Honda CB125 Hornet — Power, Style, and Comfort
Honda has added a new bike to its 125 cc range — the CB125 Hornet. This motorcycle brings fresh energy to the small-capacity sporty segment. It offers the reliability of Honda with a new, bold design and many modern features. The Hornet is made for young riders, office commuters, and anyone who wants a stylish daily ride without spending too much on fuel.
The CB125 Hornet sits above the Shine 125 and the SP 125. It gives more power, sportier looks, and advanced equipment. Honda started accepting bookings for the Hornet in August 2025, and deliveries began in September. The introductory price is around ₹1.12 lakh (ex-showroom).
Engine and Performance
The Honda CB125 Hornet uses a 123.94 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine. This engine produces 11.1 PS of power at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. A five-speed gearbox manages the power smoothly.
Honda tuned this engine for both city convenience and highway stability. It feels light and easy at slow speeds but can hold steady at 80 km/h without stress. Riders can expect 48 to 65 km/litre depending on traffic and riding habits. The 12-litre fuel tank gives a good range of about 600–700 km on one full tank.
The throttle feels responsive, and gear shifts are light. The clutch requires little effort, which helps in traffic. The bike delivers power quickly when you twist the accelerator, making overtaking easy.
Design and Styling
Honda gave the CB125 Hornet an aggressive and muscular look. The design follows the “street-fighter” style that young riders love. The front has a compact LED headlamp with a sharp design. The fuel tank has bold extensions that make the bike look bigger than it is.
The side panels are sporty, and the rear gets a split seat and a stubby exhaust. The tail section looks clean, and the LED indicators complete the modern look. The overall stance shows confidence and motion even when the bike stands still.
Honda offers the CB125 Hornet in several dual-tone colors like black-red, grey-yellow, and blue-silver. The paint quality feels premium, and the fit and finish are top-notch, as expected from Honda.
Features and Technology
Honda packed the CB125 Hornet with modern features that make it stand out in the 125 cc class.
- Digital TFT Display:
The bike has a 4.2-inch full-digital TFT screen. The display shows speed, gear position, fuel level, trip meter, clock, and more. Riders can connect their smartphones via Bluetooth to check call and message alerts. - Upside-Down (USD) Front Forks:
The Hornet uses USD forks at the front. This setup improves handling, gives better road feedback, and enhances the bike’s appearance. Such suspension is rare in this segment. - USB Type-C Charging Port:
A built-in USB-C charger sits neatly near the handlebar, allowing riders to charge their phones while riding. - Single-Channel ABS:
The front brake comes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which prevents wheel lock during sudden stops. This improves safety on slippery or wet roads. - LED Lighting:
The headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators all use LED bulbs, improving visibility while saving battery power. - Side-Stand Engine Cut-Off:
The engine shuts off if the side stand stays down, adding an extra safety layer. - Refined Ride Assist:
Honda engineers added a system that keeps the engine running smoothly at low speeds, reducing jerks in slow traffic.
Ride and Handling
The CB125 Hornet feels light, stable, and balanced. The diamond-type frame gives strength and flexibility. The front USD forks and rear monoshock handle bumps well.
The bike’s seat height is around 795 mm, which suits most riders. The kerb weight stays around 118 kg, making it easy to manage in traffic. The handlebar position allows a slightly forward-leaning but comfortable posture.
In city rides, the bike feels quick to turn and easy to park. On open roads, it feels planted and smooth up to 90 km/h. The suspension leans slightly toward firmness, giving better control while cornering. Braking feels strong and predictable.
Comfort and Practical Use
Honda designed the CB125 Hornet to serve both daily commuters and weekend riders. The seat cushion is soft enough for long rides. The pillion seat also has a sturdy grab rail.
The bike’s gear ratios suit stop-and-go traffic. First gear moves smoothly without extra throttle, and fifth gear keeps the engine calm on highways.
The foot pegs are slightly rear-set, adding to the sporty feel. Even after long rides, the bike does not cause much fatigue. The mirrors offer a wide rear view, and the switchgear quality feels solid.
Competition in the Market
The CB125 Hornet competes with the TVS Raider 125, Hero Xtreme 125R, and Bajaj Pulsar NS125.
Compared to these, the Hornet stands out for its build quality, USD forks, and TFT display. The Raider offers slightly higher torque, but it does not match Honda’s premium finish. The Xtreme 125R provides dual-channel ABS in some variants, but the Hornet counters with superior refinement and smoother performance.
Honda also has a strong dealer and service network, which gives buyers peace of mind about parts, maintenance, and resale value.
Price and Variants
Honda priced the CB125 Hornet at around ₹1.12 lakh ex-showroom (Delhi). The on-road price depends on your city and registration costs.
Honda offers two variants —
- Standard (Disc + CBS)
- Deluxe (Disc + ABS + Bluetooth TFT)
Buyers can choose based on budget and feature preference.
Mileage and Maintenance
The CB125 Hornet delivers 50 to 65 km per litre in normal use. The bike’s fuel-injected engine ensures clean combustion and lower emissions.
The service interval is every 6,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first. Honda parts are easy to find, and service costs remain reasonable. Over three years, the bike stays cost-efficient to maintain.
Rider Impressions
Early buyers and reviewers appreciate the refinement, styling, and premium feel. The digital display and USD forks earn praise. Riders enjoy the smooth gear shifts and light clutch.
Some users wish for a bit more low-end punch when starting from a stop, but most agree the engine feels lively once it crosses 4,000 rpm. Everyone loves the solid build, comfortable seat, and Honda’s reliability.
Who Should Buy the CB125 Hornet
This motorcycle suits:
- Young riders who want a sporty but easy-to-handle bike.
- Daily commuters who need mileage and comfort.
- First-time buyers looking for a premium yet reliable 125 cc option.
- Riders upgrading from a 100 cc or scooter who want style without high running costs.
If you ride mostly in the city and want something stylish with great features, the CB125 Hornet fits perfectly.
Final Verdict
The Honda CB125 Hornet combines style, performance, and technology in one attractive package. It gives excellent build quality, strong fuel economy, and modern features like USD forks, LED lights, Bluetooth TFT, and ABS.
Honda focused on creating a 125 cc bike that feels like a big motorcycle but stays light and easy to manage. It rides smoothly, looks sharp, and works perfectly for daily use.
For anyone looking for a reliable, sporty, and future-ready 125 cc motorcycle, the Honda CB125 Hornet stands as one of the best options in 2025.
Also Read – Top Books Every Wealth Planner Should Read
