2025 Honda CB 125 Hornet – Launch, Specs and Features Explained

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the all-new Honda CB 125 Hornet in India. The unveiling took place as part of HMSI’s 25th-anniversary celebrations in the country. On this occasion Honda also unveiled the Honda Shine 100 DX variant.

Bookings for the CB 125 Hornet open from 1st August 2025. While pricing hasn’t been announced yet, the motorcycle is expected to compete in the 125cc street motorcycle segment, bringing segment-first hardware like golden USD forks and a 4.2-inch TFT console with Bluetooth connectivity.

Honda CB 125 Hornet – Engine and Performance

The Honda CB 125 Hornet is powered by a 123.94cc single-cylinder engine that is fuel-injected and OBD2B compliant. It produces 11.1 Hp of power at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm.

The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox, and Honda claims a 0–60 km/h time of just 5.4 seconds — currently the best in the segment. That should translate to strong low-end acceleration, particularly useful in start-stop urban conditions. At 124 kg kerb weight, the bike remains relatively light.

Honda CB 125 Hornet – Suspension and Braking

One of the most notable features of the Honda CB 125 Hornet is its front suspension setup. It uses upside-down (USD) forks finished in gold—something debuting in this class. At the rear, it gets a 5-step adjustable mono-shock.

Braking is handled by a 240 mm front petal disc and a 130 mm drum at the rear. The front disc design aids cooling during heavy braking, while the inclusion of single-channel ABS adds a layer of safety, especially useful on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Honda CB 125 Hornet – Design and Colour Options

Visually, the Honda CB 125 Hornet carries a sharp and aggressive street-naked stance. The front end is defined by a split LED headlamp unit with daytime running lights and elevated turn indicators, giving it a very upright, premium look. The fuel tank is muscular, with chiseled design lines that give the motorcycle a planted and solid road presence.

There’s a split seat setup with a neatly designed tail section that keeps the silhouette sporty. The all-digital look is accentuated by multi-spoke alloy wheels and a tank-mounted ignition key position.

Colour options include Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic, and Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red. Each variant offers a contrasting palette, which should appeal to a wide range of riders.

Honda CB 125 Hornet – Instrument Cluster and Connectivity

In terms of tech, the CB 125 Hornet is ahead of the curve. The bike features a 4.2-inch TFT display that’s Bluetooth-compatible and works with Honda’s RoadSync app. Through this, riders can get turn-by-turn navigation prompts, as well as alerts for calls, texts, and music playback when paired with a headset.

The interface is operated using switchgear on the left handlebar. The inclusion of a USB Type-C charging port makes it easy to keep your phone powered on the go. Additionally, the bike comes with a side-stand engine cut-off feature and an engine kill switch—both essential safety inclusions for modern riders.

Honda CB 125 Hornet – Chassis and Ride Setup

Built on a diamond-type frame, the Honda CB 125 Hornet sits on 17-inch tubeless tyres—80/100 at the front and 110/80 at the rear. These dimensions are fairly typical for its class, but paired with the premium suspension hardware, the overall ride experience should be more refined than the average 125cc motorcycle.

Ground clearance stands at 166 mm, a practical figure for Indian road conditions. The 12-litre fuel tank offers decent range for daily commutes, while the wheelbase of 1330 mm provides stability without compromising maneuverability. Seating comfort is aided by a 597 mm long seat, with a setup that balances sportiness and practicality.

Honda CB 125 Hornet – Segment Positioning and Rivals

The Honda CB 125 Hornet will rival the likes of the TVS Raider 125, Hero Xtreme 125R, and the upcoming Bajaj Pulsar N125 in the premium 125cc segment. Official pricing and booking details are expected to be revealed on August 1, when dealership availability and other key details are also likely to be announced.