OVERVIEW & PRICE
PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE
The Honda CB125 Hornet features a 123.94cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine that meets OBD2B standards. It produces 11.14 HP at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, positioning it as a strong contender in the 125cc segment. The engine has a compression ratio of 10.0:1, with a bore and stroke of 50mm and 63.121mm, respectively. It uses Honda’s PGM-FI fuel injection and wet sump lubrication for reliable performance.
Honda claims the CB125 Hornet is the fastest 125cc motorcycle in India, achieving 0-60 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, faster than rivals like the TVS Raider 125 (5.8 seconds) and Hero Xtreme 125R (5.9 seconds). Weighing in at 124 kg, it’s one of the lightest bikes in its category, enhancing its acceleration and suitability for urban riding.
The motorcycle has a 5-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch, following the standard 1-N-2-3-4-5 gear pattern. The gearbox is tuned for optimal power delivery, though some riders note the lack of a 6th gear for long highway rides. The clutch is light and progressive, ideal for stop-and-go city traffic, while gear shifts are smooth and precise.
Although Honda hasn’t published top speed figures, user reports suggest the CB125 Hornet can reach approximately 110 km/h, comfortably hitting 100 km/h without straining the engine. It offers stability at high speeds compared to competitors, predominantly designed for urban and semi-urban use.
MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY
The Honda CB125 Hornet offers an ARAI-certified mileage of 48 kmpl, making it competitive in the 125cc segment. However, it does fall short compared to rivals like the TVS Raider (71.94 kmpl) and Hero Splendor Plus (70 kmpl).
It has a 12-litre fuel tank, which is larger than most competitors’, allowing for a theoretical range of about 576 kilometres on a full tank. This makes it ideal for longer rides without frequent fuel stops. The efficiency is achieved thanks to Honda’s PGM-FI fuel injection system, which optimises the air-fuel mixture, and the engine’s undersquare design, which favours fuel economy.
In real-world conditions, users report an average mileage of 54 kmpl, which is better than the ARAI figures.
FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY
- 4.2-Inch TFT Digital Display: The CB125 Hornet features a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth, allowing access to navigation, call/message alerts, music control, and weather updates through the Honda RoadSync app via left handlebar controls.
- USB Type-C Charging Port: This model includes a USB Type-C charging port for convenient phone charging on the go.
- Full LED Lighting System: Equipped with an all-LED lighting package, including a twin-LED headlamp, LED DRLs, high-mounted LED indicators, and an LED tail lamp for better visibility and a modern aesthetic.
- Premium Hardware: It stands out with a golden 37mm USD front fork for enhanced stability and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear for improved ride comfort.
- Braking System: It features a 240mm petal disc brake with single-channel ABS in the front and a 130mm rear drum, ensuring safer and more effective braking performance.
- Sporty Design: The bike features a muscular 12-litre fuel tank, sharp tank shrouds, a split seat, bold graphics, and dual-tone colours, all of which are targeted at Gen-Z riders.
- Digital Tech: A fully loaded console includes a digital speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, tachometer, service indicator, clock, distance-to-empty, and average fuel economy.
- Safety Features: The Hornet features an engine kill switch and a side-stand engine cut-off, preventing riding with the stand down.
- Wheels and Tyres: Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres provide better stability and maintenance ease.
- Enhanced Seating: The split seat design offers added comfort, with well-designed grab rails and footrests for passengers, ensuring a comfortable experience for both rider and pillion.
BUILD QUALITY
The Honda CB125 Hornet impresses with its solid build and premium finish. Reviewers note its high-quality plastics and robust metal frame, which give it a substantial feel. The golden upside-down front fork enhances its visual appeal and indicates premium hardware for a 125cc motorcycle.
Panels and switches fit tightly, and features like the tank shrouds and split seats reflect careful attention to detail. Most touchpoints feel sturdy, although a few minor plastic components in less visible areas have received slight criticism. Overall, the Hornet upholds Honda’s reputation for reliability and durability, making it a confident choice for daily commuting or navigating rough Indian roads.
HANDLING
Thanks to a new steel frame and the inclusion of a 37mm USD fork at the front and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, the CB125 Hornet delivers sharp and confidence-inspiring handling. The lightweight chassis (124kg kerb) contributes to nimble manoeuvring. At the same time, the sporty geometry makes it quick to respond in city traffic and on twisty rural roads. Riders frequently comment on the absence of vibrations, even at speeds above 80km/h, with handlebars and footpegs remaining notably smooth.
Sportier suspension tuning means the Hornet feels slightly stiffer than conventional commuter motorcycles, which pays off with better control during spirited rides and fast corners. This setup, along with the wide 17-inch alloy wheels and grippy tubeless tyres, gives the CB125 Hornet a planted and predictable feel, ideal for both new and experienced riders in Indian conditions.
COMFORT
Comfort on the CB125 Hornet is the result of Honda’s thoughtful design for both the rider and pillion. The motorcycle uses a split seat arrangement, with generous cushioning for long-haul ease and well-designed grab rails for passenger support. The upright handlebars and mid-set footpegs promote a natural, fatigue-free riding posture suited for city commutes as well as short highway journeys.
While the suspension is sport-tuned and thus slightly on the stiffer side, it remains absorbent enough for most city potholes and speed breakers. Only the roughest roads transfer more feedback to the rider. Riders say the CB125 Hornet strikes a fair balance, delivering both sporty dynamics and daily usability without compromising comfort for performance.
STYLING
The Honda CB125 Hornet makes a strong visual statement, blending youthful aggressiveness with practical commuter sensibilities. It features a bold and muscular stance highlighted by sharp tank shrouds, a sporty muffler, and contemporary multi-spoke alloy wheels. The defining element at the front is its signature twin-LED headlamp setup, complete with LED DRLs and high-mounted indicators, all contributing to a commanding street presence.
The golden upside-down forks, colour-coordinated alloys, and minimalistic tail section reinforce its premium and sporty image. Design inspiration is drawn from the larger Hornet models, giving it an aspirational edge for urban youth and college-goers seeking standout style in the 125cc segment.
COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS
Honda offers the CB125 Hornet in four distinct and stylish dual-tone colourways in India, each curated to maximise curb appeal:
- Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow
- Pearl Igneous Black
- Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic
- Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red
These options combine energetic hues with elegant paint finishes, allowing riders to choose between vibrant, sporty, or sophisticated looks. The golden colour of the USD forks complements all shades, especially standing out against the black and blue themes.
The Honda CB125 Hornet is available in a single, fully loaded variant for the Indian market. This STD model packs all the premium mechanicals and features as standard—such as the golden USD forks, LED lighting, TFT console with Bluetooth, single-channel ABS, split seat, and all four colour options.
VALUE FOR MONEY PRICING
The Honda CB125 Hornet has been launched in India at an ex-showroom price of ₹ 1,12,000 for the fully loaded STD variant in Delhi. This positions it at the premium end of the 125cc motorcycle market, targeting buyers who seek advanced features and a sportier riding experience.
The Hornet offers several standout features that justify its price. Key highlights include 37mm USD front forks, a 4.2-inch TFT digital display with Bluetooth, all-LED lighting, and sporty styling. It also has a 12-litre fuel tank and good mileage, making it practical for both urban and highway riding. Reviewers note that, while it costs more than typical 125cc bikes, the Hornet provides a richer feature set and a premium feel, appealing to style-conscious urban youth willing to invest in exclusivity and technology.
The Hornet faces competition from other feature-rich 125cc motorcycles aimed at young urban buyers, including:
- TVS Raider 125
- Hero Xtreme 125R
- Bajaj Pulsar N125
- Bajaj CT 125X
- Hero Glamour XTEC
Overall, the CB125 Hornet may be one of the pricier options in its class. Still, it offers strong value for urban buyers seeking sporty performance and modern features, backed by Honda’s quality and support.
