Honda CB125 Hornet

Autocar India

•4d

As of today, there is no confirmed rule that makes ABS mandatory on all bikes nor is there clarity about when such a rule will come into effect. If you are looking to buy a new 125cc bike with ABS, we'd advise you to pick between the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R and Honda CB125 Hornet. These bikes are light, comfortable, fuel efficient and feature-rich making them good commuting partners. We'd recommend you take test rides of all three and see which one you gel with most before making your decision.

Autocar India

•8w

In the 125cc segment, you have two clear flavours to choose from. On one hand, you have simple, straightforward machines like the Honda Shine, Hero Super Splendor and Glamour, as well as the Bajaj Pulsar 125. On the other hand, you have feature-rich, sporty-looking machines like TVS Raider, Honda CB125 Hornet and Hero Xtreme 125R. Our top picks would be the Honda Shine and TVS Raider in each category. While the overall performance and fuel economy will largely be the same, no matter which one you choose. Bikes in the latter category will have more features and also cost slightly more. What you choose will boil down to your preferences, so we would suggest a test ride of these bikes to see which one suits you best.

Autocar India

•11w

Pretty much every single 150-160cc commuter comes with at least single-channel ABS, so that won't be a deciding factor for you. Our top picks in this class are the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V if you want something sportier and feature-rich. If you want to stick to a simple, no-nonsense machine, then the Honda Unicorn remains a safe bet. If ridden sensibly, you should see in excess of 45kpl for all of these 150cc bikes.In the 125cc class, if having ABS is non-negotiable, then your options are restricted to the TVS Raider and Honda CB125 Hornet. Of these three, the TVS is our top recommendation. The 125s will be quite fuel-efficient, and you'll seldom see a mileage figure below 50kpl, no matter your riding style.You should first decide which segment you want to stick with and then take a test ride of the bikes accordingly before you make a decision.

Autocar India

•19w

Since you haven't specified what sort of bike you want, nor a displacement or price cap, we'll recommend a variety of options to suit various needs.In the 125cc commuter class, bikes like the Hero Super Splendor, Xtreme 125R, Honda SP 125, CB125 Hornet, and TVS Raider are worth taking a look at, depending on what sort of features and styling you want from your bike.Stepping up to the 160cc commuter class, options like the Honda Unicorn, SP160, Bajaj Pulsar N160, and Hero Xtreme 160R 4V are worth considering.If you want something more premium, then bikes like TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter/Bullet/Classic 350, or any of the Honda CB350 models will serve you well.

Autocar India

•20w

Since you haven't mentioned whether or not you want a bike in the same category or want to move up, we'll give you a broad spread of options to choose from. In the 100cc commuter category, bikes like the Hero Splendor, HF Deluxe and Passion, Honda Shine 100 models and the Bajaj Platina 100 remain compelling propositions for their blend of frugality, comfort, dependability and low ownership costs. If you want to move up to a 125cc bike, then the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R and Honda CB125 Hornet would be our recommendations. Since you've said you want a sporty look. Take a test ride of these bikes before making a decision.

Autocar India

•15w

Since you have a rather long daily commute, we would recommend you stick with 160cc options like the Honda Unicorn / SP160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160. All options are comfortable, fuel-efficient and reasonably peppy, although the TVS and Bajaj will have an edge over the Honda. If you still wish to go with something smaller for the benefit of fuel efficiency, our top picks are the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R, Honda Shine / SP125, Honda CB125 Hornet and the Hero Glamour / Super Splendor models. The traditional commuter options will have fewer features and more straightforward riding positions. While the sporty, premium 125s will have a little more pep in their step, a sportier rider's triangle and more features.Take a test ride of everything you shortlist before making a decision.

Autocar India

•22w

Both the bikes you are considering are some of the best machines in their class. So you're already starting from a very good point; therefore, here on out, it will depend on which bike fits you better as per your physique and has the features and look you prefer more.The Honda CB125 Hornet has some unique features like the golden USD fork, a crisp TFT display and excellent fuel economy. However, it can feel a little tight for larger riders, so depending on your height, it may not be the best option for you. The Hero Xtreme 125R is the only bike in the class to offer you dual-channel ABS on select variants. Also, it is a little more affordable than the Honda bike, so if those things matter to you, then this makes for a better purchase. A test ride of both will help you decide which is better for you.

Autocar India

•22w

The Honda CB125 Hornet makes a good case for itself as your first bike with its lightweight, frugal engine and flashy style. You should also take a look at the Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Raider because there are some areas where these bikes have an upper hand on the Honda. Bigger bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and Yamaha MT-15 will offer you more performance, albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency. They will also be a little heavier, but it won't be a big difference. A test ride and a clear expectation of what you want from the bike will help you decide which bike is best for you.

Autocar India

•16w

If you want wider tyres in the 125cc sporty commuter space, you'll have to go for one of the sporty-looking, feature-loaded options like the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R and Honda CB125 Hornet. All have at least single-channel ABS on the higher variants and tyres that are grippy enough to handle all sorts of road conditions you might encounter, both of which should help you stop in a controlled manner. You've mentioned that having a kick starter is a priority for you, and of the bikes listed above, only the Hero has it as standard. However, these bikes are thoroughly modern, and their electric starters will work in just about every situation you find yourself in. So we'd advise you not to restrict yourself and potentially miss out on a high-quality product because of an antiquated notion like that.