Honda CB125 Hornet vs Hero Xtreme 125R: Battle of the 125cc Streetfighters

Honda CB125 Hornet vs Hero Xtreme 125R — it’s the face-off motorbike enthusiasts across India have been waiting for. With the rising popularity of sporty 125cc motorcycles, both Honda and Hero aim to capture the imagination of young urban riders looking for style, performance, and value. But which one truly stands out? Let’s break it down.

Honda CB125 Hornet vs Hero Xtreme 125R: Design and Road Presence

The Honda CB125 Hornet instantly grabs attention with its aggressive streetfighter design. Its muscular tank, split LED headlamp with DRLs, and golden USD front forks ooze premium appeal. The tank-mounted ignition adds an upscale touch not often seen in this segment.

Meanwhile, the Hero Xtreme 125R sports a clean yet bold naked design. While it sticks to a more conventional telescopic fork setup, it compensates with a sculpted fuel tank, LED DRLs, and glossy panels that give it a polished look. It’s a sporty package, albeit more subdued than the Hornet.

Engine Specs and On-Road Performance

Under the hood, the Honda CB125 Hornet features a 123.94cc fuel-injected engine generating 11 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. It accelerates from 0–60 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, helped by its lower kerb weight of around 124 kg. The tuning favors brisk city rides and quick overtakes.

In contrast, the Hero Xtreme 125R runs on a slightly larger 124.7cc single-cylinder engine producing 11.4 bhp at 8,250 rpm and 10.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Despite higher peak power, its 136 kg kerb weight dulls its edge. It does the 0–60 km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds, slightly behind the Hornet.

Tech Features and Connectivity

Honda has brought segment-first features to the CB125 Hornet, including a 4.2-inch full-color TFT display with Bluetooth via Honda RoadSync, turn-by-turn navigation, music and SMS alerts, USB Type-C charging, and even a side-stand cut-off.

Hero’s Xtreme 125R keeps things simpler but functional, offering a negative LCD console with Bluetooth, gear indicator, USB charging, and its signature i3S idle-stop system—aimed at boosting real-world mileage.

Comfort and Ride Ergonomics

The CB125 Hornet rides on premium USD front forks and a 5-step adjustable rear mono-shock, ensuring good handling and feedback. It has a kerb weight of ~124 kg, 166 mm ground clearance, and a 12-liter fuel tank—offering practicality with style.

The Xtreme 125R counters with a more robust 180 mm ground clearance, 7-step rear mono-shock, and a smaller 10-liter fuel tank. Seat height is nearly identical (Hornet: 786–796 mm, Xtreme: 794 mm), catering well to average Indian riders.

Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

Braking duties on the CB125 Hornet are handled by a 240 mm front disc and 130 mm rear drum with single-channel ABS. It rolls on 80/100-17 front and 110/80-17 rear tyres.

The Hero Xtreme 125R offers better tyre grip with 90/90-17 front and 120/80-17 rear profiles. It also offers optional ABS with a larger 276 mm front disc, making it a better bet for riders prioritizing stopping power and stability.

Pricing and Value for Money

The Xtreme 125R ranges from ₹98,425 to ₹1,02,100 (ex-showroom), making it a wallet-friendly option with Hero’s reputation for low maintenance and high resale.

The Honda CB125 Hornet is expected to launch on August 1, 2025, with a likely price of ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,10,000 (ex-showroom). While it may ask for more, it justifies this with its class-leading tech, refined engineering, and premium aesthetics.

Final Verdict: Which 125cc Should You Choose?

If you’re after top-tier tech, better power-to-weight performance, and cutting-edge looks, the Honda CB125 Hornet should be your pick. For those seeking real-world efficiency, budget-friendliness, and everyday utility, the Hero Xtreme 125R remains a tried-and-tested choice.