Honda CB125 Hornet 2025 Stylish, Smart, and Efficient

Honda CB125 Hornet 2025 The New Entry-Level Streetfighter With Big-Bike Style and Modern Tech.

As the 125cc motorcycle segment continues to evolve, Honda has unveiled the Honda CB125 Hornet 2025, a street-naked motorcycle that blends sporty design, fuel efficiency, and beginner-friendly performance. Aimed at young riders and urban commuters, the CB125 Hornet is positioned as a premium entry-level motorcycle that borrows styling and attitude from its bigger Hornet siblings.

Whether you’re upgrading from a scooter, getting your first geared bike, or want something stylish for daily commutes, the CB125 Hornet is designed to offer just the right mix of agility, looks, and reliability. Let’s dive into the details.

🏍️ Design: Aggressive Naked Styling Inspired by the Hornet 2.0

Honda has gone all out to give the Honda CB125 Hornet a muscular and premium look. Drawing clear inspiration from the CB Hornet 160R and Hornet 2.0, this 125cc machine features:

A sharp LED headlamp with X-shaped DRLs
Angular fuel tank with sculpted tank shrouds
Raised tail section with split seat
LED taillight and turn indicators
Sporty color schemes with contrasting graphics

The overall stance is upright and aggressive, offering a big-bike feel despite the compact engine. The 2025 model introduces three new dual-tone color options, including Neon Red, Matte Axis Gray, and Pearl Metallic Blue.

⚙️ Engine & Performance: Peppy for the Segment

The 2025 Honda CB125 Hornet is powered by a 124.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, developed for smooth, fuel-efficient performance. While it’s not a performance bike per se, it’s tuned to offer refined power delivery ideal for city commuting and beginner riders.

Power: 11.5 PS @ 8,250 rpm
Torque: 10.3 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed gearbox
Top Speed: Approx. 105 km/h
0–60 km/h: Around 7 seconds
Mileage: 55–60 km/l (claimed)

Thanks to Honda’s eSP (Enhanced Smart Power) and low-friction components, the engine delivers peppy low-end torque and linear acceleration—perfect for city sprints, quick overtakes, and smooth highway cruising at moderate speeds.

🧭 Chassis, Suspension & Handling: Light, Nimble, and Balanced

The Honda CB125 Hornet 2025 is built on a diamond-type lightweight frame, offering superior agility and handling. The bike feels light at just 140 kg (kerb) and is easy to maneuver in traffic.

Suspension setup:

Front: 31mm telescopic forks
Rear: Monoshock with 5-step preload adjustment

The riding triangle is comfortable and upright, with wide handlebars and neutral footpeg positioning, making it ideal for beginners or everyday riders.

Braking duties are handled by:

240mm front disc
130mm rear drum (optional rear disc variant available)
Combi-Brake System (CBS)

Though dual-channel ABS is not offered, the CBS ensures safer stops for city conditions.

🔋 Features and Technology: Class-Leading for 125cc

One of the 2025 Honda CB125 Hornet key selling points is its feature list, which rivals some 150cc bikes:

Fully digital negative LCD instrument cluster
Real-time mileage, gear position, trip, service due, and eco indicator
All-LED lighting package (headlamp, tail, and indicators)
Hazard light function
Engine start/stop switch
Side-stand engine cut-off
Honda Smart Key (in top variant, segment-first)

The bike is also compatible with Honda’s smartphone connectivity system, allowing for basic notifications and trip data via Bluetooth (available in deluxe variants).

🧍‍♂️ Ergonomics and Comfort: Perfect for Urban Riding

The Honda CB125 Hornet 2025 gets:

A seat height of 790 mm, making it accessible to most riders
A wide and flat seat with good cushioning for both rider and pillion
Good suspension travel to handle potholes and speed bumps
Raised handlebar for relaxed riding posture

Whether you’re riding through congested traffic or taking a short highway trip, the CB125 Hornet feels planted and composed.

💸 Price and Variants in India (Expected for 2025)

As of now, Honda is expected to launch the Honda CB125 Hornet in three variants:

Variant	Features	Expected Ex-Showroom Price
Standard	Basic features, disc-drum brakes	Rs 1.00 lakh
Deluxe	Rear disc brake, Bluetooth cluster	₹1.08 lakh
Deluxe Smart	Smart key, all features	₹1.14 lakh

This pricing places the Hornet 125 slightly above most commuter 125ccs like the Hero Glamour XTEC or TVS Raider but justifies the premium with superior quality, performance, and design.

🆚 Honda CB125 Hornet 2025 Comparison With Rivals

The CB125 Hornet competes with:

TVS Raider 125
Hero Xtreme 125R
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
KTM 125 Duke (distant premium rival)

Where it wins:

More mature styling
Better refinement and brand trust
Full LED package and digital display
Excellent fuel economy and city manners

Where it lags slightly:

No rear ABS or dual-channel ABS
Not the most powerful 125cc bike

Still, it offers a balanced package that many daily riders and first-time buyers will appreciate.

🔧 Maintenance and Warranty

Honda’s wide service network ensures easy availability of parts
Estimated annual maintenance cost: ₹1,500–₹2,000
3-year standard warranty with optional 3-year extended coverage
Strong resale value due to Honda’s brand equity

🏁 Verdict: Should You Buy the CB125 Hornet in 2025?

Absolutely, if you’re:
✅ A first-time motorcycle buyer looking for a stylish and safe option
✅ A commuter who values fuel efficiency and ride quality
✅ A fan of Honda’s refinement and long-term durability

The Honda CB125 Hornet 2025 checks all the right boxes for city riders and occasional tourers. It might not be a pocket rocket, but it’s a solid all-rounder with big-bike attitude and intelligent tech in a 125cc shell.

Last Updated On 3 August 2025.

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