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

    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

    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)

    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

    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

    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

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    Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG Vs Rivals (w Similar Price) – Xtreme 125R, Raider 125, Pulsar NS125

    Bajaj Freedom 125 CNGWhen opposed to rivals, Bajaj Freedom excels at offering exceptionally low running costs while matching the price of other sporty 125cc bikesRewriting the rule book of 125cc motorcycles, or any motorcycle sold in the world, Bajaj has launched world’s first-ever CNG bike. Called Freedom 125, this CNG motorcycle is very interesting in terms of its product positioning, overall styling and features. Here is how it would fare with rival 125cc motorcycles in a similar price range.Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG Vs Sporty RivalsFreedom 125 is specially designed for buyers looking to minimise their running costs on a daily basis. So, buyers are looking at 100cc and 110cc budget commuters. In the car world, a CNG kit like this would cost around Rs 1 lakh extra over regular ICE vehicles. But here is Bajaj Freedom 125, matching its price with other sporty 125cc motorcycles, despite packing complex engineering in the form of a CNG kit.Bajaj Freedom 125 CNGBajaj Freedom 125 has design elements like front fork covers, LED headlights, X-motif LED tail light, exposed trellis frame, muscular tank shrouds, longest-ever seat, playful colours, contrasting silver-tone parts, colour-coded components and more. Comparing it to 125cc motorcycles with a basic commuter silhouette feels wrong. Thus narrowing the competition to TVS Raider 125, Hero Xtreme 125R and Bajaj’s own Pulsar NS125.Where powertrains are concerned, Freedom 125 packs the least punch. At 9.37 bhp and 9.7 Nm, performance isn’t anything to write home about. The most powerful in this bunch is Pulsar NS125. Owing to its 123kg lightweight, TVS Raider 125 packs the highest power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios in this comparison. Interestingly, Freedom makes its peak torque at just 5,000 RPM, lower than others.Bajaj Freedom 125 Vs Rivals – SpecsAt 147.8 kg, Freedom 125 is the heaviest of this bunch and the uninspiring performance metrics signify it. At just 2L petrol and 2Kg CNG, Freedom 125 also has the lowest fuel capacity. That said, Freedom 125 was built to offer exceptional fuel efficiency and lowest running costs. Something which it does rather well. At 102 km/kg, Freedom 125 trounces all of its rivals. Even if one has a 50 km daily commute, they only have to refuel Freedom 125 once, at the least cost.Features and ComponentryWe already established that Freedom 125 weighs the most, that’s because of its added components and complex engineering, which is perfectly acceptable. Owing to its complexity, it has the highest seat height at 825mm and lowest ground clearance at 170 mm. Also, some of the component choices for Freedom 125 are very interesting too. For example, Bajaj is offering a 16-inch rear wheel, while rivals offer 17-inchers.Bajaj Freedom 125 Vs Rivals – FeaturesThat said, Bajaj is matching tyre width with Hero Xtreme 125R (90-section front and 120-section rear), which used to offer widest-in-segment tyres. These are wider than Pulsar NS125 and Raider 125. All the contenders offer RSU telescopic front forks and a rear mono-shock setup. That said, we liked Bajaj Freedom’s fork covers which look substantial and add a muscular appeal.Except for Hero Xtreme 125R with a larger 276mm front disc, all other bikes offer 240mm front disc and 130mm rear drum brakes. While LED headlights and tail lights are offered by all these bikes (at least as an option), only Xtreme 125R offers LED turn indicators. Only TVS Raider 125 has a TFT instrument cluster with a plethora of added features including navigation, while others offer Bluetooth with limited functionalities.Bajaj Freedom 125 Instrument ScreenBecause Bajaj Freedom 125 is their first CNG offering, the company is trying to appeal to multiple genres at once with premium attributes. In the coming future, there may be a CNG offering with the CT line that might hit a much lower price point, without any fancy gizmos and premium appeal.Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG Filler More

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    Bajaj Freedom CNG Crash Tested – Truck Drives Over CNG Tank To Test Safety

    Bajaj Freedom CNG Crash TestedHaving passed multiple frontal, side and rear collision tests, Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike guarantees a high level of safetyWhile Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike’s primary USP is its 100 km/kg mileage, safety systems are also pretty robust. The CNG tank is enclosed within a strong trellis frame and further secured with an additional tank shield. The CNG tank itself is certified by PESO (Petroleum & Explosive Safety Organization), thereby meeting government mandated safety standards.Bajaj Freedom 125 crash tested internallyBajaj has utilized a unique setup for its CNG bike. Multiple innovations have been applied in terms of placement of the CNG tank, fitting a sloper engine and achieving adequate control and balance. To ensure that Freedom 125 meets user expectations, the bike has undergone rigorous and comprehensive safety testing. It includes frontal, side and rear impact tests.Bajaj Freedom CNG Crash TestedIn one of the frontal collision tests, the bike can be seen hitting a 1.5-ton load head-on. With both the bike and the load moving towards each other, the relative speed of the bike is 60 km/h. The 1.5-ton load is comparable to an SUV like Hyundai Alcazar that weighs 1,435 kg. Even after such a high impact collision, the CNG tank of Freedom 125 stays in prime condition.The position of the CNG tank remains unchanged and there’s hardly any dents or scratch marks. The pressure gauge stays in the original position, revealing that there is no CNG leakage. Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike has also passed side impact tests and vertical drop tests. In all these tests, there was no damage to the CNG tank or leakage issue.Bajaj Freedom CNG Crash TestedTruck Runover TestGoing a step further, Bajaj has even put the Freedom 125 under the wheels of a 10-ton truck. This may seem like a crude way of testing, but the results are certainly in favour of Freedom 125. Even when completely run over by the 10-ton truck’s rear wheels, the CNG tank remains intact. Its position is unchanged and the pressure gauge does not indicate any leaks.[embedded content]Other safety tests performed on the bike include CNG valve impact test, 50 KG filling unit strength test and 20G pull out test. All of these are as per the safety norms mandated by the government for CNG vehicles. Such rigorous testing dispels doubts that some people may have about using a CNG bike.Bookings open for Maharashtra, GujaratBajaj will be introducing the Freedom 125 CNG bike across India in a phased manner. Bookings are currently open for Maharashtra and Gujarat locations. Three variants are on offer, with prices starting at Rs 95,000.Bajaj Freedom 125 CNGA pan-India rollout will take several years, as CNG is yet to reach several districts in the country. Some states have a much higher penetration of CNG in comparison to other states. For example, Gujarat has CNG availability in 100% of its districts, whereas Telangana has CNG pumps in only 27% of its districts (As of Dec 2023). North eastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya and Sikkim have zero CNG availability. More

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    Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG Tank Detailed – Top 5 Things To Know, Official Specs

    Bajaj Freedom 125 CNGWhen opposed to 125cc rivals like Raider 125, SP125, Glamour XTEC and even Xtreme 125R, Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG offers the lowest running costsBajaj has launched the world’s first CNG motorcycle in the form of Freedom 125. Prices for this motorcycle start at Rs 95,000 (Ex-sh) and go till Rs 1,10,000 (Ex-sh). There are 7 new colours and three variants to choose between. There is a lot to know about the new Freedom 125. Here are the top 5 things.Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG – Official Specs1 – DesignThis is a rather surprising one. Aimed to please budget commuters, one would not expect style and substance from a motorcycle of this class and genre. That said, Bajaj has surprised us a lot. We did attend the launch event today and Bajaj Freedom 125 looks a lot better in person than in pictures. Bajaj has put their soul into making this a handsome machine and the results are fascinating.Bajaj Freedom 125 CNGFor starters, there is an ADV inspiration with Freedom 125, which is not a bad thing. The bike looks substantial for a 125cc motorcycle. There is a silver-finished exposed trellis frame effect, longest seat in any bike, a colour-coded grab rail, stylish tail light, beefy-looking front fork covers, engine cowl along with tank shrouds.2 – Variants and PricingInitially speculated to be 2 variants, Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle has been launched in three variants. Called Drum, Drum LED and Disc LED, these three variants are priced at Rs 95,000, Rs 1.05 lakh and Rs 1.1 lakh (Ex-sh) respectively. As the name suggests, the base variant gets halogen headlights, top two trims offer LED headlights and only the top trim has front disc brakes.Bajaj Freedom 125 – CNG and Petrol fillingThere are 7 colours to choose from. Base Drum variant gets Pewter Grey-Yellow and Ebony Black Red options. The top two variants can be had in Caribbean Blue, Ebony Black-Grey, Pewter Grey-Black, Racing Red and Cyber White. None of the variants get knuckle guards, which was among the expected features.[embedded content]3 – Bi-fuel Petrol+CNG PowertrainThe primary highlight of Bajaj Freedom 125 is the new Bi-fuel Petrol+CNG powertrain. This 125cc single-cylinder engine is horizontally mounted to liberate space for the CNG tank to go underneath the seat. This engine is capable of combusting both petrol and CNG. At the flick of a switch, rider can change fuel preference from CNG to petrol or vice versa.Bajaj Freedom 125 CNGPerformance metrics of this engine are slightly below other 125cc offerings. 9.5 PS peak power at 8,000 RPM and 9.7 Nm peak torque at 6,000 RPM, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The fuel tank can hold 2L of petrol and CNG tank can hold 2kg worth of gas. Bike’s trellis frame cradles this CNG tank and acts as a protective cage.On top of the fuel tank, we have a common filler cap that gives access to fill both petrol and CNG. Bajaj promises that the CNG motorcycle has been extensively tested and has passed as many as 11 safety tests based on industry standards. This should give buyers enough assurance and a sense of security.Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG4 – Mileage and Running CostsThis is what will excite the target demographic. The all-important mileage figure (fuel efficiency). Bajaj is promising best-in-segment fuel efficiency figures with Freedom 125 and lowest running costs of any motorcycle. So, the headline figure is 102 km/kg when run on CNG and 67 km/l when run on petrol.Given that Freedom 125 has a fuel tank that holds 2 litres of petrol, it should eke out 130 km of range. Also, the 2 kg CNG tank promises 200 km of range. Combined, the total range from Freedom 125 on one filling is 330 km. Not bad at all, for a commuter.Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG5 – Features and ComponentryBajaj has made Freedom 125 quite feature-loaded for the segment. For starters, we get a fully digital instrument cluster with a reverse LCD screen. This cluster is quite informative and shows a host of vehicular information. It even shows gear position, time and side stand warning apart from CNG levels. Bluetooth connectivity is also part of the package and so is a USB port.Where componentry is concerned, Bajaj is offering RSU telescopic front forks behind those muscular fork covers and a linked mono-shock unit for the rear. 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends get tubeless tyres and Bajaj is only offering disc brakes at the front. While turn indicators are halogens, headlight and tail light were LEDs on top variant. The whole package with a CNG tank on Bajaj Freedom 125 weighs 147 kg. More