Upcoming Bajaj CNG Bike Likely to be Called Freedom 125, to Launch on July 5

Earlier this year, trademark filings surfaced for the names – Freedom, Trekker, and Glider, which many speculated could be for the upcoming Bajaj CNG bike. Now, a recent website leak suggests the bike will adopt the Freedom moniker. While the bike will draw its power from a sloper-like engine, the engine is expected to displace about 125cc, for the world's first-ever CNG bike to achieve performance levels on par with a 110cc petrol bike. This is because CNG-powered models are usually less powerful than the petrol-powered ones. Well, all that and more will be revealed tomorrow (July 5).  

Speaking of the engine, Bajaj will use a sloper engine design to house both CNG and petrol tanks as this layout helps optimise space for all the fuel systems and other ancillaries. Held by a tubular steel cradle frame, the CNG cylinder will be positioned under the bike's flat seat. Apart from the CNG tank, the CNG bike will have a smaller auxiliary petrol tank, which can be used if it runs out of CNG. Besides, both tanks will come with different filler nozzles. 

Also Read: Bajaj CNG Bike with Blue Toggle Switch Teased Ahead of India Launch

Bajaj CNG Bike: What else to Expect?

Based on spy shots and teasers, the upcoming Bajaj bike will likely get LED illumination, a circular LED headlight, triangular-shaped daytime running lights, bulb indicators, knuckle guards, and a button for switching between the petrol and CNG modes. Other expected bits include brushed aluminium-finished tank shrouds, a digital instrument console, an upswept exhaust system, and a neutral gear position indicator. 

For suspension, the CNG-powered Bajaj bike will likely get a telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock. Stopping power should come from a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear, likely mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels. It also remains to be seen whether the bike will come with a single-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) or a combined braking system (CBS). 

Also Read: Bajaj Auto Registers 7% Year-on-Year Domestic 2W Sales Growth in June

Price-wise, the bike could fall between Rs 90,000 and Rs 95,000 (ex-showroom). While the bike will have no direct rivals, it will be an alternative to the Hero Splendor Plus, the TVS Radeon, the Honda Shine 100, and the Bajaj Platina 110.

Source