Table of Contents
Honda CB 125 Hornet: A Smart and Sporty 125cc Bike for 2025
Introduction
Honda has introduced the CB 125 Hornet, a new 125cc motorcycle made for young riders who want a mix of sporty looks, daily comfort, and smart features. This bike marks a special moment for Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) as it celebrates 25 years in the Indian market.
The Honda CB 125 Hornet is aimed at people who want more than a basic commuter. It offers good performance, a fresh design, and modern tech. Competing with models like the TVS Raider 125, Hero Xtreme 125R, and Bajaj Pulsar N125, this bike is Honda’s latest move to grab attention in the fast-growing 125cc segment.
Honda CB 125 Hornet Engine and Performance
The CB 125 Hornet gets a strong and reliable engine, built to handle both city traffic and short weekend rides.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 123.94cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected |
| Power | 11.1 hp @ 7500 rpm |
| Torque | 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Mileage | 45 km/l in city, 50 km/l on highway (approx. average: 48 km/l) |
| Top Speed | Around 100 km/h |
| Acceleration | 0–60 km/h in 5.4 seconds (claimed) |
The engine is based on the trusted platform used in the Honda Shine 125 and SP 125, but here it has been tuned to give a bit more power and better acceleration. With this, Honda has made the Hornet feel more alive while keeping fuel efficiency in check.
Frame and Suspension Setup
Honda didn’t just focus on performance; the CB 125 Hornet also handles well, thanks to its frame and suspension.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Diamond frame |
| Front Suspension | Golden upside-down forks (USD) – first in this segment |
| Rear Suspension | 5-step adjustable monoshock |
| Ground Clearance | 166 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 124 kg |
The bike is lightweight and nimble, which makes it easier to ride in crowded cities. The USD forks at the front not only look great but also improve comfort and stability while riding. The rear monoshock can be adjusted based on your comfort, which is useful if you’re riding with a pillion.
Brakes and Tyres
When it comes to stopping power and grip, the CB 125 Hornet keeps things balanced between cost and performance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Front Brake | 240 mm petal disc with single-channel ABS |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm drum brake |
| Front Tyre | 80/100-17 (tubeless) |
| Rear Tyre | 110/80-17 (tubeless) |
| Wheel Size | 17-inch alloys (front and rear) |
The petal disc in the front offers better heat handling, while the ABS ensures safer braking. The tyre sizes offer enough grip for urban and semi-highway roads.
Design and Styling
One of the major highlights of the Honda CB 125 Hornet is its bold design. The bike looks aggressive, modern, and clearly made for the younger crowd.
Key Design Elements:
- LED Headlamp: The front gets a split LED headlamp with DRLs and sharp lines.
- Fuel Tank: Bold and muscular with aggressive tank shrouds.
- Exhaust: Upswept muffler that adds to the sporty feel.
- Seat Setup: Split seats for better comfort and a sporty look.
- Ignition Key Placement: Positioned on the tank – rare in this segment.
Colour Options Available:
| Colour Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Pearl Siren Blue + Lemon Ice Yellow | Vibrant and eye-catching |
| Pearl Siren Blue + Sports Red | Sporty and youthful |
| Pearl Siren Blue + Athletic Blue | Fresh and clean look |
| Pearl Igneous Black | Sleek and stealthy |
The color-matched alloy wheels further improve the bike’s styling and give it a more premium feel.
Tech and Features
The Honda CB 125 Hornet comes packed with features that are rare in its class. These include digital displays, smartphone connectivity, and safety tech.
Instrument Console
- 4.2-inch full-colour TFT screen
- Connects via Honda RoadSync app
- Shows:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Call and SMS alerts
- Music controls (with compatible headset)
- Gear position, fuel level, RPM, speed, and time
Lighting and Electricals
- All-LED setup (headlamp, tail-lamp, and indicators)
- USB Type-C charger for mobile charging
- Silent start system
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Engine kill switch
These features make the bike suitable for people who want both looks and practicality. The TFT display and Bluetooth features are segment-first and give the bike an edge over rivals.
Honda CB 125 Hornet – Expected Pricing and Launch Details
Pricing
| Variant | Estimated Ex-Showroom Price |
|---|---|
| Base Model | ₹95,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Top Variant | ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
The final price may vary slightly depending on features and location. On-road prices in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore could reach around ₹1.30 lakh, including RTO, insurance, and other charges.
Booking & Launch Timeline
- Bookings Open: August 1, 2025
- Launch Date: July 30 or 31, 2025
- Delivery & Pricing Details: To be shared officially in August
CB 125 Hornet vs Rivals
Honda has placed the CB 125 Hornet in a tough segment. Here’s how it stacks up against the main competition:
| Bike | Engine Power | Key Features | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CB 125 Hornet | 11.1 hp | USD forks, TFT, LED lights, Bluetooth | ₹95K–₹1.2L |
| TVS Raider 125 | 11.2 hp | TFT (5-inch), sporty design | ₹95K–₹1L |
| Hero Xtreme 125R | 11.5 hp | Aggressive design, LED lights | ₹95K–₹1.05L |
| Bajaj Pulsar N125 | 11.8 hp | Sporty engine, projector headlamp | ₹90K–₹1.05L |
| Electric Options (Oben Rorr EZ / Revolt RV1) | Electric | Eco-friendly, low running cost | ₹1L–₹1.3L |
Among these, the CB 125 Hornet brings the best combination of features and tech. It’s not just about power—it’s about everyday usefulness.
Media Reactions and Market Buzz
The CB 125 Hornet was revealed on July 23, 2025, along with the updated Shine 100 DX. Since then, it’s been trending on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Early feedback from experts and enthusiasts has been mostly positive:
- Design: The streetfighter look, golden USD forks, and all-LED setup have caught attention.
- Performance: People like the engine refinement and 0–60 km/h timing.
- Tech: The TFT with Honda RoadSync has been seen as a major plus.
However, some riders did question the use of a drum brake at the rear, especially when some rivals offer discs at both ends. But considering the price and premium front features, this could be acceptable for most buyers.
Who Should Buy the CB 125 Hornet?
If you’re looking for:
- A stylish 125cc bike with a strong road presence
- Good balance between mileage and performance
- Modern features like TFT and Bluetooth
- Daily use comfort with fun weekend rides
Then the Honda CB 125 Hornet makes sense. It’s built for college students, young professionals, and anyone who wants something fresh without spending a lot.
FAQs: Honda CB 125 Hornet
Is the CB 125 Hornet suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s light, easy to handle, and offers a smooth ride—great for new riders.
Does it support E20 fuel?
Yes, it supports E20, making it slightly more future-ready.
Is the bike good for highway use?
You can do short highway rides, but it’s mainly designed for city roads.
What makes it different from the SP 125?
While the engine base is the same, the CB 125 Hornet is tuned for more power and has better features like a TFT screen, upside-down forks, and full LED lights.
Will there be any finance or EMI options?
Yes, once launched, Honda dealers are likely to offer finance options.
The Honda CB 125 Hornet is more than just a new 125cc bike. It’s a modern, stylish option made for today’s urban riders. With segment-first features, smart design, and Honda’s reliable engine, it’s set to shake up the market. While pricing will play a big role in its success, the Hornet already stands out for what it offers.
If you’re someone who values tech, looks, comfort, and trust, this could be your next bike.
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