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The 125cc segment is one of the most sensitive and popular in the Indian bike industry. Before June 2024, the targeted audience for 125-cc engines was very clear. People who look for the best mileage with entry-level performance choose 125cc bikes over 110cc or 100cc bikes.
We have Bajaj Pulsar 125cc, TVS Raider 125cc, and Hero Xtreme 125r.
The Pulsar 125cc produces 12PS at 8500rpm power figure, while the TVS Raider produces 11.38PS at 7500rpm and the Hero Xtreme 125r produces 11.55PS at 8250rpm.
The KTM 125 Duke also belongs to the 125cc category but it targets performance-centric buyers. Its 124.7cc engine generates 14.4PS at 9250rpm.
Mileage and performance were the two key features of this segment until Bajaj introduced the Freedom 125 CNG bike, which was completely mileage-oriented. It produces the lowest 9.5PS at 8000rpm, which is equal to the power of a 110-cc engine. The TVS Raider 125 stands in contrast to the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG.
Latest Features
The TVS Raider 125 and Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG are both feature-loaded bikes. The bumblebee-like Raider SX variant features an LED headlight and LED tail light. The TVS Connect app is connected to the phone via Bluetooth, the screen shows call alerts, SMS notifications, battery percentage, turn-by-turn navigation, voice assist, live match scores, weather updates, and post-ride reports.
TVS has also provided a small compartment under the seat with a USB port to charge your smartphone and gadgets on the go. The Raider 125 also supports additional features like a silent starter, a start-stop system, a side stand indicator, and an engine cut-off function.
On the other side, the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is also feature-loaded. The top NG04 Disc LED variant has an LED headlight with DRLs and a negatively lit LCD with Bluetooth connectivity, which can show calls and SMS notifications. This bike also has a dedicated switch for receiving calls, which is a very convenient feature.
This LCD console provides information like speed, gear position, time, and two trip meters. Riders can also adjust their screen's appearance, according to the day and night.
Mileage and Running Cost
These two bikes are very different in this category; one uses an old-school fuel system, and the latest model has a completely revolutionary fuel management system. The TVS Raider 125 is more powerful than the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG. The difference is 3.2PS.
Please note that the average petrol cost in India is Rs 103.44, while the average CNG cost is Rs 84, as of July 2024. The rates are subject to change.
With a 10-litre fuel tank and a claimed mileage of 67kmpl, the TVS Raider can travel approximately 670 kilometres on a full tank, costing Rs 103.44 x 10 = Rs 1034.4 in fuel.
The average cost per kilometre is only Rs 1.54.
The Freedom 125 has a 2 kg CNG tank and a 2-litre petrol tank; the claimed mileage for CNG is 102 kilometres, and the claimed mileage for petrol is 65 kilometres.
Total (102 x 2) + (65 x 2) = 204 + 130 = 334 kilometres
Cost (Rs 84 x 2) + (Rs 103.44 x 2) = Rs 168 + Rs 206.88 = Rs 374.88
The cost per kilometre is only Rs 1.11.
Conclusion
So, the difference is that on the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG, you can save approximately 43 paise more per kilometre, but you have to compromise on maximum range and face fuel anxiety. It is also worth mentioning that the TVS Raider is more powerful than the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG.
