Hello Bike lovers, Honda CB125 Hornet is finally official for India, and it brings a welcome dash of excitement to the 125 cc class. Think of it as a mini streetfighter: compact enough to weave through traffic, yet beefy enough in styling to draw a second glance at every stoplight. I spent a short session riding the international version last year, and what struck me first was how effortlessly it pulls away from idle. That same lively character has now been tuned for Indian fuel and road conditions, so you get a bike that feels eager without feeling fragile.
The Hornet’s job is simple—deliver premium appeal on a commuter‑friendly budget. Honda already owns the practical 125 cc space with the Shine and SP125; the CB125 Hornet steps in for riders who want an extra spark of personality. It wears sportier ergonomics, sharper bodywork, and a long list of tech features usually found on larger machines. Yet beneath the flair it holds Honda’s familiar reliability, which means low running costs and fuss‑free ownership even if you plan to ride it every single day.
Honda CB125 Hornet Launch Date
Honda unwrapped the Honda CB125 Hornet for India on 23 July 2025, marking the company’s twenty‑fifth anniversary in the country with something fresh for younger buyers. The unveil took place simultaneously at dealerships and on Honda’s streaming platform, creating plenty of chatter within minutes of the covers coming off the bike. Bookings open nationwide on 1 August 2025, with most metro dealers already prepping floor space and demo units as you read this.
Deliveries are slated to begin toward the end of August, timed neatly for the festive buying rush. Honda is also using that window to train technicians on the new TFT dashboard and RoadSync software so you do not face teething troubles after purchase. If you prefer to see the bike in the metal first, expect test‑ride units to arrive in major cities by Independence Day week, followed by tier‑two markets before September rolls in.
Honda CB125 Hornet Design and Build Quality
Let’s talk design first—the Honda CB125 Hornet looks like a scaled‑down CB300F with a meaner glare. The angular LED headlamp sits low and wide, framed by sharp daytime running lights that give it a distinctive signature after dusk. A sculpted twelve‑litre fuel tank features deep knee recesses and contrasting shrouds, so even taller riders find a natural grip. Honda offers four bold dual‑tone colours, each paired with golden upside‑down forks that pop in sunlight and subtly hint at performance intent.
Build quality, true to Honda tradition, feels a notch above the class norm. Panels line up neatly, switchgear has crisp tactile feedback, and that thick seat foam feels supportive without being sofa‑soft. During a quick poke around a pre‑production bike, I tugged at the mirrors, pressed on the plastics, and even thumbed the exhaust guard; nothing creaked or flexed in protest. Even the paint carries a deep gloss that should shrug off everyday grime provided you give it the occasional wash.
Honda CB125 Hornet Engine and Performance Details
Power comes from a 123.94 cc air‑cooled single‑cylinder engine that shares its basic block with the SP125 but benefits from a new cylinder head and revised ignition maps. Output stands at about eleven horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm—figures that put it on par with the class leaders. The five‑speed gearbox feels slick, letting you slot neutral without a hunt, and ratios are spaced so the engine stays in its sweet spot while still returning respectable fuel numbers.
On the road the Hornet zips from zero to sixty in roughly five‑and‑a‑half seconds, which is quick enough to clear a traffic signal queue before the buses lurch forward. Mid‑range roll‑on is strong too; a gentle twist is all it takes to dart ahead of slow taxis without frantic downshifts. Out on an open bypass the motor settles into a calm hum near 80 km/h, and there’s just enough top‑end left to stretch to about 100 km/h when the road opens up. Vibes remain well managed thanks to Honda’s balancer shaft, so your palms and mirrors stay free from the fuzzy blur that plagues many small singles.
Honda CB125 Hornet Features and Advanced Technology
While rivals still rely on basic LCD clusters, Honda hands the Hornet a bright 4.2‑inch TFT display. The screen pairs with the Honda RoadSync app, unlocking turn‑by‑turn navigation, call and message alerts, and simple music controls—all managed through a convenient four‑way switch on the left bar. There’s also a USB‑C port tucked under the handlebar to top up your phone on the go, and a side‑stand engine cut‑off that quietly prevents embarrassing stall‑and‑roll moments.
Full LED lighting—not just the headlamp but indicators and tail lamp too—ensures better night visibility and longer bulb life. Honda throws in an emergency stop signal that flashes the hazards under hard braking, a neat safety touch usually reserved for bigger bikes. The only thing missing is ride‑modes or traction control, but let’s be honest: in this segment, the charm lies in simplicity rather than electronic nannies.
Honda CB125 Hornet Suspension and Brakes
Those gold‑finished upside‑down forks aren’t just for show; they bring a noticeable bump in front‑end stiffness, translating into precise steering when you flick through tight corners or dodge potholes at the last second. Complementing the USD unit is a preload‑adjustable rear monoshock mounted directly onto the swingarm, tuned to provide the lightly firm feel many sporty riders love without punishing your spine on broken roads.
Braking duties fall to a 240 mm petal disc up front paired with single‑channel ABS, while the rear sticks to a tried‑and‑tested 130 mm drum. In practice the set‑up offers confident bite and short stopping distances, with the ABS chiming in smoothly on sandy patches. Tyres measure 80/100‑17 at the front and 110/80‑17 at the rear, both tubeless and mounted on smart five‑spoke alloy wheels that add to the bike’s edgy visuals while keeping unsprung weight low.
Honda CB125 Hornet Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Honda CB125 Hornet‘s Fuel economy remains a strong selling point in the 125 cc world, and the Hornet doesn’t disappoint. During Honda’s internal test cycle the bike returned just under fifty kilometres per litre, and riders with a lighter throttle hand should see figures nudging fifty‑five on long arterial stretches. Even if you ride briskly in city grind, expect a solid mid‑forties figure. Put plainly, a full twelve‑litre tank can deliver five hundred kilometres of range, meaning you might visit the petrol pump only twice a month if your commute is average.
The secret is a combination of low internal friction, a gentle compression ratio that isn’t fussy about regular petrol, and that extra fifth gear which drops revs on highway runs. The engine also gets Honda’s silent‑start ACG system that eliminates the clank of a traditional starter motor and saves a touch of fuel each time the engine fires.
Honda CB125 Hornet Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 123.94 cc single‑cylinder, air‑cooled, fuel‑injected |
| Maximum Power | 11 hp at 7,500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 11.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5‑speed constant mesh |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm upside‑down fork |
| Rear Suspension | Preload‑adjustable monoshock |
| Front Brake | 240 mm petal disc with single‑channel ABS |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm drum |
| Tyre Size | 80/100‑17 front, 110/80‑17 rear (tubeless) |
| Fuel Tank | 12 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 124 kg |
| Seat Height | 795 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,308 mm |
| Instrumentation | 4.2‑inch colour TFT with Bluetooth RoadSync |
| Lighting | All‑LED headlamp, DRL, indicators, tail lamp |
Honda CB125 Hornet Price and Variants
Honda has kept the launch simple with a single, fully‑loaded variant that includes every feature mentioned above. While the official ex‑showroom price will be declared on 1 August 2025, insiders at multiple dealerships confirm a target tag of just under one lakh rupees. That positioning neatly splits the difference between budget commuters and pricier 150 cc bikes, offering an affordable gateway to sporty styling without sacrificing day‑to‑day practicality.
Buyers can choose from four dual‑tone colourways, each paired with matte black alloy wheels and that eye‑catching gold fork. Honda will offer a minor accessory catalogue covering items like a small fly‑screen, engine guard, and colour‑matched seat cowl, but mechanically every bike leaving the factory will be identical. Extended warranty and RSA plans carry over from the SP125, giving you up to five years of coverage at modest cost.
We hope this updated deep‑dive helps you understand the Honda CB125 Hornet inside out. If you have any questions or simply want to share your excitement, drop a comment below, and remember to follow NewsBaazi.com for honest bike reviews crafted for riders like you. Ride safe and see you on the road!
FAQs About Honda CB125 Hornet
Is the Honda CB125 Hornet already available at showrooms?
Display units started reaching metro dealerships within days of the July unveil. Bookings open on 1 August 2025, with first deliveries promised before the end of that month.
What real‑world mileage can owners expect?
Most city riders should see around forty‑five to fifty kilometres per litre, while steady highway cruising can push the figure to fifty‑five, making the Hornet one of the more fuel‑efficient sporty commuters.
Does the bike support turn‑by‑turn navigation?
Yes, the 4.2‑inch TFT pairs with Honda’s RoadSync smartphone app to relay navigation prompts, call alerts, and basic music controls directly on the screen.
How does it compare with the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R?
The CB125 Hornet stands out with upside‑down forks, a colour TFT, and Honda’s reputation for refinement, though the Raider offers a slightly higher power figure and the Hero counters with a rear disc on top trims. Ultimately the choice will rest on which design and brand ethos resonates with you.
Is the single‑channel ABS enough for spirited riding?
For a bike in this weight and power bracket, single‑channel ABS delivers ample safety while keeping costs manageable. The petal disc provides progressive bite, and most riders will find front‑wheel ABS protection perfectly reassuring in everyday scenarios.
