The 125cc bike segment in India just got more competitive with two strong contenders: the Honda CB 125 Hornet and the Hero Xtreme 125R. Both motorcycles come with sporty designs, fuel-efficient engines, and affordable pricing but which one offers the best value for money in 2025? Here’s a detailed breakdown of performance, mileage, price, features, and overall ownership experience.
Design & Road Presence: Aggression vs Athleticism
The Honda CB 125 Hornet looks muscular and premium, taking styling cues from its bigger sibling the Hornet 160R. It features sharp tank extensions, a robotic LED headlamp, and bold graphics. On the other hand, the Hero Xtreme 125R carries a sleeker, more athletic look with aerodynamic lines, a sharp LED projector headlamp, and split grab rails, giving it a youthful streetfighter appeal.
Engine Performance & Ride Feel
The CB 125 Hornet is powered by a refined 124cc air-cooled engine that produces around 11.1 bhp and 10.4 Nm torque. It’s tuned for smooth city riding with reliable low-end power. Meanwhile, the Hero Xtreme 125R comes with a 124.7cc engine delivering 11.4 bhp and 10.5 Nm, giving it a slight edge in both top-end performance and acceleration. In real-world riding, the Xtreme 125R feels more punchy, while the Hornet shines in refinement and low-vibration cruising.
Mileage & Efficiency Comparison
When it comes to fuel economy, the Hero Xtreme 125R takes the lead with a mileage of around 66 kmpl under standard conditions, thanks to Hero’s i3S idle stop-start system. The Honda CB 125 Hornet offers an estimated mileage of 60–62 kmpl, which is still respectable and backed by Honda’s proven reliability.
Features & Ride Comfort
Both bikes offer features like digital instrument clusters, LED lighting, and front disc brakes. The Hero Xtreme 125R gets additional tech such as real-time mileage indicators and a wider rear tyre. Ride comfort is excellent on both, but the Hornet gets a slightly more upright stance, making it suitable for longer commutes.
Price in India & Value for Money
The Honda CB 125 Hornet is expected to be priced around ₹95,000 (ex-showroom), while the Hero Xtreme 125R starts at ₹95,000 and goes up to ₹99,500 depending on the variant. Hero offers better equipment at a slightly more competitive price, especially in the top-end variant.
Conclusion: The Hero Xtreme 125R offers a slight edge in performance, mileage, and features for its price, making it the more value-packed choice for young riders. However, the Honda CB 125 Hornet delivers class-leading refinement, smooth ride quality, and Honda’s bulletproof reliability ideal for those prioritizing comfort and brand trust.
Disclaimer: Specifications, prices, and mileage figures mentioned are based on available data at the time of writing. Actual numbers may vary depending on location, riding conditions, and updates from the manufacturers.
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