Honda CB 125 Hornet

Expert Verdict on CB 125 Hornet

8.4 /10

Ranks #1 in Commuters

Design8.5

Features8.8

Engine8.4

The CB125 Hornet is a bold new comer into the 125cc space. It combines premium hardware, futuristic features and sporty performance and pushes the boundaries of what a commuter can be, offering young buyers a motorcycle that looks big, rides sharp, and stays connected.

Expert

Shipranshu Pandey

Overall User Rating

1.0/5

(1)

Pros & Cons of Honda CB 125 Hornet

• What we admire in this bike

  • Bold and aggressive streetfighter styling looks good.
  • Segment-first USD forks with gold finish
  • 4.2-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth and turn-by-turn navigation
  • Quickest acceleration in 125cc segment

• What could have been better

  • Higher price tag than most 125cc rivals
  • Rear drum brake instead of disc
  • Ride quality might feel firm on uneven roads
  • Slightly heavier than key rivals like the Raider and Xtreme 125R

Design 8.5

• The CB125 Hornet borrows its muscular and edgy design from its elder siblings, giving it a big-bike feel. The low-slung angular headlamp and sleek tail section create a striking visual presence that’s sure to turn heads on city streets.
• Segment-first golden upside-down front forks not only enhance the bike’s aesthetics but also offer visual differentiation from competitors like the Raider or Xtreme 125R. This single element alone gives the Hornet a much more upscale vibe.
• Colour options like Lime Yellow, Red, and Gloss Blue - paired with matching alloy wheels - add youthful flair, while the Matte Black version with gold alloys appeals to those who prefer a stealthy, mature look.
• The stepped split seat, upswept exhaust, and sculpted 12-litre fuel tank are not just about looks - they aid rider comfort, give a planted seating triangle, and allow for a commanding view of the road.
• At 124 kg kerb weight and with a wide tank, the CB125 Hornet feels more substantial than a typical 125cc commuter. It successfully blurs the line between commuter and sporty streetfighter in the entry segment.

CB 125 Hornet body specifications:

Weight	124 kg
Wheel Size	R17 inch
Fuel Tank Capacity	12 liters

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Features & Technology 8.8

• A 4.2-inch color TFT screen borrowed from the Hornet 2.0 brings smartphone-like clarity to essential riding data. It syncs with Honda’s RoadSync app for call, SMS, and music notifications - unmatched in this segment.
• One of the few bikes under Rs. 1.2 lakh to offer navigation assist. Riders can stay on route without checking phones, improving both convenience and safety during daily commutes or weekend rides.
• With smartphones now universally using USB-C, the inclusion of a port as standard equipment is a smart move. It enables on-the-go charging without needing aftermarket add-ons.
• LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, LED indicators, and taillight not only add a modern touch but also improve night-time visibility and energy efficiency.
• Honda includes a side-stand cutoff sensor, which prevents the engine from starting if the stand is down - helping prevent rookie errors and enhancing rider safety.

CB 125 Hornet features:

GPS & Navigation	Yes
USB charging port	Yes
Instrument Console	Digital

Engine & Performance 8.4

• The 123.94cc single-cylinder engine makes 11 bhp and 11.2 Nm - higher than its SP 125 and Shine siblings, thanks to a slightly more aggressive state of tune focused on performance.
• Honda claims a sprint time of 5.4 seconds to 60 km/h, which puts it ahead of most competitors in the 125cc sporty commuter space. Ideal for zipping through urban traffic.
• Unlike several rivals that stick to 4-speed units, the Hornet features a 5-speed transmission, allowing for more refined highway cruising and better control over gear shifts.
• Despite its peppy acceleration, the engine retains Honda’s characteristic refinement and fuel efficiency. It’s well-balanced for both spirited rides and daily commutes.
• The Hornet is BS6 Phase-2 compliant with OBD2B tech, allowing for real-time emission monitoring - future-proofing it for upcoming norms and ensuring lower environmental impact.

CB 125 Hornet engine specifications:

Engine Displacement	123.94 cc
Power	10.9 bhp @ 7500 rpm
Torque	11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm

Ride & Handling 8.3

• The USD forks aren’t just eye-candy - they enhance front-end stiffness, reduce flex, and provide better feedback while cornering, which boosts confidence for spirited riders.
• The 5-step adjustable monoshock ensures better rear-end control and comfort, allowing riders to tailor the setup for solo or pillion rides.
• The Hornet is built on a newly designed frame that’s tuned for both agility and stability. It feels nimble in tight spaces while remaining composed on longer rides.
• Fitted with 80/100-17 tyres up front and 110/80-17 at the rear, the setup strikes a solid balance between agility and traction, helping riders tackle both city corners and open stretches with ease.

Brakes & Safety 8

• The petal-type front disc is ventilated for better heat dissipation and offers strong initial braking performance with decent progression.
• The bike gets a rear drum brake setup, which feels like a cost-cutting move in a bike. A rear disc would have elevated its braking credentials even further.
• ABS at the front wheel ensures safer panic braking in slippery or sudden stop situations, especially during monsoon rides or gravel roads.
• The brake levers are well-calibrated and provide a predictable feel, which helps in modulating braking force confidently across traffic situations.
• The side-stand inhibitor adds a useful safety net, and the full-LED lighting system improves visibility to others, enhancing the overall safety.
  

CB 125 Hornet safety specifications:

Braking System	Single Channel ABS
Front Brake Type	Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum

Honda CB 125 Hornet Bike Owner Reviews

• M

  Mu

  02 Aug 2025
  1.0
  Best bike for cruising in the city with the best mileage and performance. Maintenance is also less and good. Also going on a trip with friends is nice with this bike
  Likes (1)

  Reply

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Latest On Honda CB 125 Hornet

Latest News on CB 125 Hornet

• Honda Shine 100 and CB125 Hornet Launched; Bookings Open Now! Deets Inside

  Publish date : 1 August 2025

  

Expert Reviews of CB 125 Hornet

• Honda CB125 Hornet Key Feature Highlights: Charging Ports, Bluetooth, & More

  Publish date : 23 July 2025

  

Honda CB 125 Hornet Images

• Profile Image
• Right Front Three Quarter
• Right Side View
• Right Rear Three Quarter
• Rear View
• Left Rear Three Quarter

Honda CB 125 Hornet Videos

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  2025 Honda CB 125 Hornet Unveiled — The Newest 125cc Performance Commuter!

  Publish date : 24 July 2025

Honda CB 125 Hornet Colours

• Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow
• Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red
• Pearl Igneous Black
• Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic

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CB 125 Hornet FAQs