Now Reading: Honda CB 125 Hornet Review: A Premium Take on the 125cc Streetfighter
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Honda CB 125 Hornet Review: A Premium Take on the 125cc Streetfighter
Honda CB 125 Hornet Review: A Premium Take on the 125cc Streetfighter
For years, 125cc motorcycles in India were viewed largely as basic commuters, chosen for efficiency rather than excitement. That perception is now changing, with manufacturers recognising that younger buyers want style, features and a sense of identity—even in the entry-level segment. Honda’s response to that shift is the CB 125 Hornet, a motorcycle aimed squarely at the youth.
Design: Loud, Sporty and Hard to Miss
The CB 125 Hornet stands out immediately. Honda has gone for an aggressive streetfighter look, with sharp bodywork, golden USD front forks, a sculpted fuel tank and a split-seat layout. Colourful rim accents and a compact muffler further add to its sporty appeal. Visually, this is one of the boldest motorcycles in the 125cc category, and it’s clearly designed to turn heads in city traffic.
Seat Height and Ergonomics
The seat height is rated at 796 mm, which may feel tall for shorter riders. At 5’7”, I can manage comfortably, though shorter riders may find themselves tip-toeing at stops. That said, the motorcycle’s 124 kg kerb weight works in its favour, making it easy to balance and manoeuvre regardless of rider height.
Features: Segment-Leading Tech
The CB 125 Hornet offers one of the most comprehensive feature lists in its class. It gets a colour TFT display showing live mileage, average fuel efficiency and distance to empty. Smartphone connectivity adds turn-by-turn navigation, call and message management, music controls and even weather updates via voice commands.
Other features include USB-C charging, silent start technology, single-channel ABS and a side-stand engine cut-off, covering both convenience and safety basics.
Engine and Ride Experience
Power comes from a 124cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 11 bhp and 11.2 Nm, paired with a five-speed gearbox. The engine is smooth and tractable, making it enjoyable for daily city riding. Suspension setup handles road imperfections well, and the MRF tyres offer decent grip.
On highways, however, performance feels limited, which is expected in this segment. Braking performance is reassuring, and overall comfort levels are good enough for long urban commutes without fatigue.
Verdict: Premium Appeal at a Premium Price
Priced at ₹1.14 lakh (ex-showroom), the CB 125 Hornet is the most expensive motorcycle in the 125cc segment. While it delivers strong design, features and refinement, minor drawbacks include thick TFT bezels, average mirror quality and slightly muted gearbox feedback.
The real decision comes down to priorities—whether buyers are willing to pay extra for Honda’s refinement and styling, or choose more affordable alternatives like the TVS Raider or Hero Xtreme 125R.
