
Honda CB125 Hornet
The Honda CB125 Hornet is a sporty commuter powered by a 123.94cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 11.1hp, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Its design stands out with a muscular fuel tank, sharp tank shrouds, twin LED headlamps and golden USD front forks. It also gets a 4.2-inch TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity, Honda RoadSync compatibility and a USB Type-C charging port.
Autocar India's road test found the CB125 Hornet easy to manoeuvre in traffic, with a smooth engine at low speeds, a punchy mid-range and a light clutch. The gearbox also impressed with its smooth shifts. The broad seat and slightly forward riding position strike a balance between sporty and comfortable. However, the front suspension can bottom out over sharp bumps, and vibrations become noticeable at speeds above 80kph. Its combination of sporty styling, useful technology and everyday usability makes it an alternative to more conventional 125cc commuters.
Who should buy the Honda CB125 Hornet?
The Honda CB125 Hornet is suited to riders who want a feature-rich commuter with sporty styling and manageable performance for everyday use.
Buyer type | Why it fits |
Sporty commuter buyers | The muscular fuel tank, sharp bodywork, LED lighting and golden USD fork give it a distinctive streetfighter look. |
City commuters | Its light clutch, smooth gearbox and nimble handling make it easy to ride through traffic. |
Feature-focused buyers | The 4.2-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, RoadSync navigation and USB Type-C charging port add everyday convenience. |
Riders upgrading from basic commuters | The 125cc engine delivers punchy mid-range power, while the five-speed gearbox keeps the ride engaging. |
Riders seeking comfort for daily use | The broad seat and relatively neutral footpeg position help balance its sporty riding posture with everyday comfort. |
Fuel-efficiency-conscious riders | Autocar India recorded 59.8kpl in the city and 69.3kpl on the highway during its fuel-efficiency test. |
The CB125 Hornet may be less suitable for riders who regularly encounter badly broken roads, as the front suspension can bottom out over sharp bumps. Riders who frequently travel at higher highway speeds should also account for the vibrations that become noticeable beyond 80kph.
Honda CB125 Hornet Features and specifications
Our Rating | Yet to be Reviewed |
Body Type | Bike |
Engine | 123.94 cc |
Fuel Type | Petrol |
Transmission | Manual |
Max Power | 10.99 bhp @ 7500 rpm |
Max Torque | 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Fuel Type/ Propulsion | Petrol |
| Engine Displacement | 123.94 cc |
| Valvetrain | |
| Fueling |
| User Reported Mileage | 55 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Size | 12 litres |
| Official Fuel Economy | None kmpl |
| City Fuel Economy as Tested | 59.8 kmpl |
| Chassis name | Diamond Type |
| Chassis type | Diamond Type |
| Front Suspension Type | Upside down Fork (USD) |
| Rear Suspension Type | 5-step Adjustable Mono-Shock Absorber |
| Length | 2015 mm |
| Width | 783 mm |
| Height | 1087 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1330 mm |
| Combined Braking System | |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Single Channel |
| Cornering ABS | |
| Hazard lights |
| Antilock Braking System | Single Channel ABS |
| Battery | 12V, 4.0 Ah |
| Brake/Tail Light | LED |
| Clock |
| TFT colour Instrument cluster | |
| Gear Indicator | |
| Instrument console | Digital |
| Low Fuel Level Warning |
Honda CB125 Hornet price & variants
The Honda CB125 Hornet price starts at Rs. 1.15 lakh for the Standard, ex-showroom, Delhi. The motorcycle is available in a single variant, with all four colour options offered at the same price. Meanwhile, the Honda CB125 Hornet on road price starts at Rs. 1.26 Lakh and goes up to Rs. 1.37 Lakh. The final amount varies with RTO and registration charges, insurance, accessories and other applicable costs.
- The Standard gets a 123.94cc engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox, a golden USD front fork and a five-step adjustable rear monoshock.
- Safety equipment includes single-channel ABS, while the 4.2-inch TFT display offers Bluetooth connectivity.
- Financing the base model: a loan of around Rs. 1,10,000 at an EMI of roughly Rs. 1,770 per month.
Honda CB125 Hornet Expert Review
8.0
The CB125 Hornet has a sharp, youthful design with a sculpted fuel tank, angular headlamp setup and a chunky golden USD fork that gives it a strong presence from the front. Some elements around the DRLs and high beam section may not appeal to everyone, but the neat LED indicators, slim tail section and integrated grab rails are well executed. Fit and finish levels are solid, premium and free of visible panel gaps, while the blue paint scheme with colour-matched alloy wheels attracts plenty of attention.
9.0
The seat is broad and supportive, and the riding position strikes a good balance between sporty and comfortable. The handlebar sits slightly forward, so you lean a little ahead rather than sitting completely upright, while the foot pegs remain in a neutral position. Despite the relatively substantial seat height, the motorcycle feels easy to manoeuvre in traffic and at a standstill thanks to its low kerb weight.
8.0
The 124cc engine delivers smooth low-end response and a noticeably punchy mid-range, making overtakes in city traffic easy and keeping the motorcycle engaging to ride. The gearbox is butter-smooth, the clutch is fairly light and the engine is tractable enough to cruise at around 30kph in fourth gear. It feels happiest at about 70-75kph on the highway, while vibrations become noticeable past 80kph. Fuel efficiency is impressive, with 59.8kpl in the city and 69.3kpl on the highway.
7.0
Handling feels light and nimble, allowing the CB125 Hornet to change direction quickly and filter through traffic with very little effort. The USD fork and monoshock absorb smaller bumps well, but the front end can bottom out over sharper speed breakers and potholes, so it is not as compliant as some rivals on badly broken roads. The MRF tyres work reasonably well in dry conditions, although wet-weather grip feels less confidence inspiring. Braking performance is strong, with a sharp bite from the front disc and single-channel ABS.
8.0
The motorcycle gets a compact TFT display that is crisp and easy to read, along with Bluetooth connectivity through the Honda RoadSync app for navigation, call and message alerts. A silent-start system and a USB Type-C charging port add useful everyday convenience. Single-channel ABS comes as standard.
8.0
The Honda CB125 Hornet combines sporty styling, punchy performance, nimble handling, good build quality and a useful feature list in a practical everyday package. The suspension could be more compliant over poor roads, but that is its main drawback. It is priced higher than the top-spec TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R, yet the USD fork and Honda’s reputation for reliability help justify the premium.
Reviewed by: Autocar India Team
Honda CB125 Hornet User Reviews
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Honda CB125 Hornet Mileage
In Autocar India's fuel-efficiency test, the motorcycle returned 59.8kpl in the city and 69.3kpl on the highway, averaging 64.5kpl over the test cycle. Its 12-litre fuel tank offers a theoretical range of around 718km on a full tank at the average tested mileage. Actual fuel efficiency and range will vary with traffic, road conditions, cruising speed and riding style. During the highway test, the motorcycle was ridden at around 60-70kph, with vibrations becoming noticeable above 75-80kph.
| PowertrainThe combination of engine type, fuel, and transmission that powers your vehicle and determines how it drives and what it runs on. | User Reported MileageMileage figures are reported by vehicle owners and represent the approximate real-world efficiency you may experience. Actual mileage will vary based on driving conditions, habits, and vehicle condition. |
|---|---|
Petrol-Manual 123.94 cc | 55 kmpl |
Honda CB125 Hornet Images
The Autocar India image gallery includes 22 photos covering the CB125 Hornet's styling, colour options and individual components.
- The front, rear and three-quarter views, highlighting the streetfighter-inspired design.
- All four colour options, including the blue, black, red and yellow combinations.
- The twin LED headlamp, sculpted fuel tank and sharp tank shrouds.
- The golden USD front fork, alloy wheels and rear monoshock.
- The TFT instrument console, switchgear, exhaust and front braking hardware.
- The split seat and other details designed for everyday riding.

Honda CB125 Hornet Colours
The Honda CB125 Hornet is available in four colour options in India: Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic, Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow, and Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red. All four colours are available on the single Standard variant.
The colour options pair bright bodywork with sporty graphics and alloy wheels, while the black shade offers a darker finish.
Honda CB125 Hornet Similar Bikes to Explore
Honda CB125 Hornet FAQs
Honda CB125 Hornet has MRF tyres that perform reasonably well in dry conditions, but grip on wet roads may not feel as confidence-inspiring.
Yes, Honda CB125 Hornet comes with 3 years of standard warranty in addition to 7 years of extended warranty.
You can ride the Honda CB125 Hornet on very light muddy patches at low speed, but it may not be suitable for proper muddy trails, as its tyres can easily lose grip in slippery off-road conditions.
The Honda CB 125 Hornet features a wide, well-cushioned seat suitable for long, comfortable journeys. While generally supportive, the firm rear suspension may transmit vibrations past 80 kph.
The recommended tyre air pressure for the Honda CB125 Hornet is 25 psi for both front and rear tyres when riding solo, and 29 psi for the rear tyre when riding with a pillion, while the front remains at 25 psi.
Questions you may find useful
I am a new learner and am planning to buy a two-wheeler in Pune. With so many options available, I am quite confused. I want something that is not too heavy and is smooth to ride, as I will be commuting 30-40 km every day. I also want a reliable engine that does not require frequent maintenance or servicing, as I plan to keep the vehicle for as long as possible. I am 5ft 7in, so it should also be suitable for my height. I would prefer an ethanol-compatible petrol two-wheeler that will not give me trouble. Which bike or scooter would be suitable for me?
You haven't specified whether or not you want a geared motorcycle or a CVT scooter, so we'll suggest reputable options from both brackets.If you are looking to get your first bike as a tool to learn how to operate the clutch and gears, then you should consider the Honda Shine 125 / SP125 / CB125 Hornet, TVS Raider, Hero Super Splendor / Xtreme 125R. These are all well-priced, smooth, fuel-efficient and comfortable machines which should last you a long time and keep you comfortable over your 40km commute.If a scooter is what you prefer, then pick from reputed options like the Honda Activa 110 / 125, TVS Jupiter 110 / 125, Suzuki Access and Yamaha Fascino / RayZR.You should choose based on two things: first, which bike/scooter you gel with most on your test ride and whichever one has a service centre not too far from your residence / office for hassle-free ownership in the long run.
Is it true that ABS will become mandatory for two-wheelers from April? I am planning to buy a new 125cc bike. Should I wait for the new ABS regulations to be implemented or buy one now? Also, when are these rules expected to come into effect?
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.
Hi, I am planning to buy a new 125cc bike for my daily commute. My daily usage will be around 15-20 km.
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.
I want to buy a 125-150 cc bike. My height is 165 cm. I want it for the daily office commute. I want a bike with low seat height, not too high, with a refined engine, decent mileage of 45+ and with ABS.
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.
My height is 5'8". I will commute daily for 80-100 km, and I prefer a balanced mix of performance and mileage, so I am looking for an engine in the 125-155 cc range. Since I will be travelling long distances and I am 33 years old, I want a bike that will not cause any back issues. Keeping this in mind, please suggest a suitable bike.
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.
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Last Updated on: 22 Oct 2026























