Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is celebrating its 25-year journey in India, and to mark this milestone, they’ve launched two brand-new motorcycles — the updated Shine 100DX and the all-new Honda CB125 Hornet.
While the Shine 100DX brings subtle upgrades to Honda’s reliable commuter segment, the CB125 Hornet is a bold new step in the sporty 125cc category, aimed directly at bikes like the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R, and Bajaj Pulsar N125.
Table of Contents
🛵 Shine 100DX – Premium Touch for Everyday Commuting
The Shine 100DX is essentially a more stylish and slightly premium version of the well-known Shine 100. While the engine and core design remain unchanged, Honda has added a few important tweaks:
Key Highlights of Shine 100DX:
- New Chrome Elements: Chrome on exhaust and other key parts
- Fresh Body Graphics & Color Options
- Digital Display: A welcome upgrade over the analog console
- Target Audience: Budget-conscious buyers wanting a premium commuter
Expected Price: Slightly above ₹68,000 (base Shine 100 price)
Bookings Open: From 1st August 2025
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🏍️ Honda CB125 Hornet – Style, Performance & Youth Appeal
This is the surprise launch Honda fans were waiting for. The new CB125 Hornet takes inspiration from the international Hornet lineup and positions itself as a premium 125cc sporty commuter.
🔧 Engine & Chassis:
- Base Engine: Derived from Shine 125 but tuned for more power & torque
- Power Output: Slightly above 11 HP
- Brand-New Chassis: To support the monoshock suspension
- Rear Suspension: Monoshock setup (segment highlight)
📱 Features & Technology:
- 4.2-inch TFT Display with handlebar controls
- USB Type-C Charging Port
- Fuel Tank-Mounted Key Switch
- Gold USD Forks (very rare in 125cc segment)
- Split Seats & V-Shaped Fuel Tank
- LED Lighting (Headlamp, Indicators, Tail Lamp)
🛑 Front disc brake with single-channel ABS is standard.
🛞 Tyres:
- MRF Nylogrip Zappers
- Rear Tyre: 110 section width – wider for better grip and stance
🧍♂️ Rider Comfort:
- Upright + Slightly Engaging Riding Posture
- Spacious Rider Seat, Compact Pillion Seat
- Wide Handlebar with good control feel
💰 Expected Price & Launch Details
- Bookings Start: 1st August 2025
- Expected Price: Around ₹1 lakh – ₹1.10 lakh
- Segment Rivals:
- TVS Raider 125
- Hero Xtreme 125R
- Bajaj Pulsar N125
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📸 Styling That Stands Out
Honda’s design team has clearly aimed for massive road presence with this 125cc model. From the beefy fuel tank and sharp panels to the unique LED lighting and golden forks, the CB125 Hornet is built to grab attention.
“Not necessarily beautiful, but definitely attention-grabbing,” said the reviewer.
🎵 Engine Sound & Ride Character
According to Honda’s preview, the CB125 Hornet sounds deeper and more aggressive than the Shine 100 or Shine 125 — matching its sporty styling. A road test review is expected soon, so stay tuned.
👉 Also Read: 2025 Hero Xtreme 125R Review
📌 Final Thoughts
Honda has played smart here. The Shine 100DX will satisfy the practical commuter crowd, while the CB125 Hornet targets the style-hungry youth who want a sporty machine without jumping to 150cc+.
Both bikes reinforce Honda’s strategy to diversify their offerings while celebrating their 25-year journey in India.
FAQ Honda CB125 Hornet & Shine 100DX
Q1: What milestone does HMSI celebrate in 2025, and how are they commemorating it?
A1: In 2025, HMSI marks 25 years in India, and they are celebrating by launching two new products.
Q2: What is the Honda Shine 100DX, and how does it differ from the Shine 100?
A2: The Shine 100DX is a slightly more premium version of the Shine 100. It features different stickers, colors, more chrome details (like on the exhaust), and a digital display, while largely maintaining the same core as the Shine 100.
Q3: When will bookings for the Shine 100DX open, and what is its expected price?
A3: Bookings will open on August 1st, and the price is expected to be slightly higher than the Shine 100, which starts at around ₹68,000.
Q4: What is the new Honda CB125 Hornet, and what is its target segment?
A4: The CB125 Hornet is a sporty, young, premium commuter motorcycle based on the Shine 125, aimed at competing with bikes like the Raider, Extreme 125, and Bajaj Pulsar N125 in a segment that is doing well in India.
Q5: What are the key design and mechanical features of the CB125 Hornet?
A5: The CB125 Hornet features a new chassis with a monoshock at the back, a related but more powerful engine (over 11 horsepower), a 4.2-inch TFT display, a fuel tank-mounted key, a gold USD fork, and distinctive styling with a high-beam headlight, pilot lights, and a unique front design.
Q6: What are some notable features of the CB125 Hornet’s electronics and styling?
A6: It includes a Type-C USB port, indicators mounted on the handlebar, a large V-shaped fuel tank with paneling, split seats, a spacious rider seat, a sleek LED tail lamp, and tires like MRF Nylog Grip Zappers (110 section at the rear).
Q7: How does the riding position and comfort of the CB125 Hornet feel?
A7: The riding position is comfortable and engaging, with a wide handlebar, a slight forward lean, and a spacious rider seat. The pillion seat is less spacious, suitable for short rides.
Q8: What is the sound profile of the CB125 Hornet compared to other Honda models?
A8: The CB125 Hornet is expected to have a deeper, more exciting exhaust note compared to the Shine 100, Shine 125, and SP125.
Q9: What safety features does the CB125 Hornet include?
A9: It comes with a front disc brake and single-channel ABS.
Q10: When will the CB125 Hornet be available for booking, and what is its expected price?
A10: Bookings will open on August 1st, and the expected price is around ₹1 lakh or slightly higher, similar to competitors like the Raider and Extreme 125.
Q11: What is the overall impression of the new CB125 Hornet?
A11: The presenter finds it very exciting, expects it to perform well in the market, and looks forward to riding it soon.
Q12: Where can viewers find more information about the Shine 100DX?
A12: They can check out the review mentioned in the video for more details.