Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is expanding its presence in the 125cc motorcycle segment with the new Honda CB125 Hornet, which will go on sale from August 1, 2025. With this launch, Honda aims to take on strong competitors like the TVS Raider 125, a well-established player in this category.
Here’s a detailed comparison between the Honda CB125 Hornet and TVS Raider 125 to help you choose the right bike.
Engine and Performance
| Specification | Honda CB125 Hornet | TVS Raider 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 123.94cc, 4-stroke, SI | 124.8cc, single-cylinder |
| Power | 11 hp @ 7,500 rpm | 11.4 hp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 11.7 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
Verdict: The TVS Raider delivers slightly more power and torque, making it marginally quicker off the line. However, the CB125 Hornet still offers smooth and refined performance ideal for city riding.
Also Read: Honda CB125 Hornet Revealed, Segment-First USD Forks, TFT Display, and Expected Price ₹1.10 Lakh
Dimensions and Ride Comfort
| Dimension | Honda CB125 Hornet | TVS Raider 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Height | 796 mm | 780 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 166 mm | 180 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 litres | 10 litres |
Verdict: The TVS Raider’s lower seat height and higher ground clearance make it more suitable for shorter riders and rough roads. On the other hand, the Hornet offers a larger fuel tank, useful for longer rides without frequent refueling.
Also Read: Honda Shine 100 DX Unveiled with New Features and Premium Styling – Expected Price ₹76,000
Suspension and Braking
| Feature | Honda CB125 Hornet | TVS Raider 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension | USD forks (first-in-segment) | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | 5-step adjustable monoshock | Monoshock |
| Front Brake | 240 mm petal disc | 240 mm disc (optional) |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm drum | 130 mm drum |
| Tyres (Front/Rear) | 80/100-17, 110/80-17 | 80/100-17, 100/90-17 |
Verdict: The CB125 Hornet stands out with premium USD front forks, improving ride stability and front-end feel. The Raider’s setup is conventional but effective for daily city use.
Features and Technology
| Feature | Honda CB125 Hornet | TVS Raider 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Full LED setup | LED headlamp |
| Instrument Console | 4.2-inch TFT, Bluetooth, RoadSync app | TFT with voice assist & connectivity |
| USB Charging | Yes (Type-C) | Yes |
| Navigation, Calls, SMS Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Engine Stop Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Under-seat Storage | No | Yes |
Verdict: Both bikes are well-equipped, but TVS Raider gets additional practicality with under-seat storage. However, the Hornet offers a sleeker, more premium interface and Honda’s RoadSync support.
Final Thoughts
Both the Honda CB125 Hornet and the TVS Raider 125 are excellent options in the 125cc category. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
- Choose TVS Raider 125 if you want:
- More torque and slightly better ground clearance
- Under-seat storage and proven city ride comfort
- A slightly more budget-friendly option (expected)
- Choose Honda CB125 Hornet if you prefer:
- Premium design with USD forks and LED setup
- Larger fuel tank and sportier road presence
- Advanced features like the Honda RoadSync app
Pricing will play a major role in the final decision. The Honda CB125 Hornet is expected to start around ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom), and we’ll know the exact price on August 1, 2025.
