Bajaj Auto is gearing up to launch India's first CNG-powered motorcycle in the coming months. The bike has been spotted multiple times, giving us a glimpse of what's to come. Here's a detailed rundown of everything we know about the Bajaj CNG bike so far:
Expected Price and Launch Timeline
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, has confirmed that the CNG bike will hit the market in the first quarter of FY2025, between April and June 2024. The expected price is around Rs 80,000 (ex-showroom). This puts it in direct competition with other 100-110cc petrol-powered bikes in its segment.
Design
The Bajaj CNG bike features an LED headlight with bulb indicators and a sleek LED taillight. It comes with a braced handlebar, handguards, mid-set footpegs, heel and toe shifter, compact engine guard, belly pan, single-piece grab rail, alloy wheels, and a slightly upswept stubby exhaust. The design is reminiscent of the Bajaj CT125X.
Engine
The bike is likely to be powered by a 125cc engine designed to optimize heat dissipation away from the fuel tank. CNG being less power-dense than petrol, this setup allows the bike to deliver performance comparable to a 110cc bike. The CNG cylinder is located under the long, flat single-piece seat, with a large panel gap on the fuel tank for accessing the CNG tank valve. It may also feature a smaller auxiliary petrol tank for use when the CNG runs out. A blue switch on the left switchgear could be used to switch between petrol and CNG modes manually.
Underpinnings
The Bajaj CNG bike will be equipped with telescopic fork and monoshock suspension. Braking will be handled by a front disc and rear drum brake setup. The absence of an ABS sensor suggests the engine capacity will be 125cc or less, requiring CBS instead of ABS as per current safety norms. Tubeless street tyres will be standard.
Rivals
While the Bajaj CNG bike will be the first of its kind in India, it will compete with fuel-efficient 100-110cc bikes like the Hero Splendor Plus, TVS Radeon, Honda Shine 100, and Bajaj Platina 110 in the market.
The upcoming Bajaj CNG bike marks a significant step in the Indian two-wheeler market, offering customers a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative. With its innovative design and promising performance, it is poised to make a strong impact in the commuter segment.