The 125 cc motorcycle segment in India is heating up. Riders want a mix of style, decent performance, modern features, and fuel efficiency — more than just a bare-bones commuter. Two of the strong contenders in this space are the TVS Raider 125 and the Honda CB125 Hornet. While they compete in the same displacement class, they take different approaches to appeal to the buyer. In this article, we delve into styling, features, mileage (fuel efficiency/performance), and pricing to help you see which one is better suited to your taste and use case.

Design and Styling

TVS Raider 125

TVS has positioned the Raider 125 as a sporty commuter with aggressive styling cues and modern touches. Some of its key styling elements are:

• It sports a muscular fuel tank, sharp creases, and an angular bodyline that gives it a more edgy, street-fighter look.
• The headlamp cluster is LED, with internal DRLs and a somewhat futuristic “grasshopper-style” design.
• It uses split seats in some variants, and also offers belly pan styling to evoke a sporty feel.
• The seat height is reasonable at about 780 mm, so it does not become overly tall for many riders.
• Its overall stance is on the aggressive/sporty side, aided by its light weight (≈ 123 kg kerb) and compact footprint.

Thus, the Raider’s styling is a deliberate move to look more than a commuter; it wants to appeal to younger riders who care about looks as much as daily usability.

Honda CB125 Hornet

Honda’s CB125 Hornet leans into the “mini-streetfighter” aesthetic, borrowing cues from its bigger siblings in the Hornet/CB series. Key styling highlights:

• It has an aggressive front headlamp design, with a low-slung look that gives it a more mature street-naked bike appearance.
• The muscular tank and sculpted side panels reinforce the sporty intent.
• The tail zone is sharp and upswept, giving a sporty, aerodynamic rear profile.
• It uses LED DRLs and modern lighting elements, giving it a premium visual touch.
• The kerb weight is about 124 kg, which keeps it light in its class.
• In terms of ergonomics, it aims for a balanced position: slightly forward but not extreme, thus trying to straddle comfort and sportiness. Reviews indicate the riding position is comfortable enough for daily use, while still offering a bit of aggression when pushed.

So the Hornet’s styling is more mature and restrained compared to the more youthful, “edge-seeking” looks of the Raider. The CB125 Hornet feels more like a scaled-down big-bike sibling.

Styling Verdict

• If you prefer bold, aggressive, youth-oriented styling with visual flair, the Raider 125 has a slight edge.
• If you want a design that hints at serious bikes and you prefer a more cohesive, mature streetfighter look, the CB125 Hornet will appeal more.

In the end, styling is subjective — so a real side-by-side or visit to showroom is recommended.

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Features & Technology

Since both bikes aim to go beyond barebones commuter machines, features become critical differentiators.

TVS Raider 125: Features

TVS has loaded the Raider with a robust feature set, especially in higher variants. Some highlights:

• The engine is a 124.76 cc air + oil cooled single, producing 11.2 bhp @ 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm torque @ 6,000 rpm.
• The chassis is a monotrack cradle frame, with telescopic front fork and a 5-step adjustable gas-charged monoshock at the rear.
• It gets a full digital instrument cluster in all variants.
• In higher variants, TVS offers the SmartXonnect system (Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, call alerts, etc.).
• Some editions get TFT display (with more features) vs reverse LCD clusters in lower models.
• Safety features include single-channel ABS or offering variants with better braking setups (disc/disc).
• The Raider also supports Boost Mode in some variants (especially “iGO” versions) for extra thrust when needed.
• 0–60 km/h sprint times advertised in the ~5.8–5.9 s range for certain variants.
• Ground clearance is ~180 mm, which is decent for Indian roads.
• Seat height 780 mm.

One thing to note is that lower variants will miss some premium features (for cost savings), so features vary significantly by variant.

Honda CB125 Hornet: Features

Honda has also tried to pack the CB125 Hornet with appealing modern touches, positioning it at a premium in this segment. Some features:

• Engine: 123.94 cc, with ~10.99 bhp (≈11.14 PS depending on sources) and 11.2 Nm torque.
• The Hornet uses upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock for suspension — a more premium suspension setup than telescopic forks, which gives it better ride control and feedback.
• It sports a full-color 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, etc.
• LED DRLs and a modern lighting package give it a premium feel.
• Safety: single-channel ABS is standard.
• It offers a USB-C charging port, making it more useful for connected riding.
• The structure uses a new steel frame tailored for this model, not borrowed heavily from older bikes.
• The riding position is balanced: not overtly aggressive, but still sporty enough. Reviewers mention that Honda has “nailed it” in offering a practical ride feel.

Thus, CB125 Hornet competes not just on looks and engine but also leverages premium components (USD forks) and a strong feature set to justify a higher pricing.

Features Verdict

• In feature-to-price ratio, Raider gives a lot, especially in mid-to-upper variants (SmartXonnect, TFT, Boost Mode).
• Hornet counters with premium suspension, high-quality components, and refined execution.
• If suspension feel / ride feedback matters heavily to you, Hornet might have an advantage (with USD forks). If you want connectivity, feature richness, and tech, Raider has a strong claim.

Mileage, Performance & Usability

TVS Raider 125: Mileage & Performance

• The Raider claimed ARAI mileage is 56.7 kmpl, and user-reported mileage is close to 56 kmpl.
• mention 66 kmpl (though that seems optimistic in real-world conditions).
• Its power output (11.2 bhp and 11.2 Nm) is adequate for urban use, and the light weight (123 kg) ensures peppy responses in city traffic.
• Claimed top speed is ~99 kmph.
• The Raider’s engine is tuned more for mid-range usability rather than outright top-end speed. This makes it more usable day-to-day.
• The inclusion of Boost Mode (in variants with iGO) helps in quick overtakes when necessary.
• Rider reviews praise its nimbleness, light steering, and ease in city traffic, though some mention that at high speeds or on highways, it starts to feel stretched.

Thus, in real-world use, the Raider delivers reasonably strong mileage and satisfying performance in urban and semi-urban conditions.

Honda CB125 Hornet: Mileage & Performance

• Honda claims a mileage of ~48 kmpl (some sources), which is lower than the Raider’s claimed figure.
• Some reviews and buyer reports, however, suggest it can deliver 50–55 kmpl in moderate riding conditions.
• The Hornet’s power and torque (≈ 10.9–11.14 PS and 11.2 Nm) are similar to Raider’s output (just slightly lower in peak).
• The premium suspension setup (USD forks + rear monoshock) gives better ride composure, especially on uneven surfaces, which may help in real-world efficiency (less energy lost in vertical motion).
• In terms of top speed or aggressive riding, the Hornet tends to be slightly more conservative. For commuting, that’s acceptable. Reviewers mention it balances smoothness with sufficient punch when needed.
• Its lightweight (124 kg) means it doesn’t carry excess bulk, aiding in agility.

In practice, the CB125 Hornet may lag Raider a bit in real-world mileage numbers if ridden aggressively, but under conservative riding it can come close. The better ride comfort may even out some of the difference over long use.

Pricing & Value

TVS Raider 125: Pricing

• The Raider is offered in multiple variants (drum, split seat, disc, iGO, SXC, TFT etc.).
• On-road price in Delhi is ~ ₹ 99,245 (for base versions), including RTO/insurance, etc.
• Updates (2025) have brought dual-disc variants priced at ₹ 93,800 (SXC DD) and ₹ 95,600 (TFT DD) ex-showroom.
• The ex-showroom base price in earlier reports was ~ ₹ 80,500 (but that might be older or limited-variant pricing).
• Variants with more features obviously push the price up further.
• The various editions, e.g., Marvel-themed “Super Squad Edition”, also command premium pricing.

So, the Raider gives a wide price spread depending on how much you want in terms of features.

Honda CB125 Hornet: Pricing

• The CB125 Hornet was launched at an introductory ex-showroom price of ~ ₹ 1.12 lakh.
• Some sources list ex-showroom pricing around ₹ 1,03,000 (for certain cities) for the base model.
• On-road prices (accounting for RTO, insurance etc.) vary by city; e.g. in Ahmedabad, the on-road price is ~ ₹ 1,18,453.
• Compared to many rivals in the 125cc class, the Hornet is among the costlier options.

Value Comparison & Trade-Offs

• Raider offers a compelling value equation, giving many modern features and sporty touches at a relatively lower entry price (for mid-tier variants).
• Hornet demands a premium, but justifies it with upscale components (USD forks, high-end display, refined ride) and the Honda brand’s reliability and service coverage.
• For buyers who prioritize features at lower cost, Raider gives more bang for buck in many variants.
• For those who prioritize ride refinement, component quality, and brand assurance, Hornet might justify its higher price in the long term.

Strengths, Weaknesses & Which to Choose

TVS Raider 125 — Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Stylish, youthful, aggressive design
• Rich feature list (SmartXonnect, TFT, boost mode in certain variants)
• Light weight and nimble handling
• Good mileage in city conditions (mid 50s kmpl)
• A wide range of variants so you can pick what features (and cost) suit you
• Better “value” in the feature-to-price ratio

Cons:

• Some variants may compromise on premium features for cost
• Ride comfort at high speeds or on rough roads may not match more premium bikes
• Single-channel ABS only in many variants (not full dual-channel)
• Brand perception may be less premium compared to Honda in some markets

Honda CB125 Hornet — Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Premium componentry (USD front forks, quality build)
• Sophisticated design that feels closer to full-size streetfighter DNA
• Strong brand and expected durability / resale value
• Balanced ride and decent real-world performance
• Good features (TFT display, Bluetooth, etc.)

Cons:

• Mileage claims are lower; under aggressive riding, fuel efficiency may drop further
• Price is relatively steep compared to many rivals
• In some markets, service network or parts cost might be higher
• Less aggressive styling flair compared to the Raider’s “flashy” elements

Which Should You Choose?

It depends on your priorities. Below is a guide:

If I had to pick a general recommendation: for most younger riders or those who want “stylish + modern + good value,” the Raider 125 will often come out ahead. But if you can stretch your budget and value premium build and ride feel, the CB125 Hornet is a strong contender and might pay off in comfort and long-term dependability.

Conclusion

In the modern 125 cc segment, both TVS Raider 125 and Honda CB125 Hornet are compelling bikes. The Raider leans into youthful styling, cutting-edge features, and value, while the Hornet leans toward premium build quality, refined components, and brand strength.

• Styling: Raider is bold and aggressive; Hornet is mature, clean, and streetfighter-inspired.
• Features: Raider tends to pack more tech in many variants; Hornet counters with premium suspension and a high-quality display.
• Mileage / Performance: Raider has the edge in claimed efficiency and lively usability in city traffic; Hornet is no slouch and balances smoothness with usable punch.
• Pricing: Raider offers a lower entry and more flexible pricing across variants; Hornet commands a premium but justifies it in component quality and brand perception.

Ultimately, your choice should align with how and where you ride, how much you value features versus comfort, and your budget. If possible, take test rides of both — that real feel is hard to capture in specs.