Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) marked an important milestone in its journey by launching the all-new Honda CB 125 Hornet on August 1, 2025. This model emerges as the sportiest, most aggressive 125cc motorcycle in Honda’s portfolio, designed to capture the imagination of urban youth and style-conscious riders seeking power, technology, and sharp aesthetics in a compact package.
The CB 125 Hornet combines a racing-inspired design with modern tech features and a tuned performance engine to stand out in a crowded segment, competing with rivals like the TVS Raider 125, Hero Xtreme 125R, and Bajaj Pulsar N125. This article explores the bike’s design, performance, features, ride experience, pricing, and why it might just be the ideal choice for the next-gen commuter.
Aggressive Styling That Commands Attention
Honda has drawn clear inspiration from its larger Hornet siblings, reflected in the low-slung twin-LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs and high-mounted turn indicators. The muscular fuel tank boasts sharp shrouds accentuating the bike’s stance, while the two-piece split seat and upswept exhaust pipe finalize a sporty yet ergonomic look.
Available in four distinct dual-tone colors including Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow and Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red, the bike’s palette caters to varied tastes—from subtle sophistication to punchy vibrance.
The all-new USD front forks finished in gold elevate the premium feel, putting it ahead of competitors that typically offer regular telescopic forks. The alloy wheels, sharp medley of graphics, and digital instrument cluster complete the youthful and spirited theme.
Engine and Performance: Fastest in Class
At the core of the CB 125 Hornet is a 123.94cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine compliant with BS6-2.0 emission norms. The powertrain generates an impressive 10.9 bhp at 7500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm, mated to a smooth 5-speed gearbox.
Honda claims this model as the fastest bike in the 125cc category, achieving a 0-60 km/h sprint in just 5.4 seconds, a benchmark time that thrills performance-hungry riders in the segment.
The engine tuning strikes a fine balance between spirited acceleration and city-friendly fuel efficiency. Owner feedback indicates an average mileage of around 54 kmpl—commendable for a bike of this power and aggressive character.
Features That Elevate the Riding Experience
The CB 125 Hornet comes packed with a host of tech & convenience features aimed at the digitally connected, urban rider:
- 4.2-inch Full TFT Digital Display: It offers comprehensive info such as speed, tachometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, gear position, clock, and more.
- Bluetooth Connectivity and Honda RoadSync App: Enables turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, and even music control through a smart device.
- USB Type-C Charging Port: For charging devices on the go.
- Engine Stop Switch and Side-stand Engine Inhibitor: Enhance safety and usability.
- Single-channel ABS: Ensures safety with combined braking via a large 240 mm front disc and 130 mm rear drum brake.
- Upside-Down (USD) Front Forks & Adjustable Rear Monoshock: Deliver enhanced ride comfort and sporty handling, a segment-first feature for 125cc bikes.
Ride and Handling: Agile and Comfortable
With a kerb weight of just around 124 kg, the CB 125 Hornet offers nimble handling suited for city traffic and tighter corners. The USD forks provide marked improvements in front-end stability and feedback, contributing to confident cornering at speed.
The split seat design ensures rider and pillion comfort, while the ergonomics place the rider in an engaged yet comfortable position, suitable for daily commutes or weekend rides.
Wide tubeless tires sized 80/100 (front) and 110/80 (rear) provide improved grip on diverse surfaces. The bike’s suspension setup is tuned carefully to absorb urban road irregularities without compromising the sporty ride feel.
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Pricing and Availability
Honda initially priced the CB 125 Hornet at Rs. 1.12 lakh (ex-showroom Gurugram), positioning it as a premium offering among 125cc motorcycles. The pricing reflects the feature-laden package and performance edge the bike brings to its segment.
Bookings opened on August 1, 2025, with deliveries expected to start shortly afterward through Honda’s extensive dealership network across India. Standard warranty and service packages support confident ownership.
Key highlights
Key highlights include its sporty styling, performance, tubular frame, tech-laden instrument cluster, and comfort-focused ergonomics. The ride quality is enhanced by its front USD forks and rear mono-shock suspension, ensuring smoothness over city roads.
Why Buy the Honda CB 125 Hornet?
- Fastest in class performance with rapid acceleration.
- Segment-first golden USD front forks for a premium ride feel.
- Rich digital and connectivity features including Bluetooth and navigation.
- Aggressive and stylish modern design inspired by higher-capacity Hornet siblings.
- Enhanced safety with single-channel ABS and side-stand engine inhibitor.
- Lightweight and agile for city riding with good highway potential.
Conclusion
The Honda CB 125 Hornet 2025 boldly raises the bar in the 125cc premium commuter segment. Its muscular styling, segment-best power figures, advanced tech features, and superior ride dynamics make it an attractive proposition for young, urban riders demanding more from their motorcycles.
Whether navigating city streets or enjoying spirited weekend rides, the CB 125 Hornet promises to be a fast, fun, and reliable companion. Backed by Honda’s brand reliability and extensive service network, it is poised to become the new benchmark for performance-oriented 125cc motorcycles in India.