At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
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 + USD forks + Bluetooth
Bajaj Pulsar N125
- 124.58 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 12 PS @ 8500 rpm
- 60 km/l (ARAI)
- 9.5-litre tank
- 2 variants available
- 198 mm ground clearance + 5yr warranty
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Honda CB 125 Hornet | Bajaj Pulsar N125 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 123.94 cc | 124.58 cc |
| Cooling System | Air-Cooled | Air-Cooled |
| Max Power | 11.14 PS @ 7500 rpm | 12 PS @ 8500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm | 11 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 | 2 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0 : 1 | 10.05 ± 0.3 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 50.0 × 63.121 mm | 54 × 54.4 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Gear Shifting Pattern | 1 Down, 4 Up | 1 Down, 4 Up |
| Top Speed | ~95 km/h | ~100 km/h |
| Start Type | Self Start (Silent) | Electric Start |
| Riding Modes | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (Claimed / ARAI) | ~48 km/l (Claimed) | 60 km/l (ARAI) |
| Fuel Tank | 12 litres | 9.5 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 2 litres | 1.5 litres |
| Riding Range (Estimated) | ~660 km | ~570 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | Single Channel ABS | CBS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 240 mm | Disc – 240 mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum – 130 mm | Drum – 130 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 80/100-17 / 110/80-17 | 80/100-17 / 110/80-17 |
| Wheel Size | 17-inch | 17-inch |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | Upside Down Fork (USD) | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Chassis | Diamond Type | Diamond Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | No | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 124 kg | 125 kg |
| Seat Height | 796 mm | 795 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 166 mm | 198 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1330 mm | 1295 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2015 × 783 × 1087 mm | 2018 × 810 × 1078 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | 4.2-inch TFT Digital | Fully Digital LCD |
| Headlight | LED | LED |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | LED | LED |
| Tail Light | LED | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes (all variants) | Yes (BT variant only) |
| Call & SMS Alerts | Yes | Yes (BT variant only) |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Distance to Empty | Yes | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Tachometer | Digital | Digital |
| Clock | Yes | Yes |
| Service Reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Silent Start | Yes | No |
| Side Stand Engine Cut-off | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1,14,423 | ₹93,668 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,14,423 | ₹94,661 |
| Number of Variants | 1 | 2 |
| Standard Warranty | 3 Years | 5 Years / 75,000 km |
★ 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
Honda CB 125 Hornet Variants
Bajaj Pulsar N125 Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Premium 4.2-inch TFT display — best in 125cc segment
- Bluetooth + call/SMS alerts as standard on all variants
- Segment-first USD front forks for superior handling
- Single-channel ABS for safer emergency braking
- Full LED lighting — headlight, tail, turn signals
- USB charging port standard
- Distance to empty display
- Silent ACG start for quieter ignition
- Larger 12-litre tank giving longer range (~660 km)
- Aggressive naked streetfighter styling
Cons
- Significantly more expensive (₹20,755 over Pulsar N125)
- Lower mileage — 48 km/l vs 60 km/l ARAI certified
- Only 1 variant — no budget choice
- Less power (11.14 PS vs 12 PS)
- Shorter 3-year warranty vs 5 years on N125
- Lower ground clearance (166 mm vs 198 mm)
- No rear preload adjuster
- No hazard warning lights
Pros
- More power — 12 PS @ 8500 rpm vs 11.14 PS
- Superior ARAI-certified mileage — 60 km/l vs 48 km/l
- ₹20,755 cheaper than the CB 125 Hornet at base
- Exceptional 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
- Best-in-segment ground clearance at 198 mm
- Rear monoshock with preload adjuster
- Hazard warning lights as standard
- 2 variants to choose from
- Full LED lighting with DRLs
- USB charging port standard
Cons
- No ABS — only CBS (Combined Braking System)
- Conventional telescopic forks vs USD on CB Hornet
- LCD console vs 4.2-inch TFT on CB Hornet
- Bluetooth only on BT variant, not base model
- No silent start
- Smaller 9.5-litre fuel tank
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine & Performance
Both bikes use 124cc air-cooled, 2-valve, 5-speed engines but with different tuning philosophies. The Pulsar N125 produces 12 PS @ 8500 rpm — a higher redline figure that gives it a more rev-happy character. The CB 125 Hornet produces 11.14 PS @ 7500 rpm with marginally more torque at 11.2 Nm. Both reach around 95–100 km/h top speed, making them closely matched in real-world urban riding. The CB Hornet's silent ACG start provides a noticeably smoother and quieter ignition experience.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The Pulsar N125 has a decisive advantage with an ARAI-certified 60 km/l versus the CB 125 Hornet's claimed 48 km/l — a 25% difference. The Hornet is tuned for a sportier, more performance-oriented character, which compromises fuel economy. However, the CB 125 Hornet's larger 12-litre tank (vs 9.5 litres) gives it a longer riding range of ~660 km against the N125's ~570 km, partially offsetting its per-litre inefficiency.
Braking & Safety
Both bikes share identical 240 mm front disc and 130 mm rear drum brake hardware with the same tyre sizes. The decisive difference is the braking system: the CB 125 Hornet uses single-channel ABS, which prevents front wheel lockup during emergency stops, while the Pulsar N125 uses CBS (Combined Braking System) without ABS. For safety-conscious riders and those less experienced, ABS provides a meaningful real-world advantage that CBS cannot replicate.
Features & Technology
The CB 125 Hornet leads convincingly here. Its 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth, call/SMS alerts, and distance-to-empty is a segment first — all available as standard. The Pulsar N125 uses a digital LCD display and restricts Bluetooth to the BT variant only. The CB Hornet also adds USD front forks — premium suspension hardware that the N125's conventional telescopic forks cannot match for handling precision. The N125 counters with hazard warning lights and a rear preload adjuster, which the Hornet lacks.
Warranty & Ownership
The Pulsar N125 dominates on warranty: 5 years / 75,000 km versus the CB 125 Hornet's 3 years (no kilometre limit specified). For daily commuters covering 15,000–20,000 km per year, the N125's extended coverage provides significantly more peace of mind. The CB Hornet benefits from Honda's extensive service network, but the N125's warranty terms are far more comprehensive for high-mileage riders.
Price & Value
The Pulsar N125 starts at ₹93,668 — a massive ₹20,755 less than the CB 125 Hornet's ₹1,14,423. Even the top BT variant of the N125 at ₹94,661 is ₹19,762 cheaper. For that premium on the CB Hornet, buyers get ABS, USD forks, a TFT display and Bluetooth standard. Whether that ₹20,000+ premium represents value depends entirely on how much those features matter to the individual buyer. On raw specs — power, mileage and warranty — the N125 wins at a far lower price.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Honda CB 125 Hornet if…
- A premium 4.2-inch TFT display is a priority for you
- ABS matters for safety, especially on wet roads
- USD front forks and superior handling excite you
- Bluetooth connectivity standard from base is important
- Silent ACG start and full LED lighting appeal to you
- You want one of the most feature-rich 125cc bikes available
- Budget is flexible and the ₹20,755 premium is acceptable
Buy the Bajaj Pulsar N125 if…
- More power (12 PS) and better ARAI mileage (60 km/l) matter
- Budget is a priority — starts ₹20,755 cheaper
- The 5-year / 75,000 km warranty is important to you
- Best-in-class ground clearance (198 mm) for rough roads
- You want sporty Pulsar N-series styling at a lower price
- Hazard lights and rear preload adjuster add value for you
- You plan to add Bluetooth via the BT variant affordably
A genuinely divided verdict — two very different propositions. The Honda CB 125 Hornet is the most feature-loaded 125cc motorcycle available, with a TFT display, USD forks, ABS, Bluetooth and silent start — hardware that no rival in the segment can match. But it costs ₹20,755 more and delivers 25% worse mileage. The Bajaj Pulsar N125 wins on every practical metric — more power, better ARAI mileage, lower price, superior ground clearance, and a class-leading 5-year / 75,000 km warranty. Choose the CB 125 Hornet if premium features and ABS safety are worth the premium. Choose the Pulsar N125 if you want the better all-round value, stronger performance, and exceptional long-term ownership terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Honda CB 125 Hornet is better for riders who want a TFT display, ABS, USD forks and Bluetooth as standard — all premium features at a ₹20,755 premium. The Bajaj Pulsar N125 is better for riders who want more power (12 PS), better ARAI mileage (60 km/l), a lower price (₹93,668), exceptional 5-year / 75,000 km warranty, and best-in-class ground clearance (198 mm). Both are excellent sporty 125cc motorcycles serving different buyer priorities.
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 starts at ₹93,668 while the Honda CB 125 Hornet is priced at ₹1,14,423 ex-showroom — a difference of ₹20,755. Even the top Pulsar N125 BT variant at ₹94,661 is ₹19,762 cheaper than the CB Hornet. All prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 has significantly better mileage at 60 km/l (ARAI certified) compared to the Honda CB 125 Hornet's claimed 48 km/l — a 25% difference. The Hornet is tuned for sportier performance, which impacts fuel economy. However, the CB Hornet's larger 12-litre tank gives it a longer estimated range of ~660 km against the N125's ~570 km.
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 makes more power at 12 PS @ 8500 rpm compared to the Honda CB 125 Hornet's 11.14 PS @ 7500 rpm. The CB Hornet produces marginally more torque at 11.2 Nm vs 11 Nm for the N125. Both reach approximately 95–100 km/h in top speed and are closely matched in real-world performance.
Yes, the Honda CB 125 Hornet comes with Bluetooth connectivity as standard on its single variant, paired with a 4.2-inch TFT display that shows call and SMS alerts. The Bajaj Pulsar N125 offers Bluetooth only on its LED Disc BT variant (₹94,661), while the base LED Disc variant (₹93,668) does not include Bluetooth.
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 offers a significantly better warranty at 5 years / 75,000 km compared to the Honda CB 125 Hornet's 3 years (with no stated kilometre limit). For high-mileage commuters covering 15,000–20,000 km annually, the N125's warranty provides substantially more coverage and greater protection against expensive out-of-warranty repairs.