Honda has made a bold entrance into the Indian 125cc segment with the all-new CB125 Hornet. This stylish, sporty, and feature-packed naked bike is specifically designed to appeal to the youth, offering a premium look and feel that directly challenges the Hero Xtreme 125R, TVS Raider 125, and Bajaj Pulsar N125 .
Design & Styling: Big Bike Presence
The CB125 Hornet’s design is its biggest statement. It draws heavy inspiration from its larger siblings, the Honda CB1000R and the bigger Hornet family, giving it an aggressive and premium road presence that is rare in this segment .
- Aggressive Front Fascia: The bike features a distinctive dual “Keen Eye” LED headlamp setup with integrated DRLs and an additional central lamp. This creates an angry, predator-like face that immediately sets it apart from its rivals .
- Muscular Build: The design language is sharp and modern, featuring a muscular fuel tank, aerodynamic fairings, and a sharp, short tail section that enhances its sporty, race-inspired look .
- Premium Cycle Parts: The visual appeal is significantly boosted by the inclusion of golden upside-down (USD) front forks, a feature that adds a touch of class and is a rarity in the 125cc category . The unique “ship-like” exhaust design also adds character .
- Color Options: The bike is available in 4 attractive color options to suit different tastes .
Engine and Performance: Quicker Than It Looks
Don’t let the 125cc badge fool you; the CB125 Hornet is built for excitement, especially in the city.
- Engine Specifications: It is powered by a 123.94 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine .
- Power and Torque: This engine churns out a class-competitive 11.14 PS (approximately 11 bhp) of power at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm .
- Real-World Performance: Thanks to its incredibly light weight of just 124 kg, the bike feels explosive on the road. It accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in a claimed 5.4 seconds – a figure that was once associated with the popular Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi from two decades ago . This makes it feel exceptionally brisk and fun in city traffic conditions .
- Gearbox: Power is delivered via a slick 5-speed gearbox with a light clutch action, making city commutes effortless .
Features and Technology: Segment-First Appeal
Honda has equipped the CB125 Hornet with features that are typically found on much larger motorcycles, aiming to attract tech-savvy young buyers.
- Instrument Console: It gets a modern 4.2-inch TFT display, which is a standout feature in this segment .
- Connectivity: The TFT console offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for call and SMS alerts on the go .
- Charging: A thoughtful addition is the USB Type-C charging port, ensuring your devices stay charged during rides .
- Lighting: The bike is equipped with full LED lighting, including the headlamp, turn signals, and tail lamp, for a modern and premium feel .
- Braking: Safety is handled by a front disc brake and a rear drum brake, coupled with single-channel ABS .
Dimensions & Capacities
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 123.94 cc |
| Power | 11.14 PS @ 7500 rpm |
| Torque | 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Kerb Weight | 124 kg (Lightest in its class) |
| Seat Height | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 Liters |
| Ground Clearance | 166 mm |
Price and Variants
The Honda CB125 Hornet is positioned as a premium offering in the 125cc segment. It is available in a single variant (STD) .
- Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi): Starts at approximately ₹ 1,14,582 .
- On-Road Price (Delhi): Approximately ₹ 1.29 Lakh .
- On-Road Price (Bangalore): Approximately ₹ 1.33 Lakh .
- EMI (Delhi): Starting at around ₹ 2,376 per month (for a 5-year loan period) .
Note: Prices vary by city due to differences in RTO and insurance costs. On-road prices in other cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata range from ₹1.22 Lakh to ₹1.33 Lakh .
Comparison: How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
The CB125 Hornet faces tough competition from established players :
| Feature | Honda CB125 Hornet | Hero Xtreme 125R | TVS Raider 125 | Bajaj Pulsar N125 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-Showroom Price | ~₹ 1,14,500 | ~₹ 89,000 | ~₹ 82,000 | ~₹ 92,000 |
| Key Highlights | Premium styling, USD Forks, TFT Display | Aggressive design | Feature-rich, exhaust note | Sporty Pulsar DNA |
| Weight | 124 kg | ~136 kg | ~123 kg | ~140 kg |
The Honda’s biggest differentiators are its premium, muscular design with golden USD forks and the TFT display. However, its significantly higher price tag has been described as “platinum pricing” by experts, making it a choice for those who prioritize style and features over outright value .
Riding Impressions:
The Good :
- Exhilarating City Performance: Its light weight and peppy engine make it incredibly quick and fun to ride through traffic. The 0-60 km/h time is genuinely impressive.
- Sharp Handling: The long wheelbase and premium USD forks provide excellent stability and agile handling, making it a hoot on twisty roads.
- High Refinement: The engine is characteristically smooth and refined, with minimal vibrations felt until higher in the rev range.
- Head-Turning Looks: Its aggressive, big-bike styling, especially with the golden forks, guarantees attention.
The Average :
- Highway Performance: While it can cruise comfortably at 75-85 km/h, it lacks the punch for quick overtakes at triple-digit speeds.
- Braking: The braking setup is adequate for the city but lacks feel and bite during hard braking. The single-channel ABS can also be a bit intrusive.
The Criticisms :
- Premium Pricing: Its price is substantially higher than its main rivals, which offer similar performance for much less money.
- Pillion Comfort: The seat is not very comfortable for long journeys with a pillion.
- Build Quality Concerns: Some early users have pointed out that certain plastic panels and the build quality of some components could be better for the price.
Who Is It For?
The Honda CB125 Hornet 2026 is a motorcycle with a clear focus.
- Buy it if: You are a style-conscious young rider who wants a bike that looks and feels more premium than the competition. If you value the latest features like a TFT display and the prestige of golden USD forks, and your budget allows for it, the Hornet delivers an unmatched city-riding experience.
- Skip it if: Your primary concerns are value for money, fuel efficiency, and budget. The Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Raider 125 offer 90% of the performance and fun at a significantly lower cost.
In summary, the CB125 Hornet is a desirable, stylish, and quick city bike that commands attention, but it comes at a premium price. It’s the “elite” choice in the 125cc segment .
Overall Rating: 8.5/10