Honda CB 125 Hornet: The Stylish New Entrant in 125cc Street Bikes
The Honda CB 125 Hornet is Honda’s exciting leap into the sporty 125cc commuter segment in India. Offering a mix of aggressive styling, smart features, and peppy performance, it aims to redefine what a 125cc street bike can offer.
1. Engine & Performance: Punchy Yet Practical
Engine: 123.94 cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, BS6 Phase 2B compliant.
Power: ~11 PS @ 7,500 rpm (~10.99 bhp)
Torque: 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, chain drive
Sprint Time: 0–60 km/h in 5.4 s — fastest in class
Weight: 124 kg kerb — one of the lightest in segment
➡️ Takeaway: Ideal for city commutes, the Hornet balances spirited performance with impressive agility.
2. Design & Chassis: Bold & Youthful Appeal
Honda has equipped the CB 125 Hornet with a charismatic streetfighter design:
- Sharp LED twin headlamp with DRL
- Segment-first golden upside-down (USD) front forks
- Muscular fuel tank, split seat, and sculpted side panels.
- Tubeless alloys (17″) with 80/100‑17 front and 110/80‑17 rear tyres
➡️ Takeaway: The bike radiates a sporty personality and upmarket feel—no compromise on aesthetics.
3. Features & Tech: Surprisingly Rich
Even as a 125cc commuter, the Hornet is feature-packed:
4.2″ TFT full-color display with Bluetooth, Honda RoadSync, navigation, and call/SMS alerts
Full-LED lighting: headlamp, tail, DRLs
- USB‑C charging port
- Single-channel ABS with 240 mm petal disc front & 130 mm drum rear brake
- Engine inhibitor on side-stand and mobile app support
➡️ Takeaway: Riders get smart features rarely seen in this class—touches of sophistication without breaking the bank.
4. Suspension & Ride Quality
- Front: Golden USD fork—first in this category
- Rear: 5-step preload-adjustable mono- shock
- Ground clearance: 166 mm
➡️ Takeaway: Suspension setup supports nimble handling, responsive cornering, and capable ride comfort over urban road irregularities.
5. Pricing & Competition
Expected Price: ₹ 95,000–1,00,000 (ex-showroom, India)
Launch: July 2025; bookings open August 1.
Key Competitors:
- Bajaj Pulsar N125
- Hero Xtreme 125R
- Honda’s own XP siblings (Shine/SP)
6. Why It Matters: Trends & Insights
125 cc market is evolving: riders now demand both metro rideability and sporty aesthetics.
A perfect combination of “commuter” performance and “fun” features.
With a U.S.P like fastest-in-class sprint and segment-first tech, Honda aims to capture young buyers seeking value-driven performance.
Practical Takeaways
For city commuters: Agile, efficient, value-packed.
For beginners: Easy power, stable ride, comfortable ergonomics.
For experienced riders: Thrilling sprint times, sharp styling, smart features.
Final Thoughts
The Honda CB 125 Hornet redefines expectations in the 125cc performance bike segment. Combining sporty design, best-in-class performance, feature-rich tech, and a lightweight chassis—all at under ₹1 Lakh—it targets younger riders across cityscapes. It’s bold, practical, smart—and precisely the kind of urban bike that bridges the gap between commuting and excitement.
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