Honda CB125 Hornet debuts in India: Top features, price and competitors. Here is a detailed report.
For motorcycle enthusiasts, there’s exciting news on the horizon Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has officially launched the much-anticipated CB125 Hornet in the Indian market. Priced competitively at ₹1.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurgaon), the CB125 Hornet now stands as Honda’s most premium 125cc offering in the country, signaling the brand’s intent to dominate the performance commuter segment.
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Unveiled on August 1, this stylish streetfighter, Honda CB125 Hornet, is squarely aimed at young urban riders who crave a thrilling blend of sporty performance, aggressive styling, and cutting-edge features, all packed within the accessible 125cc category. With this launch, Honda throws down the gauntlet to key rivals like the Hero Xtreme 125R, TVS Raider 125, and the soon-to-be-launched Bajaj Pulsar N125.
The Honda CB125 Hornet carries forward the muscular design language of its larger siblings in the Hornet family. It features a sharp LED headlamp setup with DRLs, a compact tail section, and dual-tone body panels with tank extensions that enhance its street presence. The bike comes in four sporty colour combinations, including: Pearl siren blue with lemon ice yellow; pearl igneous black; athletic blue metallic and sports red.
Further contributing to the bike’s aggressive styling is a split seat setup, up-swept exhaust, and compact rear fender.
The only 125cc bike in India
Honda CB125 Hornet is built on a steel frame and is the only 125cc bike in India to offer 37 mm upside-down (USD) front forks finished in gold for a premium touch. At the rear, it uses a 5-step preload adjustable monoshock for enhanced ride comfort.
Braking duties are handled by a 240 mm petal disc at the front and a 130 mm drum at the rear, paired with single-channel ABS for added safety. The bike runs on 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres.
Powering the CB125 Hornet is a 123.94 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine, shared with Honda’s SP125 and Shine 125 but tuned for more aggressive performance. It delivers:
- Maximum Power: 10.99 bhp @ 7,500 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox, offering strong low-end performance and smooth city riding. According to Honda, the CB125 Hornet can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, making it the quickest in its class.
Honda CB125 Hornet: Technology and connectivity
The CB125 Hornet stands out with its segment-first fully digital 4.2-inch TFT display, offering:
- Bluetooth connectivity via Honda RoadSync App
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Incoming call and SMS alerts
- Music control
- Real-time mileage and trip data
Additionally, the console features a USB Type-C charging port and LED indicators. The motorcycle also includes engine kill switch, side-stand engine cut-off, and full LED lighting setup, including headlamp, indicators, and tail lamp.
Target audience
The CB125 Hornet is targeted at young, style-conscious riders who want a bike that combines commuter practicality with premium features and standout looks. Honda is positioning this motorcycle as a “first step into performance riding” for the next generation.
With the launch of the CB125 Hornet, Honda has taken a decisive step toward redefining the 125cc segment. Offering first-in-segment tech, racy styling, and a solid mechanical package, the Hornet 125 is likely to appeal to those upgrading from basic commuters or first-time buyers who don’t want to compromise on style or technology.
If you’re in the market for a feature-packed 125cc motorcycle that offers more than just mileage the Honda CB125 Hornet is worth serious consideration.
