Honda CB125 Hornet : Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has made a bold move in the 125cc motorcycle segment with the launch of the CB125 Hornet, celebrating its 25th anniversary in style. Designed to appeal to young riders, this bike combines aggressive styling, advanced features, and Honda’s renowned reliability, positioning itself as a strong competitor against popular models like the Hero Xtreme 125R, TVS Raider 125, and Bajaj Pulsar NS12516.
Design: Futuristic and Sporty
The Honda CB125 Hornet is attractively designed with a modern look having chiseled LED headlamp and LED turn indicators with a beefy tank. Further accentuating the neo-retro appeal is the golden USD telescopic front forks (the first-in-segment in this case) and a Rear mono-shock suspension. Painted alloy wheels and wide tubeless tyres only add to its sporty profile, making it an eye-catcher on city streets. The motorcycle will be offered in four exciting colours – Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic, Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red16.
Features: Packed with Modern Tech
Honda has equipped the CB125 Hornet with segment-leading features, including:
- A 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity for call and text alerts.
- Turn-by-turn navigation for hassle-free city and highway rides.
- USB Type-C charging port to keep devices powered on the go.
- Single-channel ABS for enhanced braking safety.
- Sporty riding posture for better control and comfort.
These features make the Hornet a strong rival to the Hero Xtreme 125R, which also offers LED lighting and a digital console but lacks navigation support
Performance: Smooth and Responsive
Powering the CB125 Hornet is a an air-cooled, single-cylinder, 125cc PGM-FI engine that offers smooth power delivery and good fuel efficiency. Although exact power numbers haven’t been revealed, it will be in line with the Hero Xtreme 125R’s 11.4 bhp and 10.5 Nm of torque. The bike has a 5-speed gearbox, which provides instantaneous shifts, so you can roll along the city smoothly while also munching miles on the highway16.
Honda CB125 Hornet – Price & Launch Information
The price hasn’t been disclosed by Honda yet, but industry sources estimate that the CB125 Hornet is going to cost between ₹1 lakh to ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom), and will be a premium offering against the Hero Xtreme 125R (₹98,425 – ₹1.02 lakh). Reservations will be available starting August 1, 2025 and deliveries will begin shortly thereafter16.
Final Verdict: Wait for the Honda CB125 Hornet or Not?
The Honda CB125 Hornet cramped new tech into the 125 class, throwing down the gauntlet to the more established rivals with its futuristic looks, modern toys and Honda’s infamous build quality. If you wanted a commutable, feature-rich, snazzy looking bike then the Hornet is worth the wait. But if the wallet is dictating terms, the Hero stands tall with its tested performance and good price tag16.
