The Bajaj Freedom 125: Redefining the Commuter Motorcycle for the Modern Era

Ankit Kumar
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The Freedom 125 delivers an unconventional, urban-friendly silhouette with a compact petrol tank, long single-piece seat, and a hexagonal LED headlamp that makes it look distinctive yet purpose-built for daily use. The frame integrates protection around the CNG hardware while keeping proportions tidy, communicating a commuter-first brief that does not hide its innovation.


Dual-fuel powertrain

At its core is a 124.58 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine rated at 9.5 PS and 9.7 Nm, calibrated to run on both CNG and petrol via an on-the-fly toggle, keeping operation simple across city scenarios. Bajaj lists top speeds of 90.5 km/h on CNG and 93.4 km/h on petrol, underscoring that this is a pragmatic commuter tune rather than a performance-biased setup.


Real-world efficiency

Bajaj claims 100 km/kg on CNG and 65 km/l on petrol, aided by a 2 kg CNG cylinder and a 2-litre auxiliary petrol tank, translating into a combined claimed range that covers typical urban weeks between fills for many riders. The brand’s own range figures state 202 km on CNG and 130 km on petrol, giving an indicative combined span of roughly 330 km under standard test conditions.


Ride and comfort

Comfort is a central pillar, with Bajaj emphasizing a very spacious seat and a mono-linked suspension setup designed to isolate the rider from poor surfaces common in Indian cities. The overall kerb weight of around 147.8 kg and an 825 mm seat height position the bike as approachable for a broad range of commuters while remaining stable and planted in daily traffic.


Features and tech

Feature highlights include LED headlamps, an LCD digital instrument cluster, and Bluetooth-enabled call alerts with caller ID, missed call indication, and battery status surfaced on the console for distraction-minimized awareness. The switchgear supports instant switchover between fuels, making range management straightforward without interrupting the ride experience.


Safety and hardware

Higher variants offer a front disc brake paired with a rear drum, aligning stopping power with the engine’s urban performance envelope and price point. Bajaj’s protective trellis-style approach around the CNG system and the company’s testing narrative address typical safety questions, reinforcing confidence in the packaging of the cylinder and lines.


Performance in context

The Freedom 125’s output and gearing suit start-stop traffic, with the 5-speed gearbox aiding relaxed, efficient cruising and minimizing fatigue on longer commutes. Real-world reviews and owner reports have consistently focused on the cost-per-kilometer advantage of CNG and the convenience of a petrol backup, which together reduce anxiety around refueling logistics in mixed urban networks.


Practical ranges and refueling

Bajaj specifies 12.5 L/2 kg CNG capacity and a 2-litre petrol tank, shaping a use-case where CNG remains primary and petrol functions as a limp-home reserve or an instant backup during station gaps. Claimed top speeds and ranges differ slightly by fuel, but the headline takeaway is clear: plan around CNG for savings, and keep petrol for flexibility across variable daily routes.


Pricing and variants

Ex-showroom pricing spans roughly ₹90,976 to ₹1,10,976 across the NG04 Drum, NG04 Drum LED, and NG04 Disc LED variants, letting buyers trade up for lighting and braking upgrades as budget permits. On-road prices vary by city and taxes, with published examples in Patna landing around ₹1.05 lakh to ₹1.29 lakh depending on variant and local charges.


Who it suits

Riders prioritizing ultra-low running costs, predictable urban performance, and modern essentials will find the dual-fuel approach compelling, particularly where CNG networks are accessible. Those wanting LED lighting, a digital cluster with Bluetooth, and a disc-brake option in a distinctive package will appreciate the upper trims’ added value.


Verdict

The Bajaj Freedom 125 advances the commuter brief with credible innovation rather than cosmetic tweaks, delivering a world-first CNG-plus-petrol format with practical range, low per-kilometer costs, and everyday-friendly dynamics. Between the efficient engine tune, flexible fueling, and thoughtful comfort and feature set, it emerges as a smart, forward-looking choice for Indian city riders who want savings without giving up daily usability or modern kit. 

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