Honda CB125 Hornet The Stylish and Smart 125cc Sport Bike

Honda CB125 Hornet A Bold Statement in the 125cc Sport-Commuter Segment

In July 2025, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) introduced the Honda CB125 Hornet to the Indian market, aiming squarely at urban riders craving sporty styling, connected features, and a premium feel—without crossing the ₹1 lakh threshold. The bike debuted alongside the Shine 100 DX as part of Honda’s 25‑year anniversary in India and reflects a significant push into the evolving 125cc lifestyle commuter category.

Bookings commenced on August 1, 2025, and pricing is expected to slot just under ₹1 lakh ex‑showroom—positioning it between established rivals like the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R.

Striking Design with Segment‑First Flair

Visually, the Honda CB125 Hornet makes no compromises. It commands attention with twin LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and high-mounted LED turn indicators that contribute to a fierce streetfighter stance. The muscular fuel tank with sharp shrouds and a compact side-profile muffler complete its aggressive aesthetics.

A standout feature: golden upside‑down telescopic (USD) front forks, a class‑exclusive offering that enhances both looks and riding stability. These premium forks are paired with a 5‑step adjustable mono‑shock at the rear to balance sportiness and comfort.

The ignition key is uniquely placed on the fuel tank—an unconventional detail that improves convenience and adds stylistic drama. The bike rides on 17″ dual-purpose alloy wheels dressed in tubeless tyres (80/100‑17 front, 110/80‑17 rear) for a blend of cornering confidence and ride compliance.

Honda CB125 Hornet Feature‑Loaded with Smart Connectivity

Honda has loaded the Honda CB125 Hornet with features rare in the 125cc segment. A 4.2-inch TFT display sits at the center of the cockpit, with support for Honda’s RoadSync app over Bluetooth. Riders gain access to turn-by-turn navigation, music control, and SMS/call alerts—all manageable via switchgear without touching the phone.

A USB Type-C charging port ensures your smartphone stays powered on the move. Honda also includes thoughtful touches such as an engine kill switch and side-stand engine cut-off for added safety—and peace of mind.

Lighting across the board is LED: headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators—all contributing to sharper visuals and better nighttime visibility.

Performance: Zippy, Light, and Efficient

Power comes from a tried-and-tested 123.94cc air‑cooled single-cylinder engine, derived from the SP 125/Shine 125 lineup. But Honda has given it a slight tune-up: 11.1 hp at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm torque at 6,000 rpm. Despite modest numbers, the Hornet is claimed to sprint 0–60 km/h in 5.4 seconds, making it arguably the fastest in its class. Retail weight stays low at 124 kg, enhancing responsiveness and ease of handling.

The configuration is typical: 5-speed manual gearbox, front 240mm petal disc brake with single‑channel ABS, and 130mm drum brake at the rear. The ride setup—with USD fork and preload-adjustable rear mono-shock—is tuned to tackle both rough urban roads and quick highway stretches.

Honda officials emphasize that with this specification and lightweight chassis, the Hornet bridges commuter practicality and sporty fun—without compromising on rideability for new riders.

Practicality in Use Honda CB125 Hornet

With a seat height around 790 mm, the Hornet suits both shorter and average-height riders. The fuel tank capacity stands at 12 litres, offering decent riding range between fill-ups. The compact size and light weight make it ideal for congested city traffic and tight lane navigation.

While Honda hasn’t confirmed exact fuel efficiency figures, the Honda CB125 Hornet is expected to deliver over 55 km/l, based on the shared engine’s efficiency in other models and its relatively low kerb weight.

Trim Choices & Color Schemes

Honda offers the CB125 Hornet in four striking dual-tone colour variants:

Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow
Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic
Pearl Igneous Black
Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red

Such bright combinations reinforce its youth‑oriented appeal and help it stand out among commuter‑focused 125cc bikes.

Information on variants and trims hasn’t been fully released yet; however, given Honda’s typical rollout, expect multiple options including ABS and non‑ABS trims, along with possible cosmetic packs or accessory kits.

How Riders Are Reacting: Reddit Voices

Discussions on Reddit highlight both excitement and room for improvement.

On /r/indianbikes, one user weighed the positives with a candid note:

“Engine is refined and tourquey (at least till 90‑100)… Engine compression ratio is lower (9.5:1) … which means reliability.

Some users called out Honda’s lack of dual-channel ABS—an omission in a design that, by looks and price, invites sporting expectations:

“This bike… kind of overpriced… also not having dual channel ABS in this segment makes it undesirable for many.

Such sentiment suggests that while the Hornet brings excitement, full safety features could have made it more compelling.

Head‑to‑Head: Honda CB125 Hornet vs. Raider 125 vs. Xtreme 125R

The Hornet is Honda’s counter to rivals like TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R. Analysis indicates head-to-head advantages in several key areas:

Acceleration: Hornet claims 5.4s (0–60 km/h), ahead of Raider (≈5.8s) and Xtreme (≈5.9s).
Connectivity: RoadSync-compatible TFT dash (vs India‑only features or basic LCD).
Premium components: Segment-exclusive golden USD fork elevates ride and styling.
Style quotient: Hornet’s design leans more aggressive and streetfighter‑like compared to the commuter-focused rivals.

However, rivals still lead in some areas—Hero’s dealer network and service reach remain unmatched, and TVS offers more aggressive pricing and optional dual-channel ABS on higher variants.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Segment‑leading features: LED lighting, Bluetooth TFT, USB‑C port.
Sporty yet usable design: golden USD forks, tank-mounted ignition, and muscular bodywork.
Agile and quick: strong power-to-weight ratio gives sprightly ride.
Premium feel in 125cc class: standout styling and component choices.

Limitations

No dual-channel ABS: front-only ABS feels dated for a sport-themed bike.
Torrid competition around pricing: rivals offer competing features at lower price.
Expected near ₹1 lakh price tag may limit appeal for budget-conscious buyers.

Final Verdict: A Fresh Lens on the 125cc Experience

The Honda CB125 Hornet ushers in a new era for the 125cc category in India. With its bold styling, modern connectivity, segment-first hardware, and brisk performance, it redefines expectations for entry-level sporty commuters.

Geared toward Gen-Z riders and those who prioritize style alongside functionality, the Hornet delivers a feature-rich package at a price that may hover just under ₹1 lakh ex‑showroom. While competitors offer established reliability and pricing strength, the Hornet stakes its identity in offering performance, premium feel, and smart tech.

If you’re after a bike that stands out in traffic, offers smart features, and doesn’t feel like a compromise on excitement—even on weekday city chores—the Honda CB125 Hornet brings its best punch to the table. Just keep in mind the absence of dual-channel ABS and keep a sharp eye on final pricing before making your decision.

Last Updated on 28 July 2025.