Bajaj Freedom 125 Hits 40,000 Sales Milestone: World’s First CNG Bike Reshapes Commuter Market in 2025

CNG Revolution on Two Wheels: Bajaj’s Game-Changer Turns Heads

Over 40,000 riders now swear by the Bajaj Freedom 125, the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle that’s slashing fuel bills and emissions. As petrol prices climb, this dual-fuel commuter is proving why innovation meets everyday needs head-on.

Pune: Step into any Bajaj showroom in Maharashtra or Gujarat these days, and you’ll hear it—the hum of curiosity around the Bajaj Freedom 125. Launched last July as a bold bet on compressed natural gas for bikes, this 125cc wonder has quietly crossed 40,000 sales in under 18 months, a figure that Bajaj Auto folks I chatted with in their Chakan plant say is just the start. It’s not flashy, but with running costs half that of a regular petrol bike, it’s drawing in daily commuters tired of pump queues.

At its core, the Freedom 125 blends a small 2-liter petrol tank with a factory-fitted 2kg CNG cylinder tucked safely in a trellis frame cradle. Bajaj claims a stunning 102 km per kg on CNG alone, dropping to 65 kmpl on petrol—enough for a combined range that lets you skip refills for weeks. “Ramesh from the corner tea stall finally got one last week,” a dealer in Mumbai’s Dadar told me over chai. “Says he’s saving ₹1,500 a month on fuel. That’s real talk in these tough times.”

Bajaj Freedom 125: From Launch Buzz to Sales Surge

Back in July 2024, the Freedom 125 debuted at ₹95,000 ex-showroom, stirring up the 100-125cc segment with its no-frills rugged look and that groundbreaking bi-fuel setup. Deliveries kicked off in key states, and by August, it clocked 4,100 units in its first full month. Fast-forward to December 2025, and production’s ramping from 10,000 to 40,000 units monthly by year-end, fueled by demand that’s spilling into exports to places like Bangladesh and Indonesia.

Owners I spoke to in Delhi’s bustling streets rave about the practicality. One cab driver in Gurgaon, who’d switched from an older Hero, noted how the bike’s 149kg kerb weight feels nimble despite the extra tank. “No more worrying about odd-even days or sky-high petrol,” he said, revving up for his next ride. Bajaj’s data backs it: Over 30,000 inquiries poured in pre-launch, and now, with festive season wrapping, monthly figures are pushing 5,000-plus.

What Makes the Bajaj Freedom 125 a Daily Driver Darling

Powered by a 125cc single-cylinder BS6-compliant engine churning 9.5 bhp and 9.7 Nm, it’s mated to a smooth five-speed gearbox. Braking’s handled by drum units on base models, upgrading to a front disc on higher trims for better bite. The standout? A 785mm-long single-piece seat—the longest in class—making it a comfy pillion hauler for family errands.

Features keep it simple yet smart: LED headlight and taillight for night visibility, a negative LCD cluster with Bluetooth for call alerts, and tubeless tires (120/70-17 front, 100/80-16 rear on top variants). Colors span five shades, from Ebony Black to Cyber White, blending urban edge with rural toughness. And safety? Bajaj ran it through 11 brutal tests—impacts, drops, even truck runovers—proving the CNG tank’s resilience.

Price Drop and Awards: Why Bajaj Freedom 125 Steals the Show

June 2025 brought cheers with a ₹5,000 slash, pegging the entry Drum variant at ₹89,997 ex-showroom Delhi (on-road around ₹1 lakh). That edges it under rivals like the Honda Shine or Hero Super Splendor on sticker price, while lifetime savings on fuel tip the scales. No wonder it snagged the Autocar Bike of the Year 2025, beating out flashier EVs for its sheer usability and green cred.

At Auto Expo 2025 in January, Bajaj showcased it front and center, drawing crowds amid an EV-heavy floor. “It’s not just a bike; it’s a statement on affordable clean mobility,” a Bajaj engineer shared during my plant visit. Competitors like TVS’s Jupiter CNG concept are watching closely, but Freedom’s head start has it leading the pack.

Real Riders, Real Gripes: The Honest Side of Ownership

Not everything’s smooth rides. A few X posts from early buyers highlight teething issues—like CNG kit leaks or display glitches in high-mileage use. One Udhna owner vented about repair delays at a local service center, a reminder that infra for CNG bikes is still catching up. Bajaj’s response? Expanded service networks and quick fixes, with most owners reporting hassle-free runs post the initial 1,000km break-in.

For urban warriors and rural runners alike, the Bajaj Freedom 125 is flipping the script on what a commuter can be—eco-smart without the premium pain.

Head to your nearest Bajaj dealer for a test ride, or follow our two-wheeler updates for the latest on CNG bikes and beyond. What’s your take—ready to go green on two wheels?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Vehicle prices, features, and availability may vary by location and time. Always verify details with authorized dealers and consult professionals for purchase decisions. Safe riding!