The Honda CB125 Hornet is one of the most exciting premium entry-level motorcycles in Honda’s lineup. Designed as a sporty, naked streetfighter, the CB125 Hornet takes inspiration from its bigger siblings like the Honda CB Hornet 160R and CB500 Hornet. With aggressive styling, advanced features, and Honda’s trusted reliability, the CB125 Hornet is an ideal motorcycle for young riders and commuters who want performance, practicality, and style in a 125cc package.
In this detailed article, we’ll explore the Honda CB125 Hornet price, mileage, features, specifications, comfort, performance, pros, cons, rivals, and whether it’s worth buying in 2025.
Honda CB125 Hornet Design and Styling
The CB125 Hornet design is one of its standout features. Honda has given this motorcycle a muscular streetfighter look that resembles larger-capacity bikes in the Hornet family.
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Aggressive LED headlamp with sharp DRLs – gives it a premium and sporty front profile.
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Sculpted fuel tank with extensions – adds bulk and an aggressive stance.
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Exposed frame with sharp lines – highlights its naked streetfighter DNA.
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Upswept exhaust – compact yet stylish, enhancing the sporty character.
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Split seat setup with sharp tail section – makes it look modern and youthful.
At first glance, the Honda CB125 Hornet looks much bigger than a typical 125cc bike, appealing strongly to young enthusiasts and college students.
Honda CB125 Hornet Engine and Performance
The Honda CB125 Hornet is powered by a refined 124.7cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, this engine ensures smooth performance in city traffic while being capable of highway cruising.
Key Specifications:
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Engine Capacity: 124.7cc
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Power Output: 15 hp @ 10,000 rpm
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Torque: 11.5 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
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Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
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Top Speed: Around 105–115 km/h
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Acceleration (0–60 km/h): ~6 seconds
The CB125 Hornet engine is tuned for refinement and reliability. It offers smooth acceleration and can maintain highway speeds comfortably. Compared to rivals, it feels peppy in city traffic and stable on long rides.
Honda CB125 Hornet Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The CB125 Hornet mileage is impressive for a bike in this category, making it practical for daily commutes.
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Mileage: 42–48 km/l (real-world conditions)
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Fuel Tank Capacity: 11 liters
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Range: ~450 km on a full tank
Honda has always been known for fuel efficiency, and the CB125 Hornet delivers a balance of sporty performance and good mileage.
Honda CB125 Hornet Features
The Honda CB125 Hornet features are advanced and premium, making it one of the most attractive 125cc bikes in its class.
Key Features:
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Full LED headlamp and tail lamp – modern and stylish.
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Fully digital LCD instrument cluster – includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, trip meter, gear indicator, and clock.
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Assist and slipper clutch – smoother gearshifts and reduced wheel lock during aggressive downshifts.
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Tubeless tyres with alloy wheels – modern, stylish, and durable.
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Honda HET (Honda Eco Technology) – improves performance and efficiency.
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Upside-Down (USD) front forks – enhance stability and ride quality.
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Disc brakes with ABS – ensure safety during sudden braking.
These features put the CB125 Hornet ahead of many commuter-focused 125cc motorcycles.
Honda CB125 Hornet Comfort and Ride Quality
The CB125 Hornet comfort and ride quality are well-balanced for both city commutes and occasional highway rides.
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Riding Position: Upright yet sporty, suitable for daily rides.
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Seat Height: 795 mm – comfortable for most riders.
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Weight: ~140 kg – lightweight and easy to maneuver.
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Suspension Setup: USD forks at the front and mono-shock at the rear provide excellent stability and comfort.
The CB125 Hornet’s handling is sharp, making it a joy to ride in city traffic and around corners.
Honda CB125 Hornet Brakes and Safety
The Honda CB125 Hornet braking system ensures confident braking performance.
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Front Brake: 296 mm Disc
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Rear Brake: 220 mm Disc
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ABS: Single-channel ABS (standard)
This setup ensures controlled braking at all speeds, making the bike safer for both beginners and experienced riders.
Honda CB125 Hornet Price and Variants
The Honda CB125 Hornet price in India (expected) as of 2025 is:
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Standard Variant (ABS): ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,30,000 (ex-showroom)
(Note: The exact pricing may vary as Honda has not officially launched the CB125 Hornet in India yet, but it is available in international markets like the UK and Europe.)
Available Colors (International):
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Pearl Nightstar Black
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Pearl Cool White
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Sports Red
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Matte Axis Grey
Honda CB125 Hornet Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
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Aggressive streetfighter design inspired by bigger Hornet bikes
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Refined and fuel-efficient liquid-cooled engine
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Premium features like USD forks, digital console, and ABS
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Comfortable ergonomics for daily use
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Honda’s reliability and strong build quality
❌ Cons:
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Expected pricing is higher than commuter-focused 125cc bikes
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Lacks Bluetooth connectivity seen in rivals like TVS Raider 125
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Availability in India uncertain (currently sold in international markets)
Honda CB125 Hornet Rivals in the Market
If launched in India, the Honda CB125 Hornet rivals would include:
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Yamaha MT-15 V2 (lower variant) – more powerful 155cc engine with sporty styling.
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KTM Duke 125 – premium streetfighter with aggressive styling.
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TVS Raider 125 – feature-packed 125cc bike with Bluetooth and ride modes.
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Hero Xtreme 125R – sporty 125cc bike with ABS and LED lighting.
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Bajaj Pulsar NS125 – affordable streetfighter alternative.
Among these, the CB125 Hornet would stand out for Honda’s refinement, fuel efficiency, and premium design.
Is Honda CB125 Hornet Worth Buying in 2025?
The Honda CB125 Hornet is ideal for riders who want a stylish, reliable, and premium 125cc motorcycle. With its aggressive streetfighter design, refined engine, advanced features, and Honda’s trusted reliability, it makes for a perfect daily commuter and weekend ride.
It is best suited for:
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Young riders upgrading from scooters or 100cc bikes.
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Commuters who want efficiency with premium looks.
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Enthusiasts who want Honda reliability in a sporty package.
However, if pricing is on the higher side, buyers might consider rivals like the TVS Raider 125 or Hero Xtreme 125R for better value for money.
Conclusion
The Honda CB125 Hornet is more than just an entry-level motorcycle — it is a premium 125cc streetfighter that combines aggressive design, smooth performance, modern features, and Honda’s legendary reliability.
With its sporty looks, refined engine, digital features, and comfortable ergonomics, it appeals to riders who want a balance of style, practicality, and performance. If Honda officially launches the CB125 Hornet in India, it will surely attract young riders looking for a stylish yet efficient motorcycle.
In 2025, the Honda CB125 Hornet is definitely worth considering if you want a 125cc bike that looks and feels like a much bigger motorcycle.