Selecting the ideal 125cc commuter in 2025 means weighing performance, technology, price, style, and reliability. Here’s an integrated comparison of the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R, and the new Honda CB125 Hornet, including the latest detailed specifications and features of the Hornet.
Specifications Comparison
Specification TVS RaiderHero Xtreme 125RHonda CB125 HornetEngine 124.8cc, Air/Oil-cooled, 3-valve 124.7cc, Air-cooled, 2-valve 123.94cc, Single-cylinder, Fuel-injected, OBD2B-compliant, Air-cooled, 2-valve Max Power 11.38PS @ 7,500rpm 11.55PS @ 8,250rpm 11.14PS @ 7,500rpm Max Torque 11.2Nm @ 6,000rpm 10.5Nm @ 6,500rpm 11.2Nm @ 6,000rpm Gearbox 5-speed 5-speed 5-speed Brakes (Front/Rear) 240 mm disc, Drum/Drum or Disc/Drum 240 mm disc, Disc/Drum (IBS/ABS) 240mm front disc, 130mm rear drum, single-channel ABS Front Suspension Telescopic Telescopic Golden USD forks Rear Suspension Mono-shock Mono-shock Mono-shock Fuel Tank Capacity 10L 10L 12L Kerb Weight 123kg ~136kg (kerb, est.) 124kg Top Speed 99km/h 95km/h ~100km/h (est.) 0–60km/h ~6s ~6s 5.4s Console Digital/TFT/Bluetooth Digital TFT, Bluetooth Unique Features Riding modes, underseat storage, SmartXonnect, Idle stop-start, USB i3S, split seat RoadSync app, gold USD forks, Type-C charging, full-LED lighting, key-on-tank Seat Height 780mm 794mm 797mm Chassis Diamond-type (premium variants) Tubular diamond Diamond-type
Price (Ex-Showroom, July 2025)
Model Price Range (INR) TVS Raider 87,010 – 1,02,000 Hero Xtreme 125R 96,425 – 1,00,100 Honda CB125 Hornet 1,00,000 (expected)
Mileage (ARAI Claimed)
Model Mileage (kmpl) TVS Raider 71.94 Hero Xtreme 125R 66 Honda CB125 Hornet Not officially published (likely 55–60)
Colour Options
TVS Raider : Striking Red, Blazing Blue, Wicked Black, Fiery Yellow, Iron Man, Black Panther
Hero Xtreme 125R : Blue, Red, Black (availability may vary)
Honda CB125 Hornet : Multiple vibrant, bold colours with sport-inspired graphics (official palette launched; extensive palette with new-age designs)
Updated Honda CB125 Hornet Highlights
Bold streetfighter look—aggressive twin-LED headlamp and tank shrouds
Segment-first golden upside-down (USD) front forks for premium handling
4.2-inch TFT digital display with Bluetooth, Honda RoadSync app support (navigation, calls, SMS, music control)
USB Type-C charging port, side-stand engine cut-off, all-LED lighting
0–60km/h in 5.4s, quickest in class; kerb weight 124kg
Diamond-type chassis, split seat, key-on-tank styling, multi-spoke alloys
240mm petal front disc, 130mm rear drum, single-channel ABS
5-step adjustable rear mono-shock
Extensive new-generation colour options with sport graphics
Dimensions: 2,015mm length, 783mm width, 1,087mm height, 1,330mm wheelbase, 12L fuel tank, 166mm ground clearance
Detailed Review & Key Points
TVS Raider
Performance : Zippy 3-valve engine, good acceleration, multiple riding modes
Features : SmartXonnect, TFT display, underseat storage, voice assist
Economy : Leading mileage (71.94kmpl)
Styling : Sporty, youthful, Marvel-inspired editions
Reliability : Robust, low-running cost platform
Hero Xtreme 125R
Performance : Strong peak power, city-friendly punch
Features : i3S idle-stop, split seat, digital dash
Economy : Good mileage (66kmpl)
Styling : Muscular form, sharp lines
Reliability : Hero’s trusted engine, vast service network
Honda CB125 Hornet
Performance : 11.14PS, 11.2Nm, fastest 0–60km/h time; light frame for nimble handling
Features : 4.2-inch TFT, Bluetooth, RoadSync app, USD forks, Type-C charging, LED lighting, premium safety (ABS)
Economy : Estimated 55–60kmpl; to be ARAI-certified
Styling : Bold, premium, class-leading with golden forks and split seat
Reliability : Honda durability, 3-year warranty, advanced OBD2B compliance
Verdicts
Best Value for Money : TVS Raider—delivers top features, best mileage, and accessible pricing.
Best for Looks : Honda CB125 Hornet—leads with bold design, golden USD forks, premium streetfighter vibe.
Best for Reliability : Honda CB125 Hornet—Honda’s legacy for rugged engines and build quality keeps it at the top; Hero follows closely with its widespread support.
Conclusion
For value-conscious commuters, TVS Raider is unbeatable.
For tech-forward, style-seeking riders, the Honda CB125 Hornet stands clearly apart with its advanced features and head-turning aesthetics.
For hassle-free long-term ownership, Honda (with the new CB125 Hornet) and Hero are the segment’s most trustworthy names, but Honda’s advances and warranty give it an edge.