Acko Drive Top 5 Bike Stories of the Week

While the previous week was all about the CNG bike, this week was all about the reactions to this change. There were also some international launches this week along with some very special news from Royal Enfield.

Opinion – Bajaj Freedom 125 Opportunities, Challenges and Future

Bajaj Auto has introduced the world’s first CNG motorcycle, the Freedom 125. The bike is said to be much cheaper to run than a petrol motorcycle and is also more environmentally friendly. However, the availability of CNG stations and safety concerns around CNG vehicles could be a challenge. The future of the Freedom 125 depends on how well it addresses these challenges and how the market responds to this new technology. Click here to learn more about it.

After Bajaj, TVS is now exploring the CNG option

TVS’s first CNG-powered two-wheeler could hit the Indian markets by 2025. TVS is looking to enter the new CNG scooter market after Bajaj’s launch of the Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle. Details are yet to be confirmed, but we believe TVS could use the Jupiter scooter as a base for its alternative fuel debut. It is still a question of how it will integrate the CNG tank without sacrificing storage space. There are also questions about safety and how the CNG tank will affect handling. We explain how TVS has experience with alternative fuels before and for more information click here.

Bhavish Aggarwal vs Rajiv Bajaj

Ola Electric and Bajaj Auto bosses are engaged in a war of words! Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO of Ola, was responding to a comment by Bajaj Auto chief Rajiv Bajaj about starting electric vehicles. Aggarwal posted a video of Bajaj’s remark and said that Bajaj might regret his words soon. This is the second time in a week that Aggarwal has commented on Bajaj’s statements. Read more to see how this plays out.

BMW R 1300 GSA

BMW Motorrad has unveiled the R 1300 GS Adventure, a more hardcore version of its R 1300 GS adventure bike. The new bike has a bulkier design, more advanced features and new hardware, all aimed at improving its long-distance capabilities. The bike retains the same 145 hp and 149 Nm engine as the R 1300 GS, but adds a first automatic transmission system for a BMW motorcycle. The bike will be available in multiple color schemes globally, but its arrival in India is expected by the end of 2024. Click here to learn more about the other changes.

Royal Enfield 250

Royal Enfield is making two big moves. First, it launches the powerful Guerrilla 450 motorcycle next week. Second, they are developing a new 250cc engine platform, codenamed ‘V’, to make their bikes more affordable and appeal to a younger generation of riders. This 250cc platform is expected to be launched in 2026 and could lead to a wider variety of affordable Royal Enfield bikes in the future. Here’s more on this upcoming smaller engine. Here are more details