Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04

The Bajaj Freedom 125 stands out with a completely unique design that instantly grabs attention. The long flat seat, distinctive headlight and fork shrouds give it a fresh look unlike anything else in the commuter segment. Bajaj has also used an all-new trellis frame to house the underseat 2kg CNG tank, making it the only commuter bike in India with this setup.

The top variant gets an LED headlight and a larger digital display with basic Bluetooth connectivity. Build quality feels decent overall, and the bike’s unusual styling gives it strong road presence.

The Freedom 125 offers a relaxed commuter-style riding experience with a long and spacious seat. However, the seat height is quite tall at 825mm, which may make shorter riders uncomfortable, especially in traffic situations.

Ride quality is acceptable but not especially plush. The suspension feels slightly firm and does not offer the soft, cushy feel seen on some other commuter motorcycles.

The 124.58cc engine produces 9.5hp and 9.7Nm, making it one of the least powerful engines in the 125cc commuter class. Performance is modest, and the bike accelerates more like a 100-110cc commuter. However, in real-world riding, it feels practical and easy-going rather than underpowered.

The Freedom’s biggest strength is fuel efficiency. In testing, it delivered 94km/kg in the city and 126km/kg on the highway while running on CNG. Petrol efficiency stood at 53.4kpl in the city and 62.37kpl on the highway. Bajaj claims the bike can cut running costs nearly in half, and the numbers strongly support that claim.

Switching between petrol and CNG is easy using a button on the handlebar, although transitions can feel slightly jerky if done with the throttle open.

The Freedom 125 rides like a normal commuter motorcycle, which is actually one of its strengths. The bike feels easy and natural to ride, while the engine remains relaxed and commuter-focused.

Braking performance is adequate but not particularly strong. The front brake feels soft, and there is no ABS. The suspension setup also feels slightly unusual and lacks the plush comfort expected from some commuter bikes.

Bajaj has addressed safety concerns around the CNG tank with extensive testing. The bike gets features like a silent starter, side-stand cutoff, Bluetooth connectivity on higher variants, and a front disc brake on the top model.

Priced between Rs 90,000 and Rs 1.07 lakh (ex-showroom), the Bajaj Freedom 125 offers a practical and highly cost-effective alternative for commuters. While it has a few compromises in suspension comfort, brakes and performance, its low running costs and unique concept make it a very interesting motorcycle.