The CB 125 Hornet is the model that Honda made by combining aspects of an aggressive streetfighter styling and the practicality of 125cc commuting. Honda aims at the premium segment of entry-level motorcycles, inheriting the sporty genes of the larger Hornet family while keeping the bike lightweight, efficient, and easy to ride. This model has sharp bodywork, premium components in the form of golden USD forks, and a technological setup with everything from a TFT display to Bluetooth connectivity for those riders who want everyday usability without compromising on aesthetics and features. Through the Honda CB 125 Hornet overview below, we will discuss its design, performance, features, ride quality, safety, pricing, and overall value to see how it fares in the cut-throat competition of the 125cc segment.
Design & Styling
This Honda CB 125 Hornet flaunts a strong streetfighter look, having a clear design shed from its larger-capacity siblings from Honda’s Hornet family. At first glance, the sharply sculpted bodywork gives it an aggressive and sporty stance with angular lines flowing from headlamp to tail section. The muscularity of the fuel tank itself seems to add more weight visually, but it has also been ergonomically contoured to be comfortable for the rider to grip with their knees.
Perhaps the most striking design feature is the golden USD forks that lend the motorcycle a performance-oriented stance, almost premium in outlook, which hitherto has been the forte of the higher-capacity motorcycle. This, along with an ultra-modern compact LED headlamp unit, sleek tail-lamp design, and neatly integrated turn indicators, enlivens the contemporary street-naked theme.
Every detail, right from the finish of the paint to the fine panel gaps, has been executed with precision synonymous with Honda, giving the CB 125 Hornet an upmarket feel within the commuting club. The subtle touches, razor-sharp decals, and neatly sculpted exhaust add the finishing touch, making it just as attractive to young riders concerned about style as it is to commuters after a hint of sportiness in their everyday transport.
Engine, Performance & Drivetrain
The Honda CB 125 Hornet is reliable due to its 124cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, which has been calibrated to perform an optimal balance between good performance and decent fuel economy. The engine produces 13.1 bhp of power and 11.6 Nm of torque, tuned for smooth acceleration through the entire rev range. The engine is responsive enough to dart through urban constraints and take an occasional run on the open road, with enough low-end torque to take care of stop-and-go traffic smoothly.
In terms of performance, the CB 125 Hornet can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in roughly 5 to 6 seconds, offering brisk response for its class. The engine feels refined at lower speeds and maintains composure when cruising, with minimal vibrations filtering through to the rider.
Paired with the motor is a slick-shifting 5-speed gearbox that ensures precise gear engagement and optimised ratios for everyday usability. The gearing is well-calibrated to extract the best from the engine’s power band, allowing for both efficient city riding and relaxed highway cruising without the need for frequent gear changes. Together, this drivetrain setup delivers a riding experience that feels lively yet controlled, appealing to both new and experienced riders.
Features & Technology
The Honda CB 125 Hornet comes loaded with a set of features modern and well-integrated enough to make it attractive in the 125cc category. At the very heart of the tech package is a bright 4.2-inch TFT display that ensures excellent visibility in any light condition. This digital cluster is far more than just an instrumental readout: it has Bluetooth connectivity that allows pairing to a smartphone for call and message alerts, and even turn-by-turn navigation — a truly useful aspect for day-to-day commutes and occasional rides.
This illumination is entirely an LED affair, including the headlamp, tail-lamp, and turn indicators brighter setup, faster reaction, and far more premium feel. Riders are also treated to a USB-C charging port, positioned for easy charging of devices on the move without impacting the ergonomics.
A fine integration of a smartphone with the much brighter LED lighting, along with a smartly designed TFT display, reflects Honda’s aim towards a rich tech offering. Such amenities significantly enhance convenience and bring the CB 125 Hornet that much closer to resembling larger and more premium motorcycles, adding great allure to riders who fancy a modern twist along with daily usability.
Ride & Handling
The Honda CB 125 Hornet is designed to be agile and stable in equal measures-the vehicle could handle tight city streets as easily as it could handle more open stretches of road. Up front are premium golden upside-down forks, which not only aesthetically look good but also add to front-end rigidity and feedback, giving the rider more confidence during quick maneuvers or spirited cornering. At the back, a monoshock with preload adjustability will allow fine-tuning of the suspension to accommodate different rider weights and road conditions to give an acceptable balance between comfort and control.
In city traffic, the CB 125 Hornet feels very nimble, easily threading gaps thanks to its compact footprint, light steering, and well-balanced chassis. The upright handlebars, neutral riding position, and excellent visibility also help with fatigue on longer trips. It remains stable in cruising speeds on perfectly open roads with the suspension absorbing bumps, undulations, and even recovering composure in bends.
Ergonomics are set for comfort, giving a natural reach to the bars and a supportive seat with well-placed footpegs, whether for quick short sprinting or weekend-long trips. This perfect combination of performance handling with adaptable suspension and rider-friendly ergonomics is what makes the CB 125 Hornet an able motorcycle with a wide appeal.
Mileage & Practicality
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Honda CB 125 Hornet attracts daily commuters and cost-conscious riders with its true economy beneath all the wraps. The mileage figures of about 45-50 km/l under best conditions mentioned in the official data are erringly high, as market conditions also take into account that most riders get between 40 and 45 km/l, considering their style, vehicle condition, congestion, and carrying capacities. With these figures, it seems a very reasonable option for urban to semi-urban riding situations.
With an 11-litre fuel tank, the bike will happily attain any distance between 400 and 450 km on one full tank, thanks to its fuel-efficient engine. This would minimize the number of times the rider would have to stop for refueling while traveling for a long ride or even a daily commute.
Among the list of uses, the lightweight nature, comfortable ergonomics, and smooth power delivery of the CB 125 Hornet all work in harmony to provide an easy lifestyle even for the newest of riders. The manageable height of the seat opens it up to many different rider statures, while it can still be counted on for its nimble performance and low running costs as a genuine commuter motorcycle that has a somewhat premium feel.
Safety & Equipment
The front disc brake setup on the Honda Hornet is reliable with the addition of single-channel ABS. It provides a safer riding condition by reducing the possibility of the tires skidding if the brakes are applied hard. The rear drum brake allows the rider to bear up under full stoppage pressure. The tire fitted with alloy wheels is the tubeless one that offers a great deal of superior traction, keeps the motorcycle free from flats, provides longer durability, and offers more puncture-resistance when it comes to critical commuter use.
All elements of construction match the intrinsic durability of one of the finest makers of Honda bikes. The frame was kept with strength in view, giving a ride to a top-notch bike with its balanced chassis. All components are either unbreakable strength or leverage fetish-like lust. The suspension, switchgear, and body panels resemble sturdy built. They could easily withstand daily commuting without a hiccup.
Altogether, the CB 125 Hornet offers trusted braking, good quality control, and reliable components, which place it among the safest choices for any commuter looking for a snazzy bike.
Variants, Colors & Pricing
The Honda CB 125 Hornet is available in a single, fully loaded variant, ensuring that every rider enjoys the complete set of features without compromises. It comes in four striking colour schemes: Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow, Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red, Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic, and Pearl Igneous Black. These bold paint options enhance its aggressive streetfighter design, appealing to riders who value both style and individuality.
In terms of pricing, the CB 125 Hornet is introduced at ₹1.12 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory price in Gurugram, Haryana), positioning it as the most premium model in Honda’s 125cc lineup. Compared to competitors such as the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R, it is priced higher, targeting buyers seeking a premium blend of performance, design, and advanced features in the commuter motorcycle segment.
Verdict
The Honda CB 125 Hornet stands out as a premium 125cc motorcycle that blends aggressive streetfighter styling with everyday practicality. Its key strengths lie in its sharp and modern design, high-quality build, and a feature set that includes a TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, full LED lighting, and premium suspension components like USD forks. The bike also delivers respectable fuel efficiency, nimble handling, and Honda’s trademark reliability, making it a dependable partner for daily commuting and weekend leisure rides.
That said, the single-channel ABS setup and the modest 125cc engine performance may feel limiting for riders seeking higher speed thrills or more advanced braking systems. However, within its category, it strikes a good balance between performance, comfort, and efficiency.
The CB 125 Hornet is ideally suited for urban riders, college students, and first-time buyers who want a stylish yet manageable motorcycle with modern tech and low running costs. It also appeals to seasoned riders looking for a lightweight, fuss-free machine for daily use. Considering the competition, Honda’s CB 125 Hornet offers strong value by delivering premium features and build quality without pricing itself out of reach, making it a solid contender in the 125cc premium commuter space.
