At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Hero Xtreme 125R
- 124.7 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 11.4 PS @ 8250 rpm
- 66 km/l (ARAI)
- 10-litre tank
- 4 variants available
- Dual-channel ABS (top variant)
Honda CB 125 Hornet
- 123.94 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 11.14 PS @ 7500 rpm
- 48 km/l (Claimed)
- 12-litre tank
- 1 variant available
- TFT display + Bluetooth
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Hero Xtreme 125R | Honda CB 125 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 124.7 cc | 123.94 cc |
| Cooling System | Air-Cooled | Air-Cooled |
| Max Power | 11.4 PS @ 8250 rpm | 11.14 PS @ 7500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 10.5 Nm @ 6000 rpm | 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 | 2 |
| Compression Ratio | 10:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 52.4 × 57.8 mm | 50.0 × 63.121 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 (OBD2B) | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | 95 km/h | ~95 km/h |
| Riding Modes | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (Claimed) | 66 km/l (ARAI) | 48 km/l (Claimed) |
| Mileage (Real-world) | 50–55 km/l | ~40–44 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 10 litres | 12 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 1.6 litres | 2 litres |
| Riding Range | ~600–650 km | ~576 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | IBS / Single / Dual Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 276 mm | Disc – 240 mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum / Disc (variant dependent) | Drum – 130 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 90/90-17 / 120/80-17 | 80/100-17 / 110/80-17 |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks | Upside Down Fork (USD) |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Chassis | Diamond Frame | Diamond Type |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | No |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 136 kg | 124 kg |
| Seat Height | 794 mm | 796 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | 166 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1315 mm | 1330 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2020 × 790 × 1080 mm | 2015 × 783 × 1087 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Digital | 4.2-inch TFT Digital |
| Headlight | LED Projector | LED |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | LED | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Call & SMS Alerts | No | Yes |
| USB Charging Port | No | Yes |
| Distance to Empty | No | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Tachometer | Digital | Digital |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Silent Start | Yes | Yes |
| Side Stand Engine Cut-off | Yes | Yes |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹90,652 | ₹1,14,423 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,07,163 | ₹1,14,423 |
| Number of Variants | 4 | 1 |
| Standard Warranty | 5 Years / 70,000 km | 3 Years |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
Hero Xtreme 125R Variants
Honda CB 125 Hornet Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Segment-leading ARAI-certified mileage of 66 km/l
- Multiple braking options: IBS, Single & Dual Channel ABS
- Larger 276 mm front disc brake
- Greater ground clearance (180 mm)
- LED projector headlight standard
- Hazard warning lights included
- Rear preload adjuster for suspension tuning
- Superior 5-year / 70,000 km warranty
- Lower starting price (₹90,652)
- 4 variant choices for different budgets
Cons
- No Bluetooth or TFT display on any variant
- No USB charging port
- Smaller 10-litre fuel tank
- Conventional telescopic forks (no USD)
- Heavier at 136 kg vs 124 kg
- No connectivity features whatsoever
Pros
- Segment-first USD front suspension for superior handling
- 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity
- Call & SMS alerts via connected smartphone
- USB charging port as standard
- Distance to Empty display
- Stronger low-end torque (11.2 Nm)
- Larger 12-litre fuel tank
- Lighter at 124 kg — best in class
- Refined Honda engine with smooth power delivery
Cons
- Significantly lower mileage (48 km/l vs 66 km/l)
- Only single-channel ABS — no Dual Channel ABS option
- Rear drum brake only — no disc rear option
- Higher price — ₹1,14,423 with no variant choice
- Shorter 3-year warranty vs 5-year on Xtreme 125R
- No hazard warning lights
- Less ground clearance (166 mm vs 180 mm)
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine Character
Both bikes use an air-cooled, 2-valve single-cylinder engine of similar displacement. The Hero Xtreme 125R produces 11.4 PS @ 8250 rpm with 10.5 Nm, tuned for higher revving efficiency. The Honda CB 125 Hornet makes a slightly lower 11.14 PS @ 7500 rpm but delivers more torque at 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm, resulting in stronger low-to-mid range pull — characteristic of Honda's commuter-focused engine tuning. Both are BS6 Phase 2 compliant with 5-speed gearboxes.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The Xtreme 125R dominates this category with an ARAI-certified 66 km/l — significantly better than the CB 125 Hornet's 48 km/l claimed figure. Real-world figures for the Xtreme 125R are 50–55 km/l. Despite having a smaller 10-litre tank versus the Hornet's 12-litre unit, the Xtreme 125R still delivers a competitive range of 600–650 km. The CB 125 Hornet, despite its larger tank, returns only ~576 km due to poorer efficiency.
Braking & Safety
The Xtreme 125R holds a decisive edge in braking versatility. It offers three braking configurations — IBS, Single Channel ABS, and Dual Channel ABS — across its variants, with a larger 276 mm front disc. The CB 125 Hornet is limited to Single Channel ABS only, with a smaller 240 mm front disc and a rear drum brake on its only variant. For maximum safety, the Xtreme 125R's Dual Channel ABS variant at ₹1,07,163 is the clear choice.
Technology & Features
The CB 125 Hornet carries a significant advantage in technology. Its 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth, call/SMS alerts, USB charging, and distance-to-empty sets a premium standard in the 125cc segment. The Xtreme 125R offers a functional digital console but has no Bluetooth, no USB port, and no connected features on any variant. For tech-savvy riders, the Hornet is clearly ahead.
Warranty & Ownership
The Hero Xtreme 125R offers an outstanding 5-year / 70,000 km warranty, while the Honda CB 125 Hornet provides only a 3-year warranty with no kilometre cap specified. For high-mileage commuters who cover 15,000+ km per year, the Xtreme 125R's two additional years of warranty coverage translates into meaningful peace of mind and lower potential repair costs.
Price & Value
The Xtreme 125R starts ₹23,771 cheaper (₹90,652 vs ₹1,14,423) and even its top Dual Channel ABS variant at ₹1,07,163 is still ₹7,260 less than the Hornet's single variant. The Xtreme 125R's sweet spot is the ₹95,447 Single Channel ABS variant, which delivers strong safety and mileage at a very competitive price. The CB 125 Hornet justifies its premium primarily through its USD forks and TFT display.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Hero Xtreme 125R if…
- Fuel economy is your top priority — 66 km/l ARAI
- You want Dual Channel ABS at a lower cost
- You do heavy daily commuting and want longer range
- The 5-year / 70,000 km warranty matters to you
- Budget is key — starts ₹23,771 cheaper
- You want more ground clearance for rough city roads
- Multiple variant choices help you pick the right fit
Buy the Honda CB 125 Hornet if…
- Premium TFT display & Bluetooth are must-haves
- USD front forks and superior handling matter to you
- You want USB charging and connected features
- Honda refinement and brand reliability are priorities
- Lightweight handling (124 kg) is important to you
- You want stronger low-end torque for city riding
- You're upgrading from a basic 110cc commuter
Overall Winner for Most Riders: Hero Xtreme 125R. Segment-leading fuel efficiency of 66 km/l, multiple braking options including Dual Channel ABS, a larger 276 mm front disc, superior ground clearance, a wider variant range from ₹90,652, and an outstanding 5-year / 70,000 km warranty make the Xtreme 125R the more practical and better-value choice for the majority of Indian commuters. Choose the Honda CB 125 Hornet only if premium features like a TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, USD forks, and Honda's brand refinement are your absolute top priorities and you are willing to pay a ₹23,771 premium for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Hero Xtreme 125R is better for most buyers who prioritise fuel efficiency (66 km/l ARAI), multiple braking options including Dual Channel ABS, lower starting price, greater ground clearance and a superior 5-year / 70,000 km warranty. The Honda CB 125 Hornet is the better choice if you value premium technology like a TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, USD front forks, and Honda's lighter 124 kg build.
The Hero Xtreme 125R starts at ₹90,652 while the Honda CB 125 Hornet is priced at ₹1,14,423 ex-showroom — a base difference of approximately ₹23,771. Even the top Xtreme 125R Dual Channel ABS variant at ₹1,07,163 remains ₹7,260 cheaper than the Hornet's single variant. Both prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
The Hero Xtreme 125R has significantly better mileage at 66 km/l (ARAI certified) compared to the Honda CB 125 Hornet's claimed 48 km/l. Real-world figures favour the Xtreme 125R at 50–55 km/l against approximately 40–44 km/l for the Hornet. Despite the Xtreme 125R's smaller 10-litre tank, its higher efficiency still gives it a competitive riding range of 600–650 km versus approximately 576 km for the Hornet.
The Hero Xtreme 125R makes marginally more peak power at 11.4 PS @ 8250 rpm compared to the Honda CB 125 Hornet's 11.14 PS @ 7500 rpm. However, the CB 125 Hornet produces more torque at 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm versus 10.5 Nm for the Xtreme 125R, giving it slightly better low-to-mid range pull for city riding. For everyday commuting, the difference is barely noticeable.
Yes, the Honda CB 125 Hornet comes equipped with a 4.2-inch TFT digital instrument cluster as standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity, call and SMS alerts, distance-to-empty display, and a USB charging port. The Hero Xtreme 125R uses a conventional digital console without any Bluetooth or connected features across all its variants.
The Hero Xtreme 125R wins on braking breadth and hardware. It offers IBS, Single Channel ABS, and Dual Channel ABS across its 4 variants, with a 276 mm front disc — 36 mm larger than the Hornet's 240 mm unit. The Honda CB 125 Hornet is only available with Single Channel ABS and uses a rear drum brake, giving riders no option to upgrade to dual-channel braking. For maximum stopping safety, the Xtreme 125R's Dual Channel ABS variant is the clear winner.
The Hero Xtreme 125R offers a significantly better warranty at 5 years / 70,000 km compared to the Honda CB 125 Hornet's 3-year standard warranty. For daily commuters who clock 15,000–20,000 km per year, the Xtreme 125R's additional 2 years of warranty coverage provides substantial peace of mind and can save considerably on potential repair costs outside warranty.