Honda CB125 Hornet might be your perfect ride. Designed for urban riders, first-time owners, and budget-conscious commuters, the CB125 Hornet blends aggressive styling, rider-friendly ergonomics, and class-leading fuel economy.
But is it just a pretty face or a truly capable lightweight bike? In this full review, we explore everything you need to know – from design to engine, comfort, ride quality, mileage, and pricing.
Table of Contents
A Quick Look at the Honda CB125 Hornet
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 124.7cc, Air-cooled, 4-stroke |
| Power | 14.7 HP @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Weight | Approx. 137 kg |
| Mileage | ~45-55 km/l |
| Price (Estimated) | ₹1.20 Lakh (ex-showroom) |
Honda CB125 Head-Turning Design and Visual Appeal
The Honda CB125 Hornet carries a sport-naked streetfighter design, inspired by its bigger siblings like the CB500F and CB750 Hornet. It looks muscular, sharp, and modern — a refreshing change in the 125cc category.
Design Highlights:
- LED Headlamp Cluster with aggressive DRLs.
- Sculpted fuel tank with knee recesses for grip.
- Minimalist rear with LED tail-lamp and sharp indicators.
- Bold graphics and Honda branding on side panels.
- Sporty split seat with rear grab handles.
This is not your typical entry-level commuter. It’s styled to look fast, even when standing still.
Lightweight Chassis for Nimble Handling
Built on a diamond-type steel frame, the CB125 Hornet is optimized for urban agility and quick turns.
- Weighs only 137 kg, making it easy to maneuver in traffic.
- Short wheelbase helps with lane filtering and quick direction changes.
- Upright handlebars and mid-set footpegs offer a neutral, relaxed riding position.
Even new riders will find the bike confidence-inspiring. Whether you’re weaving through traffic or cruising through curves, the chassis delivers a stable yet lively riding experience.
Engine and Performance – Built for the City
While the 124.7cc engine may seem modest on paper, Honda has tuned it for responsiveness and linear power delivery.
Engine Specs:
- 4-valve DOHC engine
- Liquid-cooled, Euro 5/BS6 compliant
- Max Power: 14.7 hp @ 10,000 rpm
- Max Torque: 11 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
It excels in low to mid-range performance — perfect for city commuting, overtaking, and spirited weekend rides.
- 0-60 km/h in under 6 seconds.
- Top speed ~110–115 km/h (depending on rider weight).
- 6-speed gearbox ensures smooth shifting and better highway comfort.
If you’re upgrading from a scooter or 110cc bike, the CB125 Hornet offers a major step up in power without sacrificing control.
Ride Comfort and Suspension Setup
The CB125 Hornet prioritizes ride quality with its well-tuned suspension and ergonomic setup.
- 41mm Upside Down Front Forks (USD) offer better damping and stability.
- Mono-shock Rear Suspension (adjustable preload) provides a plush ride over bumps.
- Split-seat layout is comfortable for rider and pillion alike.
The seat height (around 795 mm) is manageable for most Indian riders, and the ground clearance (~160mm) is suitable for urban potholes and speed breakers.
Braking and Safety – Confident Every Day Ride
Honda equips the CB125 Hornet with a 276mm front disc and 220mm rear disc, both mated to single-channel ABS.
- Great bite and feel for city braking.
- Progressive stopping with minimal fade.
- Tubeless tyres (17-inch) provide excellent grip and stability.
For a 125cc motorcycle, this is one of the best braking packages available in the segment.
Honda CB125 Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The CB125 Hornet returns a real-world mileage of 45–55 km/l, depending on riding style and traffic conditions.
- 11-litre fuel tank = 500+ km of range
- Ideal for daily commutes, college rides, and errands.
Honda’s proven engine refinement and low running costs make this a smart, wallet-friendly choice.
Instrument Console and Features
The all-digital LCD instrument console is clean and easy to read.
Display Info:
- Speedometer, tachometer
- Fuel gauge, gear position indicator
- Trip meters, real-time and average mileage
- ABS and service reminder
Additional Features:
- Hazard light switch
- Engine cut-off with side-stand sensor
- LED all around for headlamp, indicators, and taillights
It doesn’t go overboard with gimmicks but includes all essential modern tech for daily use.
Honda Reliability, After-Sales & Service
One of Honda’s biggest strengths is its nationwide service network and brand trust. The CB125 Hornet is backed by:
- 3-year standard warranty
- Easily available spares
- Low maintenance costs
- Reliable engine performance even after long-term use
You can count on Honda to deliver a fuss-free ownership experience.
Market Position and Competitors
At an expected price of ₹1.20 lakh (ex-showroom), the CB125 Hornet competes with:
- Yamaha MT-15 (125cc International Variant)
- KTM Duke 125
- TVS Raider 125
- Hero Xtreme 125R
What sets it apart is Honda’s premium finish, urban-oriented design, and balanced performance.
Verdict – Should You Buy the Honda CB125 Hornet?
If you’re looking for a lightweight, stylish, and performance-friendly commuter that doesn’t compromise on design or engineering quality, the Honda CB125 Hornet is an excellent choice.
Pros:
✅ Aggressive design
✅ Smooth engine with great city performance
✅ Lightweight and easy handling
✅ Honda’s reliability and resale value
Cons:
❌ Slightly premium pricing
❌ Lacks Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity
Whether you’re a first-time biker or an experienced commuter looking for a no-nonsense city ride, the Hornet delivers a refined, confidence-boosting package that’s hard to ignore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the Honda CB125 Hornet available in India?
It’s expected to launch in India in late 2025 or early 2026. Global models are already available in Europe and Asia.
Q2: Is the CB125 Hornet suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. With light weight, smooth power delivery, and stable handling, it’s perfect for new riders.
Q3: What is the service interval for this bike?
Typically, every 3000–5000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Q4: Does it come with Bluetooth or Navigation?
No, the CB125 Hornet sticks to an analog-digital cluster without smartphone pairing features.
