3 reasons to buy the Honda CB125 Hornet and 2 to skip it

The CB125 Hornet is a recent entrant in the sporty 125cc commuter segment, pioneered by TVS’s Raider and subsequently joined by the Hero Xtreme 125R and Bajaj Pulsar N125. This category aims to offer a sportier, youth-centric approach while still being frugal. Here are the reasons to choose the Honda CB125 Hornet, along with its drawbacks. 

Reasons to buy the Honda CB125 Hornet

1. Good build quality and fit and finish

At first glance, the CB125 Hornet appears more premium than its 125cc displacement would indicate. Honda has embraced an aggressive, youthful design, lending it a pronounced streetfighter character. The fit and finish are typical Honda – solid, refined and free of visible panel gaps, with nothing feeling misplaced or flimsy. The exhaust is sizeable yet well-proportioned, its design adding a sense of weight and presence to the bike.

2. Punchy mid-range performance

The CB125 Hornet is powered by a 124cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that delivers around 11hp and 11Nm of torque. It picks up speed smoothly at low revs, while the mid-range offers enough punch to make overtaking effortless and the ride engaging. Manoeuvring through city traffic feels natural, thanks to the bike’s lightness and nimbleness. It can maintain a steady 30kph in fourth gear without strain, and the experience is made even more effortless by a precise, smooth-shifting gearbox and a clutch that requires minimal effort.

3. First in the segment to get a USD fork

Suspension is managed by a 37mm USD front fork – a first in the segment – and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock. This combination handles typical city bumps effortlessly and adds to the bike’s perceived value, giving it the presence and feel of a higher-displacement motorcycle.

Reasons to skip the Honda CB125 Hornet

1. Not as comfortable as some rivals

The USD fork, while a standout feature, does have its shortcomings. When faced with sharp speed breakers or deep potholes, the front end can run out of travel and bottom out, sending a noticeable jolt through the handlebars. Overall, the suspension doesn’t feel as composed over rough or uneven surfaces as some of its rivals, so it’s best to ease off the throttle on broken or unpredictable roads.

2. Tyre grip in the wet feels uninspiring

The CB125 Hornet rides on MRF tyres that offer decent grip in dry conditions, though they feel less reassuring in the wet. Handling, meanwhile, is light and agile, allowing for confident cornering and effortless direction changes through city traffic.