Honda has once again stirred excitement in the 125cc motorcycle segment with the introduction of the Honda CB 125 Hornet — a stylish and performance-oriented commuter that takes cues from its bigger siblings, the CB160R and CB300R. Designed for riders who want everyday practicality without compromising on design or refinement, the CB 125 Hornet blends Honda’s precision engineering, strong build quality, and sporty appeal into an affordable package.
In a market filled with commuter bikes, the CB 125 Hornet brings something fresh — a muscular design, punchy 125cc engine, premium fit and finish, and exceptional fuel efficiency. It’s a motorcycle built for urban rides, college commutes, and city explorers who value both looks and longevity. Let’s dive into the price, features, colors, engine, and real-world mileage of the new CB 125 Hornet.
Design and Styling: Inspired by Street Performance
The CB 125 Hornet carries forward Honda’s signature “Streetfighter” DNA with sharp bodywork, a sculpted tank, and premium visual appeal. It borrows its design essence from the popular CB series, giving it a muscular yet compact presence.
Design highlights:
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Aggressive fuel tank design with knee recesses
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LED headlamp cluster inspired by CB Hornet 160R
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Sharp tank extensions and sporty body graphics
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Split seat setup for sporty aesthetics
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Blacked-out engine and alloy wheels
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Stubby exhaust design for a bold stance
The proportions are perfectly balanced, making the bike look larger than most 125cc commuters, while maintaining easy maneuverability in city traffic.
Honda CB 125 Hornet – Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 124cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke |
| Power Output | 11.2 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.9 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed gearbox |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI (Fuel Injection) |
| Mileage (Claimed) | 60–65 km/l |
| Top Speed | 95 km/h (approx.) |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic twin shocks |
| Brakes | 240mm front disc / 130mm rear drum |
| Tyres | Tubeless – 80/100 front, 100/90 rear |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 liters |
| Kerb Weight | 122 kg |
| Expected Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹92,000 – ₹98,000 |
Engine and Performance
The CB 125 Hornet is powered by Honda’s reliable 124cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. It’s tuned for smooth performance, quick throttle response, and consistent fuel efficiency — all essential traits for daily riders.
Performance highlights:
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11.2 bhp power ensures lively acceleration
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Refined and vibration-free even at higher speeds
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5-speed gearbox for smooth city and highway transitions
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Honda Eco Technology (HET) for efficient combustion
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Silent-start ACG motor for quiet ignition
This engine is ideal for city riding, offering linear power delivery and excellent mid-range torque — enough to make overtaking effortless in traffic.
Mileage and Real-World Efficiency
One of the strongest selling points of the Honda CB 125 Hornet is its remarkable fuel efficiency. Thanks to its lightweight body, refined PGM-FI system, and Eco tuning, it delivers excellent real-world mileage.
Mileage figures:
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City mileage: 60–63 km/l
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Highway mileage: 65–68 km/l
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Average combined mileage: Around 64 km/l
The fuel tank’s 11-liter capacity allows a riding range of over 650 kilometers, making it both economical and practical for long commutes.
Ride Quality and Comfort
Honda bikes are known for their comfort, and the CB 125 Hornet is no exception. Its seating position is upright yet slightly sporty, providing comfort for both short rides and long commutes.
Ride and comfort highlights:
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Ergonomic seat height (790mm) suitable for all riders
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Wide handlebars for easy maneuvering
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Well-cushioned split seat for comfort and style
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Long wheelbase for better stability
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Refined suspension tuned for Indian road conditions
The suspension setup offers a good mix of comfort and control, absorbing bumps effectively while maintaining stability during turns.
Features and Technology
Despite being a 125cc commuter, the CB 125 Hornet gets several modern touches that enhance its overall appeal.
Key features:
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Fully digital LCD display with blue backlight
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Gear position indicator and fuel efficiency display
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Engine kill switch and hazard lamp switch
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Side-stand engine cut-off feature
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LED headlamp and taillamp
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HET engine with eSP (Enhanced Smart Power) technology
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5-speed transmission for better performance
These additions give the CB 125 Hornet an edge over conventional commuters, offering premium functionality without inflating the cost.
Braking and Handling
Honda has equipped the CB 125 Hornet with a 240mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum, complemented by CBS (Combi-Brake System) for balanced and safe braking.
Braking and handling details:
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CBS ensures even brake force distribution
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Grippy MRF tubeless tyres for improved cornering
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Rigid diamond-type frame enhances control
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Excellent low-speed balance in traffic
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Lightweight yet planted at higher speeds
The motorcycle feels agile and confident, perfect for tight urban spaces as well as occasional open-road rides.
Variants and Color Options
Honda is expected to offer the CB 125 Hornet in two variants — Standard (Drum) and Deluxe (Disc) — catering to different preferences and budgets.
| Variant | Brake Type | Expected Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| CB 125 Hornet Drum | Front & rear drum brakes | 92,000 |
| CB 125 Hornet Disc | Front disc, rear drum | 98,000 |
Color options:
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Pearl Night Star Black
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Sports Red
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Rebel Blue Metallic
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Matte Axis Grey
These bold and youthful color options enhance the Hornet’s street presence.
On-Road Price (Major Cities)
| City | On-Road Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹1.08 lakh |
| Mumbai | ₹1.10 lakh |
| Bengaluru | ₹1.12 lakh |
| Kolkata | ₹1.09 lakh |
| Chennai | ₹1.10 lakh |
The CB 125 Hornet remains competitively priced, considering its premium styling and advanced features.
Why the Honda CB 125 Hornet Is a Smart Buy
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Muscular streetfighter design inspired by larger CB models
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Smooth and refined 125cc PGM-FI engine
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Excellent real-world mileage above 60 km/l
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Modern digital instrument cluster and LED setup
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Comfortable ergonomics and great ride stability
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Backed by Honda’s reliability and service network
The CB 125 Hornet is ideal for young professionals, college riders, and commuters seeking a stylish and reliable 125cc motorcycle that stands out from the crowd.
FAQs
What is the engine capacity of the Honda CB 125 Hornet?
It features a 124cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine with Honda Eco Technology.
What is the mileage of the CB 125 Hornet?
It offers a real-world mileage of 60–65 km/l, depending on riding conditions.
Does it come with a disc brake option?
Yes, the Deluxe variant features a 240mm front disc.
What are the available colors?
It comes in Black, Red, Blue, and Matte Grey.
What is the on-road price of the CB 125 Hornet?
The on-road price starts from ₹1.08 lakh (Delhi) and varies slightly across cities.
Is the CB 125 Hornet good for daily commuting?
Absolutely. Its light handling, efficient engine, and comfort-focused ergonomics make it perfect for everyday city rides.
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