When Honda CB125 Hornet launched on August 1, 2025, it shook up the sporty 125cc segment. The Hornet brings a fresh street-fighter feel, packed with modern tech like a TFT display and USD forks. Its arrival sparked instant comparison with the Hero Xtreme 125R, which has already built a strong reputation for sporty looks, mileage, and practicality.
Both bikes are tailored for young urban riders—someone who wants performance, style, and everyday usability. But which one ticks more boxes for your commute, weekend ride, or style statement? Let’s chat through everything, like we’re catching up over a cup of tea.
Honda CB125 Hornet Vs Hero Xtreme 125R Design Comparison
The CB125 Hornet brings aggressive street-fighter styling with muscular tank shrouds, an angular twin-LED headlamp setup, and golden upside-down forks that steal the spotlight. Its compact build and split-seat design give it a premium, sport-bike stance that instantly turns heads. On the road, it stands out as modern, edgy, and inherently youthful.
Compared to that, the Xtreme 125R leans more toward polished, sporty commuter design. It has a sharp projector LED headlamp, chic decals, and an overall robust feel. It may not scream premium sportbike, but it confidently hits the sweet spot between sharp styling and daily practicality. Many riders appreciate its solid presence without the flash of the Hornet.
Honda CB125 Hornet Vs Hero Xtreme 125R Performance Comparison
Under the Hornet’s fuel tank lies a 123.94cc engine making about 11 PS and 11.2 Nm of torque, paired with a slick 5-speed gearbox. Thanks to its low weight of 124 kg, Honda claims a fast 0–60 km/h time of just 5.4 seconds—one of the quickest in its class. If you love crisp throttle response and a punchy character, the Hornet delivers with enthusiasm.
The Xtreme 125R uses a slightly larger 124.7cc engine producing 11.4–11.55 PS and 10.5 Nm of torque. While it’s slightly heavier at 136 kg, the well-tuned motor and 5-speed gearbox offer smooth, usable power for everyday riding. It doesn’t feel underpowered, but it’s also not as razor-sharp off the line as the Hornet—it’s designed for steady, reliable commuting.
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Honda CB125 Hornet Vs Hero Xtreme 125R Mileage Comparison
Honda hasn’t released official mileage yet, but expect around 50–55 kmpl in real-world conditions—a fair tradeoff for its sporty nature. The Xtreme 125R, on the other hand, has an ARAI-rated mileage of 66 kmpl and real riders report 56 to 58 kmpl during daily use. Pair that with a 10-litre tank, and you’re looking at over 550 km range per fill-up.
So if you’re chasing mileage and fewer petrol stops, the Xtreme pulls ahead. But if you’re comfortable trading a bit of efficiency for sportier ride and style, the Hornet still holds its own in regular commuting.
Honda CB125 Hornet Vs Hero Xtreme 125R Features Comparison
The Hornet pushes premium boundaries by offering a 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, Honda RoadSync app—complete with music, calls, SMS alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation—plus a USB Type-C charging port. Its full LED lighting, single-channel ABS, and USD front forks add even more flair and confidence.
The Xtreme 125R counters with its own strong package: projector LED headlamp, tubeless alloy wheels, digital LCD console, and optional ABS or Combi-Brake System across its five variants. It may not have TFT or USB-C, but its practical features are well-chosen for real-world use.
Honda CB125 Hornet Vs Hero Xtreme 125R Braking and Suspension
The Hornet’s golden upside-down front forks and adjustable rear monoshock give you agile handling and responsive ride quality. Braking uses a big 240mm front disc, 130mm rear drum, and single-channel ABS—ideal for city rides and quick maneuvers.
The Xtreme offers conventional 37mm front forks and a gas-charged mono-shock at the rear, tuned for comfortable urban travel. It uses the same 240mm front disc and 130mm rear drum, with optional ABS or Combi-Brake system, offering stable braking for daily commuting.
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Honda CB125 Hornet Vs Hero Xtreme 125R Price Comparison
Honda has bookings starting August 1, 2025, and expects an ex-showroom price of around ₹95,000–1,00,000 for the Hornet. On the Hero side, the Xtreme 125R ranges from ₹96,425 for the base IBS model to ₹1,02,100 for the top ABS variant. Both remain competitive, staying just under or around the ₹1 lakh mark, making value a key deciding factor.
Honda CB125 Hornet Vs Hero Xtreme 125R – Comparison Table
| Feature | Honda CB125 Hornet | Hero Xtreme 125R |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 123.94cc, 11 PS / 11.2 Nm | 124.7cc, 11.4–11.55 PS / 10.5 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Kerb Weight | 124 kg | 136 kg |
| 0–60 km/h Acceleration | 5.4 seconds (claimed) | ~6 seconds (estimated) |
| Front Suspension | USD fork (golden) | Conventional telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Adjustable mono-shock | Gas-charged mono-shock |
| Brakes | 240mm disc, 130mm drum, single-channel ABS | 240mm disc, 130mm drum, ABS or CBS options |
| Instrument Console | 4.2″ TFT with Bluetooth & USB-C | Digital LCD |
| Mileage (Real world) | ~50–55 kmpl | 56–58 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 litres | 10 litres |
| Price (ex-showroom) | ₹95K–1L | ₹96K–1.02L |
Conclusion – Honda CB125 Hornet Vs Hero Xtreme 125R: Which One is Worth Buying?
If you’re leaning toward a sporty ride with premium features and a lean weight, the CB125 Hornet steals the show with its TFT display, Bluetooth, USB charging, and throttle-charged USD forks. It delivers the thrill and tech you’d expect from a young, urban rider’s dream, even if that comes at a slight fuel-efficiency cost.
On the other hand, if you value mileage, practical commuting, and a familiar Hero service network, the Xtreme 125R is a reliable choice. It has solid features, decent comfort, and is backed by a bike that’s already proven on the road.
Choose the Hornet for premium tech, edgy design, and sharp performance. Go for the Xtreme 125R if you want everyday practicality with sporty appeal, all in a budget-friendly package. So that’s all in today’s post, for more updates, reviews, and car comparisons, visit IndianGadi.com – your go-to hub for everything on wheels!
FAQs About Honda CB125 Hornet Vs Hero Xtreme 125R
Which bike accelerates faster from 0–60 km/h?
Honda claims the Hornet does it in 5.4 seconds, making it quicker off the line compared to the Xtreme’s estimated 6 seconds, thanks to its lighter weight and sport-tuned engine.
Which one offers better mileage?
The Xtreme 125R delivers around 56–58 kmpl in real-world use, while the Hornet is expected to give slightly less—around 50–55 kmpl—because of its sporty tuning.
Does the Honda CB125 Hornet offer Bluetooth and navigation?
Yes, the Hornet packs a 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and turn-by-turn navigation through Honda’s RoadSync app, alongside music and call alerts.
Is ABS available on both bikes?
Both bikes offer single-channel ABS on their front disc brakes. The Hornet includes ABS as standard, while the Xtreme offers it in its higher trims.
Which bike is lighter and easier to handle?
The Hornet is lighter at 124 kg, making it more nimble in traffic and tighter corners. The Xtreme is slightly heavier but still manageable, giving a more planted feel.
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