The Freedom 125, world’s first CNG motorbike, has been introduced by Bajaj Auto. Despite government incentives, EV adoption is still slow at the time of this launch.
The managing director of Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj, took a stab at the EV sector, pointing out that it has not “propelled electric vehicles like a rocket” despite subsidies and money burned by startups, noting its meager 4-5% penetration in two-wheelers and a meager 1% in autos.
One big benefit of the Freedom 125, which Union Minister Nitin Gadkari witnessed when it was introduced at Bajaj’s Akurdi campus, is that it doesn’t require subsidies. At a starting price of Rs 95,000 (ex-showroom), it appeals to Indian consumers who are price conscious.
The crux of the matter lies in the operational costs. Bajaj claims a fuel cost of just Re 1/km, a 50% reduction compared to petrol counterparts. Additionally, the Freedom 125 claims lower emissions, with 26% less Co2 and 43% less NOx.
This launch throws a challenge to the EV industry. While electric may be the future, Bajaj Auto highlights the immediate viability of CNG technology for cost-effective and cleaner two-wheeler transportation. It states that the bike is designed to be dual fuel, and also has a petrol tank which can be used as backup fuel.
One of the reasons for Bajaj Auto’s CNG bike launch is the growing network of CNG refuelling stations, which currently stand at around 6000 and are likely to jump to 13,000 in a couple of years.
BMW Motorrad has introduced the latest R 12 and R 12 nineT roadster models in India at Rs 19.90 lakh (ex-showroom) and Rs 20.90 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively.
Positioned within BMW’s heritage motorcycle range, these models compete with the Triumph Speed Twin and the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster in the Indian market. Key features lie in their classic retro design complemented by unique elements such as an aluminium tank, brushed side panels, dual exhausts and spoke wheels. At the heart of both models is a 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine delivering 110hp at 7,000rpm and 115Nm at 6,500rpm.
The BMW R 12 nineT features an aluminium tank with brushed side panels, while the R 12 showcases a steel tank reminiscent of the 1970s BMW /5 models. Both models feature full-LED lighting, an adaptive LED headlamp, advanced electronics such as traction control, cornering ABS, engine braking control, keyless ignition and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The R 12 nineT features standard riding modes, including “Rain”, “Road”, and “Dynamic”, while the new R 12 offers “Roll” and “Rock” modes. Both models ride on 17-inch wheels that’s attached to a 45mm USD fork at the front and a paralever swingarm at the rear. Braking duties are managed by 310mm discs at the front and a single 265mm rotor. Additionally, the optional Comfort Package offers enhancements like Hill Start Control Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, heated grips and cruise control.