Say hello to the Honda CB125 Hornet, the brand’s first-ever sporty commuter, designed to stake a claim in a segment that has proven hugely popular. As the name suggests, this bike is aimed at riders seeking a sharp, sporty 125cc motorcycle that’s not only fun to ride but also packed with modern features. The two established favourites in this category are the Hero Xtreme 125R and the TVS Raider, both of which are racking up impressive numbers. With the CB125 Hornet, Honda is looking to grab a sizable slice of the pie, giving the bike plenty of personality and some premium kit, including a first-in-segment feature, in the process. But what’s it like on the road, and is it the 125cc sporty commuter worth parting with your hard-earned cash for? Here’s my take.
The CB125 Hornet’s biggest selling point is undoubtedly its design. This is a seriously good-looking motorcycle. Its sharp LED headlight, LED turn-indicators, sculpted fuel tank, angular shrouds, slender tail with integrated grab rails, and stubby upswept exhaust give it strong road presence and plenty of head-turning appeal. The golden upside-down front forks make it look far more expensive than it actually is. Add to that four vibrant colour options with colour-coded alloy wheels, and the Hornet really stands out in the 125cc segment.
For a bike of this size, its feature list is surprisingly thoughtful. The 4.2-inch colour screen connects via Honda’s RoadSync app, offering turn-by-turn navigation, calls, and music control. The display is crisp, easy to read, well-laid-out, and simple to operate using the left switchgear. The only minor gripe? Its bezels are slightly chunky, and a larger screen would have looked fantastic. Riders also get a USB Type-C charging port, a side-stand engine cut-off, and a wide, split seat.
Overall, the CB125 Hornet feels well put together, with good build quality, and nice switchgear, that’s on par with its rivals. That said, on my test bike, I did notice a few exposed screws and slightly loose panels, and I also didn’t like the cheap plastic surround around the fuel cap, but nothing that would be a dealbreaker.
Powering the CB125 Hornet is a 123.94cc single-cylinder engine that produces around 11bhp at 7,500rpm and 11.2Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. Respectable numbers for a 125cc, and the engine is clearly tuned for city riding, which is where most bikes of this size spend their time. In true Honda fashion, it’s smooth at low revs, offering a linear, predictable power delivery and a usable mid-range. The Hornet picks up pace nicely after 3000rpm and is highly tractable — you can even pull away in fifth gear from as low as 30kmph without a stutter.
However, once you push beyond 5000rpm, noticeable vibrations creep in, and the engine doesn’t enjoy being revved hard. The Hornet feels happiest between 30 to 75kmph, which makes it ideal for city commutes and quick overtakes up to around 80kmph. The 5-speed gearbox is paired with a light clutch, and the shifts are smooth and precise.
The engine’s efficiency is also impressive. The TFT display features an Eco indicator bar to help riders get the most out of their fuel. In urban conditions, the bike can easily deliver around 50kmpl, and in mixed or highway riding, that can extend to around 65kmpl.
With a 124kg kerb weight, the CB125 feels super light off the starter blocks. It has a 796mm seat height that tapers at the front, allowing most riders—even those around 5’6’’—to flat-foot comfortably. It’s wide, well-cushioned, and surprisingly comfortable for longer stretches. Ergonomically, the handlebar is slightly forward-set compared to rivals, giving the bike a sportier stance, but it isn’t uncomfortable at all.
Being compact with a light front end, the Hornet is extremely flickable in traffic. It comes with a 37mm USD fork up front — a first in this segment — and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. The suspension smooths out small bumps and minor road imperfections well, though sharp edges are still felt. Ride quality improves with a pillion, but the Hornet remains the stiffest among its competition. That stiffness isn’t a drawback, however, as it contributes to its agile, responsive handling. It holds the line well, and feels fun in tight and flowing corners.
Braking on the CB125 Hornet comes courtesy of a 240mm disc at the front and a 130mm drum at the rear, complemented by single-channel ABS. The front brake delivers a reassuring bite, although the lever feels slightly wooden under initial pressure. The rear could do with a bit more stopping power, but overall, the setup is more than adequate for city riding. The bike rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels, with an 80-section front tyre and a 110-section rear. Grip is confident on dry roads, but in wet conditions, the tyres feel a touch less reassuring, requiring a more cautious approach.
The CB125 Hornet made its debut with an ex-showroom price of ₹1.12 lakh, but thanks to the latest GST revision, it now comes in at ₹1.03 lakh. This still places it around ₹7000 higher than rivals like the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R, but the premium is easy to justify. The USD front fork adds a sense of premiumness, while Honda’s well-earned reputation for reliability offers riders extra peace of mind.
There are a few compromises: the suspension can feel firm on rougher roads, and both the engine and brakes could have offered a bit more performance. Even so, it remains a good motorcycle to ride. As Honda’s first serious entry into the sporty 125cc segment, it’s a bike that stands out with distinctive styling and a well-rounded overall experience.
