The 125cc motorcycle segment is a hotbed for urban riders seeking affordable, stylish, and fuel-efficient bikes for city commutes and occasional highway rides. Two top contenders in 2025 are the Hero Xtreme 125R and the newly launched Honda CB 125 Hornet. These bikes cater to young riders craving sporty design, practical features, and value for money.
The Hero Xtreme 125R is a budget-friendly powerhouse with impressive mileage, while the Honda CB 125 Hornet brings premium tech and refinement. In this detailed Hero Xtreme 125R vs Honda CB 125 Hornet comparison, we’ll break down their design, performance, features, and pricing to help you choose the best 125cc motorcycle. Let’s dive in!
Hero Xtreme 125R vs Honda CB 125 Hornet comparison
Design and Build: Bold Looks vs Premium Flair
The Hero Xtreme 125R rocks a muscular, aggressive stance with sharp lines, a projector LED headlight, and a chunky 120-section rear tyre that makes it look like a bigger bike. Its split-seat design (with a single-seat option) adds sporty flair, and it comes in three striking colors: Stallion Black, Firestorm Red, and Cobalt Blue. It’s perfect for riders who want a streetfighter vibe that stands out.
The Honda CB 125 Hornet counters with a sleek, naked-bike aesthetic inspired by Honda’s larger Hornet lineup. Its golden USD forks scream premium, and the compact frame feels agile. At 124 kg, it’s lighter than the Hero (132-136 kg), making it a breeze in traffic. Color options include Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red, Athletic Blue Metallic, Lemon Ice Yellow, or Pearl Igneous Black, offering a modern, vibrant appeal.
| Design Specs | Hero Xtreme 125R | Honda CB 125 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | 166 mm |
| Seat Height | 794 mm | 786 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 132-136 kg (variant-dependent) | 124 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10 L | 12 L |
| Colors | Stallion Black, Firestorm Red, Cobalt Blue | Pearl Siren Blue (Sports Red/Athletic Blue/Lemon Ice Yellow), Pearl Igneous Black |
The Honda’s lighter build and premium finish make it ideal for city riders, while the Hero’s higher ground clearance and bold stance suit rougher roads and aggressive styling fans.
Also read: Top 10 Best Mileage Bikes in India Under ₹1.5 Lakh (2025)
Engine and Performance: Power vs Refinement
Both bikes feature air-cooled, single-cylinder, BS6/OBD2-compliant engines with 5-speed gearboxes, but their tuning differs:
- Hero Xtreme 125R: Its 124.7cc engine delivers 11.4 bhp at 8,250 rpm and 10.5 Nm at 6,000 rpm. With a real world top speed of 108 kmph, it shines in mid-range punch for overtaking and highway runs. Some riders note slightly notchy gear shifts.
- Honda CB 125 Hornet: The 123.94cc engine produces 10.99 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Tuned for low-end torque and it can hit a top speed of 110 kmph. Its silent start and smoother delivery enhance daily usability.
| Engine Specs | Hero Xtreme 125R | Honda CB 125 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 124.7cc | 123.94cc |
| Power | 11.4 bhp @ 8,250 rpm | 10.99 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.5 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Top Speed (Claimed) | 108 kmph | 110 kmph |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
Ride and Handling: Comfort vs Agility
- Suspension: The Hero uses a 37mm conventional front fork and preload-adjustable rear hydraulic mono shocks, offering a firm ride that handles rough roads well but can feel stiff over potholes. The Honda’s golden USD front forks and 5-step adjustable rear monoshock provide a plush, controlled ride, especially in urban settings.
- Brakes: Both feature a 240mm front disc. The Hero offers a 130mm rear drum with IBS or single-channel ABS options, while the Honda includes standard single-channel ABS with a 130mm rear drum for consistent braking.
- Tyres: Hero’s 90/90-17 front and 120/80-17 rear (tubeless) tyres offer better grip for cornering. The Honda’s 80/100-17 front and 110/80-17 rear (tubeless) tyres, paired with its lighter weight, enhance agility.
| Ride & Handling | Hero Xtreme 125R | Honda CB 125 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension | 37mm Conventional Fork | USD Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic Mono Shocks (Preload Adj.) | Monoshock (5-step Adj.) |
| Front Brake | 240mm Disc | 240mm Disc |
| Rear Brake | 130mm Drum (IBS/ABS options) | 130mm Drum (ABS standard) |
| Tyres (F/R) | 90/90-17 / 120/80-17 | 80/100-17 / 110/80-17 |
The Honda’s USD forks and lighter weight make it nimble and comfortable in cities, while the Hero’s robust setup and wider tyres suit varied terrains.
Features and Technology: Practical vs Premium
The Honda takes a clear lead in tech:
- Hero Xtreme 125R: Offers a digital LCD cluster with Bluetooth for call/SMS alerts, gear indicator, USB charging, full LED lighting, hazard lights, and i3S (idle start-stop) for fuel efficiency. It’s functional but basic.
- Honda CB 125 Hornet: Boasts a 4.2-inch color TFT display with Bluetooth, supporting navigation, music controls, call/SMS alerts, Type-C USB charging, all-LED lighting, side stand engine cut-off, and silent start. The TFT screen feels like a premium upgrade.
| Features | Hero Xtreme 125R | Honda CB 125 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument Cluster | Digital LCD (Bluetooth) | 4.2-inch Color TFT (Bluetooth) |
| Key Features | i3S, Hazard Lights, USB Charging | Navigation, Type-C USB, Side Stand Cut-off |
| Lighting | Full LED | Full LED |
The Honda’s tech-heavy approach appeals to gadget lovers, while the Hero’s practical features cater to everyday riders.
Mileage and Efficiency: Frugal vs Range
- Hero Xtreme 125R: Claims 66 kmpl (ARAI), with real-world figures around 58 kmpl. The i3S system boosts efficiency in traffic-heavy commutes.
- Honda CB 125 Hornet: Averages ~54 kmpl in real-world conditions. Its 12L fuel tank (vs. Hero’s 10L) offers a longer range, ideal for longer rides.
| Efficiency | Hero Xtreme 125R | Honda CB 125 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Mileage (Real-World) | 58 kmpl | 54 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank | 10 L | 12 L |
The Hero wins for fuel savings, while the Honda’s larger tank suits riders needing extended range.
Price and Variants: Budget vs Premium
- Hero Xtreme 125R: Starts at ₹99,123 (IBS) and goes up to ₹1,03,476 (ABS OBD2B), with three variants for flexibility.
- Honda CB 125 Hornet: Priced at ₹1,12,000 (single variant), though some estimate ₹1,00,000-1,10,000. Its premium features justify the cost.
| Pricing | Hero Xtreme 125R | Honda CB 125 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹99,123 – ₹1,03,476 | ₹1,12,000 |
| Variants | 3 (IBS, Single seat ABS, Single seat ABS OBD 2B) | 1 (ABS standard) |
The Hero offers better value with lower prices and variant choices, while the Honda’s premium price aligns with its tech and refinement.
Final Verdict: Hero Xtreme 125R vs Honda CB 125 Hornet: Which one is best?
Choosing between the Hero Xtreme 125R and Honda CB 125 Hornet depends on your priorities. If you want a budget-friendly 125cc bike with top-notch mileage, strong performance, and a bold look, the Hero Xtreme 125R is your best bet. It’s perfect for cost-conscious riders who need a reliable, powerful commuter. However, if you’re after premium features like a TFT display, USD forks, and a refined ride—especially for city commuting—the Honda CB 125 Hornet justifies its higher price with tech and finesse that feel a class above.
Xtreme 125R vs CB 125 Hornet FAQ’s
Which bike is better for city commuting?
Honda CB 125 Hornet is ideal for city rides due to its lighter 124 kg build and USD forks for smoother handling. Hero Xtreme 125R offers great mileage (~58 kmpl) with i3S for traffic-heavy commutes.
Which bike is more fuel-efficient?
Hero Xtreme 125R leads with 58 kmpl and i3S technology. Honda CB 125 Hornet averages 54 kmpl but has a larger 12L tank for better range.
Which bike has better features?
Honda CB 125 Hornet shines with a 4.2-inch TFT display, navigation, and Type-C charging. Hero Xtreme 125R has a practical LCD cluster with Bluetooth and i3S.
Which bike is cheaper Xtreme 125R or CB 125 Hornet?
Hero Xtreme 125R with a starting price of ₹99,123 is cheaper than CB 125 Hornet which is priced at Rs ₹1,12,000.
Which is better: Hero Xtreme 125R or Honda CB 125 Hornet?
If you want fuel efficiency and affordability, go for the Hero. If you want premium features and refined performance, the Honda is a better choice.
