure-footed while riding in the city or brisker runs on the highway. Freedom 125 doesn’t lose composure when tackling bad patches of road and does a good job of handling road irregularities. There were a few thunks here and there from front suspension. During our short period with this motorcycle, we didn’t feel the suspension setup to be unnerving or worrisome. Braking power was adequate for the segment and intended speeds of Freedom 125.Bajaj Freedom 125 First Ride ReviewConclusionBajaj has put a lot of effort into Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle and it shows. It looks premium and unique, but still matches the base price of its 125cc premium rivals, despite packing additional CNG equipment. In our time with Bajaj Freedom CNG, we faced a few engine related niggles. However, none of these are expected to translate to the production model that buyers will get their hands on.Bajaj Freedom 125We felt like Bajaj could have added an engine stop/start system to eke out even better mileage out of its first-ever CNG motorcycle. We also felt Bajaj could have added an engine kill switch and navigation feature bundled with Bluetooth connectivity. Bajaj needs to come up with more methods to propogate the safety aspects of this motorcycle to nudge buyers. Because safety was one of the concerns a lot of people had with this motorcycle.Bajaj Freedom 125 First Ride ReviewThat said, Bajaj Freedom 125 didn’t have a single deal breaker that would prove to be off-putting for target demographic. In that regard, we think Bajaj has a winner on their hands in the form of Freedom 125. The future of CNG motorcycles is here and we liked it more than we thought we would.[embedded content] More

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      Bajaj Explains Why Freedom CNG Tank Is 2 Kgs And Not More To Give Higher Range

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      Bajaj Freedom CNG TankWhile a bigger CNG tank will mean fewer visits to the gas station, a motorcycle has inherent limitations due to its compact sizeWhen an entirely new product is launched, it is natural for people to have various questions and queries. At the Q&A session held during the launch event of Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike, the panellists responded to the queries and provided some valuable insights.Why Bajaj Freedom 125 couldn’t get a bigger CNG tank?Petrol powered 125cc commuter bikes usually have fuel tank capacity of around 10-11 litres. But in the case of Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike, the total fuel capacity is 2 Kg of CNG and 2 litres of petrol. Bajaj claims mileage of 102 km per kg for the CNG and around 65 km per litre with petrol. The overall range comes around at 330 km. While this seems quite adequate, many people may frown upon the limited 2+2 fuel carrying capacity.Bajaj Freedom CNGResponding to a question why Freedom 125 does not get a larger CNG tank of say 4-5 kgs, which will increase the ride range on full tank to 500+ kms, the panellists provided all the technical details. The two main reasons for not having a larger CNG tank include the cost involved and the limited capacity of the bike. Just looking at the CNG tank placed under the seat reveals the huge size. Bajaj is using high-quality PESO certified CNG tanks, made from thick sheet metal.The CNG tank itself weighs 16 kg, probably making it the second heaviest single component of the bike after the engine. Add 2 kg of CNG and the weight reaches 18 kg. With the heavy duty CNG tank and supporting safety equipment, Bajaj Freedom 125 has a kerb weight of 149 kg. This is already much higher than petrol-powered 125cc bikes. For example, Honda Shine 125 weighs 113 kg whereas Hero Super Splendor has kerb weight of 123 kg.Impact on ride dynamicsAdding any more weight to Freedom 125 would have impacted the bike’s ride dynamics. Fuel efficiency could also have been reduced. The large size of the fuel tank clearly shows that there’s hardly any space to accommodate a larger CNG tank. Explanation from Bajaj regarding why the CNG tank is 2 kgs capacity can be seen in the video below from 35:10 mark.[embedded content]Cost constraintsAnother reason for not having a larger CNG fuel tank relates to the cost aspects. The entire dual-fuel CNG + petrol setup is quite expensive. Adding a larger CNG tank will probably necessitate new components, especially for safety reasons. The CNG tank itself is quite expensive. As Bajaj was aiming at a starting price of less than Rs 1 lakh, the 2 kg CNG tank was just right from the cost perspective.Refuelling challengesThe Q&A panellists also talked about the prevailing CNG dispensing pressure at gas stations. At around 180 to 200 bars, the pressure may not be enough to fully utilize the available storage space. The panellists requested gas suppliers to increase the dispensing pressure to around 350 bar. This will allow more CNG to be filled in the same available space.In the future, Bajaj may take measures to reduce the weight of the CNG bike. For that, one of the options is to use composite materials. Such steps will be taken after the cost aspects are taken care of. More

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      Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank Filling – Public Reactions On Cam (Ye Chalega Abhi, Petrol Nahi Parwadta)

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      Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank Filling ExperienceHeadline figures of Bajaj Freedom CNG bike are 2kg CNG capacity with 102 km/kg, 2L Petrol tank with 67 Km/l and 330km range on one fillCNG as a fuel is gaining popularity quite a bit in the recent past. So much so, that Bajaj Auto has even launched world’s first ever CNG motorcycle in the form of Freedom 125. Bajaj has provided us with a Freedom 125 for a first ride review. As there is an embargo on sharing the review and opinion, we will not be able to tell you how the bike is. What we can show you, is the public reaction about the experience we had at the CNG fuelling station earlier today.Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank FillingThis is the first time a 2W vehicle manufacturer has launched a CNG motorcycle. Freedom 125 CNG is the first of its kind and is capable of running on both CNG and Petrol fuels. Bajaj has provided a toggle on left switchgear that seamlessly switches between CNG and Petrol. This is a very neat feature and allows convenience and “freedom” for buyers.Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank Filling ExperienceWhen it comes to refilling Bajaj Freedom, it is not a cakewalk, considering the fewer CNG filling stations. First thing we realised is the sheer number of CNG vehicles in big cities like Pune and fewer CNG filling stations in contrast. Resulting in vast queues at CNG stations from auto rickshaws, cabs and fleet drivers.We went to Ghorpadi CNG station in Koregaon Park, Pune, to refill Freedom 125 for the first time. Because India is still in a honeymoon phase with Bajaj Freedom 125, we were luckily allowed to bypass the rather long queue. Other customers didn’t protest, which might not be the case in the future, once there are many CNG 2Ws on the road.Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank Filling ExperienceHow smooth was the procedure?While refilling, we did not encounter any hassles and the process went smoothly, accepting CNG at a decent pressure. However, CNG station staff were witnessing an OEM CNG bike for the first time and we were not asked to stand far away from the motorcycle while refilling. In excitement of refilling the world’s first CNG bike for the first time, we missed getting away from the motorcycle while refilling.Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank Filling ExperienceHazards of static electricity build-up from fabric seats and CNG smell in a car with all windows closed, doesn’t apply to Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle. However, standing far away while refuelling a CNG motorcycle is still the recommended practice. That is because the high pressure involved in the CNG filling process might result in unwanted bursts or other related hazards. We will be more cautious in the future and suggest the same for everyone else. Bajaj has done extensive safety tests on Freedom 125 and promises a robust system without any hazards.Public reactions!Riding Bajaj Freedom 125 in Pune city, or on the highway attracts a lot of eyeballs. It is probably the hottest motorcycle in India and garners a lot of interest among general consensus. There have been many instances where riders overtook me on the highway, requested me to stop and enquired about this motorcycle. In the city, that effect is compounded further.Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank Filling ExperienceAt Ghorpadi CNG station in Koregaon Park, Pune, we had to explain to the operators that this is a CNG motorcycle and we were not lost in search of petrol. Apart from the operators, Freedom 125 also irked the interest of many bystanders and customers of auto rickshaws and cabs. Soon, Freedom 125 attracted a fair number of admirers and all of them were curious to know more about it. Video below captures the entire experience.[embedded content]“Kitna deti hai”, “kitne ki hai”, “kitna CNG aata hai” were primary questions and not a single one of them were concerned about the bike’s performance. We saw people’s faces light up when they heard Freedom 125’s low running costs and its introductory prices. Few were interested in the technical aspects like bike starting on CNG and the switching to petrol. Many expressed their enthusiasm about the bike’s long seat and we didn’t find a single soul that disliked Freedom’s unique design. One guy even went on to say, “Ye Chalega Abhi, Petrol Nahi Parwadta” (This bike will be in demand as petrol has become too expensive).Experiencing the CNG refuelling process of Bajaj Freedom 125, we have a few thoughts. Firstly, there is a need to rapidly expand the existing CNG station network to ease the process for auto rickshaws, cabs, fleet operators and now, motorcycles. Separate queues for motorcycles in CNG stations is something to think about as they take very less time. Making CNG station personnel and CNG motorcycle buyers aware of safety precautions is paramount too. More

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      Rajiv Bajaj To Hero MotoCorp At Bajaj CNG Bike Launch – Tiger Zinda Hain

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      Nitin Gadkari, Rajiv Bajaj, Rakesh Sharma at the CNG Bike LaunchWith its Freedom 125 CNG bike, Bajaj can now effectively challenge the ‘fill it, shut it, forget it’ killer campaign of the 90sFortunes keep changing in the business world, as new competitors emerge and grab a larger market share. There are also occasions where an earlier dethroned leader may reclaim its lost glory. In the context of the long rivalry between Bajaj and Hero Honda in the commuter segment, it appears that the former may now have an upper hand with its Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle.Tiger Zinda Hain – says Rajiv BajajAt the Q&A session held during the launch of the world’s first CNG bike, some interesting facts and insights were revealed. One of the questions asked was about the reasons why a petrol bike user will switch to CNG. Responding to that, Rajiv Bajaj shared the complete story thus far.Bajaj Freedom 125 CNGIt was in the 1990s when Hero Honda had started winning the trust and confidence of users in the commuter segment. With reliable products such as CD100 and the promise of higher mileage, an increasing number of people started shifting from scooters to motorcycles. Rajiv mentions that a motorcycle with around 80 km/L mileage was naturally preferred by people over a scooter that gave only 40 km/L. It clearly indicates that fuel bills were an important decision-making factor for users in the commuter segment.Based on sales data, Rajiv points out that it was in 1997-1998 that Hero Honda overtook Bajaj in two-wheelers sales in the domestic market. It was a defining moment, as a new leader had emerged in the two-wheeler industry. The shift was so dramatic that Bajaj eventually had to close down its scooter business. Instead, the company started focusing on the motorcycle segment.Bajaj Freedom 125 CNGRemembering the old times, Rajiv mentions that the late Hero Honda Chairman Brijmohan Lall Munjal had called Bajaj as a wounded tiger. Munjal had asked its dealers to be careful of the wounded tiger. This was after Hero Honda had taken a lead over Bajaj in two-wheeler sales. Now, after around 30 years, Bajaj is in a position to avenge their loss against their primary rival.To describe the situation in typical Bollywood style, Rajiv Bajaj said that the message of Freedom 125 CNG bike 30 years later is “Tiger Zinda Hain”. Below is the Media QnA session recording from the Bajaj CNG launch. The story about Tiger Zinda Hain remark starts at about 27:30 mark.[embedded content]Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG – Truly a pioneering projectWhile it is difficult to predict consumer response, Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle has significant potential. One is looking at certified mileage of over 100 km/L when the bike is running on CNG. Add to that the savings that will come from the lower cost of CNG vs. petrol. Across most locations, CNG is around Rs 15 to Rs 20 cheaper than petrol.Apart from the fuel cost savings, Freedom 125 CNG bike offers various other advantages. It is the world’s first hybrid CNG bike with petrol as a dual-fuel option. Users can seamlessly switch from CNG to petrol and vice-versa with just the press of a button. Other highlights include an extra-long seat, a unique mono-linked type suspension, advanced safety features, digital speedometer and Bluetooth connectivity. Pricing is also quite reasonable, starting at Rs 95,000. More

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      We Cannot Legally Say That 4 People Should Sit On A Two Wheeler – Rajiv Bajaj Keynote At CNG Bike Launch

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      Bajaj Freedom 125 CNGWhile multiple options were available, there’s a reason why Freedom 125 name was chosen for the world’s first CNG hybrid motorcycleBajaj recently launched its first CNG bike, the Freedom 125. At the launch event, Rajiv Bajaj shared details about the bike during his keynote address. He described the company’s journey thus far and why the CNG bike is a major milestone. Rajiv also talked about the various aspects of freedom that this motorcycle offers to its riders and other stakeholders.Freedom from petrol imports, emissions and high pricesWith the vast majority of the population in India using two-wheelers, petrol consumption is massive. Much of the petrol is imported, something that is a huge financial burden. Dependency is increased on oil producing nations, which presents geopolitical risks. Bajaj CNG bike can help reduce petrol import bills, assuming that it registers strong sales.Nitin Gadkari and Rajiv Bajaj at the Freedom CNG launchEnvironmental impact will be reduced, as Bajaj CNG bike has lower emissions in comparison to petrol commuter bikes. Users can get relief from high petrol prices by switching over to CNG. Dual-fuel capability ensures that riders can manage their fuel expenses in a better way.Freedom from range anxiety and charging concernsWhile electric two-wheelers are registering strong sales including Bajaj Chetak, issues like range anxiety and charging concerns are not completely eliminated. Bajaj Freedom dual-fuel CNG bike does not have to face such constraints. In case CNG is not easily available nearby, users can easily switch to petrol. A dual-fuel option ensures a seamless and worry-free riding experience.[embedded content]Freedom from carrying babies on lapRajiv talked about how commuter motorcycle users often have to carry their children on their lap. This is due to the small seat size of entry-level commuter bikes. Bajaj CNG bike has an extra-long seat, which means no more carrying babies on lap. While two-wheelers legally support only the rider and pillion, Rajiv said that practical necessities are also relevant. Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle provides a safer and comfortable family travel experience.During the keynote, in an address to Nitin Gadkari, Rajiv Bajaj says, “We cannot legally say that 4 people can sit on a two wheeler. So, I have said what I wanted to say.” He added, “I don’t think any babies will have to sit on their mother’s lap (on a motorcycle) anymore, after this motorcycle’s launch.”Freedom from boring design and uncomfortable ridesBajaj Freedom 125 CNG has an exciting design, quite distinct from the conventional look of commuter motorcycles. The modern and dynamic aesthetics will appeal to style-conscious users. Another key highlight is a unique monolink suspension, a first-in-class feature. This advanced suspension system absorbs shocks and vibrations more effectively. Users can expect smoother rides across both city streets and rough terrains.Freedom for every child to exercise their right to clean airBajaj CNG bike aims at ensuring clean air for future generations. Rajiv said that if all stakeholders work together, a dramatic change can be achieved in the automotive space. The shift from petrol and diesel to cleaner fuel options such as CNG and electric can be achieved much faster. This will ensure that every child can enjoy the right to clean air. More