Bajaj Freedom CNG (Freedom 125): India’s First CNG Motorcycle—Price, Mileage, Specs & Real-World Savings

Introduction: Why a CNG Motorcycle, and Why Now?

For years, Indian riders have had a simple choice in the commuter space: petrol bikes, or electric scooters if they can work around charging. Bajaj has added a third path with the Freedom 125 — the first production motorcycle that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) as well as petrol. The promise is straightforward: cut your per-kilometre cost and tailpipe emissions without changing the way you ride or the time you spend refuelling. For daily office runs, delivery shifts, tuition trips, and market errands, that’s a big deal.

In this in-depth, no-jargon guide we explain how the Bajaj Freedom CNG works, what it really offers, and who will benefit the most. You’ll find the key specifications, realistic range and mileage expectations, variant-wise features, current prices, and ownership tips so you can make a confident decision.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Engine and fuels: 124.58 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine designed for dual fuel — CNG and petrol. A handlebar switch lets you toggle between the two on the move. 

• Tanks and capacities: Primary CNG tank: 12.5 litres / ~2 kg. Auxiliary petrol tank: 2 litres.

• Claimed efficiency and range: Bajaj cites around 100 km per kg on CNG and about 65 km per litre on petrol. With both tanks full, multiple outlets put the combined range at roughly 330–334 km. 

• Safety: The CNG cylinder sits inside a trellis frame with extra shielding and is PESO-certified; Bajaj says the system has passed frontal, rear, side, pendulum and even truck-overrun tests. 

• Variants and price band (India): NG04 Drum, NG04 Drum LED, NG04 Disc LED. As of mid-2025, ex-showroom prices are in the ₹85,976–₹1.11 lakh range depending on variant and city.

How the Bi-Fuel System Works

If you’ve seen CNG cars, you’ll feel at home here. The Freedom 125 starts in CNG mode by default and switches seamlessly to petrol when you press the toggle on the left switchgear. That means you can rely on cheap, cleaner CNG for most of your riding and keep petrol as a built-in backup for stretches where CNG pumps are sparse or queues are long. The integration is factory-engineered, not retrofitted: the cylinder is mounted under the long seat and protected by the bike’s steel trellis frame. 

What’s the benefit? The stand-out upside is running cost. At roughly 100 km per kg, CNG gives you a far lower rupee-per-kilometre than petrol in most Indian cities. Bajaj itself communicates up to 50% lower running cost versus an equivalent petrol commuter — a realistic headline if you ride daily and refuel primarily with CNG. 

Real-World Mileage and Range

Let’s translate the numbers into something practical. With a full 2 kg CNG fill and 2 litres of petrol in reserve, you’re looking at about 330+ km of mixed range before you must refuel. Owners and reviewers report real-world CNG efficiency north of 100 km/kg in steady city running; one instrumented test even clocked a little above the claimed figure. Expect lower figures if you ride hard, carry a pillion daily, or deal with stop-go congestion — but the economics still skew in favour of CNG.

If you commute 25–35 km a day, that means a single top-up could last a working week, and the tiny petrol tank can rescue you if a station is shut or crowded. The switch is instant, so you can flip to petrol for a quick overtake on an empty stretch and go back to CNG for cruising.

Engine, Performance and Ride Feel

On paper, the Freedom’s single-cylinder engine produces around 9.5 PS and 9.7 Nm in CNG mode. It’s paired with a 5-speed gearbox and tuned to deliver gentle, tractable torque rather than headline power. That’s the right call for a commuter: the bike pulls cleanly from low speeds, short-shifts happily, and keeps revs calm. In petrol mode you’ll feel a touch more pep for quick gaps, but the personality stays friendly and predictable. 

Bajaj has worked on the cooling and internals to suit CNG’s “hot and dry” burn characteristics — including larger cooling jets and bigger fins — which helps durability in Indian summers. 

Chassis, Brakes and Tyres

Where commuter bikes often go basic, the Freedom quietly adds useful hardware. The trellis frame isn’t just for safety; it gives the bike a taut, confidence-inspiring backbone. Suspension is telescopic forks up front and a linked mono-shock at the rear with a dual-rate spring. The rear wheel is a 16-inch unit running a wider 120/70 tyre; the front uses a 17-inch alloy. Brakes vary by variant: the top NG04 Disc LED gets a 240 mm front disc, while the others use drums with a CBS-type setup. It’s commuter-appropriate, with the disc variant offering the best bite and feel. 

Design, Comfort and Practicality

The Freedom looks like a proper motorcycle — not a converted science project. The cylinder’s packaging under the seat keeps the silhouette clean, while the exposed frame lends a rugged, almost scrambler-ish vibe. The seat is notably long and flat, which makes it friendly for tall riders and pillions. Wide handlebars, neutral foot-pegs, and suspension with generous travel translate to an upright, relaxed posture for traffic and speed-breakers. Bajaj also highlights the segment’s most spacious seat and a stable stance from the longer wheelbase and linked rear suspension. 

Features and Connectivity

All variants get a digital speedometer; the Disc LED trim upgrades to a fully digital console with Bluetooth features like call alerts and battery status. Lighting is LED on the higher trims, and you get the handy fuel-mode switch on the left switchgear to hop between CNG and petrol at will. For a workhorse commuter, this is a clean, sensible features list — tech where it helps, nothing that complicates ownership. 

Variants, Colours and Pricing

Bajaj sells the Freedom in three variants: NG04 Drum, NG04 Drum LED, and NG04 Disc LED. The top model adds the disc brake and LED lighting; the mid variant gives you LED lighting with drum brakes. Colour choices vary by trim and include popular shades like Caribbean Blue, Racing Red, Cyber White, Pewter Grey and Ebony Black. As of June 2025, Bajaj trimmed prices, putting the base Drum variant at ₹85,976 ex-showroom, the Drum LED around ₹95,981, and the Disc LED roughly ₹1.11 lakh (prices vary by city/dealer). 

Safety: What Has Been Tested?

Introducing a new fuel on a motorcycle raises obvious questions, and Bajaj addresses them head-on. The CNG hardware is OEM-integrated and housed within the frame, not an aftermarket kit. Beyond routine homologation, Bajaj says it has stress-tested the cylinder and plumbing through frontal, side and rear impacts, pendulum hits, and an aggressive truck-overrun simulation. The tank and system are PESO-certified, which is the relevant Indian standards authority for compressed gases. As with any motorcycle, a quality helmet and routine inspections are still your first line of safety. 

Ownership, Service and Running Costs

If you’re the self-maintaining type, the routine is familiar. Bajaj recommends periodic service roughly every 5,000 km, similar to petrol models. The consumables and wear parts are available at regular dealerships, and the service process does not involve complicated CNG diagnostics for everyday visits. Because CNG burns cleaner than petrol, your engine oil and spark plug may lead an easier life in pure city duty, though you should still stick to the schedule. 

What about CNG availability? The network is strongest in major metros and Tier-1 cities, and it’s expanding outwards thanks to the same demand that powers CNG cars and autos. If your daily routes pass at least one pump and you can top up once or twice a week, the Freedom’s economics start to shine. For riders in towns without CNG, the bike will still run on petrol — but you won’t extract the headline savings.

Simple tips to maximise efficiency

• Use CNG for steady cruising and switch to petrol only when needed for a burst or when you’re near empty.

• Keep tyre pressures at spec; the wider rear tyre can sap efficiency if under-inflated.

• Ride in higher gears at modest rpm; the 5-speed gearbox helps the engine stay relaxed.

• Avoid idling for long; CNG is cheap but time isn’t.

Pros and Cons (Quick Read)

What we like

• Half-the-bill running in city use when you rely on CNG. 

• Factory-engineered safety: trellis frame cage, certified tank, and big-ticket impact tests. 

• Huge, comfortable seat and friendly ergonomics for Indian roads.

• Real-world range of 300+ km on one fill cycle.

Where it could be better

• Performance is commuter-calm, not sporty — that’s by design. 

• CNG pump access still defines the ownership experience outside big cities.

• The base variant’s drum brakes are adequate, but the disc offers more bite.

Freedom vs. a Typical 125cc Petrol Bike: A Quick Comparison

• Upfront price: The Freedom’s sticker can be slightly higher than many 125cc petrol bikes, although Bajaj has adjusted prices since launch. If you ride enough kilometres, the fuel savings narrow or erase the difference over time. 

• Running cost: CNG wins hands-down for rupee-per-km in most cities. Over a 60,000-km life, analysts suggest the total cost of ownership can rival smaller-engine petrol commuters thanks to fuel savings.

• Convenience: Refuelling time is similar to petrol once you’re at the nozzle; the backup petrol tank ensures you’re never stranded.

• Maintenance: Similar schedules and dealer support; nothing exotic to learn. 

Who Should Buy the Bajaj Freedom CNG?

• Daily office riders covering 20–50 km a day within a city that already has CNG stations.

• Delivery professionals who want predictable, low running costs with the convenience of a motorcycle.

• Students and first-time buyers looking to stretch every rupee without compromising on a full-size bike feel.

• Environment-conscious commuters who want lower tailpipe emissions but aren’t ready for EV charging logistics.

If you live far from a CNG pump, or if you prefer a sportier, higher-revving character, a conventional petrol 125 might suit you better. But for the vast majority of urban commuters, the Freedom 125’s blend of thrift, practicality and safety is deeply compelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bajaj Freedom really the world’s first CNG motorcycle?
Yes — it’s the first production motorcycle with a factory-integrated CNG system sold to the public, launched in India in 2024.

Can I switch fuels while riding?
Yes. There’s a left-hand switch to toggle between CNG and petrol on the go. 

Where is the CNG tank placed?
Under the seat, within a trellis frame and protective shielding. 

What’s the claimed mileage?
Around 100 km/kg on CNG and 65 km/l on petrol, according to Bajaj. Some media cite ~102 km/kg on CNG; your real number will depend on load and route. 

What’s the combined range?
Expect ~330–334 km with both tanks brimmed.

How often do I service it?
Follow periodic service every ~5,000 km, similar to a petrol commuter. 

Which variant should I buy?
If you can, the NG04 Disc LED adds the 240 mm front disc and the full digital console with Bluetooth. Budget buyers after LED lighting can choose the Drum LED. The base Drum offers the core Freedom experience at the lowest price. 

Verdict: A Clever Answer to Expensive Commutes

By bringing CNG to a mainstream motorcycle — and doing it with thoughtful engineering, credible testing, and everyday usability — Bajaj has built a commuter that makes immediate sense in Indian cities. The Freedom 125 isn’t chasing lap times; it’s about going farther for less, without range anxiety or charging cables. With prices revised and CNG availability improving, the equation is only getting better. If your routes pass a CNG pump, the Freedom CNG should be on your shortlist for 2025.