Bajaj Auto will launch its first CNG bike in India on July 5. While that deadline is fast approaching, Bajaj has dropped a teaser video revealing a couple of things. The teaser confirms the previous reports around the possibility of a blue toggle switch on the left-side switch cube. This will be used to switch between the petrol and CNG modes.
Based on previous spy shots, the upcoming CNG bike will have a circular LED headlight, bulb indicators, a small front cowl, knuckle guards, a sleek taillamp (could be an LED unit), and new 5-spoke alloy wheels. The riding position on the bike will be a combination of mid-set footpegs, a long, single-piece seat, and a braced handlebar with handguards. Other expected bits include an upswept exhaust, a compact engine guard, and grab rails.
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The Bajaj CNG bike is designed to be as cost-effective as possible. But, how will it be packaged? According to the leaked design blueprints, Bajaj will use a sloper engine design to house both CNG and petrol tanks as this layout helps optimise space for all the fuel systems and other ancillaries. Held by a tubular steel cradle frame, the CNG cylinder will be positioned under the bike's flat seat. Apart from the CNG tank, the CNG bike will have a smaller auxiliary petrol tank, which can be used if it runs out of CNG.
Bajaj CNG Bike: Displacement Details
Though the exact displacement of the upcoming bike is yet to be revealed, it will likely be positioned in the 110–125cc space given that Bajaj wishes to target semi-urban and rural markets with this bike. If so, expect the bike to be priced above the Platina (Rs 68,262) and the CT (Rs 69,626). Both are starting prices, ex-showroom.
While all of this will be disclosed on the said date, we hope the new CNG bike gets a 125cc motor, for it to achieve performance levels on par with a 110cc petrol bike. This is because CNG-powered models are usually less powerful than the petrol-powered ones.
Bajaj CNG Bike: Suspension, Brakes
For suspension, the CNG-powered Bajaj bike will likely get a telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock. Stopping power should come from a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear, likely mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels. It also remains to be seen whether the bike will come with a single-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) or a combined braking system (CBS).
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Bajaj is expected to retail this bike at around Rs 80,000 (ex-showroom). The bike will have no direct competitors but will be an alternative to the Hero Splendor Plus, the TVS Radeon, the Honda Shine 100, and the Bajaj Platina 110.
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