The Bajaj Freedom CNG motorcycle was recently introduced and has been the buzz of the town since then. The internet is full of pictures, films, and answers to any question you can think of. We tested it for three days in the Mumbai monsoon and here’s what we think.
unexpectedly the Bajaj Freedom is easily identifiable on the road, and for good reasons, but it also blends well with other commuter motorcycles. After all, it is a commuter with a functional design and some very unusual features.
The top-spec variant we drove has all the bells and whistles, from an LED headlight to a front disc brake, CBS, and a digital interface with smartphone connectivity, so the Freedom is well-equipped.
The Freedom features a long single-piece seat that spans from the fuel tank to the top of the taillight. Its trellis frame is partially exposed, and the braced handlebar lends it a tough appearance. Finally, the front fork covers, while attractive, give the Freedom a hefty appearance.
The Bajaj Freedom is powered by a 125cc, air-cooled single-cylinder engine that develops 9.5bhp at 8,000rpm and 9.7Nm at 5,000rpm. The power delivery is seamless, and like a pure-petrol motorbike, it accelerates linearly till 80kmph. Following that, tiny vibrations begin to appear, but not to the point where they cause concern.
We even tested the Bajaj Freedom’s fuel efficiency, which yielded outstanding results. The bike managed to reach 104 km/kg. However, we will be able to achieve a more accurate answer if we have the bike for a longer period of time and can refuel it at multiple pumps with varying gas pressures.
The overall build quality of the Bajaj Freedom is commendable. From paint quality to panel fitment, gaps, switch cube feel, and feedback, Bajaj has raised the bar with its CNG offering.
Should you invest Rs. 1.10 lakh on the first mass-market CNG motorcycle? Well, there are a few other factors to consider. We’ve included them all in our extensive first-ride review.
