Design and features: Striking and modern
With the CB125 Hornet, Honda is entering the sporty 125cc class, which is becoming increasingly important in India. The model features an angular, aggressive streetfighter design, clearly setting it apart from other Honda 125cc models. The front is characterized by a striking LED twin headlight, flanked by integrated LED daytime running lights and high-mounted LED turn signals. The sharp-edged side tank panels, the voluminous tank, and the short, raised exhaust are particularly eye-catching. The sporty overall look is rounded off by a two-piece seat design and multi-spoke aluminum wheels.
Technology: TFT display, connectivity, and comfort
One of the special features of the CB125 Hornet is the 4.2-inch TFT display, which is being used by Honda for the first time in this segment. It offers Bluetooth connectivity via the Honda RoadSync app, allowing navigation, call and text notifications, and music control directly on the motorcycle. A USB-C port for charging mobile devices is also standard equipment. It is operated via switches on the left handlebar end.
Chassis and safety
The CB125 Hornet’s chassis is equipped with a non-adjustable gold upside-down fork (USD) at the front – a first for Honda in this displacement class in India. At the rear, there is a monoshock with adjustable spring preload. The braking system comprises a perforated 240 mm petal disc at the front and a 130 mm drum brake at the rear. Safety is enhanced by a single-sided ABS on the front brake, which, according to the manufacturer, would still need to be adapted to European requirements if the model were to be launched in Europe. Tubeless tires in the dimensions 80/100-17 at the front and 110/80-17 at the rear are fitted.
Engine: Air-cooled single cylinder with 11 hp
At the heart of the CB125 Hornet is a 123.94 cm³ air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine with fuel injection. The maximum power output is 8.2 kW (11 hp) at 7,500 rpm. The maximum torque is 11.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm. This means that the Hornet lags behind some of its European competitors in terms of performance, such as the KTM Duke 125, which offers around 15 hp (11 kW). Due to its air cooling, the engine does not comply with the usual Euro5+ standard, which requires water-cooled engines in Europe.
Weight: Lightweight for agile handling
The ready-to-ride weight of the CB125 Hornet is stated as 124 kg (equivalent to around 273 lbs). This positions the model well below many competitors in the 125cc segment – the KTM Duke 125, for example, weighs over 150 kg (around 331 lbs). The low weight should be noticeable in its agile handling.
Features and variants
The CB125 Hornet is available in four different color combinations, including variants in blue, black, yellow, and red with metallic accents. Other features include a split seat, USB charging socket, and standard LED lighting package. The ignition is located directly on the tank, inspired by sports bikes.
Market launch, price, and prospects for Europe
The sales launch in India is planned for the coming weeks, with bookings possible from August 1. According to Honda, prices will be announced shortly. Whether and when the CB125 Hornet will also come to Europe remains open – this would require the technology to be adapted to European standards, particularly in terms of brakes and emissions standards.
The CB125 Hornet is intended to offer an attractive overall package for everyday urban use and to stand out from the competition primarily through its design, features, and low weight.
