Are you tired of boring commuter bikes? Honda has finally woken up and dropped a bomb in the 125cc segment! If you are looking for a bike that looks like a beast but drinks fuel like a commuter, the new Honda CB125 Hornet might just be your next ride.
But is it actually good, or is it just hype? Let’s break it down—simple, honest, and direct.
The “Big Bike” Look
First things first—this bike does not look like a 125cc. Honda has given it a muscular tank and sharp “streetfighter” styling that is clearly inspired by its big brother, the CB750 Hornet.
- The Showstopper: It features Golden Upside Down (USD) front forks. This is a first for this segment and makes the bike look premium and sporty.
- Lights: You get an all-LED setup that looks aggressive, especially that low-slung headlamp.
User Verdict: If you want heads to turn at the traffic lights, this bike wins hands down.
How Does It Ride? (The Fun Part)
You aren’t buying a 125cc for racing, but nobody likes a slow bike.
- Zip & Zoom: It hits 0-60 km/h in just roughly 5.4 to 5.8 seconds. That makes it arguably the fastest in its class, beating many rivals.
- Butter Smooth: True to Honda’s reputation, the engine is super refined. The gear shifts are “butter smooth,” and the clutch is very light, making city traffic feel easy.
- Handling: It feels light (only 124 kg!) and nimble. You can flick it through corners easily, and the braking (with single-channel ABS) gives you plenty of confidence.
The “Wallet” Talk: Mileage
This is the big question. Does sporty performance kill the mileage? Surprisingly, no!
- City Mode: Users and tests report around 55 to 60 kmpl in real-world city conditions.
- Highway: If you cruise steadily, you might even touch 69 kmpl.
- Tank Range: With a 12-litre tank, you can ride for nearly 700km without stopping. That is a lot of money saved!
Tech That Matters
Gone are the days of boring analogue meters. The Hornet comes with a 4.2-inch colour TFT display.
- It connects to your phone via Bluetooth (RoadSync).
- You get call alerts, SMS alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation right on the screen.
- There is also a standard USB-C charging port to keep your phone alive.
The “Not-So-Good” Stuff (Read This!)
No bike is perfect. Here is what you need to know before you buy:
- Tall Rider Trouble: If you are over 5’8″, the riding position might feel a bit cramped compared to other bikes.
- Pillion Pain: Planning to carry a passenger often? The pillion seat is small and not very comfortable for larger adults.
- Vibrations: While smooth in the city, the engine can get a bit “buzzy” and vibrate if you push it past 80 km/h on the highway.
- Stiff Ride: The sporty suspension is great for corners but can feel a bit hard on bad roads with potholes.
Final Verdict:
It is priced slightly higher than its rivals (like the Raider or Xtreme 125R), sitting at around Rs. 1.14 lakh (ex-showroom). But for the premium forks and build quality, many riders feel it is worth the extra cash.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes