For years, if you wanted a sensible, reliable 125cc motorcycle, Honda had your back with the ever-dependable Shine. It’s a bike that has dutifully served millions, asking for little more than a regular oil change. But what if you wanted that Honda refinement with a shot of adrenaline? What if you wanted a bike that looked as exciting as it felt? That’s been the question on every young rider’s lips, and today, Honda has finally answered with a bang.
Honda CB125 Hornet: Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 123.94 cc, 4-Stroke, SI Engine |
| Maximum Power | 11.1 bhp @ 7500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Gearbox |
| Front Suspension | Golden Upside-Down (USD) Fork (Segment First) |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock (5-step adjustable) |
| Brakes | Front: 240mm Petal Disc, Rear: 130mm Drum |
| Safety | Single-Channel ABS |
| Instrument Cluster | 4.2-inch Colour TFT Display |
| Connectivity | Honda RoadSync (Bluetooth for Navigation, Calls, SMS, Music) |
| Lighting | Full LED (Headlamp, DRLs, Indicators, Taillight) |
| Tyres | Front: 80/100-17, Rear: 110/80-17 (Tubeless) |
| Kerb Weight | 124 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 Litres |
| Other Features | USB-C Charging Port, Engine Stop Switch, Side-Stand Indicator with Engine Cut-off |
Say hello to the all-new Honda CB125 Hornet. And let’s be clear, this isn’t just a Shine with a new sticker; it’s a ground-up predator built to hunt in the fiercely competitive sporty 125cc jungle, directly targeting the likes of the TVS Raider and the Hero Xtreme 125R.
The first thing that hits you is the design. This bike looks like it’s been hitting the gym. The aggressive, muscular fuel tank with sharp shrouds, the mean-looking twin-LED headlamp, and the sleek, clean tail section give it a proper streetfighter stance. It looks like its bigger, badder siblings, and that’s a huge win.
But the real showstopper, the feature that has everyone talking, is the stunning golden-finished upside-down (USD) front fork. This isn’t just for looks; it’s a first-in-segment feature that promises better handling and stability, something you usually only find on much more expensive motorcycles. It’s a bold statement from Honda, signaling that they are not here to just participate; they are here to win.
The premium feel continues when you hop on. You’re greeted by a vibrant 4.2-inch TFT colour display, another feature that puts it a notch above many rivals. With Honda’s RoadSync app, you can connect your smartphone for turn-by-turn navigation, handle calls and messages, and manage your music on the go. It’s the kind of tech that seamlessly blends into a modern rider’s life.
Honda has taken the tried-and-tested 123.94cc engine from the SP125 and given it a bit more punch for the Hornet. It now produces a lively 11.1 bhp and 11.2 Nm of torque. While the numbers are similar to its rivals, Honda is claiming the CB125 Hornet is the quickest in its class, dashing from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. Paired with a slick 5-speed gearbox, it promises to be an energetic and engaging ride for the city commute and the occasional weekend blast.
It seems Honda has been listening intently to what the youth wants. From the all-LED lighting that makes you visible and looks cool, to the wide tubeless tyres and the sporty split-seat setup, the CB125 Hornet ticks all the right boxes.
With bookings set to open on August 1st, the only remaining piece of the puzzle is the price. If Honda can place it competitively, the CB125 Hornet has all the ingredients to be more than just a challenger. It could very well be the new king of the sporty 125cc segment. One thing is for sure – the hornet has entered the building, and the competition has been put on notice.