Bajaj Freedom 125 vs Hero Super Splendor: Which one should you buy

Bajaj Auto has kicked the hornet’s nest as the world’s first CNG motorcycle, the Freedom 125, will take on the undisputed champion, the Hero Splendor XTEC. The Bajaj motorcycle will lock horns against the more powerful 125cc Super Splendor. The CNG motorcycle will help you cut down on your fuel bills, but it will be limited to the CNG network, which is very extensive. The Super Splendor, on the other hand, can be refuelled in pretty much any part of the country and then shut the fuel tank and not worry about the mileage. 

We pit the Freedom 125 CNG versus the Super Splendor and find out which is the champion in the 125cc commuter segment. 

Bajaj Freedom 125 vs Hero Super Splendor: Engine and Mileage

Both the motorcycles are powered by a 125cc powertrain and are focused on returning high mileage, but have taken two separate routes. Let’s start with the Freedom 125 as it is a unique motorcycle. The Freedom has an output of 9.3 bhp and 9.7 Nm of torque. According to Bajaj, the motorcycle offers a range of around 200 km in CNG mode and 130 km in petrol. Based on the ARAI report, this translates into 101 per kg for CNG and 65 kmpl in petrol mode. 

Bajaj Freedom 125 vs Hero Super Splendor: Hardware

The Freedom 125 is the first motorcycle in its commuter class to be based on a trellis frame. According to Bajaj Auto, the motorcycle is also the longest with a wheelbase of 1340 mm and seat length of 785 mm, 670 mm is usable. It also has a tall seat height of 825 mm. The entry-level gets a combination of 130 mm drum brakes in front and 110 mm at the rear. The mid-level retains the front brakes but gets a bigger 130 mm drum at the rear and the top model sports a 240 mm disc brake in front and a 130 mm drum at the rear. The Freedom is also the first motorcycle in the 125 cc segment that is equipped with a rear mono-shock. 

The Super Splendor is based on the traditional tubular diamond frame, a 1267 mm wheelbase and a seat height of 793 mm. The entry-level Super Splendor is equipped with 130 mm drum brakes in front and rear while the top model has 240 mm front disc brakes. 

Bajaj Freedom 125 vs Hero Super Splendor: Features

Both these motorcycles offer a slew of features. Let’s start with the Freedom 125, which sports an LED headlight and tail lamp, an LCD digital instrument console with smartphone connectivity that sends missed call alerts, and has a caller ID and the status of the battery. It also comes with a USB port. 

The Super Splendor also offers plenty of functions like a Bluetooth-enabled digital instrument console that reads out real-time fuel efficiency, a USB charging port and sends messages and calls alerts. Along with start-stop technology, the Super Splendor has LED headlight and tail lamps.