Honda CB 125 Hornet Vs Hero Xtreme 125R: The Ultimate 125cc Bike Showdown in 2025

The 125cc motorcycle segment in India is buzzing with excitement, and two contenders are currently dominating the conversation: the Hero Xtreme 125R and the newly unveiled Honda CB 125 Hornet. Both bikes promise a sporty ride and impressive features, but if you’re in the market for a new 125cc machine in 2025, which one truly deserves the top spot in your garage? Let’s dive deep into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Introducing the Contenders

Before we put them head-to-head, let’s get a brief overview of what each bike brings to the table.

• Honda CB 125 Hornet: This fresh entrant is making waves by introducing premium features previously unseen in the 125cc category, most notably its Upside-Down (USD) front suspensions. It aims to offer a refined, sporty, and technologically advanced riding experience, positioning itself as a segment disruptor.
• Hero Xtreme 125R: Already a strong player in the market, the Xtreme 125R is known for its aggressive styling, robust performance, and a practical feature set that caters to the everyday rider looking for a sporty commuter. It has quickly become a popular choice for its balance of style, power, and accessibility.

Head-to-Head: A Detailed Comparison

Let’s break down how these two 125cc titans stack up against each other across various crucial aspects.

1. Design & Styling

• Honda CB 125 Hornet: The Hornet boasts an undeniably aggressive and premium design that immediately catches the eye. Its full LED headlight setup is particularly striking, with a heavy, multi-layered pattern that evokes the look of a much larger 1000cc “G900” bike. The sharp tank cowl, dual-tone color combinations (like Neon & Blue or Black & Golden), and included knuckle guards further enhance its commanding, sporty presence. The overall fit and finish exude a premium feel.
• Hero Xtreme 125R: The Xtreme 125R also carries a sharp and dynamic aesthetic, making it look bigger than a typical 125cc. It features a projector LED headlamp with DRLs and flexible LED blinkers. The ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) have sharp edges, contributing to its aggressive stance. The tank design is dual-tone, and it looks quite muscular, appealing to those who want a sporty commuter.

2. Engine & Performance

• Honda CB 125 Hornet: Powering the Hornet is a 123.94cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, BS6X FI, four-stroke, two-valve engine. This refined powerplant delivers a maximum power of 8.2 kW (approximately 11.1 BHP) at 7500 RPM and a peak torque of 11.2 Nm at 6000 RPM. Power is managed by a smooth five-speed gearbox with a “first down, all up” shift pattern. An integrated engine guard provides added protection.
• Hero Xtreme 125R: The Xtreme 125R runs on a slightly larger 124.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, BS6 FFI, four-stroke, two-valve engine. This engine produces a maximum power of 11.4 BHP at 8250 RPM and a maximum torque of 10.5 Nm at 6000 RPM. While its torque is marginally lower than the Hornet’s, its higher power output at a slightly higher RPM suggests a more rev-happy and peppy nature, especially for quick overtakes. It also uses a five-speed gearbox with a single-lever “first down, all up” pattern.

3. Suspension & Ride Quality

• Honda CB 125 Hornet: This is arguably the Hornet’s biggest differentiator. Its USD (Upside-Down) front suspensions are a segment-first, a feature that significantly enhances handling precision, stability, and provides a more planted feel, especially during spirited riding or braking. At the rear, it features a monoshock suspension for a balanced ride.
• Hero Xtreme 125R: The Xtreme 125R comes with telescopic front suspensions with noticeably thick 37mm forks, which are robust for the segment. The rear features a multi-step adjustable monoshock, allowing riders to fine-tune the damping according to their preference and load, contributing to a comfortable ride even on varied road conditions.

4. Braking & Safety

• Honda CB 125 Hornet: Safety is a priority with single-channel ABS as standard. It’s equipped with a 240mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum brake, providing confident stopping power for its segment.
• Hero Xtreme 125R: The Xtreme 125R is available in both IBS (Integrated Braking System) and ABS (Single Channel Anti-lock Braking System) variants. The ABS model boasts a larger 276mm front disc with a dual-piston caliper and a 130mm rear drum brake, offering superior braking performance and enhanced safety, particularly in emergency situations.

5. Features & Technology

• Honda CB 125 Hornet: It features a fully digital meter that is identical to those found on Honda’s Hornet 2.0, SP 125, and SP 160, offering a familiar and comprehensive display. This meter includes Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone integration, a Type-C charging point for modern convenience, and stylish LED blinkers. The left handlebar even features “video game-like buttons” for intuitive control. The ignition key is uniquely positioned on the tank. Notably, it does not include a kick-start option.
• Hero Xtreme 125R: This bike also sports a fully digital meter that provides a wealth of information, including a tachometer, speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, digital clock, gear shift indicator, and real-time mileage. It includes a USB-A charging point for mobile devices, a dedicated hazard lamp button for safety, and Hero’s i3s (Idle Start-Stop System) technology for improved fuel efficiency in city traffic. Crucially, it does include a kick-start feature, which many Indian riders still prefer for reliability. The key design is similar to Hero Glamour’s.

6. Tires & Wheels

• Honda CB 125 Hornet: It rides on sporty 17-inch alloy wheels, fitted with an 80/100-17 front tire and a 110/80-17 rear tire.
• Hero Xtreme 125R: The Xtreme 125R also features 17-inch alloy wheels and comes with CEAT tubeless tires. It boasts a wider front tire profile of 90/90-17 and the widest rear tire in its segment at 120/80-17, which significantly enhances road grip and stability. It also includes a well-built tire hugger.

7. Dimensions & Ergonomics

• Honda CB 125 Hornet: The Hornet has a 12-liter fuel tank capacity and a ground clearance of 166mm. It weighs approximately 124 kg (kerb weight), making it one of the lighter bikes in the segment. It comes with a split seat as standard, but an accessory single-seat option is available for a sportier visual.
• Hero Xtreme 125R: The Xtreme 125R has a 10-liter fuel tank capacity and a higher ground clearance of 180mm, which is beneficial for navigating Indian road conditions. It weighs 136 kg (kerb weight). A significant advantage is the availability of both single seat and split seat variants, making the single-seat option particularly family-friendly and comfortable for a pillion.

8. Price & Warranty

• Honda CB 125 Hornet: The official price is yet to be announced, but estimates suggest it will be in the range of ₹1.15 lakh to ₹1.20 lakh (ex-showroom). Honda offers a standard warranty of 3 years or 42,000 km, which can be extended.
• Hero Xtreme 125R: The Xtreme 125R is already available and is more competitively priced. The IBS variant starts at approximately ₹96,000 (ex-showroom), and the ABS variant is around ₹1.01 lakh (ex-showroom). On-road prices typically range from ₹1.13 lakh for the base IBS model to ₹1.19 lakh for the top-end ABS variant. Hero provides an impressive 5-year or 70,000 km standard warranty, which is segment-leading and offers greater peace of mind.

9. Mileage

• Honda CB 125 Hornet: While official figures are awaited, the expected mileage is around 55 kmpl, depending on riding conditions.
• Hero Xtreme 125R: The expected mileage for the Xtreme 125R is around 55-60 kmpl, making it a fuel-efficient option for daily commutes.

Pros and Cons Summary

Here’s a quick look at the strengths and weaknesses of each bike:

Honda CB 125 Hornet

• Pros:
  • Segment-first USD front suspensions for superior handling and premium feel.
  • Aggressive, premium, and eye-catching design with full LED lighting.
  • Fully digital meter with Bluetooth connectivity and Type-C charging.
  • Lighter kerb weight (124 kg).
  • Larger 12-liter fuel tank.
• Cons:
  • Price is currently unannounced (expected to be higher than Xtreme 125R).
  • No kick-start feature.
  • Slightly lower peak power output.

Hero Xtreme 125R

• Pros:
  • More affordable and readily available in the market.
  • Includes a kick-start feature for added convenience.
  • Longer standard warranty (5 years/70,000 km).
  • Wider rear tire (120/80-17) for enhanced grip and stability.
  • Option for both single seat and split seat variants, catering to diverse needs.
  • Higher ground clearance (180mm).
  • Hazard lamp feature and USB-A charging.
  • Higher peak power output.
• Cons:
  • Uses conventional telescopic front forks (not USD).
  • Smaller 10-liter fuel tank.
  • Heavier kerb weight (136 kg).

Who Should Buy Which?

Your ideal choice between these two fantastic 125cc bikes depends entirely on your priorities and riding profile:

• Choose the Honda CB 125 Hornet if:
  • You are an early adopter who wants the latest and most premium features in the 125cc segment, especially the segment-first USD front suspensions.
  • You prioritize cutting-edge design and a bold, aggressive road presence and are willing to potentially pay a slightly higher price for it.
  • You value a refined riding experience and don’t mind the absence of a kick-start, embracing modern conveniences like Type-C charging and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • You are comfortable waiting for the official pricing and availability, likely in August 2025.
• Choose the Hero Xtreme 125R if:
  • You are looking for a more budget-friendly yet highly capable and sporty 125cc motorcycle that offers excellent value for money.
  • You value practical features like a kick-start and the versatility of single or split seat options (making it family-friendly).
  • You prefer a bike with a longer standard warranty for extended peace of mind.
  • You appreciate the wider tires for enhanced grip and the higher ground clearance for navigating varied Indian road conditions.
  • You need a bike that is readily available in the market right now.

Verdict

In the fiercely competitive 125cc segment of 2025, both the Honda CB 125 Hornet and the Hero Xtreme 125R stand out as exceptional choices, each with its distinct appeal.

The Honda CB 125 Hornet is undeniably the innovation leader. Its introduction of USD forks at this price point is a bold move that elevates the segment, offering a more premium ride feel and superior handling. If you’re a rider who craves the latest technology, a striking design, and a refined riding experience, and you’re prepared to invest a bit more, the Hornet is poised to be your top pick. It’s for those who want a taste of a higher segment bike in a 125cc package.

On the other hand, the Hero Xtreme 125R is the undisputed value champion. It provides a comprehensive, sporty, and highly practical package at a more accessible price point. Its combination of strong performance, wider tires, essential features like kick-start and hazard lamps, and an industry-leading warranty makes it an incredibly sensible and appealing choice for daily commuters and young riders seeking a stylish yet reliable machine without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, while the Hornet might steal the show with its headline-grabbing features, the Xtreme 125R offers a more balanced and accessible proposition for the masses. The “best” bike truly depends on whether you prioritize cutting-edge innovation and premium feel (Hornet) or unbeatable value, practicality, and proven performance (Xtreme 125R).

What are your thoughts on the Honda CB 125 Hornet and the Hero Xtreme 125R? Which bike do you think offers the better package for 2025? Share your opinions in the comments below!

About the Author & Disclosure:

About the Author: About the Author: About the Author: Reo R As a marketing expert with 4 years of experience in the digital marketing field, I specialize in SEO and help companies increase their online visibility, drive more traffic, and boost their sales. With a track record of success, I have a proven ability to improve clients’ SEO and drive sales.

Instagram- Reor

Source – Honda CB 125 Hornet Vs Hero Xtreme 125R