We are comparing the Bajaj Freedom CNG with the TVS Raider 125 in this post. Note that the Bajaj Freedom CNG is the first mass-market CNG motorcycle in the world. That is a momentous occasion in itself. CNG is a great alternative for petrol and diesel in four-wheelers. However, it was not tested on bikes all that extensively. Finally, Bajaj is the one which was successful in bringing the first CNG motorbike to the market. On the other hand, the TVS Raider 125 is one of the most affordable motorcycles in the country. With its 125-cc engine, it becomes the direct rival to the Bajaj Freedom CNG. Therefore, it makes sense to compare the two to see which one makes the most sense for you.
Bajaj Freedom CNG vs TVS Raider 125 – Specs Comparison
Let us commence with the Bajaj Freedom CNG. It draws power from a 125-cc air-cooled BS6 engine which generates a healthy 9.5 PS @8,000 RPM and 9.7 Nm @5,500 RPM of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with a 5-speed manual transmission. The protective Trellis Frame is what holds the PESO-certified CNG cylinder in its place. The location is smartly selected between the engine area and the seat. Hence, it doesn’t pop out looking like a sore thumb but looks neatly integrated within the overall design of the motorcycle. At the front, it gets a disc brake, while at the rear, there is a drum brake. The fuel tank capacity is 2 kg CNG + 2 litre petrol. The combined mileage is 330 km. This includes 200 km from CNG and 130 km from petrol. Its saddle height is 825 mm, ground clearance is 170 mm, the wheelbase is 1,340 mm and the kerb weight is 147.8 kg. It ranges from Rs 95,000 to Rs 1.10 lakh, ex-showroom.
On the other hand, the TVS Raider 125 comes with a 124.8-cc air- and oil-cooled BS6 engine which is able to generate a handy 11.38 PS @7,500 RPM and 11.2 Nm @6,000 RPM of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with a 5-speed manual gearbox with a wet multi-plate clutch and has a fuel tank capacity of 10 litres. Its ground clearance is a slightly better 180 mm, the wheelbase is 1,326 mm and the kerb weight is 123 kg. Due to its lower weight, it boasts an impressive mileage of 71.94 km/l. The prices range from Rs 95,219 to Rs 1.04 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Specs and Price | Bajaj Freedom CNG | TVS Raider 125 |
| Engine | 125-cc | 124.8-cc |
| Power | 9.5 PS @8,000 RPM | 11.38 PS @7,500 RPM |
| Torque | 9.7 Nm @5,500 RPM | 11.2 Nm @6,000 RPM |
| Transmission | 5MT | 5MT |
| Mileage | 100 km/kg (CNG) & 65 km/l (Petrol) | 71.94 km/l |
| Wheelbase | 1,340 mm | 1,326 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 180 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 2 kg CNG + 2 Littre Petrol | 10 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 147.8 kg | 123 kg |
| Price | Rs 95,000 – Rs 1.10 lakh | Rs 95,219 – Rs 1.04 lakh |
In terms of the design, the Bajaj Freedom CNG doesn’t look anything out of the ordinary. The changes to the powertrain are underneath the skin. Apart from that, it gets an LED headlamp, a long single seat, telescopic forks at the front, a linked monoshock absorber at the rear, a slim rear section, integrated grab handles, 17-inch wheel at the front and a 16-inch wheel at the rear, 240 mm brake disc diameter at the front, 130 mm brake disc diameter at the rear, digital odometer, trip meter and fuel gauge, body graphics, passenger footrest and more. All in all, it is a feature-rich motorcycle.
On the other hand, the TVS Raider 125 also offers tons of modern equipment despite its price point. The design is rather sporty. This is due to LED DRLs integrated into the headlamp cluster at the front, stylish body graphics, muscular fuel tank, alloy wheels, rugged side body panels, underbelly protector, rather subtle exhaust pipe, a split-seat setup, sturdy grab handle, 5-inch TFT display, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an all-LED tail lamp. All in all, it offers all the necessities to the users without any compromises due to the price.
Our View
Both these are enticing offers when it comes to affordable motorcycles in the country. However, they are totally different in terms of powertrains. Now, the major attraction of the Freedom is the CNG mill. In big cities, there is plenty of infrastructure around CNG. Hence, people don’t need to make any major changes to their lifestyle to own a CNG bike. In fact, the availability of the petrol mill ensures peace of mind. The prime reason for this bike will be low running costs and high mileage. While riding on CNG, the mileage is a whopping 100 km/kg. Therefore, if you are a city dweller, opting for the Bajaj Freedom CNG makes a lot of sense.
On the other hand, if you are still not convinced about the CNG motorcycle, the TVS Raider 125 is a great product. It offers all sorts of features, amenities and convenience functions. Therefore, one can’t really go wrong with any of these. I would encourage our readers to test-ride both these to come up with the decision.
You may also like: Bajaj Freedom CNG vs Hero Xtreme 125R – What to Buy?
