Honda India has officially introduced its much-anticipated Honda CB125 Hornet to the Indian market, marking a significant entry into the highly competitive sporty 125cc motorcycle segment. Launched on August 1, 2025, the new Hornet carries an attractive ex-showroom price tag of Rs 1.12 lakh, positioning it as a premium yet accessible option for young riders seeking both performance and style. Along with this launch, Honda also introduced the Shine 100 DX at a starting price of ₹74,959 (ex-showroom). This new variant is made for daily commuters who want a budget-friendly, reliable bike that offers good mileage and low maintenance, as confirmed by official company announcements.
Power-Packed Performance and Acceleration
At the heart of the Honda CB125 Hornet is a 123.94 cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine. This powertrain is OBD2B compliant, ensuring it meets the latest emission standards. It’s engineered to deliver approximately 11 HP (horsepower) at 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 11.2 Nm at 6000 rpm. Power is managed via a smooth 5-speed manual gearbox. Honda says the CB125 Hornet stands out because of its quick pickup and strong acceleration, which makes it fun to ride, especially in city traffic. The company states it can sprint from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, making it the fastest 125cc bike in its segment. Industry analysis attributes this quick sprint to a finely tuned powertrain and optimized gearing, which allows it to edge out rivals like the TVS Raider 125 even with a slightly higher kerb weight.
The Hornet’s engine is based on the same platform as Honda’s SP125 and Shine 125, but it has been specially tuned to deliver a bit more power. This smart tuning helps the bike offer lively performance for daily city rides and even short highway trips.
Design and Features That Stand Out
The Honda CB125 Hornet boasts an aggressive streetfighter design, immediately catching the eye with its muscular fuel tank and sharp shrouds. The bike comes with full LED lighting, including a unique twin-LED headlamp, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and high-mounted LED indicators. This not only improves visibility but also gives the bike a sharp, modern look. A standout feature, and a segment-first, is the striking golden USD (upside-down) front forks, which not only add to its premium look but also promise improved handling. Complementing this is a sporty split seat setup.
Honda has added plenty of tech and comfort features in the Hornet to match the needs of today’s riders. Key features include:
- A modern 4.2-inch TFT display providing comprehensive information.
- Bluetooth support with Honda Roadsync app connectivity for call alerts, messages, and turn-by-turn navigation.
- A convenient USB-C charging port for on-the-go device charging.
- A lightweight kerb weight of just 124 kg, making it one of the lightest in its class for superior agility.
- A practical 12-litre fuel tank capacity for decent range.
These elements collectively contribute to the Hornet’s premium feel and modern appeal, ensuring it stands out in a crowded market.
Ride Comfort and Safety
Beyond its performance and features, the Honda CB125 Hornet prioritises rider comfort and safety. The golden USD front forks along with the rear monoshock, which can be adjusted for preload, give the Hornet a smooth and stable ride on all kinds of roads. Braking duties are handled by a 240mm petal disc at the front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear, supported by a single-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced stopping power and safety, especially during sudden braking maneuvers. The bike comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and tubeless tyres — 80/100-17 at the front and a broader 110/80-17 at the back offering good grip and stability while riding.
Colour Options and Market Competition
The Honda CB125 Hornet is available in four vibrant colour combinations, allowing buyers to pick a style that suits them: Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic, and Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red. This array of choices adds to its appeal.
In the highly competitive 125cc segment, the Honda CB125 Hornet faces stiff competition. The Honda CB125 Hornet will compete with bikes like the TVS Raider 125, Hero Xtreme 125R, and Bajaj Pulsar N125. With its sporty looks, features like USD forks, quick acceleration (as claimed by Honda), and reliable engine performance, the Hornet is set to make a strong mark in the 125cc segment. Its pricing strategy also puts it squarely against these established players.
Final Thoughts
The launch of the Honda CB125 Hornet signals Honda’s strong intent to capture the premium end of the 125cc motorcycle segment in India. With its powerful yet refined engine, sporty aesthetics, advanced technological features, and a focus on rider experience, the Hornet promises to be a compelling option for those looking for a feature-rich, high-performance 125cc bike. Its “fastest accelerating” claim, combined with Honda’s reputation for reliability, could make it a game-changer in its category, setting new benchmarks for its competitors. This new buzz from Honda is certainly one to watch out for.
