Bajaj Freedom 125: The Eco-Friendly Commuting Solution Hits The Road

Published: Saturday, July 13, 2024, 16:01 [IST]

CNG as a fuel has been gaining traction recently. Bajaj Auto has introduced the world's first CNG motorcycle, the Freedom 125. This bike can run on both CNG and petrol, featuring a toggle switch for easy fuel switching. We had the opportunity to experience refilling this bike at a CNG station in Pune.

Refilling the Bajaj Freedom 125 wasn't straightforward due to the limited number of CNG stations. In Pune, we noticed long queues at these stations, primarily filled with auto rickshaws, cabs, and fleet vehicles. At Ghorpadi CNG station in Koregaon Park, we were fortunate to bypass the queue due to the novelty of our bike.

Public Reaction to Bajaj Freedom 125

The public's reaction to the Bajaj Freedom 125 was overwhelmingly positive. Many bystanders and customers at the CNG station were curious about this new motorcycle.

Questions like "Kitna deti hai" (How much does it give?), "Kitne ki hai" (How much does it cost?), and "Kitna CNG aata hai" (How much CNG does it take?) were common.

Riding through Pune city and on highways attracted significant attention. Riders often stopped us to inquire about the bike. The interest was particularly high due to its unique design and low running costs.

One person even remarked, "Ye Chalega Abhi, Petrol Nahi Parwadta" (This bike will be in demand as petrol has become too expensive).

Refuelling Experience

The refuelling process was smooth but highlighted some safety concerns. The staff at the station were unfamiliar with OEM CNG bikes and didn't ask us to stand away during refuelling. Although hazards like static electricity build-up from fabric seats don't apply here, standing away is still recommended due to high pressure involved in CNG filling.

Bajaj has conducted extensive safety tests on the Freedom 125, ensuring a robust system without hazards. However, it's crucial for both station personnel and buyers to be aware of safety precautions during refuelling.

Need for More CNG Stations

Our experience underscored the need for more CNG stations. Expanding the network would ease refuelling for auto rickshaws, cabs, fleet operators, and now motorcycles. Separate queues for motorcycles could also be beneficial as they take less time to refill.

The headline figures for Bajaj Freedom 125 are impressive: a 2kg CNG capacity offering 102 km/kg, a 2L petrol tank providing 67 km/l, and a total range of 330km on one fill. These numbers make it an attractive option for those looking for economical commuting solutions.

In conclusion, while our initial experience with refilling the Bajaj Freedom 125 was positive overall, there are areas that need improvement. Increasing awareness about safety measures and expanding the number of CNG stations will enhance user experience significantly.