KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Aggressive design with sharp LED headlamp and golden USD forks.
- 4.2-inch TFT console with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity suite.
- All-LED lighting enhances premium appeal and night-time visibility.
- 123.94cc engine delivers 8.2 kW, 060 km/h in 5.4 seconds.
- Upside-down forks and single-channel ABS ensure sporty, safe handling.
Honda CB 125 Hornet: Honda Motorycles and Scooters India (HMSI) recently entered the sporty 125cc motorcycle segment with the all-new CB125 Hornet, and let's just say - it's not here to play safe. This new machine isn't merely a commuter dressed in flashy bodywork; it's Honda's attempt to redefine what a premium 125cc motorcycle should feel like. From its streetfighter stance to its feature-loaded equipment list, the CB125 Hornet looks and feels like a scaled-down sibling of the bigger Hornets rather than a simple entry-level offering. Check out the bike's look and feel below and make sure you join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.
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Design and Road Presence
At first glance, the CB125 Hornet instantly commands attention. The aggressive tank shrouds, muscular fuel tank, sharp LED headlamp, and golden USD forks combine to give it a strong, premium presence. Honda has clearly carried forward the Hornet family DNA here - sleek yet aggressive. The dual-tone colour options further add a youthful appeal, and the overall build feels solid and well-finished - typical of Honda.
It's not just a bike that blends into traffic; it's one that makes people take a second look. And for a 125cc, that's a win already.
Feature-Rich Experience
This is where the CB125 Hornet really sets itself apart. It packs a 4.2-inch TFT digital console, the same size you'd expect on a mid-segment motorcycle. But it's not just about looks - the display supports Honda's RoadSync connectivity suite, allowing riders to pair their smartphones for turn-by-turn navigation, music control, and call/message alerts.
You also get a USB-C charging port, which is faster and more efficient than the regular USB-A setup seen on its rivals. It's a thoughtful inclusion for riders who rely heavily on navigation apps during daily rides.
Then there's the all-LED lighting setup - headlights, tail lamps, and indicators - giving the Hornet a premium night-time appeal while improving visibility. Together, these features give the impression that Honda has borrowed some premium bits from its bigger siblings and packed them neatly into this 125cc frame.
Honda CB 125 Hornet: Performance
Under the skin, the CB125 Hornet houses a 123.94cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine delivering 8.2 kW of power at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. While these numbers may seem familiar for the segment, Honda claims a 0-60 km/h time of just 5.4 seconds, making it the fastest on paper among its direct competitors - the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R.
On paper, that means you are looking at a motorcycle that's not only efficient but also spirited enough for those quick urban sprints. Add to that a kerb weight of just 124 kg, and you have got a bike that promises nimble handling and light-footed agility, perfect for city commutes and twisty backroads alike.
We will reserve our final judgement for when we test ride it, but the early signs suggest Honda has focused on delivering both refinement and fun - a rare combo in this class.
Honda CB 125 Hornet: Ride and Handling
The CB125 Hornet rides on upside-down front forks - a segment-first - finished in gold, which not only elevates its look but also contributes to a more planted front-end feel. The rear gets a monoshock setup, and together they promise a balance of comfort and sporty handling.
Braking duties are handled by a 240mm front disc complemented by single-channel ABS - another feature that underlines Honda's focus on safety. The rear wheel continues with a drum brake, which might feel a bit traditional, but it keeps costs in check. Overall, the setup hints that Honda wants you to enjoy your everyday rides rather than just get from point A to B.
Honda CB 125 Hornet: A 125cc That Feels Like More
At an introductory price of Rs. 1.02 lakh (ex-showroom), the Honda CB125 Hornet positions itself as a premium 125cc motorcycle - aimed squarely at young urban riders who crave style, sophistication, and technology without compromising on reliability.
It's sporty, feature-packed, and loaded with thoughtful touches that give it a big-bike feel in a small engine size. While rivals like the Raider 125 and Xtreme 125R offer strong competition, the Hornet makes its mark with better design quality, segment-leading tech, and Honda's signature refinement.
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Verdict
The Honda CB125 Hornet isn't just another commuter with a sporty sticker job - it's a well-engineered attempt to blur the line between practical and premium in the 125cc world. It feels like a bike for those who want to start their motorcycling journey with something aspirational, something that looks and behaves like a bigger bike but remains accessible and easy to live with.
We can't wait to swing a leg over and tell you how it rides - but for now, the first impression is clear: the CB125 Hornet is a little bike with a big attitude.
