New Honda CB125 Hornet: Sporty and Tech-Savvy 125cc Model – Coming to Europe?
New Honda CB125 Hornet: Sporty and Tech-Savvy 125cc Model – Coming to Europe?
Honda has unveiled the new CB125 Hornet in India, marking the 25th anniversary of Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI). With the introduction of the CB125 Hornet and the Shine 100 DX, Honda aims to strengthen its position in the domestic market and explore new segments. While the Shine 100 DX is primarily considered an affordable entry-level model for the Indian market, the CB125 Hornet targets sporty riders in the 125cc segment—an area recently dominated by models like the TVS Raider 125 and the Hero Xtreme 125R.
Design and Features: Striking and Modern
With the CB125 Hornet, Honda enters the sporty 125cc class, a segment gaining increasing importance in India. The model features an angular, aggressive streetfighter design, clearly distinguishing it from other Honda 125cc models. The front is characterized by a distinctive LED twin headlight, flanked by integrated LED daytime running lights and high-mounted LED turn signals. Particularly eye-catching are the sharp-edged side tank panels, the voluminous tank, and the short, raised exhaust. The overall sporty look is completed 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 its 4.2-inch TFT display, a first for Honda 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. Controls are 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's 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 require adaptation to European requirements should the model launch in Europe. Tubeless tires in sizes 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. Maximum torque is 11.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm. This means the Hornet trails some European competitors in 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 standard Euro5+ requirements in Europe, which typically mandate water-cooled engines.
Weight: Lightweight for Agile Handling
The ready-to-ride weight of the CB125 Hornet is stated as 124 kg (approximately 273 lbs). This positions the model well below many competitors in the 125cc segment—the KTM Duke 125, for instance, weighs over 150 kg (around 331 lbs). The low weight is expected to contribute to 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 a standard LED lighting package. The ignition is located directly on the tank, inspired by sport bikes.
Market Launch, Price, and European Prospects
Sales in India are 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 uncertain; this would require adapting its technology to European standards, particularly concerning brakes and emissions regulations.
The CB125 Hornet is intended to offer an attractive overall package for everyday urban use, aiming to stand out from the competition primarily through its design, features, and low weight.
