Introduction

Honda has long ruled the commuter segment with dependable motors and user-friendly ergonomics. With the CB 125 Hornet, Honda aims to move up the value ladder: a compact, sporty commuter that blends aggressive styling with modern features. It promises to be a 125cc bike that doesn’t look or feel like a basic commuter — instead, Honda packed tech and some premium hardware into a package meant to attract younger riders who want both practicality and personality.

Below I’ll break down the CB 125 Hornet into clear, useful sections: verified specs, how those numbers translate on the road, feature highlights, comfort and ergonomics, running costs and ownership tips, plus a simple test-ride checklist and buying verdict.

Quick Spec Snapshot (what matters at a glance)

• Engine: 123.94 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected.

• Power: ~11.14 PS @ ~7,500 rpm.

• Torque: ~11.2 Nm @ ~6,000 rpm.

• Gearbox: 5-speed manual.

• Fuel tank: 12 litres.

• Kerb weight: ~124 kg.

• Suspension: Upside-down (USD) front fork; mono-shock rear.

• Brakes: Front disc, rear drum; single-channel ABS.

• Instrument: 4.2-inch TFT with Bluetooth navigation & app connectivity.

• Claimed economy: ~48 kmpl (manufacturer/press figures). 

These headline numbers tell you the CB 125 Hornet is a performance-biased commuter: small displacement but tuned and equipped to feel sporty and modern.

Why the CB 125 Hornet matters

The 125cc market has become the new battleground for manufacturers: buyers want a step up from 100cc economy bikes but still need low running costs and easy handling. The Hornet’s value proposition is simple:

• Looks and attitude: Styling that reads sporty — sharper than a Shine or standard commuter.

• Better hardware: USD forks and a TFT are premium touches in the class.

• Everyday usability: A small, efficient motor and manageable weight for commuting.

• Modern conveniences: App connectivity and turn-by-turn nav on a compact screen.

Honda is using this model to chase customers who would otherwise buy rivals like the TVS Raider or Hero Xtreme 125R — buyers who want sportier design and modern tech while keeping running costs sensible. 

Engine and performance — how it feels on the road

Under the tank is the same 123.94 cc single-cylinder that powers Honda’s SP 125 and Shine 125 family, but the Hornet’s tuning and packaging make its behavior feel sharper.

City riding

• Low-end and midrange: The motor delivers a friendly midrange — you won’t need to wring the engine to get moving. Its 11.2 Nm of torque shows up usefully around town for smooth roll-ons and easy overtakes at urban speeds.

• Clutch and gearbox: Honda’s gearbox and clutch action are typically light and precise; that makes stop-start commuting less tiring.

Open road and short highway bursts

• Highway capability: The Hornet will handle short highway upshifts and quick overtakes without drama, but it’s still a 125cc — sustained high-speed touring isn’t what it’s optimized for. The 5-speed gearbox keeps things simple and predictable in mixed traffic and on short intercity hops.

• Performance feel: With a ~11 PS motor, accelerative thrust is best felt in lower gears and the midrange; the bike rewards momentum and smooth throttle inputs rather than scream-to-the-redline riding.

In short: the Hornet is tuned to feel lively and responsive in urban and semi-urban use, where most 125s spend their life.

Chassis, suspension and braking — the hardware that gives confidence

Putting USD forks on a 125cc bike is a statement; they give more feel, better rigidity and sharper turn-in than conventional telescopic forks. Matched with a rear mono-shock, the setup emphasizes nimble handling and composed responses through corners and lane changes.

Brakes: The Hornet uses a front disc and a rear drum with single-channel ABS (front wheel), which is a pragmatic safety choice for the segment — good stopping power with ABS assistance on the front, while keeping costs and complexity lower. If you frequently ride on wet or low-grip roads, be mindful that rear ABS is absent, so progressive rear braking technique matters. 

Instruments and connectivity — modern features in a compact package

One of the CB 125 Hornet’s strongest selling points is its 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity. Through Honda’s app integration riders can get:

• Turn-by-turn navigation prompts on the dash.

• Call/message alerts and basic phone info.

• Ride data and some diagnostic prompts.

These features add real value for riders who use navigation daily or prefer connected convenience without carrying their phones on the bars. The TFT plus Bluetooth integration is rare in this class and helps the Hornet feel like a modern small-displacement motorcycle rather than a stripped commuter. 

Ergonomics and comfort — rider experience

The Hornet’s ergonomics lean slightly sporty without being aggressive. Seat height and a narrow tank profile make it easy to plant both feet, and the light curb weight (≈124 kg) keeps low-speed handling confidence high.

• Rider triangle: Comfortable for city commutes and 30–150 km stretches; not a touring posture but not punishing either.

• Pillion: Expect average rear comfort — fine for short trips, less so for long two-up touring unless you add a better pillion pad.

If you plan frequent long rides, a small flyscreen and a gel seat can greatly increase comfort.

Fuel economy and range — how far will a tank take you?

With a 12-litre tank and claimed economy figures around 48 kmpl, the practical single-tank range can be roughly 500–550 km in conservative riding conditions — in city mixed traffic you should realistically expect a lower figure (350–450 km per tank depending on how aggressively you ride). Fuel economy varies greatly by traffic, load and throttle habits, so use the dash’s trip and DTE readouts for real everyday planning. 

Practical ownership — service, spares and running costs

Honda’s dealer and service network is one of the brand’s strongest assets. Expected ownership benefits:

• Service intervals: Honda’s published schedules are conservative and easy to follow; valve checks and oil/filter changes are routine.

• Spare parts availability: Parts for the SP125/Shine family are widely available — the Hornet shares components, which helps parts availability and predictable running costs.

• Insurance & taxes: Expect slightly higher premiums than basic 100cc commuters because of the higher ex-showroom price, but still reasonable for a 125cc.

Competitors — where the Hornet stands out (and where rivals shine)

Direct rivals in the sporty 125cc space include the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R (and other regional variants). Compared to these:

• Hornet strengths: Premium hardware (TFT, USD forks), Honda reliability and refinement, and a more aggressive design.

• Rival strengths: Some rivals may undercut on price, or offer higher claimed top speeds or marginally better mileage depending on their tuning.

Choose the Hornet if you prioritise modern features, Honda service reliability and a sporty feel; pick a rival if your top priority is lowest purchase price or a specific technical feature (e.g., twin-channel ABS at a lower price point). 

Test-ride checklist — what to inspect at the dealer

1. Idle & warm-up: Engine should idle smoothly and settle without knock or roughness.

2. Clutch & gearbox: Look for light clutch action and crisp gear changes across all 5 ratios.

3. Suspension feel: Ride over rough patches to check for harshness or excessive rebound. USD forks should feel stable and controlled.

4. Brakes & ABS: Test progressive braking and note ABS intervention on the front under firm braking.

5. Connectivity: Pair your phone and test navigation prompts on the TFT.

6. Build finish: Check panel gaps, switchgear feel and welds.

Simple customisation ideas

• Comfort: Gel seat or thin seat pad for longer commutes.

• Practical: Tail bag or compact pannier for shopping/office use.

• Style: Slippery slip-on (if legal), bar-end mirrors, or a small flyscreen to dress up the face of the bike.
  Always check warranty status before major modifications.

Pros & Cons — quick summary

Pros

• Sporty looks and premium hardware for the class (USD forks, TFT).

• Honda’s proven engine refinement and dealer support.

• Useful connectivity and navigation on the dash.

Cons

• Single-channel ABS only (front) — some rivals offer dual-channel ABS.

• Rear drum brake (on some trims) keeps stopping hardware conservative.

• Ex-showroom price sits above some rivals; compare on-road offers. 

Final verdict — who should buy the CB 125 Hornet?

Buy the Honda CB 125 Hornet if you want a 125cc bike that looks sporty, offers modern tech and is easy to live with every day. It’s ideal for first-time riders who want a bit of attitude without sacrificing Honda’s reliability, or for commuters who want TFT navigation and comfortable handling in traffic. If your priority is the absolute lowest purchase price or you need rear-wheel ABS for frequent wet-weather riding, also check rival options.

Useful references & launch info

• Honda’s CB125 Hornet launched in India around July–August 2025 with an introductory ex-showroom price of about ₹1.12 lakh. Delivery windows and city on-road prices vary by location. 

• Full specifications and feature lists (TFT, USD forks, single-channel ABS, 12-litre tank, 11.14 PS output) are published on reputable auto portals. 

Conclusion

The Honda CB 125 Hornet is a well-judged move by Honda: it packages modern features and sharper styling into a commuter-friendly 125cc platform. If you want the reliability and service assurance of Honda, plus premium touches like a TFT and USD forks, the Hornet deserves a test ride. Use the checklist above, compare on-road prices in your city, and evaluate rivals on the exact points that matter to you (price, ABS, mileage). For many riders the Hornet will hit the sweet spot — sporty personality without oversized running costs.