Bajaj CNG Bike Spied Again Ahead Of Launch, Boasting A Comfortable Riding Posture

(Update: The Bajaj Freedom 125 has been launched at Rs 95,000 (ex-showroom). Check out the details here.)

The upcoming Bajaj CNG bike has been spotted yet again before its launch. This will be the first CNG bike in India as well as the world. This time around, the rugged variant was spotted testing. 

Bajaj CNG Bike Images

The rugged variant of the upcoming Bajaj CNG bike has been spotted yet again and we have two new images of it:

Compared to what we have seen earlier, the bike misses out on knuckle guards in these photos. It also gets fork gaiters instead of full fork covers. If these changes do make it to the production version, they will help keep the price of the bike competitive. However, we hope Bajaj offers the knuckle guards as an option, at least, since they elevate the rugged appeal of the bike. From what we know already, the rugged variant will have a more upright handlebar with a brace, a sump guard, and a rear-tyre hugger. 

The CNG bike will also have a roadster-styled variant, likely to be the cheaper one. Both the variants will get a circular LED headlight, alloy wheels, a front disc brake & a rear drum, and a long, single-piece seat.

Bajaj CNG Bike Mileage

The Bajaj CNG bike mileage could blow away its rivals. It’s expected with a 125cc engine but its performance could be equivalent to that of a 100-110cc bike. This is because CNG-powered engines trade performance for a high mileage. The high average of the CNG bike along with cheaper CNG price per kg when compared to petrol price per litre will also result in lower running costs. (As of writing this story, CNG is priced at Rs 75.09/kg in Delhi, and petrol at Rs 94.72/litre.) This will appeal to the mileage-conscious buyers in India, which are aplenty.

Bajaj CNG Bike Tank Capacity

India’s first CNG bike will have two fuel tanks.

One will be a horizontal CNG cylinder, which will be mounted under the seat along the length of the bike, and the other will be a petrol tank, which could be used as an auxiliary fuel source when the bike runs out of CNG. However, the petrol tank capacity could be much lower, and will be of use only for emergency purposes. 

Bajaj CNG Bike Price

We expect the CNG bike to be priced around Rs 80,000 (ex-showroom). Here’s why we think so. This will make its price quite competitive for buyers. Bajaj has been known to price their bikes quite aggressively at launch, and we think they will do the same with the CNG bike. Pricing it Rs 90,000 or even higher could push it in the premium commuter segment. Bajaj would want to take on the best-selling 125cc bike, the Honda Shine 125, which is priced from Rs 79,800 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Bajaj CNG Bike Launch Date

The bike was initially supposed to be launched on June 17; however, it will now launch on July 5. This has been confirmed along with a first official teaser of the CNG bike.  

Image Source For The New Photos