In the crowded 125cc sporty commuter segment, the Honda CB125 Hornet arrives as a fresh contender. With its bold design, desirable hardware and promising performance figures, it aims to carve its niche. We break down its real-world performance: acceleration, roll-ons, braking and everyday usability — so you know exactly what you get.
What sets the CB125 Hornet apart?
At a glance, the Hornet carries many features often reserved for higher-capacity bikes. It uses a 123.94cc, single-cylinder air-cooled engine producing about 11.14 PS at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm
What’s more, it brings segment-first or rare hardware in this class: golden-finished USD (upside-down) front forks, a 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, full LED lighting and a 5-speed gearbox.
The CB125 Hornet is positioned above many standard commuter models — reflected in its pricing (around ₹1.02-1.12 lakh ex-showroom) and feature set. All of this makes it more than just a commuter — it has genuine sporty credentials.
Acceleration & roll-on performance
From our tests and reported figures, the Hornet offers brisk performance for its engine size.
- For example: 20 km/h to 50 km/h in 3.67 seconds (2nd gear run)
- 50 km/h to 80 km/h in 5.50 seconds (3rd gear)
- 0-80 km/h sprint in 11.31 seconds according to the test data you cited
These numbers reflect that the Hornet is quick off the line and makes overtaking or navigating city traffic far easier than a basic commuter. The light kerb-weight (about 124 kg) helps the cause That said, as with many sporty 125cc bikes, the top-end beyond ~90-100 km/h will run out of steam. But in everyday use — 0-80-90 km/h — it performs very well.
Real-world usability & ride comfort
Performance isn’t just about numbers — how it behaves in daily use matters.
- The rider triangle is comfortable: the fuel tank is sculpted so you can grip it; foot-pegs and handlebars are well-placed for an upright yet sporty stance.The inclusion of a USD front fork isn’t just for show: it adds better front-end feel and stability in corners compared to conventional forks in this class.Honda CB125 Hornet specs India
- For city riding, the light clutch action and slick gear shifts make it easy to live with, while the mid-range punch ensures quick roll-ons from traffic.
- On the comfort front: the 17-inch wheels and tubeless tyres help with urban potholes and rough roads, but the suspension will still be firmer than a typical commuter bike owing to its sport focus. According to reviewers, long-journey pillion comfort and tall-speed stability are good but not premium-bike level.
In short: the Hornet is comfortable enough for the city and short highway blasts — with a sporty edge.
Brakes, tyres & hardware highlight
The Hornet comes equipped with a 240 mm petal disc at the front and a 130 mm drum (in some spec) at the rear, with single-channel ABS. The braking bite is reported to be strong, with good feel on the front lever. While a rear disc would have been a welcome upgrade in this price-bracket, the existing setup is competent for the performance delivered.
The tyre setup (80/100-17 front, 110/80-17 rear) and alloy wheels are all mo
Also, the TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity and full LED lighting go far to modernise the ride experience in this segment. According to BikeDekho, the Hornet is one of the most feature-rich bikes in the sub-₹1.2 lakh cate
Pricing, value & segment comparison
At approximately ₹1.02-1.12 lakh ex-showroom (depending on state and GST changes), the Hornet is priced at a premium compared to basic 125cc commuters.
Yet, the added cost delivers: better hardware, stronger performance, richer features, and premium styling.
In terms of rivals, it broadly competes with the likes of:
- TVS Raider 125
- Hero Xtreme 125R
- Bajaj Pulsar N125
But the Hornet tries to elevate beyond mere “125cc commuter” to a “sporty 125cc streetbike”. According to comparison data, while the Raider may offer slightly higher mileage and the Xtme may be cheaper, the Hornet offers more hardware and visual appeal. If you value styling, features and mid-range punch rather than purely minimal cost or marginal performance, the Hornet may offer good value.
Things to keep in mind / compromises
While the Hornet does many things well, a few caveats remain:
- Seat height, pillion comfort and long-ride wind protection will not match bigger bikes. If your priority is full-day comfort or touring, expect some trade-offs.
- While the USD fork and alloy wheels are premium touches, servicing and spares may cost more than simple commuter bikes. Ownership costs could be slightly higher.
- The rear drum brake (in some variants) and single-channel ABS are acceptable but not class-leading. If you prioritize top-class braking hardware, you may look at bikes with rear disc + dual channel ABS.
- Though performance is strong, top speeds will be limited compared to 150-160cc bikes. If you want highway blasts at 120 km/h+ very often, a higher displacement might suit better.
Still, for its target role — sporty 125cc use in city + occasional highway rides — the Hornet hits its marks.
Verdict
The Honda CB125 Hornet presents a compelling choice for buyers in the sporty commuter segment. It offers a well-balanced mix of performance, features and modern styling. If you’re a rider who values fun as much as daily usability — not just ultra-tight budgets or bare-bones commuting — this bike makes sense.
It doesn’t simply settle for being a commuter; it aims for sporty credentials. In that sense, it stands out.
For everyday use, it is comfortable; for spirited riding, it offers punch; for tech and styling, it ticks boxes. Unless your budget demands the lowest headline cost or your focus is purely mileage, the Hornet delivers strong value.
Focus your decision on your ride priorities — if they include looks, features and urban-sport dynamics, this is a bike worth serious consideration.
