Honda Motorcycles & Scooters introduced the CB125 Hornet last week, the first 125cc motorcycle to don the glorious Hornet branding. With this Honda officially entered the sportier segment of 125cc motorcycles. It will go head-to-head against a number of sporty 125cc bikes. Let us check how it fares against the Bajaj Pulsar N125.
Honda CB125 Hornet vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Dimensions
The official length, width and height of Bajaj Pulsar N125 are unavailable. However, the Honda CB125 Hornet gets a longer wheelbase which should give it a bigger appearance. Also, the larger fuel tank of the Hornet is likely to give it a bulkier road presence. Although, in terms of weight, both bikes are nearly identical.
| Dimensions | Honda CB125 Hornet | Bajaj Pulsar N125 |
| Length | 2015 mm | NA |
| Width | 783 mm | NA |
| Height | 1087 mm | NA |
| Wheelbase | 1330 mm | 1295 mm |
| Ground clearance | 166 mm | 198 mm |
| Seat height | NA | 795 mm |
| Fuel tank | 12 litres | 9.5 litres |
| Weight (kerb) | 124 kg | 125 kg |
Honda CB125 Hornet vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Features
Both motorcycles offer fully-digital instrument clusters that offer Bluetooth connectivity. However, the Pulsar N125 gets an LCD unit whereas the CB125 Hornet gets a more advanced TFT unit. The Pulsar also misses out on features such as navigation, music playback, vehicle tracking, geo fencing, and a USB C-type charging port which Honda offers in the baby Hornet. The Hornet also gets an LED projector headlamp instead of an LED reflector headlight offered in the Pulsar N125.
Honda CB125 Hornet vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Hardware
In terms of hardware, both bikes are very closely matched. The only major difference are the upside down front forks offered in the Hornet, making it the first 125cc motorcycle to offer this feature. The Pulsar makes do with conventional telescopic forks. Also, Honda offers better single-channel ABS as compared to the Bajaj that offers a combi braking system.
| Specifications | Honda CB125 Hornet | Bajaj Pulsar N125 |
| Front Suspension | Upside down Fork (USD) | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | 5-step Adjustable Mono-Shock Absorber | Pre-load adjustable Mono-shock |
| Chassis Type | Diamond Frame | Diamond Frame |
| Front brakes | 240mm disc | 240mm disc |
| Rear brakes | 130mm disc | 130mm disc |
| Braking system | Single-channel ABS | CBS |
| Front Tyre Size | 80/100 – 17 | 80/100 – 17 |
| Rear Tyre Size | 110/80 – 17 | 110/80 – 17 |
Honda CB125 Hornet vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Powertrain
Engine capacity and output for both bikes are almost identical once again. The Pulsar N125 offers slightly more power whereas the CB125 Hornet gets a higher 11.2 Nm of peak torque. Both bikes get a 5-speed gearbox. Although Bajaj claimed the Pulsar N125 as the fastest motorcycle in this segment, the Chakan-based has revealed performance figures for the same. Honda claims the fastest 0 to 60 kmph acceleration in 5.4 seconds for the CB125 Hornet.
| Specifications | Honda CB125 Hornet | Bajaj Pulsar N125 |
| Engine | 123.94 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled | 124.58 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled |
| Max Power | 10.99 bhp @ 7500 rpm | 11.83 bhp @ 8500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm | 11 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5 Speed Manual | 5 Speed Manual |
| 0 – 60 kmph acceleration | 5.4 seconds | NA |
