Bajaj Freedom: Bajaj Auto is a brand known for breaking conventions and the Bajaj Freedom is just the latest example of the company redefining the rules of basic, commute-oriented mobility of the masses in India.
The Freedom is India’s first motorcycle that can run on CNG, and marks a major move away from a headlong plunge into the arms of greener, cheaper transportation — especially for those two-wheeler users who commute daily or use their vehicles for commercial purposes.
In a market where gas prices are constantly on the rise and environment voices are getting louder, the Bajaj Freedom exploits the best of both — ultra-low running cost and environmental footprints and does not lose out on the practicality of a regular petrol motorcycle.
Unique and Practical Design
The Bajaj Freedom features appealing and utility driven styling. Although it retains the typical commuter motorcycle design, it gets some exclusive design that it takes to fit around the CNG tank and look modern.
The design is clean but purposeful, with the fuel tank and side panels neatly incorporating the CNG fitments without looking alien.
What really takes it up a notch is its dual-fuel feature that can run on both CNG and petrol. The CNG tank is fitted under the seat and that adds to the height of the rear as well, but the bike looks well proportionate.
Bajaj has ensured utility has not been compromised—the Freedom is still comfortable to ride, has plenty of usable space to stow your gear and importantly, road-friendly dimensions.
The modern touch that proves Suzuki innovativeness comes in the form of LED headlamp, alloy wheels, and clean body graphics.
Unlike many other low-cost commuters, the Freedom doesn’t have a dated or over-the-top utilitarian look.
Engine and Dual-Fuel Technology
Bajaj Freedom comes equipped with 125cc air cooled, engine and runs on both CNG and petrol. It’s a motor tuned for efficiency and to suit everyday use – not performance.
It generates close to 9.5 PS of power and 9.7 Nm of torque, all of which are perfectly useable in city traffic or for rural roads.
The actual game changer here is the ability to burn dual-fuel. The switch on the handlebar allows riders to easily switch between petrol and CNG, as per choice or availability.
That versatility keeps customers from getting stranded for want of a fuel choice, particularly in CNG-poor regions where stations are scarce.
The bike is extremely fuel-efficient when on CNG. It was believed to have running costs pegged at 60-65 paise per km, leaving it the most cost effective bike to operate in India.
Performance and Ride Experience
The Freedom is a low speed bike to be fair But, it performs well enough to give you the freedom to commute daily.
The acceleration is linear, the gear shift is pretty much slick and thanks to the refinement Bajaj has poured in the engine very less is the load of vibrations experienced on the jerk rod.
The bike is based on a durable tubular frame which offers high stability even while going two-up or riding over rough roads.
The suspension and setup (telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers) is good enough at ironing out the bumps and potholes, especially in semi-urban and rural roads.
Due to the bikes kerb weight of a little over 130 kgs, it’s light enough to dart in and around the city but has enough weight to ride with confidence at high speeds.
Utility and Comfort
The good part is, Bajaj has cleverly packaged the Freedom in a way that daily usability doesn’t get hampered with the CNG system thrown in.
The riding stance is very up-right and the long flat seat surely adds to the comfort of the rider and the pillion.
The footpeg position and handle-bar height are well-balanced for long rides, everyday tasks, or commercial delivery use.
The bike is equipped with a 2, Liter petrol tank and another 2, kg CNG Tank, the true combination of which lasts more than 200 km on a full refill.
It reduces the number of fuel-station stops by drivers who rack up a lot of miles.
Instrumentation is kept bare-basics with semi-digital console that displays speed, fuel modes, fuel levels in both tanks, trip meter, and basic indicators.
Safety and Build
The Bajaj Freedom gets drum brakes on either ends with CBS (Combined Braking System) for added safety.
Disc brakes are not currently available, but for the kind of riding the Freedom is designed for, the brakes are more than adequate.
The quality is up and up, especially for an all-new concept. The CNG parts are highly guarded, and Bajaj states that the bike withstood several safety tests.
The Freedom has a solid reputation at a price that won’t break the bank, and is aimed at budget-minded customers that won’t compromise on durability.
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Pros of Bajaj Freedom
India’s first ever CNG motorcycle – now that’s another level of thinking!
Very low operating cost perfect for frequent use
The Dual-fuel configuration provides re-fueling flexibility.
Good ride quality and well suited for city duties
Basic yet contemporary looks for a budget bike
Decent range w/ the two fuel tanks.
Dependable engine power with low maintenance
Cons of Bajaj Freedom
Performance is average, speed is not an advantage
CNG infrastructure remains scarce in many cities
No disc brakes available at all, not even on the upper trims
Limited availability during initial rollout
Pure petrol range constrained by small petrol tank
Bajaj Freedom: Final Verdict
The Bajaj Freedom is more than just a bike, it’s an act of freedom in two wheeler communting.
It meets the new, very real urban and rider challenges arising from escalating fuel prices and concern for the environment and offers contemporary and convenient solutions in the time-honored 125 cc motorcycle category.
The Bajaj Freedom serves as a future-proof bet for those into daily commuting, service industry, delivery boys and anyone who values utility more than everything else.
It’s cheap, reliable and revolutionary in its cost of running.
In a market where novelty is frequently about style or tech, Bajaj has thrown down the gauntlet with a radical reimagining of what a commuter bike can be.
The Freedom may not be sexy, but it is one of the most sensible and effective launches of recent memory.