When we middle-class folks hear about a new bike, the first thing we ask isn’t “Does it have Bluetooth?” or “How big is the TFT screen?” — nope. The real question is always:
👉 Kitna deti hai? (Mileage)
👉 Aur kitne ki padegi? (Price + EMI)
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I still remember back in 2009 when I bought my Hero Splendor for just ₹40,000. Petrol was around ₹62 a litre and that bike gave me 60+ kmpl easily. Bhai, that was real paisa-vasool! Took me to college, first job, even a few shaadis. Solid memories.
Fast forward to 2025, petrol is double the price and style matters just as much as savings. Enter the Honda CB 125 Hornet — Honda’s attempt to woo youngsters and middle-class buyers with a mix of flashy looks and practical performance.
Design & Style – Full Paisa-Vasool Looks
Honda really went all in with the Hornet’s styling. The first thing that grabs your attention is the twin LED headlights, with a bug-eyed but sporty vibe. Add those gold USD forks, muscular tank with shrouds, belly pan, and compact tail section — and you’ve got a bike that actually turns heads.
That Lemon Ice Yellow colour? Arre wah, ekdum nimbu soda jaisa refreshing. College kids will fall for it instantly. From the side and rear, the bike looks muscular yet compact, with a stubby exhaust and LED tail-lamps adding to the sporty appeal.
Mileage – The Big Question: Kitna Deti Hai?
Honda claims the Hornet can deliver around 48 kmpl. Real-world expectations are:
- City riding: ~45 kmpl
- Highway cruising: ~50–52 kmpl
For an average daily commute of 20 km, your monthly fuel bill will hover around ₹2,000–₹2,200 (with petrol at ₹100/litre). Not as frugal as my old Splendor, but for a stylish 125cc with this level of features, it’s respectable.
Price & EMI – Can Middle-Class Buyers Afford It?
- Ex-showroom Delhi: ₹1.12 lakh
- On-road Delhi: ₹1.30–1.35 lakh approx.
Yes, the price is higher than basic 125cc commuters, but Honda is clearly pitching it as a “premium commuter.”
Now, the EMI math: You can Use tool EMi Calculator AutoAkhbar Calculator
| Loan Tenure | Down Payment | Approx EMI |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Years | ₹20,000 | ₹3,500/month |
| 4 Years | ₹20,000 | ₹2,800/month |
| 5 Years | ₹20,000 | ₹2,400/month |
So, for less than your monthly weekend party or two Zomato splurges, this bike can be standing proudly in your parking spot.
Features That Matter
- 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth, eco mode, navigation
- All-LED setup (headlamp, indicators, tail-lamp)
- Comfortable 797 mm seat height for city rides and short highway trips
- Front disc with single-channel ABS (rear drum only, which feels like a missed chance)
- Smooth 125cc engine with 10.9 bhp & 11 Nm torque
One small drawback: the USB charger’s placement isn’t ideal if you want to mount your phone on the handlebar.
Rivals – Who Does the Hornet Face?
- TVS Raider 125 – cheaper and sporty, but lacks Honda’s polish and resale value.
- Hero Xtreme 125R – stylish, but brand trust still stronger with Honda.
- Pulsar NS125 – peppier engine, but not as fuel-efficient.
The Hornet positions itself as the stylish yet reliable option in this space.
Verdict – Should You Buy?
If you’re:
✅ A middle-class buyer looking for style + reliability
✅ Okay with paying a bit extra for features and brand value
✅ Expecting 45–50 kmpl mileage with Honda’s long-term peace of mind
…then the Honda CB 125 Hornet is a solid pick.
It won’t replace the nostalgia of my ₹40,000 Splendor from 2009 (uff, woh din alag hi the), but for today’s youngsters and city riders, this is Honda’s smart way of saying: “Hum wapas aa gaye hain.”
FAQ OF Honda CB 125 Hornet
Is the Honda CB125 Hornet available in India?
Yes, the Honda CB 125 Hornet is available in India. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India launched the bike in August 2025, marking its entry into the 125cc performance segment.
Will the Honda CB125R launch in India?
What is the mileage of the Honda CB 125 Hornet?
The Honda CB 125 Hornet offers a real-world mileage of approximately 48 kmpl. This figure may vary based on riding conditions and maintenance.
What is the difference between Honda CB Hornet 125 and Hero Xtreme 125?
Mileage: The Hero Xtreme 125R offers a better mileage of 58 kmpl compared to the Honda CB 125 Hornet’s 54 kmpl. BikeWale
Weight: The Hero Xtreme 125R is heavier at 136 kg, while the Honda CB 125 Hornet weighs 124 kg.
Braking System: The Honda CB 125 Hornet features a front disc brake with single-channel ABS and a rear drum brake, whereas the Hero Xtreme 125R comes with a front disc brake and rear drum brake, with some variants offering ABS.
Performance: The Honda CB 125 Hornet produces 10.99 bhp and 11.2 Nm of torque, while the Hero Xtreme 125R delivers 11.4 bhp and 11 Nm of torque.
Is the CB Hornet a good bike?
Yes, the Honda CB 125 Hornet is considered a good bike, especially for those seeking a blend of style, performance, and reliability in the 125cc segment. It has received positive reviews for its design, comfort, and features.
Which is better: Honda CB 125 Hornet or Honda SP 125?
The choice between the Honda CB 125 Hornet and the Honda SP 125 depends on individual preferences:
Honda CB 125 Hornet: Offers a sportier design, advanced features like a TFT display, and slightly better performance.
Honda SP 125: Known for its fuel efficiency and practicality, making it a suitable choice for daily commuting.
User ratings indicate a slight preference for the CB 125 Hornet, with an average rating of 4.6/5 compared to the SP 125’s 4.5/5.
