Honda CB125

It is well-known for both its fuel efficiency and excellent ride. It boasts a contemporary design and a 125cc engine. It also boasts a comfy seat and a five-speed transmission. Overall, it is a dependable and practical option for commuters.
 

The Honda CB125 Hornet has emerged as an impressive entry into India's sporty commuter segment, and I find it to be a compelling choice for riders seeking style without compromising practicality. Launched recently, this motorcycle features a 123.94cc air-cooled, fuel-injected engine that delivers 11.14 PS at 7500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. What genuinely impresses me is its claimed 0-60 kmph acceleration time of just 5.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest in its class. The bike returns a solid 48 kmpl mileage, which I consider respectable for its performance capabilities. At 124 kg kerb weight, it feels nimble and manageable for city riding. Honda has equipped it with a 4.2-inch TFT display featuring Bluetooth connectivity and Honda RoadSync app compatibility, bringing modern conveniences to the segment. The golden inverted forks at the front coupled with the monoshock rear suspension provide confident handling. Priced around Rs 1.12 lakh ex-showroom in Delhi, it positions itself competitively against rivals like the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R, offering genuine value with premium features that justify the investment.

I've been riding the Honda CB125 Hornet around Delhi's chaotic streets and NH48 stretches, and it punches way above its 125cc class in India. This sporty commuter, priced from about Rs 1.03 lakh ex-showroom, rocks a 123.94cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine churning out 11.14 PS at 7500rpm and 11.2Nm at 6000rpm, mated to a slick 5-speed gearbox—OBD2B compliant for our BS6 Phase 2 norms. Acceleration is brisk, hitting 0-60kph in 5.84s and 0-80kph in 11.31s during my tests on dry roads, with punchy mid-range roll-ons like 30-70kph in 7.84s making city overtakes effortless despite some speedo error showing 107kph when it's actually 95kph. The golden USD forks up front deliver sharp handling, paired with a 240mm front disc, 130mm rear drum, and single-channel ABS that stops from 60kph in 17.96m using just two fingers—solid bite without much ABS fuss. At 124kg kerb weight, 12L tank, and real-world 48-50kmpl efficiency, it's agile for traffic filtering, feels premium with its muscular tank, LED headlamp, 4.2-inch TFT display, Bluetooth via Honda RoadSync, and USB-C charging. Braking wishes for a rear disc, but overall, it outshines rivals like Raider 125 in refinement and presence for daily grinds.

I've been thoroughly impressed by the Honda CB125 Hornet since it hit Indian roads last August, slotting into the sporty 125cc commuter segment with real punch against rivals like the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R. Its 123.94cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine dishes out 11.1hp at 7500rpm and 11.2Nm at 6000rpm through a slick five-speed gearbox, delivering smooth launches—0-60kph in 5.84 seconds and 0-80kph in 11.31 seconds on dry tarmac—and punchy roll-ons like 20-50kph in 3.67 seconds in second gear, making city overtakes effortless despite its 124kg kerb weight. Braking shines too, with a 240mm front disc and single-channel ABS halting from 60-0kph in 17.96m using just two fingers, though the rear drum feels basic for the Rs 1.03-1.16 lakh ex-showroom price. Segment-first golden USD forks boost handling stability, paired with a sporty streetfighter design featuring LED lights, USB-C charging, and a slim split seat at 796mm height with 166mm ground clearance. Real-world mileage hovers around 48kmpl, and while speedo error shows indicated 107kph as true 95kph, its mid-range torque and light clutch make it a daily winner for urban rides, blending Honda's premium build with practical sportiness. Deliveries kicked off mid-August, and it's now available in four colors, ticking BS6 Phase-2 OBD2B norms perfectly.

I recently spent time with the Honda CB125 Hornet, and I must say it represents a refreshing entry into India's competitive 125cc commuter segment. The bike is powered by a 123.94cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 11 bhp at 7500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm, paired with a smooth 5-speed manual gearbox. What impressed me most was the riding experience in city traffic, where the engine's responsive nature and lightweight 124 kg kerb weight make navigating congested streets effortless. The golden upside-down forks at the front give it a premium feel that belies its segment, while the disc front and drum rear brakes with ABS provide confident stopping power. Honda claims an acceleration time of 5.4 seconds from 0-100 kmph, which feels adequate for city riding. The claimed fuel efficiency hovers around 48-55 kmpl depending on riding conditions. Priced around Rs. 1.12-1.16 lakh ex-showroom, the CB125 Hornet offers compelling value with its stylish design, quality build, and practical features including a 12-litre fuel tank and USB charging point. For daily commuters seeking a reliable, punchy 125cc option with sportiness, this Honda delivers convincingly.

The Honda CB125Rs advanced features, such as the 5-inch TFT display and IMU-equipped dual-channel ABS, make it more feature-loaded than the US-spec CB650R. This highlights Hondas effort to update their 125cc offerings regularly to attract new riders, especially in Europe and Britain. This bike is definitely a step ahead in terms of technology.

2023 Honda CB125R is expected to be priced around Rs 1.10 lakh in India (ex-showroom). Available in different color options: Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic, Matte Jeans Blue Metallic, Candy Chromosphere Red, Grey.