Honda CB125 Hornet New Launch in India

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has taken a decisive step into the sporty 125cc class with the launch of the CB125 Hornet. Revealed during the brand’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the CB125 Hornet is far more than just another commuter bike—it’s an aggressive, feature-packed streetfighter aimed squarely at rivals like the TVS Raider 125, Hero Xtreme 125R, and Bajaj Pulsar N125.

Book‑your‑slots begin 1 August with pricing set to land soon—anticipated to hover between ₹95,000–1,00,000 ex‑showroom. Let’s roar through what makes this Hornet buzz.

Engine & Performance – Punchy Yet Practical

Engine Capacity: 123.94 cc single-cylinder, BS6 Phase 2B
Power & Torque: 11 bhp @ 7500 rpm and 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm—slightly tuned above Shine/SP125 counterparts
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Acceleration: Honda claims a sprint from 0–60 km/h in just 5.4 sec—making it the fastest in class
Weight & Fuel Tank: A svelte 124 kg dry weight and 12 L tank ensure nimble handling and decent touring range.

Verdict: This engine packing strikes a perfect balance of spirited performance and everyday usability, making it ideal for young, eager riders.

Design & Build – Aggressive, Modern & Standout

Styling Highlights:

LED lighting suite: twin-LED headlamp, LED DRLs, tail lights, and turn indicators
Aggressive stance: Sharp tank shrouds, split seat layout, and muscular fuel tank
Coloured alloy wheels that match the body theme
Colour options (4):
- Pearl Siren Blue + Lemon Ice Yellow
- Pearl Siren Blue + Athletic Blue Metallic
- Pearl Siren Blue + Sports Red
- Pearl Igneous Black

Verdict: The design is eye-catching, edgy, and distinctly bike-like—with a clear streetfighter lineage, unlike typical commuter fare.

Premium Features – Segment-First Innovations

Honda equips the CB125 Hornet with several class-leading features:

Golden USD front forks – first in its class, offering both aesthetic charm and performance
5-step adjustable mono-shock adds handling flexibility
4.2″ color TFT Instrument Cluster – Bluetooth-ready via Honda RoadSync, with turn-by-turn navigation, audio and call alerts
USB Type-C charging port, side-stand safety, engine-stop switch
All-LED lighting adds style and utility
Single-channel ABS with 240 mm front petal disc and 130 mm rear (drum) brake

Verdict: These features are premium for the 125cc category and resonate well with Gen-Z riders who want tech-savvy gear without edging into higher price brackets.

Chassis & Handling – Nimble & Fun

Kerb weight: 124 kg—significantly lighter than many rivals—improves maneuverability
Suspension: USD fork up front + mono-shock adjustable rear—strike a good balance between comfort and ride feel
Tyres & Wheels: 17″ alloy wheels with wide 80/100 front and 110/80 rear tubeless tyres

Verdict: This setup promises agile urban riding, crisp cornering, and an overall engaging ride character—rare perks in this segment.

Emerging Competition – Standout or Status Quo?

Primary Rivals:

TVS Raider 125
Hero Xtreme 125R
Bajaj Pulsar N125

Reddit reactions have been mixed: while many praise its reliability and sharp looks…

“THIS IS SOMETHING NEW. IT’S A GOOD-LOOKING 125cc WITH ALMOST BULLETPROOF RELIABILITY…”

…others voice design overlaps (e.g. Xtreme’s seat, XTreme-like styling):

“Looks like Xtreme 125r”

Concerns include likely premium pricing due to its feature list. Early skepticism is natural—yet many agree it’s a strong value proposition.

Pricing & Availability – Timing is Everything

Booking opens: 1 August 2025
Expected Price: ₹95,000–1,00,000 ex-showroom
Considering extras like USD forks and TFT cluster, the CB125 Hornet may command a slight premium over rivals—but brings more value

Who It’s For – Target Audience

The CB125 Hornet is aimed at:

Urban youth and Gen-Z riders seeking sporty appeal without moving to 150cc
Tech-savvy riders valuing connectivity & ride aids
Commuters wanting versatility and style

If you’re content with basic commuter comforts (e.g., Shine, SP‑125), the Hornet may be overkill. But for those craving performance, flair, and tech, it’s a strong contender.

Final Verdict

In its category, the CB125 Hornet redefines expectations. With a quick engine, light weight, aggressive styling, USD forks, and TFT display, it’s one of the most complete 125cc streetfighters launched in India.

Pros:

Strong 11 bhp power with 0–60 km/h in 5.4 sec
Premium features not seen in segment
Aggressive looks, connected tech & youthful appeal

Cons:

Likely priced higher than rivals
Single-channel ABS instead of dual
Split seat and styling polarizing to some

Overall: For those ready to spend a bit extra for fun, flair, and features, the CB125 Hornet offers a compelling upgrade from standard commuters—potentially reshaping the 125cc landscape.

The Honda CB125 Hornet is more than just a new 125cc bike—it’s a declaration that the racerish streetfighter style is now entering the commuter-friendly engine displacement band. With segment-first tech like USD forks and TFT display, Honda firmly stakes its claim among the leading youth-centric options.

As the bookings begin and official pricing drops, it’ll be exciting to see how the CB125 Hornet performs against its rivals—and more importantly, whether it can inspire a new wave of aspirational riders.