Honda has just pulled the covers off its brand-new Honda CB125 Hornet, a motorcycle that’s creating quite a buzz in the 125cc segment. Designed to rival the likes of the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R, the CB125 Hornet brings sporty aesthetics, segment-first features, and a strong presence in its class. Let’s dive into all that this exciting new two-wheeler has to offer.
Striking Design Inspired by the Hornet DNA
The CB125 Hornet draws heavy inspiration from the older Hornet models, but with a twist — the design is sharper, more futuristic, and clearly built to turn heads. The aggressive styling at the front makes it look like it came straight out of a Transformers movie. It features a sleek LED headlamp setup with integrated DRLs, enhancing the modern, sporty look.
The motorcycle also gets golden USD (upside-down) forks — a segment-first for a 125cc bike — that lend it a premium appeal. Funky color schemes including fluorescent green with blue, deep blue with silver, red-black, and black-gunmetal make the CB125 Hornet stand out even more.
Premium Features for a 125cc Bike
Honda has packed the CB125 Hornet with a host of premium features not commonly seen in this segment. It comes with a 4.2-inch TFT display, which is crisp and easy to read. The display includes toggle switches for control, and the switchgear feels sturdy and well-built.
The flat-style handlebar gives the rider a slightly upright, comfortable stance while maintaining a sporty character. Adding to the visual drama is the sculpted fuel tank with the ignition key mounted directly on it — a detail that boosts its sporty credentials.
Split Seat and Rider Comfort
The Honda CB125 Hornet features a split seat setup, with the rider’s seat being chiselled and the pillion seat slightly smaller. This adds to its sporty profile while still keeping everyday usability in mind. Despite its aggressive stance, the rider triangle is comfortable enough for both commuting and weekend rides. The footpegs aren’t pushed too far back, and the handlebars don’t require an excessive lean — a perfect balance between sportiness and comfort.
One thing worth noting is the seat height. While Honda hasn’t officially disclosed the exact figure, riders around 5 feet 6 inches might find themselves on their toes slightly. It’s not too high, but definitely on the taller side for a 125cc bike.
Engine and Performance
Under the bodywork is a 125cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine tuned to deliver better acceleration. Honda claims the CB125 Hornet can go from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, which makes it one of the fastest in its class. It produces around 11 BHP of power and 11.2 Nm of torque — numbers quite similar to the CB Shine SP but in a much sportier avatar.
The bike comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox, offering smooth gear shifts and enough punch for both city traffic and occasional highway stretches.
Suspension, Brakes and Tyres
One of the highlights of the CB125 Hornet is its suspension setup. The golden USD forks up front aren’t just for show — they offer better stability and absorb road undulations well. At the rear, it uses a monoshock that balances comfort and control.
Braking duties are handled by petal disc brakes with single-channel ABS, adding a layer of safety for riders. The bike rides on a 17-inch wheel setup, with an 80-section tyre at the front and a 120-section tyre at the rear, providing a chunky stance and solid road grip.
Exhaust, Alloys and Overall Styling
The side profile and rear end of the CB125 Hornet are just as striking as the front. The exhaust is short, chiseled, and features an aluminum finish cover that gives it a muscular touch. The LED tail lamp is sleek and unique — a fresh design element not seen on many bikes in the category.
The alloy wheels are another highlight. Honda has gone with a rectangular spoke design that’s quite eye-catching. Depending on the color variant, the wheels even come painted in body-matching shades like green-yellow and gunmetal bronze, further enhancing the bike’s visual appeal.
Dimensions and Weight
The CB125 Hornet weighs around 126 kg, which is manageable and feels well-balanced. With a fuel tank capacity of close to 12 liters, it should offer decent range, especially given Honda’s reputation for fuel efficiency. While mileage numbers haven’t been officially released, it’s safe to expect efficiency in the ballpark of 55–60 km/l under normal riding conditions.
Colors and Variants
Honda is offering the CB125 Hornet in at least four bold colors:
- Fluorescent Green with Blue
- Blue-Silver-Yellow Triple Tone
- Red with Black
- Black with Gunmetal Bronze
Each color variant brings out a different personality of the bike, making it appealing to a wide range of riders — whether you prefer something flashy or more understated.
Final Thoughts: Is the CB125 Hornet Worth the Hype?
The Honda CB125 Hornet checks nearly every box when it comes to design, performance, and features. It feels like a complete package for someone looking for a stylish, feature-rich, and sporty 125cc bike without compromising on everyday usability. From its USD forks and TFT display to the aggressive bodywork and split seat setup, Honda has created what might just be the best-looking 125cc bike in India.
While the official CB125 Hornet price hasn’t been announced yet, bookings are set to begin on August 1st, along with the pricing reveal. If Honda positions it competitively, it could give the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125 a serious run for their money.
Stay tuned for the full ride review soon, and let us know in the comments — do you think this is the most stylish 125cc bike of the year?