Summary of "Honda CB125 Hornet In-Depth Ride Review - Should You Consider This Over Other 125cc?"

Honda CB125 Hornet Review

Main Features

Engine: 124 cc, 11 bhp, 11.2 Nm torque, 5-speed gearbox
Weight: 112 kg
Seat Height: 796 mm (suitable for riders around 5‘7” to 5‘8”; shorter riders can manage with one foot flat)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 liters
Mileage: Approximately 48-50 km/l, offering excellent fuel efficiency
Tyres:
- Front: 80/7 inch alloy tubeless
- Rear: 110/80 section tubeless with 17-inch red alloys
Brakes:
- Front: 240 mm disc with single-channel ABS
- Rear: 130 mm drum brake (no ABS)
Suspension:
- Front: Golden-colored USD (Showa) suspension
- Rear: 5-step adjustable mono suspension
Ground Clearance: 116 mm
Lighting: LED headlamps with reflective LED (bottom), high beam (top), and DRLs; LED indicators and sporty tail lamp
Speedometer: Digital with Bluetooth pairing, fuel range, trip meters, gear position indicator, side stand warning, and eco mode indicator
Other: Side stand with auto cut-off, double stands, grab rail, front mud flap; rear tire hugger missing

Pros

Engine Performance: Smooth and vibration-less at moderate RPMs; reliable Honda engine with good throttle response especially between 4000-6000 rpm
Handling: Light and agile, easy to maneuver in city traffic with decent highway stability
Fuel Efficiency: Excellent mileage (48-50 kmpl) combined with a decent 12-liter tank provides good range for daily commuting
Braking: Front disc with ABS offers strong, confidence-inspiring braking; ABS prevents wheel lock-up under hard braking
Build Quality: Good quality horn, switches, and ignition; overall solid feel
Comfort: Spacious and comfortable rider seat; good posture and grip for city rides
Styling: Attractive color options with a mix of three colors on the body; sporty design elements like LED lighting and red alloys

Cons

Rear Brake: Drum brake without ABS, prone to locking under hard braking; requires caution
Suspension: Feels hard and stiff, especially on rough roads or potholes; may not be comfortable for pillion riders on long or bumpy rides
Pillion Comfort: Limited space and less comfort for the pillion, especially on longer rides
Ground Clearance: Moderate at 116 mm, may be a concern on rough roads
Missing Features: No dual-channel ABS; no rear tire hugger leading to mud splashes in wet conditions
Touring Capability: Not ideal for long tours; best suited for city commuting and short highway rides up to 30-40 km

User Experience

Starts silently and runs smoothly
Good engine response and acceleration for a 125cc bike
Comfortable for city riding and moderate highway speeds (60-70 km/h recommended for best mileage)
Handles well in traffic with easy lane changes and good posture
Front ABS works effectively, preventing skidding and increasing safety
Rear brake requires careful use due to locking tendency
Suspension may feel harsh, affecting comfort on uneven roads
Digital speedometer is functional and easy to read, with modern connectivity features

Comparisons

Competes with bikes like the RDA XT 125 and N25 in the 125cc segment
Lighter and more agile compared to XTreme 250 and 125 models
Shares speedometer design with other Honda models like CB 200X and Activa 125
Offers better mileage and handling in its segment but lacks dual-channel ABS and softer suspension compared to some rivals

Verdict / Overall Recommendation

The Honda CB125 Hornet is a reliable, fuel-efficient, and agile 125cc motorcycle ideal for city commuters who prioritize mileage, handling, and Honda’s engine reliability. It features modern styling, good build quality, and effective front ABS for safety.

However, it falls short on:

Pillion comfort
Rear braking safety (no ABS)
Suspension softness

These may be concerns for those seeking a more comfortable or touring-capable 125cc bike.

If your primary use is daily commuting with occasional short highway rides and you value fuel efficiency and handling, this bike is a strong contender in its segment.

Reviewer Notes

One reviewer emphasized the hard suspension and suggested testing it personally before purchase
Another highlighted the excellent mileage and engine smoothness
The braking system was praised for confidence but rear brake limitations were noted
Some comments focused on the bike’s styling and color options
Overall consensus: a good city commuter with some compromises in pillion and rough road comfort