Honda has officially launched the CB125 Hornet in India, targeting young riders and daily commuters who want style, performance, and fuel efficiency in one compact package. The 125cc segment is already very competitive in India, but the CB125 Hornet brings some fresh energy to the table with its sporty design and reliable performance.
In this article, we will explain everything about the new Honda CB125 Hornet in very simple words. We’ll also compare it with its top rivals so you can decide whether this bike is the right one for you.
Key Highlights of Honda CB125 Hornet
- 124.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine
- Expected price: ₹1 lakh – ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Sharp, aggressive styling similar to larger Hornet models
- LED headlight and digital instrument cluster
- Disc brakes with CBS (Combi Brake System)
- Targeted at college students and urban commuters
Design and Styling: Looks Like a Bigger Bike
One of the biggest reasons why people are noticing the CB125 Hornet is its muscular and sharp design. At first glance, it doesn’t look like a 125cc bike—it looks bigger, like a 160cc model. The tank is well-sculpted, and the headlamp is fully LED, which adds a premium touch.
It has split-style seats, a sporty rear grab rail, and a digital display that shows speed, fuel, and trip meter info. Overall, this bike is clearly made to impress young riders who want style in their everyday commute.
Engine and Performance
The Honda CB125 Hornet comes with a 124.7cc single-cylinder engine. It is air-cooled and fuel-injected. Honda hasn’t officially revealed the exact power output for the India-spec model yet, but in the international version, this engine produces around 10.7 bhp and 10.6 Nm of torque.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, which is a good point since many bikes in this segment still offer only 4-speed. This setup makes the Hornet CB125 ideal for city rides and occasional highway trips.
In terms of performance, it’s not a racing bike—but it gives you smooth acceleration, good mileage, and low maintenance, which most Indian buyers look for in this segment.
Features and Technology
For a 125cc bike, the Honda CB125 Hornet comes with a good set of features:
- Full LED lighting (headlight, tail-light, indicators)
- Digital instrument cluster
- Front and rear disc brakes with CBS (Combi Brake System)
- Alloy wheels with tubeless tyres
- Mono-shock rear suspension for better ride comfort
These features make it feel like a premium product in its category. The addition of CBS also ensures better braking safety, especially for beginner riders.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Honda is known for making fuel-efficient engines, and the CB125 Hornet is expected to deliver around 55–60 kmpl in real-world conditions. This makes it ideal for students, daily office-goers, and delivery riders who want to save on fuel costs.
Its fuel tank capacity is around 11 litres, which means you can easily get over 600 km on a full tank if you ride carefully.
Price and Variants
As of now, Honda has not confirmed the final price for India, but based on its global price and Indian competition, experts expect it to be priced around ₹1 lakh to ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom).
This would make it one of the most premium 125cc bikes in India, and Honda is likely to offer it in two variants: standard and deluxe (with extra features like graphics or color options).
Who Should Buy the CB125 Hornet?
This bike is a good option for:
- College students looking for a stylish and efficient bike
- Daily commuters who want comfort and low fuel cost
- Riders who want a small bike that looks like a big one
- Honda loyalists who trust the brand for reliability and resale
If you are someone who wants a reliable and sporty-looking bike for daily use and don’t mind spending a little more for better looks and features, this bike can be a great fit.
Comparison With Rivals
Let’s see how the Honda CB125 Hornet stands against its main competitors:
1. TVS Raider 125
- Power: 11.2 bhp (slightly more than Hornet)
- Gearbox: 5-speed
- Mileage: 55–60 kmpl
- Features: LED lights, digital meter, under-seat storage
- Price: ₹95,000 – ₹1.03 lakh
Verdict: Raider is slightly more powerful and already well-loved among youth. But Honda may win with design and brand trust.
2. Hero Xtreme 125R
- Power: 11.4 bhp
- Gearbox: 5-speed
- Mileage: Around 60 kmpl
- Features: Sharp design, LED DRLs, digital meter
- Price: ₹95,000 – ₹99,000
Verdict: Xtreme 125R is strong on value and pricing. Hornet might feel more premium but is likely to cost more.
3. Bajaj Pulsar 125
- Power: 11.8 bhp
- Gearbox: 5-speed
- Mileage: 50–55 kmpl
- Features: Semi-digital meter, sporty styling
- Price: ₹92,000 – ₹98,000
Verdict: Pulsar offers a strong fan base and sporty appeal but lacks modern features like LED lighting.
4. Honda SP125
- Power: 10.7 bhp (same engine as Hornet)
- Gearbox: 5-speed
- Mileage: 60 kmpl
- Features: LED headlamp, digital console
- Price: ₹89,000 – ₹94,000
Verdict: SP125 is for those who want a simpler, more conservative 125cc Honda bike. Hornet is for those who want it sporty.
Pros and Cons of Honda CB125 Hornet
Pros:
- Stylish and bold design
- Reliable Honda engine
- Good fuel efficiency
- Modern features like LED lights and disc brakes
Cons:
- Likely to be more expensive than rivals
- No Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity
- Yet to be tested on Indian roads fully
What DailyWheels Thinks About the Honda CB125 Hornet
The Honda CB125 Hornet is a welcome addition to the Indian 125cc market. It blends the sporty looks of a higher cc bike with the practicality of a commuter. While the exact performance in Indian conditions remains to be seen, on paper, it checks most of the boxes.
For people who want a mix of style, mileage, and reliability, this could be one of the best picks in its segment—especially if you’re already a fan of Honda bikes.
If priced right, and marketed well, the CB125 Hornet has the potential to become one of the top-selling premium 125cc bikes in India.
