New Honda Hornet 125 Full Review and Specifications

As someone who's spent years reviewing bikes and understanding what truly matters to Indian riders, I was genuinely excited to get my hands on the New Honda Hornet 125. After taking it through both city commutes and open roads, I can confidently say — Honda has stepped up its game in the 125cc segment with a mix of style, refinement, and practicality.

In this blog, I’ll share my personal review, experience, and a full breakdown of the specifications to help you decide whether the new Hornet 125 deserves a spot in your garage.

First Impressions: A Muscular Yet Compact Machine

The moment I saw the Hornet 125, it reminded me of the bigger Hornet 2.0 — and that’s not a bad thing. It looks muscular, sharp, and purposeful. The tank design has aggressive contours, the LED headlamp adds premium appeal, and the rear gets a sporty split grab rail setup.

If you're someone who appreciates aesthetics, the Hornet 125 certainly looks more premium than your average commuter in this segment.

Riding Experience: Smooth, Nimble, and Urban-Focused

City Ride

I first took the bike through typical city traffic, and the Hornet 125 felt butter-smooth. The throttle response is linear, the clutch is light, and gear shifts are slick. The refined Honda engine continues to be one of its strongest suits.

The upright riding position, wide handlebars, and low kerb weight make it perfect for navigating traffic jams and tight turns.

Highway Ride

While it’s not built for high-speed touring, I still took it for a short highway stretch. It handled 70–80 kmph comfortably with minimal vibrations. Anything beyond 85 kmph starts feeling a bit strained, but that's expected from a 125cc engine. The stability at speed, however, was commendable for its class.

Engine Performance: Reliable and Refined

• Engine: 124.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
• Power: Around 10.7 PS @ 7500 RPM (expected)
• Torque: Approximately 10.5 Nm @ 6000 RPM
• Transmission: 5-speed gearbox

The power delivery is smooth and predictable — exactly what you'd want in daily urban use. I felt no jerks or flat spots in power across gears, which shows the level of tuning Honda has done here.

Suspension and Handling: Balanced and Comfortable

The Hornet 125 comes with telescopic front forks and a monoshock at the rear. I tested it on uneven roads and speed breakers and found the suspension setup to be slightly on the firmer side — but still very comfortable for city use.

Cornering at moderate speeds felt stable, and braking was predictable, thanks to the disc brake at the front (and optional disc/drum at rear, depending on the variant).

Features I Liked

Here’s what stood out to me:

• LED headlamp and tail lamp – Clear visibility and stylish looks
• Digital instrument console – Displays speed, fuel, gear position, trip, and clock
• Engine kill switch & hazard light switch – Practical additions for everyday riders
• Sporty exhaust note – Subtle but satisfying sound under acceleration

Mileage & Efficiency

Honda claims a mileage of around 55–60 km/l, and during my short city run, I was able to get around 53 km/l, which is quite good. With a fuel tank capacity of around 11 litres, you can easily go 500+ km on a full tank.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

One of the most impressive aspects is Honda’s attention to build quality. The switchgear feels solid, the paint finish is premium, and all panels are tightly fitted. Even after riding through bumpy roads, there was no rattling or creaking.

The seat is well-padded, and even after a 40-minute non-stop ride, I didn’t feel any discomfort.

Specifications at a Glance

Price and Variants (Expected)

As of now, Honda hasn’t officially confirmed the ex-showroom price, but based on my discussion with local dealers, the expected price is around ₹95,000 – ₹1,05,000 (ex-showroom). It will likely be offered in two variants – one with drum rear brake and one with disc rear brake.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Honda Hornet 125?

After personally testing the Hornet 125, I can say this bike is not just another 125cc commuter. It’s for riders who want:

• A reliable city bike with a premium look and feel
• Smooth and refined daily performance
• Honda’s signature build quality and mileage
• A sporty design without compromising on comfort

If your budget is under ₹1.10 lakh and you're looking for a feature-packed commuter with muscular styling, the Honda Hornet 125 is definitely worth considering.

My Rating (Based on Test Ride)

• Design & Styling: 9/10
• City Ride Comfort: 9/10
• Highway Performance: 7/10
• Mileage: 8.5/10
• Features: 8.5/10
• Value for Money: 8.5/10

FAQs

Q1. Is the Honda Hornet 125 good for beginners?
Absolutely. It’s smooth, lightweight, and very easy to ride.

Q2. Does it come with a kick start?
As per the model I tested, it only had an electric start. Final production models may vary.

Q3. Is it suitable for daily office commute?
Yes, it’s ideal for daily commutes, thanks to its comfort, fuel efficiency, and compact size.

Q4. Can I take it on long rides?
Occasional short highway rides are fine, but it's not built for touring. Stick to 60–70 kmph for a smooth experience.

Q5. When will it launch in India?
The official launch is expected in the coming months. Keep an eye on Honda’s official website or your nearest dealer for updates.