Honda CB125 Hornet: Top 5 Things To Know

Published: Monday, October 20, 2025, 23:59 [IST]

The Honda CB125 Hornet enters the increasingly competitive sporty commuter segment - a category that was kickstarted by the TVS Raider, later joined by the Hero Xtreme 125R and Bajaj Pulsar N125. With this, Honda's latest offering aims to bring some Japanese finesse to the table. Here are 5 key things you should know before you make your decision.

1. Engine & Performance

Powering the CB125 Hornet is a 123.94cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine - the same unit that drives the Honda SP 125 and Shine 125. However, Honda has retuned this motor for a slightly more spirited character, delivering 11.1hp and 11.2Nm of torque. These are modest improvements of 0.3hp and 0.2Nm over its siblings. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, offering a refined and peppy riding experience suited for urban use.

2. Features & Equipment

The CB125 Hornet rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with 80/100-17 tyres at the front and 110/80-17 tyres at the rear.

It also borrows the 4.2-inch TFT display from the Hornet 2.0, complete with Bluetooth connectivity via Honda's RoadSync app. Riders can access music playback info, call and message notifications, and even turn-by-turn navigation, adding a modern touch to this commuter.

3. Standout Element: Upside-Down Forks

A major highlight of the CB125 Hornet is its gold-finished USD front forks - lifted straight from the Hornet 2.0. This feature is a segment-first and gives the motorcycle a premium and muscular appearance, making it look bigger and more substantial than a typical 125cc commuter.

4. Colours & Styling

Honda offers the CB125 Hornet in four striking shades - Red, Fluorescent Yellow, Blue, and Black. Each variant gets colour-matched alloy wheels, adding a touch of sportiness and visual appeal to the overall design.

5. Price & Variants

Launched at Rs 1.12 lakh (ex-showroom), the Honda CB125 Hornet is available in a single variant. Thanks to the implementation of GST 2.0, the price has now come down to Rs 1.03 lakh, making it a more compelling option in the sporty commuter space.