On July 5, 2024, Bajaj Auto unveiled the world’s first CNG motorcycle. Bajaj has named this unique motorcycle, “Freedom 125”. Bajaj’s Managing Director, Rajiv Bajaj marked this launch as a significant milestone for the company.
Pricing and Variants
The Freedom 125 comes in three variants. The price of base Drum brake variant is INR 95,000 (ex-showroom price). The Drum LED variant is available for INR 1.05 lakh and the Disc variant is available at INR 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom price).
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Features of the Freedom 125
The Bajaj Freedom 125 is an innovative motorcycle. It comes with a full-LCD instrument cluster in its base and mid variants. The top variant has a negatively-lit LCD console with Bluetooth connectivity and a call-receiving switch. The console shows a speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, real-time mileage, clock and basic warning lights.
The bike has a blue switch for easy CNG and petrol mode switching. It also comes with a trigger for high and low beam on the left-side switchgear. The base model has a halogen headlight. The mid and top variants have LED headlights with daytime running lights. All variants include bulb-type indicators.
Bike Suspension, Brakes & Other Details
The Bajaj Freedom 125 features a trellis frame, telescopic fork and linked mono-shock suspension. It has 130mm front and 110mm rear drum brakes on the base variant. It has a 130mm drum brakes on both ends for the mid variant and a 240mm front disc brake on the top variant. They all come with all with CBS. The bike has 17-inch front and 16-inch rear alloy wheels with various tyre sizes. It has a 170mm ground clearance, a 785mm seat and weighs 149kg. It also includes new features like a stubby upswept exhaust, steel heat shield and saree guard.
Government Support and Sustainability
Nitin Gadkari, who is the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, inaugurated the launch event. He suggested that Bajaj should explore the possibility of using an ethanol tank instead of a petrol tank. He said that this would enhance sustainability and reduce costs. He also urged Bajaj to keep the price of the CNG bike below one lakh rupees.
Freedom from Fuel Worries
Rajiv Bajaj emphasized that this new CNG motorcycle represents freedom from petroleum imports, high fuel costs and range anxiety. He proudly stated that the Freedom 125 has the longest seat. In the event, he humorously said that it’s not legal for four people to ride it simultaneously.
Bajaj’s Commitment
Bajaj Auto assured continuous support for the CNG motorcycle throughout its lifecycle. This refers to their commitment as “Bajaj ki Guarantee”. This launch is the 100th product introduction under Rajiv Bajaj’s leadership over his 34-year career.
Availability and Future Plans
Bookings for the Freedom 125 are now open. The motorcycle is immediately available in Maharashtra and Gujarat, with nationwide availability expected by the next quarter. Bajaj plans to export the Freedom 125 to countries like Egypt, Tanzania, Colombia, Peru, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
Tribute to Rahul Bajaj
Rajiv Bajaj paid tribute to his father, Rahul Bajaj. He was the person who led Bajaj Auto for five decades. He remembered his father’s courage, integrity and vision for a self-reliant India. This shows his progressive views on freedom and sustainable practices.
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Sustainable Technology
Rajiv Bajaj emphasized on the importance of sustainable technology. He focused on the need to move away from petrol and diesel vehicles. He shredded light on the concerns of the industry regarding subsidies for electric vehicles. He called for better alignment between the government and the private sector.
This launch marks a significant step towards more sustainable transportation options. By this, both practical and eco-friendly alternatives are offered to the commuters.
About the Author
Mr. Radhesh Tarang Shah, is a management student at Institute of Management, Nirma University. He has a passion for writing articles and poems. He has experience as a financial analyst, author, news writer, marketer and social worker.
