Bajaj Freedom 125 vs Honda Shine 125: Which is the best commuter bike?

This is a unique tale of two 125cc commuter motorcycles. The world’s only CNG-powered motorcycle, the Bajaj Freedom 125 goes up against the best-seller in the segment, the Honda Shine 125. The Freedom 125 is an unknown quantity but offers pock-friendly running costs, which are like no other in this commuter class. The Shine 125 is a tried-and-tested motorcycle for its fuel efficiency and reliability. We pit Bajaj’s immovable object against the Honda’s unstoppable force and find out, which one is the more value-for-money motorcycle. 

Bajaj Freedom 125 vs Honda Shine 125: Engine Specs

Let’s get to the heart of the matter. Both these motorcycles are powered by a 125cc air-cooled engine. The Freedom comes with a 124.58cc power plant with a modest output of 9.3 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 9.7 Nm at 5,000 rpm. On the other hand, the Shine 125 gets a 123.94cc engine that produces 10.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Both the motorcycles are mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

Bajaj Freedom 125 vs Honda Shine 125: Mileage

he Freedom loses to the Shine 125 when it comes to horsepower, but its trump card is its bi-fuel nature that allows the rider to choose between CNG and petrol. According to Bajaj Auto, this gives the Freedom a 50 per cent mileage boost and lower running costs as compared to petrol motorcycles. The Freedom has a twin fuel tank with a 2 kg capacity for CNG and 2 litres for petrol. Bajaj claims in CNG mode, the motorcycle offers over 200 km range and an additional 130 km in petrol mode. 

The Honda Shine 125 is a traditional motorcycle with a 10.5-litre petrol tank. According to the ARAI report, the 125cc motorcycle returns an average of 55 kmpl.

Bajaj Freedom 125 vs Honda Shine 125: Hardware

The Freedom 125 has many firsts when it comes to the way it is built. It is the first motorcycle in this segment to be based on a trellis frame. It is also the longest bike in the commuter class with a wheelbase of 1340 mm and a seat length of 785 mm out of which 670 mm is usable. Keeping practicality in mind, the Freedom’s ground clearance is 170 mm and a seat height of 825 mm. Unlike the Shine 125, the Bajaj CNG motorcycle gets a rear mono-shock.

The Shine 125 is based on a Diamond frame and its wheelbase and ground clearance are 1285 mm and 162 mm respectively. It seat length is 651 mm and a seat height of 791 mm. Like the Freedom 125, it comes with telescopic front forks but has traditional hydraulic rear suspension. 

In the case of both the motorcycles, the entry-level model is equipped with a 130 drum brake in front while the top version gets a 240 mm disc and the rear 130 mm drum brake is standard.

Bajaj Freedom 125 vs Honda Shine 125: Features

Being a new motorcycle, the Freedom 125 has a host of features like an LED head lamp and tail light. The entry and the mid variant sport an LCD instrument console and the top model gets a connectivity option which sends calls and missed alerts along with caller ID. It also provides information on battery life. All this information is available with Bluetooth connectivity. 

The Shine 125 gets a traditional analogue dash with a speedometer and a fuel gauge. It also has a side stand indicator which ensures the engine is cut off. Both the motorcycles come with a combi-brake system. 

Bajaj Freedom 125 vs Honda Shine 125: Price

The Freedom 125 is available in three variants and costs from Rs 95,000 onwards. The new Bajaj CNG motorcycle’s entry-level variant is Rs 15,000 more premium than the Shine 125 which starts at Rs 80,250. If the city you live in has a comprehensive CNG station network then the MRP makes sense as the running cost makes up for the price difference as petrol is Rs 18 costlier than CNG.