This paper discusses the combustion characteristics of CNG under lean and stochiometric conditions in a direct injection engine. The experiments were carried out on a dedicated CNG-Direct Injection engine with 14:1 compression ratio. Combustion characteristics of CNG have been investigated on various injection timings. Injection timing of the fuel injection timing had significant effects on the engine performance, combustion and emissions. The effects became more significant when injection timing was retarded. Injection timing was set after the closing of intake valve and experiments are conducted at 0 and 50 load conditions. Lean stratified operation experiences faster combustion compared to that of stochiometric. In lean stratified operation, there were fast burn rates at the initial stage and slower burning at the later stage. Whereas in stochiometric conditions there is a slightly slower burn at the initial stage and a moderately faster burn at the later stage. The faster initial combustion in lean stratified operation might be due to rapid burn of the initial mixture due to higher turbulence, while a slower burn in the later stage due to diffusion. In contrary to that in stochiometric operations the initial burn is slightly slower, due to moderately strong turbulence and a faster burn due to moderately proceeding mixture. Thus the main effect of fuel injection timing can be explained by the fuel air mixing and the turbulence produced. © (2012) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.