Bajaj Auto’s latest motorcycle, the Freedom, has garnered quite some talk in the Indian two-wheeler industry, and for the right reasons. It is the first ever mass production CNG two-wheeler. However, the Freedom caters to the 125cc segment and there are already some household names like the Raider 125 in this category. So, we have pitted these two bikes against each other on paper, and here is the result.
Design
The design and visuals of a motorcycle are subjective and please differently to everyone. However, the Bajaj Freedom and the TVS Raider both look attractive. The two commuters get a practical deign with a dash of youthfulness. However, the Freedom gets some unconventional elements like the extended single piece seat, fork covers, and braced handlebar. These set it slightly apart and make the bike easily recognisable. Its the same case with the Raider with the LED headlight and the slim build.
Features
Bajaj has loaded the Freedom with quite a few nifty features. Its top-spec variant comes with an LED headlight, a fully digital reverse LCD and smartphone connectivity as well. You can pair your smartphone to the screen and get access to call and SMS alerts, and more. TVS too offers LED illumination, and fully digital console with smartphone connectivity. So, the two are almost on par in the features department.
Engine
Powering the Bajaj Freedom is a 125cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It develops 9.37bhp at 8,000rpm and 9.7Nm at 5,000rpm and gets a five-speed gearbox. On the other hand, the Raider uses a 124.8cc, air-cooled engine that makes 11.2bhp at 7,500rpm and 11.2Nm at 6,000rpm. The Raider not only makes more power and torque than the Freedom but also does it at a slightly lower rpm.
The bigger picture here is that the Freedom uses CNG and petrol. It gets a two-kilo CNG cylinder and a two-litre petrol tank. Meanwhile, the Raider packs a 10-litre fuel tank. You can expect notable difference between the overall cost of running as well as the range offered by the two commuters here.
Hardware
Bajaj has offered the Freedom with telescopic front forks and a monoshock while its brakes comprise a front disc or drum with a rear drum setup. The bike rides on a 17-inch front but gets a 16-inch rear wheel.
The Raider too gets a similar setup but uses a 17-inch wheel on both ends.
Price
The asking price for the Bajaj Freedom is set at Rs. 1.10 lakh for the top-spec variant. On the other hand, the Raider costs Rs. 1.03 lakh for the fully loaded model. The price difference here is about Rs. 7,000 but the overall usage of the Freedom will be in tandem with availability of the CNG. Meanwhile, the TVS Raider relies solely on petrol.
