If you’re hanging out in the 125cc world and wondering which new streetfighter really brings the punch in 2025, the Honda CB125 Hornet has just arrived to challenge the TVS Raider 125 on all fronts. The Raider has already carved out a fan base with its youthful vibe and tech-loaded variants, and now Honda is stepping in with style, some segment-first features, and that trusted Honda reliability. Let’s take a fresh look at what’s changed and why both deserve serious thought.
The Raider has been around since 2021 and continues to dominate early-career riders who want ride modes, connected tech, and zippy, lightweight fun. The Hornet, on the other hand, officially debuts in India in early August 2025, aiming to bring golden USD forks, TFT Bluetooth dashboard, and bold new styling into the mix. So, for someone balancing fresh tech, daily comfort, and long‑term value, this comparison should help you sip tea and decide which bike suits you best.
Honda CB125 Hornet Vs TVS Raider 125 Design Comparison – Which One Looks Better?
The Raider 125 stands strong with its sharp, edgy design that clearly targets younger riders craving aggressive styling. Its LED headlamp, sporty tank extensions, and split-seat layout give it impressive road presence—even among bigger bikes on the lane. In recent updates, TVS has also added Super Squad-themed editions inspired by Marvel heroes, adding even more visual flair to the lineup.
As for the CB125 Hornet, Honda has taken cues from its higher-end siblings—giving it a muscular fuel tank, raked tail section, and golden upside-down front fork as a highlight. With an all‑LED lighting system and bold dual‑tone paint combinations like Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow, this bike feels both youthful and more premium, appealing to riders who want sporty without looking overdone.
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Honda CB125 Hornet Vs TVS Raider 125 Performance Comparison
Under the hood, the Raider 125’s 124.8cc air-cooled engine continues to deliver about 11.2 bhp and the same 11.2 Nm of torque. Its light kerb weight of around 123 kg helps it sprint from 0–60 km/h in ~5.9 seconds in Sport mode, giving it that familiar peppy character project riders love.
The CB125 Hornet uses a very similar 123.94cc powerplant, tuned to produce roughly 11.1 bhp at 7,500 rpm and the same 11.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Honda claims a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 5.4 seconds—making it one of the fastest 125cc bikes out there. Its weight is impressively low: around 124 kg thanks to the lightweight frame and components.
Honda CB125 Hornet Vs TVS Raider 125 Mileage Comparison
Fuel efficiency remains a key decision‑maker in this segment and both bikes deliver respectable return. The Raider consistently delivers real‑world fuel efficiency figures around 56–60 kmpl, helping it stay inexpensive to own over time thanks to a 10‑litre fuel tank.
Honda’s CB125 Hornet is expected to deliver slightly better mileage, in the ballpark of 60–62 kmpl in mixed usage—thanks to precise engine tuning and light weight. With a slightly larger fuel tank—around 12 litres—it may offer better overall range between refuels, particularly useful if you ride longer distances or commute daily.
Honda CB125 Hornet Vs TVS Raider 125 Features Comparison
The Raider already impressed with its two ride modes—Eco and Power—and LCD cluster, with top‑spec SmartXonnect versions including Bluetooth, navigation, voice assist, and even Boost mode in the iGO variant. That iGO variant offers 13+ connected features and distinct styling in Nardo Grey with red alloy wheels.
Honda’s CB125 Hornet arrives with a 4.2‑inch TFT display offering Bluetooth via Honda RoadSync, turn‑by‑turn navigation, call/message alerts, USB‑C charging port, golden USD fork, a front 240 mm disc and rear 130 mm disc with single‑channel ABS, along with tubeless tyres and preload‑adjustable monoshock. That puts Honda into first‑in‑segment territory on some hardware even though it lacks ride modes.
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Honda CB125 Hornet Vs TVS Raider 125 Braking and Suspension
TVS uses a telescopic front fork and a preload‑adjustable rear mono‑shock on the Raider, giving it a firm but responsive ride. Its front is equipped with a 240 mm petal disc and the rear with a drum brake in base or rear disc in higher variants, with CBS as standard. That setup feels sportier and provides good handling feedback.
Meanwhile, the Hornet features upside‑down golden forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, both tuned for a balance of comfort and sporty control. Braking is handled by a 240 mm petal disc at front and 130 mm rear disc with single‑channel ABS. That setup along with its low kerb weight gives the Hornet calm, confidence‑inspiring stopping power without being twitchy.
Honda CB125 Hornet Vs TVS Raider 125 Price Comparison
The TVS Raider 125 starts from roughly ₹87,000 ex‑showroom in Delhi for the drum‑brake base variant, going up to ₹98,530 for the iGO variant with Boost Mode, and topping out at around ₹1.03–1.04 lakh for the SmartXonnect variant.
Honda hasn’t confirmed final prices yet, but estimates place the CB125 Hornet in the ₹95,000 to ₹1,00,000 ex‑showroom range. Booking opens on August 1, 2025, and deliveries are likely to begin soon after, during early August or September.
Honda CB125 Hornet Vs TVS Raider 125 – Comparison Table
| Feature | Honda CB125 Hornet | TVS Raider 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 123.94 cc, air‑cooled | 124.8 cc, air‑cooled |
| Power / Torque | ~11.1 bhp / 11.2 Nm | ~11.2 bhp / 11.2 Nm |
| 0–60 km/h Acceleration | ~5.4 sec | ~5.9 sec |
| Mileage | ~60–62 kmpl | ~56–60 kmpl |
| Ride Modes | No | Yes (Eco, Power, Boost on iGO) |
| Connectivity & Display | 4.2″ TFT Bluetooth | LCD / TFT with SmartXonnect |
| Suspension | USD fork + Monoshock | Telescopic + Monoshock |
| Braking | Front & rear disc + ABS | Front disc / rear drum or disc + CBS |
| Estimated Ex‑Showroom Price | ₹95,000–1,00,000 | ₹87,000–1,04,000 |
| Road Presence | Rugged & premium | Sharp & youthful |
Conclusion – Honda CB125 Hornet Vs TVS Raider 125
If you’re after fun and tech right off the showroom floor, the TVS Raider 125 still leads for its ride‑modes, connected tech, Marvel-themed variants, and slightly lower starting price. It’s lively, sporty and loaded with features that younger riders love, all while being priced attractively.
On the flip side, the Honda CB125 Hornet brings a fresh design, segment‑first golden USD forks, a sharp TFT screen, and Honda-level refinement into the picture. While lacking ride modes, it offsets that with solid hardware, lighter build, and a slightly better real‑world mileage and range. If you value build quality, long‑term comfort and style that ages well, the Hornet deserves a close look.
Think about what matters more: connected features and sporty flair, or refinement, comfort, and a slightly better range. Either way, both the Raider and Hornet are strong picks in the booming 125cc sporty‑commuter segment of mid‑2025. 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!
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FAQs About Honda CB125 Hornet Vs TVS Raider 125
When can I book the Honda CB125 Hornet and when does it roll out on roads?
Bookings open on August 1, 2025, and deliveries are expected in the same month or early September.
Which bike is quicker in acceleration – Hornet or Raider?
Honda claims the CB125 Hornet does 0–60 km/h in about 5.4 seconds, slightly quicker than Raider’s 5.9 seconds.
Do both bikes offer Bluetooth and navigation?
Raider offers Bluetooth/messaging/turn‑by‑turn navigation only in top variants with SmartXonnect, while Hornet comes standard with a 4.2″ TFT display and RoadSync Bluetooth support on all versions.
Which one gives better fuel efficiency and longer mileage?
Both bikes are efficient, but Hornet has the edge with an estimated 60–62 kmpl and a 12 litre tank, giving better range between fill‑ups.
Which bike is lighter and easier for city riding or parking?
They’re both light and nimble—Raider weighs around 123 kg, while Hornet is just about 124 kg—so both handle city traffic confidently and feel effortless at low speeds.
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