THE BABY HORNET IS GOOD FUN!

SAY HELLO TO THE HONDA CB125 HORNET, THE BRAND'S first-ever sporty commuter, designed to stake a claim in a segment that has proven hugely popular.

-  Mandar Sawant

As the name suggests, this bike is aimed at riders seeking a sharp, sporty 125cc motorcycle that's not only fun to ride but also packed with modern features. The two established favourites in this category are the Hero Xtreme 125R and the TVS Raider, both of which are racking up impressive numbers. With the CB125 Hornet, Honda is looking to grab a sizable slice of the pie, giving the bike plenty of personality and some premium kit, including a first-in-segment feature, in the process. But what's it like on the road, and is it the 125cc sporty commuter worth parting with your hard-earned cash for? Here's my take.

FOR Looks, handling, smooth engine

AGAINST Price, no rear disc brake, tyre grip on wet surfaces

DESIGN AND FEATURES

The CB125 Hornet's biggest selling point is undoubtedly its design. This is a seriously good-looking motorcycle. Its sharp LED headlight, LED turn-indicators, sculpted fuel tank, angular shrouds, slender tail with integrated grab rails, and stubby upswept exhaust give it strong road presence and plenty of head-turning appeal. The golden upside-down front forks make it look far more expensive than it actually is. Add to that four vibrant colour options with colour-coded alloy wheels, and the Hornet really stands out in the 125cc segment.

For a bike of this size, its feature list is surprisingly thoughtful. The 4.2-inch colour screen connects via Honda's RoadSync app, offering turn-by-turn navigation, calls, and music control. The display is crisp, easy to read, well-laid-out, and simple to operate using the left switchgear. The only minor gripe? Its bezels are slightly chunky, and a larger screen would have looked fantastic. Riders also get a USB Type-C charging port, a side-stand engine cutoff, and a wide, split seat.