Gas and Gasoline

The Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 is the world's first series production motorcycle that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). We spent a few days with it

- Joshua Varghese

BAJAJ MADE HISTORY ON 5 JULY 2024 WHEN they launched the world’s first series production motorcycle that could use CNG as fuel. As Indians, it is undoubtedly a proud moment for us but in this road test, we kept that patriotic sentiment aside and evaluated the Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 on the same parameters as any other commuter motorcycle.

We believe that the popularity of a new technology and its subsequent adoption depend largely on the way it looks, works, and costs. The designers at Bajaj have outdone themselves because the Freedom stands out as a stylish motorcycle. Its tasteful bodywork elegantly hides the CNG tank (capacity of two kilograms) and the two-litre petroltank. While the latter is easy to spot, the former sits snugly under the seat within a cage formed by the trellis frame. At the front of that frame is a telescopic fork, but at the rear Bajaj have thoughtfully bolted a linked monoshock on to the box-section swing-arm. Then there are the wheels, a 16-inch unit at the rear and a 17-inch one at the front. The smaller rear wheel creates a significant gap between the tyre and the subframe.

Dimension-wise, the Freedom is a compact motorcycle but it may look slightly large because of its seat which could easily be the longest in the 125-cc segment. There is enough space to make it appealing for those who use a motorcycle to transport more than two persons. Of course, Bajaj claim they are not trying to encourage such parties but we feel they should not have left room for the option in the first place. That apart, the riding position is comfortable for both the rider and the pillion, just what we would expect from a commuter. Following a non-stop stint for 30 kilometres from one end of Pune’s urban madness to the other, I found nothing to grumble about.