Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG vs Petrol: Which One Should You Buy?

Bajaj Freedom 125: A Comprehensive Review of a Versatile Commuter Bike

Bajaj Auto, a leading name in the Indian two-wheeler market, has once again made a significant impact with the launch of the Bajaj Freedom 125. Designed to meet the demands of urban commuters and eco-conscious riders, this bike offers a blend of affordability, practicality, and sustainability. The highlight of this model is the availability of a CNG variant, making it a game-changer in the commuter bike segment.

This article provides a detailed overview of the Bajaj Freedom 125, focusing on its design, features, performance, safety, and pricing.

Bajaj Freedom 125: Design and Styling

The Bajaj Freedom 125 has been designed with a focus on practicality, ensuring a comfortable ride for daily commuters. While its design is not overly flashy, it incorporates modern elements that enhance its overall appeal.

Key design features include:

Minimalistic Styling: The Freedom 125 sports a clean and simple look with minimal body graphics, making it suitable for riders who prefer understated aesthetics.
Sleek Headlamp Unit: The bike features a halogen headlamp with integrated LED DRLs, ensuring good visibility during both day and night rides.
Comfort-Oriented Seat: The well-padded seat offers ample space for both the rider and pillion, ensuring comfort on long rides.
Alloy Wheels: Lightweight alloy wheels not only add to the bike’s modern look but also enhance its handling.
Color Variants: The bike is available in multiple color options, including shades like Racing Red, Pearl White, and Matte Black, allowing buyers to choose according to their preferences.

Bajaj Freedom 125: Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Bajaj Freedom 125 is a 124.5cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This engine is tuned to offer a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for city commutes.

Performance highlights:

Power Output: The engine delivers 10.8 bhp at 7,500 rpm, ensuring smooth acceleration and adequate power for urban roads.
Torque: With a peak torque of 11 Nm at 6,000 rpm, the bike provides a responsive riding experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Transmission: It comes with a 5-speed gearbox, allowing for effortless gear shifts and a smoother ride.

The bike is available in two fuel variants—petrol and CNG—giving riders the flexibility to choose based on their commuting needs.

Bajaj Freedom 125: The CNG Variant

One of the standout features of the Bajaj Freedom 125 is its factory-fitted CNG option. With rising fuel prices and increasing environmental concerns, this variant offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for daily commuting.

Key benefits of the CNG variant:

Lower Running Costs: CNG is significantly cheaper than petrol, reducing the overall cost of ownership.
Environmentally Friendly: CNG emits fewer pollutants compared to petrol, making it a greener choice.
Dual Fuel Mode: Riders can switch between petrol and CNG modes with a simple toggle, ensuring convenience during long rides or when CNG is not readily available.
Mileage: The CNG variant offers an impressive mileage of up to 80 km/kg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in its category.

Bajaj Freedom 125: Comfort and Ride Quality

Bajaj has ensured that the Freedom 125 offers a comfortable riding experience, even on longer commutes. The bike’s ergonomics are well thought out, with a comfortable seating position and easy-to-reach handlebars.

Comfort features include:

Suspension: The telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers work together to absorb bumps and potholes, providing a smooth ride.
Wide Footrests: Both the rider and pillion footrests are wide and well-positioned, ensuring comfort during extended rides.
Electric Start: The electric start feature adds convenience, especially in busy urban environments.
Instrument Cluster: The semi-digital instrument cluster displays essential information such as speed, fuel level, trip meter, and gear position.

Bajaj Freedom 125: Safety Features

Safety is a crucial factor in commuter bikes, and Bajaj has equipped the Freedom 125 with several features to ensure a secure riding experience.

Key safety features include:

Front Disc Brake: The front disc brake provides better stopping power and control.
Rear Drum Brake: The rear drum brake, combined with the front disc, ensures balanced braking.
CBS (Combi-Braking System): The Combi-Braking System ensures that both brakes are applied simultaneously during sudden braking, reducing the chances of skidding.
Tubeless Tyres: The bike comes with tubeless tyres, which minimize the risk of sudden deflation in case of a puncture.

Bajaj Freedom 125: Features and Technology

While the Bajaj Freedom 125 focuses on practicality, it doesn’t compromise on modern features. The bike is equipped with several tech-driven elements that enhance the overall riding experience.

Notable features include:

LED DRLs: The LED daytime running lights improve visibility during the day, ensuring better safety.
USB Charging Port: A built-in USB port allows riders to charge their mobile devices on the go.
Dual Fuel Indicators: The instrument cluster has separate indicators for petrol and CNG levels, ensuring riders are always aware of their fuel status.

Bajaj Freedom 125: Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a major factor for buyers in the commuter segment, and the Bajaj Freedom 125 excels in this regard.

Petrol Variant Mileage: The petrol variant offers a mileage of around 65-70 km/l under standard riding conditions.
CNG Variant Mileage: The CNG variant provides an impressive mileage of up to 80 km/kg, making it one of the most economical bikes in its class.

Bajaj Freedom 125: Pricing and Variants

Bajaj has priced the Freedom 125 competitively, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers.

Petrol Variant: Priced at approximately ₹65,000 (ex-showroom).
CNG Variant: Priced at around ₹75,000 (ex-showroom).

The slight premium for the CNG variant is justified by its lower running costs and environmental benefits.

Bajaj Freedom 125: Pros and Cons

Pros:

Excellent fuel efficiency
Availability of CNG variant
Comfortable ride quality
Affordable pricing

Cons:

Basic design compared to some competitors
Limited high-speed performance

Bajaj Freedom 125: Conclusion

The Bajaj Freedom 125 is a well-rounded commuter bike that ticks all the right boxes for budget-conscious riders. With its dual-fuel option, impressive mileage, and comfortable ride quality, it offers excellent value for money. The addition of a CNG variant further enhances its appeal, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious commuters.

Whether you are a daily office-goer or a student looking for an economical mode of transport, the Bajaj Freedom 125 is a reliable and practical option. Its combination of affordability, efficiency, and modern features makes it a compelling choice in the competitive 125cc segment.

In conclusion, the Bajaj Freedom 125 is more than just a commuter bike—it is a smart investment for those who prioritize cost-effective and eco-friendly commuting. With Bajaj’s strong after-sales service network and the bike’s robust build quality, owning and maintaining the Freedom 125 is sure to be a hassle-free experience.