Launched in the Indian market is the Bajaj Freedom 2024, the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle. The Freedom is priced at 110,000 Indian rupees (RM6,205), excluding taxes.
As shown in the teaser image, the Freedom has two power sources, with the primary source coming from a compressed natural gas (CNG) tank and the secondary source coming from gasoline. Both fuel sources drive a 124.58 cc air-cooled internal combustion engine.
Power is rated at 9.8 PS at 8,000 rpm with torque of 9.7 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The CNG tank – located under the seat and supported by trellis frame rails – holds 12.5 litres and weighs two kilograms while the fuel tank holds two litres.
Switching between the two fueling modes is done via a switch mounted on the left handlebar. Bajaj claims the Freedom will have a range of 200 km on CNG while petrol is considered the “limp home” or reserve tank mode, with a range of 130 km.
In terms of speed, the Freedom is limited to 90.5 km/h on CNG and 93.4 km/h on petrol. Designed specifically for the Indian motorcycle market, the seat on the Freedom is long, covering the bike from just behind the handlebars and extending back, which Bajaj says is to “create more seating space”.
The wheel size on the Freedom is a bit small, with a 17-inch front wheel and a 16-inch rear, a rare combination. Braking is done by drum brakes front and rear while suspension is handled by telescopic forks and a monoshock at the rear.
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