Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED Review: The CNG Revolution with a Brighter Face – Is This India’s Smartest Value Commuter?
Bajaj Auto continues to push the boundaries of economical commuting in India with its innovative dual-fuel lineup. The Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED variant slots in as a compelling middle ground, offering the game-changing CNG + Petrol system with a crucial upgrade in illumination. This motorcycle isn’t just about saving money at the pump; it’s about providing a practical, efficient, and now, visibly enhanced commuting solution. Priced at an ex-showroom ₹95,981/-* (as of June 2025), the Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED is powered by the same reliable 4-Stroke, air-cooled 124.58cc engine that delivers a practical 9.5 PS Max Power (CNG) and 9.7 Nm Torque (CNG). Its headline features remain the incredible CNG range of 202 km and a Petrol range of 130 km, culminating in a combined journey of 332 km. This variant retains the basic yet effective drum brake setup with CBS, but notably upgrades to a modern LED headlamp for enhanced visibility, alongside a straightforward small LCD console. Is this the perfect balance of affordability, economy, and essential modern features for the Indian commuter? Let’s find out.
Dual-Fuel Brilliance with a Modern Edge: The NG04 Drum LED’s Appeal
The Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED leverages its unique dual-fuel capability while adding a practical modern touch for improved safety and aesthetics.
Innovative Dual-Fuel System (CNG + Petrol):
The core strength of the Freedom NG04 series lies in its ability to run on both CNG (with a 12.5 L / 2 kg capacity) and a 2 L ‘limp home’ Petrol tank. This pioneering system ensures significant fuel cost savings and offers an impressive combined range of 332 km.
Efficient Air-Cooled 125cc Engine:
The robust 4-Stroke, air-cooled 124.58cc engine is specifically tuned for optimal performance on CNG. It delivers a practical 9.5 PS Max Power (CNG) @ 8000 rpm and 9.7 Nm Torque (CNG) @ 5000 rpm, providing ample power for brisk acceleration in urban traffic and comfortable cruising.
Versatile Top Speed:
The motorcycle achieves a practical top speed of 90.5 km/h on CNG and a slightly higher 93.4 km/h on Petrol, ensuring it can easily keep pace with daily commuting demands.
Efficient Braking with CBS:
The NG04 Drum LED features a 130mm front drum brake and a 130mm rear drum brake with CBS (Combined Braking System). This setup, while basic, provides reliable stopping power and improves safety by distributing braking force.
Modern LED Headlamp:
This is a key differentiator for this variant. The inclusion of an LED headlamp significantly improves night visibility compared to traditional bulb units, enhances safety, and gives the bike a more contemporary and appealing look.
Basic Digital Console:
A small LCD without connectivity provides essential ride information like speed, fuel level, and odometer readings. This simple yet functional approach keeps the cost down while providing necessary data.
Robust Belly Pan & Tank Cover Flap:
The bike now includes a plastic + steel metal belly pan for better engine protection against road debris, a practical upgrade. The presence of a tank cover flap adds a touch of convenience and finish.
Tubeless Tyres:
Both front (90/80 – 17) and rear (120/70 – 16) come with tubeless tyres, offering better puncture resistance and easier repair compared to traditional tube-type tyres.
Full Specifications Table: Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED
Engine & Performance
- Engine Type: 4 Stroke, air cooled
- Engine Displacement: 124.58 cc
- Max Power (CNG): 9.5 PS @ 8000 rpm
- Torque (CNG): 9.7 Nm @ 5000 rpm
- Top Speed (CNG): 90.5 km/h
- Top Speed (Petrol): 93.4 km/h
- Range (CNG): 202 km (approx.)
- Range (Petrol): 130 km (approx.)
- Total Combined Range: 332 km (approx.)
Brakes
- Front Brake: 130mm Drum
- Rear Brake: 130mm Drum – CBS (Combined Braking System)
- ABS: No (CBS provides similar functionality)
Tyres
- Front Tyre: 90/80 -17 (Tubeless)
- Rear Tyre: 120/70-16 (Tubeless)
Dimensions
- Rider Seat Height: 825 mm
Fuel System
- CNG Capacity: 12.5 L / 2 kg
- Petrol Capacity: 2 L (Limp home)
Electricals & Features
- Headlamp: LED
- Connectivity: Small LCD without Connectivity
- Belly Pan: Plastic + steel metal
- Tank Cover Flap: Yes
Price
- Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi, approx. as of June 2025): ₹95,981/-* (Prices may vary by variant and region)
The Riding Experience: Pros and Cons for the Value-Conscious Indian Commuter
Pros: Why the Freedom NG04 Drum LED Shines
- Exceptional Fuel Economy & Lowest Running Costs: The dual-fuel CNG + Petrol system remains the undisputed king of efficiency, offering significant savings on fuel bills. This is a massive advantage for daily high-mileage commuters.
- Impressive Combined Range (332 km): The extended range minimizes refueling stops, providing peace of mind, especially on longer city routes or in areas with less developed CNG infrastructure.
- Modern LED Headlamp: This is a crucial upgrade over the base variant. The LED headlamp offers brighter, more focused illumination for safer night riding and gives the bike a more premium and contemporary visual appeal.
- Cost-Effective Choice: Positioned smartly between the base Drum variant and the top-end Disc LED variant, it provides the core dual-fuel benefits with a vital modern feature (LED headlamp) at a very attractive price point.
- Robust Belly Pan & Tank Cover: The upgraded plastic + steel belly pan offers better protection for the engine, while the tank cover flap adds convenience and a touch of refinement.
- Adequate 125cc Performance: The engine provides sufficient power and torque for effortless urban commuting, handling city traffic with ease and offering good top speeds for its segment.
- Tubeless Tyres: A practical safety feature that makes puncture repairs easier and reduces the risk of sudden deflation.
- Wider Tyres: The wider 90/80-17 front and 120/70-16 rear tubeless tyres compared to the base Drum variant are a welcome addition, potentially offering better grip and stability.
Cons: Where Functionality Trumps Advanced Features
- Lesser Braking Power (Drum Brakes): While the 130mm drum brakes with CBS are functional, they offer less sharp, immediate stopping power and feel compared to a front disc brake, especially in emergency braking situations.
- No Connectivity/Basic Console: The small LCD instrument cluster, while functional, lacks Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, or other smart features found on some rivals or higher-end Bajaj models.
- Rear 16-inch Wheel: While the rear tyre is wider, the 16-inch wheel size might offer slightly less stability or a different handling dynamic compared to a standard 17-inch rear wheel, though this is often subjective and aimed at specific dynamics.
- CNG Infrastructure Dependency: The biggest practical limitation remains the availability of CNG fueling stations, which can vary significantly across different cities and regions in India.
- No Disc Brake Option (Front): For riders who prioritize maximum braking confidence and performance, the absence of a front disc brake on this variant might be a drawback.
Who Is This Bike For? Tailored Recommendations
The Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED is an outstanding choice for:
- Cost-Conscious Commuters: Riders who prioritize the lowest possible running costs and excellent fuel economy for daily travel.
- High-Mileage City Riders: Individuals who cover significant distances daily within urban or semi-urban areas and benefit from CNG savings and extended range.
- Buyers Seeking Essential Modern Features: Those who want the core benefits of dual-fuel technology combined with the improved safety and aesthetics of an LED headlamp.
- Small Business Owners / Delivery Riders: Its combination of economy, reliability, and enhanced visibility makes it a practical commercial asset.
- Riders in Areas with Good CNG Infrastructure: Where CNG stations are readily available, this bike offers maximum benefit and convenience.
Who Might Consider Other Options?
You might consider other options if:
- You Prioritize Maximum Braking Performance: If a front disc brake is essential for your riding style and confidence, you’d need to consider the higher Disc LED variant.
- You Need Advanced Digital Features: If smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation on the console, or a full-color display are a must, this variant’s basic LCD might not suffice.
- You Frequently Ride on Highways at Higher Speeds: While capable, its performance is optimized for economy and urban use, not sustained high-speed highway cruising.
- You Live in an Area with Limited CNG Access: The primary benefit of this bike is diminished without easy access to CNG.
- You Prefer a More Premium Riding Experience: If refinement, advanced suspension, or a more powerful feel are important, other 125cc or higher displacement bikes would be better.
Competitive Edge: What Sets It Apart
The Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED distinguishes itself in the Indian motorcycle market with several key advantages:
- Pioneering Dual-Fuel Technology: It’s part of the first mass-market motorcycle series in India to offer a factory-fitted CNG + Petrol dual-fuel system, providing unmatched running cost savings.
- Unrivalled Fuel Economy & Range: The combined range of 332 km and significantly lower per-kilometer costs make it one of the most economical two-wheelers to run, a game-changer for high-mileage users.
- Enhanced Visibility with LED Headlamp: It offers a crucial safety and aesthetic upgrade with its modern LED headlamp, distinguishing it from the base variant and many traditional commuters.
- Smart Value Proposition: It strikes an excellent balance between affordability, core dual-fuel benefits, and essential modern features, making it a “smart compromise” for value-conscious buyers.
- Practicality & Reliability: Focused on core commuting needs, it offers a robust, easy-to-maintain, and reliable package for everyday use in Indian conditions.
Final Verdict: The Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED – The Smart Compromise for the Frugal & Forward-Thinking Commuter
The Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED stands out as a highly compelling choice for pragmatic Indian commuters who prioritize ultra-low running costs, impressive range, and now, enhanced visibility with a modern touch. Its pioneering CNG + Petrol dual-fuel system makes it an incredibly economical motorcycle for daily use, directly impacting the wallet. While it consciously foregoes some advanced features like a front disc brake and Bluetooth connectivity found in its higher-end sibling, it intelligently adds the crucial LED headlamp and solid performance figures. This variant truly hits a sweet spot for budget-conscious riders seeking a reliable, exceptionally fuel-efficient, and future-forward commuter without unnecessary frills. For those looking for maximum savings with a hint of modern convenience, the Freedom 125 NG04 Drum LED is an excellent and highly practical investment for daily travel across India.
Overall Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 (Based on Expert Analysis)
