HONDA CB125 HORNET

THE BABY HORNET WITH A STING?

- WORDS CHRISTOPHER CHAVES

Honda's 125cc portfolio has mostly comprised reliabile and frugale machines of late. The Shine is the sensible commuter's faithful companion, and the SP125 throws in a bit of premium sheen to that very mix. But Honda seems to have realised that young buyers want more than just efficiency-they want flair. Enter the new Honda CB125 Hornet, the company's fresh crack at the sporty- commuter segment. And Honda wants you to believe this baby Hornet has some sting. Whether they're right or wrong, let's find out.

Let's get this out of the way-the CB125 Hornet is, without question, the most aggressively styled 125 Honda has brought to India. The tank shrouds jut out confidently, the cuts and creases add visual drama, the split seats look sporty, and the golden USD fork gives the Hornet instant street cred in its class.

The LED headlamp is a new unit and brings a proper 'head-down, shoulders-forward' stance reminiscent of the bigger Hornets-including the 750. The indicators, mounted on the headlamp housing, are a neat nod to Honda's larger displacement machines.

The bike runs 17-inch alloys wrapped in MRF Zapper Prated tyres-capable of handling speeds of up to 150 kmph, though it's very unlikely that you will see that figure light up on the dash. Still, the coloured rims in certain paint schemes look properly sporty, and funky. Speaking of colours, Honda offers four lively options, but the yellow-blue dual-tone is my pick of the lot.