It won’t be wrong to say that Bajaj brought a revolution by launching the world’s first CNG-powered two-wheeler. Called Freedom 125, the motorcycle comes at a starting price of Rs 95,000 and can run on both petrol and CNG fuel. Equipped with a 2-litre petrol and a 2 kg CNG tank, the bike claims to return a combined range of 330 km on full tanks.
Despite the exceptional fuel efficiency and low running costs, any CNG vehicle brings its own set of safety hazards with itself. Therefore, it is important for Bajaj to address these hazards so that potential buyers are not swayed away by safety concerns and inhibitions surrounding a CNG vehicle.
Bajaj has done exactly the same by releasing two videos of internal crash tests of the recently launched Freedom 125. The CNG motorcycle has undergone a frontal collision test and a truck overrun test to check its sanctity.
Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG frontal collision test
In the frontal collision test, Bajaj Freedom is crash tested against a 1.5 tonne object, comparable to an average mid-size SUV, moving towards it. The bike is moving at a relative speed of 60 kmph. On impact of the collision, the CNG tank on the bike remains stable. In fact, the tank remains unscathed with the position intact. Further, the pressure gauge remains in the original position, revealing that there is no CNG leakage.
Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG truck runover test
The truck runover test was more gruesome, leaving the Bajaj Freedom bent and out of shape from many places. Yet, there were no visible scratches or dents on the CNG tank which suggests that the tank is kept isolated from all impacts. In this case as well, the pressure gauge stays in its original position, revealing no CNG leakage. Bajaj also conducted side impact tests and vertical drop tests, both replicating the same results.
Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG features & specs
Bajaj Freedom 125 comes equipped with a Reverse full LCD instrument panel, Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlight, LED taillight, and a USB charging port. The CNG tank is cradled within a trellis frame, and weighs 18 kg when fully filled. The frame sits on telescopic front forks and a linked rear monoshock.
Powering the Freedom 125 is a 125cc single-cylinder engine which pushes out 9.4 bhp at 8000 rpm and a peak torque of 9.7 Nm at 5000 rpm. This engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Transition from petrol to CNG fuel or vice versa can be made through a switch on the right hand side of the handlebar.