Honda is gearing up for the launch of the much-anticipated Honda CB 125 Hornet in India, with bookings scheduled to begin on August 1, 2025. Deliveries are expected to roll out in a phased manner shortly thereafter. The CB 125 Hornet has generated considerable excitement due to its aggressive styling and feature-rich package. Though Honda has yet to officially disclose the pricing, industry estimates place it in the competitive range of ₹90,000 to ₹1,00,000 (ex-showroom).
Stylish and Aggressive Design Inspired by Honda’s Big Bikes
The CB 125 Hornet inherits design cues from its elder siblings, boasting a muscular fuel tank, distinctive LED headlight, and a sharply raked tail section that adds to its sporty persona. Available in bold and vibrant color options, the bike is designed to attract younger riders seeking a dynamic and striking road presence. It also features a split seat for enhanced rider and pillion comfort.
Feature-Packed Instrument Cluster and Connectivity
One of the standout highlights is the 4.2-inch full-color TFT display, which supports Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation via the Honda RoadSync app. Riders can receive calls, messages, and control music playback directly from the instrument cluster. A USB Type-C charging port is also offered as standard equipment to ensure device convenience on the go.
Engine and Performance Specs
Under the hood, the Honda CB 125 Hornet is powered by a 123.94cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine compliant with OBD-II standards. This mill produces a peak power output of 11 bhp at 7,500 rpm and maximum torque of 11.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm, mated to a smooth 5-speed manual transmission.
Honda claims a brisk acceleration time from 0 to 60 kmph in just 5.4 seconds, positioning it as one of the fastest bikes in the 125cc segment.
Certainly! Here are both a detailed specifications table for the Honda CB 125 Hornet and a catchy headline under 60 characters.
Honda CB 125 Hornet – Detailed Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 123.94cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected, OBD-II compliant |
| Max Power | 11 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Acceleration | 0-60 kmph in 5.4 seconds (claimed) |
| Chassis | New steel frame |
| Front Suspension | Upside-down (USD) gold-finished forks |
| Rear Suspension | 5-step preload-adjustable monoshock |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | 240mm petal disc (front) / 130mm drum (rear) with single-channel ABS |
| Wheels/Tyres | 17-inch alloy wheels, tubeless tyres |
| Instrument Cluster | 4.2-inch full-color TFT display, Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, Honda RoadSync integration, USB Type-C charging |
| Lighting | All-LED (headlamp, tail lamp, indicators) |
| Seat | Split seat design |
| Special Features | Side-stand engine inhibitor, navigation, calls & SMS alerts, segment-exclusive gold USD forks |
| Rivals | Hero Xtreme 125R, Bajaj Pulsar N125, TVS Raider 125 |
| Estimated Price | ₹90,000 – ₹1,00,000 (ex-showroom, to be confirmed) |
| Booking Start | August 1, 2025 |
| Delivery | Expected from mid-August 2025 |
Chassis, Suspension, and Braking
Built on a robust new steel frame, the CB 125 Hornet employs premium upside-down (USD) front forks finished in gold, a first in this segment. The rear suspension comprises a 5-step preload-adjustable monoshock, contributing to a balanced and comfortable ride. The bike rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres.
Braking duties are handled by a 240mm petal disc up front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear, aided by a single-channel ABS system for enhanced safety.
Competition and Market Positioning
The CB 125 Hornet directly competes with popular models like the Hero Xtreme 125R, Bajaj Pulsar N125, and TVS Raider 125. In specific comparison with the TVS Raider 125, the Hornet edges ahead in acceleration despite slightly lower peak power and torque figures on paper. The Raider boasts 11.2 bhp and 11.7 Nm torque from its 124.8cc engine but takes 5.8 seconds for the 0-60 kmph sprint, marginally slower than the Hornet’s 5.4 seconds.
Feature Comparison with TVS Raider 125
- Honda CB 125 Hornet offers all-LED lighting, golden USD front forks, a fully digital 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and turn-by-turn navigation, USB-C charging, single-channel ABS, and a side-stand engine cut-off.
- TVS Raider 125 comes with an LCD digital cluster, ride modes, TVS SmartXonnect app with TFT display, voice assist, and navigation features. Though well-equipped, it lacks some of the latest tech found on the Hornet, given its longer market presence.
Booking and Delivery Timeline
Bookings for the Honda CB 125 Hornet will open nationwide starting August 1, 2025. Deliveries are expected to commence by mid-August. Exact pricing and detailed variant information are still awaited, but the bike is expected to be competitively priced to attract premium 125cc bike buyers looking for contemporary styling and tech.
Final Thoughts
The Honda CB 125 Hornet marks Honda’s bold entry into the sporty 125cc segment, combining aggressive styling with segment-leading features and a refined powertrain. With its competitive acceleration, premium USD forks, and modern connectivity solutions, it looks set to elevate the consumer choice in its class.