In this latest post, we are comparing the newly launched Bajaj Freedom CNG with the Hero Xtreme 125R. The former is the first CNG motorcycle in the world. Bajaj has been working on CNG technology for a while now. CNG offers an incredible chance for those who are looking for extremely low running costs. We have seen how successful CNG cars have become in recent times. In urban environments, the infrastructure around CNG is widely developed. The Freedom CNG promises a mileage of 102 km/kg in CNG mode and the combined range is 330 km (2 kg CNG + 2-litre petrol). On the other hand, the mileage of the Xtreme 125R is around 66 kmpl.
Bajaj Freedom CNG vs Hero Xtreme 125R
The Bajaj Freedom CNG gets a 125-cc air-cooled BS6 engine which produces a decent 9.5 PS @8,000 RPM and 9.7 Nm @5,500 RPM of peak power and torque. It gets a 5-speed manual transmission. The PESO-certified CNG cylinder is neatly fitted inside the protective Trellis Frame. The bike retails between Rs 95,000 and Rs 1.10 lakh, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the Hero Xtreme 125R has a 124.7-cc air-cooled BS6 engine which outputs a decent 11.55 PS @8,250 RPM and 10.5 Nm @6,000 RPM of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with a 5-speed manual gearbox and has a fuel tank capacity of 10 litres. The mileage is a decent 66 km/l. It ranges from Rs 95,000 to Rs 99,500, ex-showroom.
| Specs and Price | Bajaj Freedom CNG | Hero Xtreme 125R |
| Engine | 125-cc | 124.7-cc |
| Power | 9.5 PS @8,000 RPM | 11.55 PS @8,250 RPM |
| Torque | 9.7 Nm @5,500 RPM | 10.5 Nm @6,000 RPM |
| Transmission | 5MT | 5MT |
| Mileage | 100 km/kg (CNG) & 65 km/l (Petrol) | 66 km/l |
| Price | Rs 95,000 – Rs 1.10 lakh | Rs 95,000 – Rs 99,500 |
The design of the Bajaj Freedom CNG is quite modern. It is obvious that the two-wheeler manufacturer had to integrate the CNG cylinder somewhere. It has managed to do that in the middle section under the seat along with the fuel tank. Other bits include an LED headlamp, a long seat, a sleek tail section, an integrated grab handle, telescopic forks at the front, linked monoshock at the rear, 17-inch wheels at the front and 16-inch at the rear, disc brake at the front and drum brake at the rear and much more.
On the other hand, the Hero Xtreme 125R gets a split-seat configuration, a sporty stance, digital instrument console, LED headlight, 37 mm conventional forks at the front and hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear, disc brake at the front and drum brake at the rear, 17-inch wheels diamond frame and more. All in all, both motorcycles have their appeal and charm.
Our View
The combined range of the Bajaj Freedom CNG is 330 km. For this, one needs to spend 2 kg of CNG and 2 litres of petrol. Considering the average price of CNG to be Rs 80 per kg and that of petrol to be Rs 95 per litre, the total comes out to be Rs 350. Hence, to travel 1 km, users will need to spend Rs 1.06. On the other hand, if we take the real-world mileage of the Hero Xtreme 125R to be 60 km/l, the rider will be able to cover 600 km in the 10-litre fuel tank. This comes down to Rs 1.58 per km.
Hence, the CNG powertrain is significantly more economical in comparison to pure petrol. Another key advantage with CNG is that there is still the backup of petrol. Hence, in case there are issues with getting CNG, one could always keep using petrol with enough range to cover daily errands. Let us see how well the customers embrace the CNG motorcycle.
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