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Honda has pulled the covers off two of its most awaited commuter motorcycles — the CB125 Hornet and the Shine 100 DX — in what looks like a strategic attempt to boost its presence across the budget and sporty commuter segments. While bookings for both models will officially open on August 1, 2025, the final pricing is expected to be announced by the end of July.
According to early estimates, the Honda Shine 100 DX could be priced at around ₹72,000, while the sportier CB125 Hornet is likely to come in close to the ₹1 lakh mark (both ex-showroom). These bikes aim to cater to very different audiences — one looking for fuss-free daily rides, the other for a little more thrill in their commute.
Design (Exterior & Ergonomics)
Let’s start with the one that’s bound to turn heads — the Honda CB125 Hornet. This bike wears its streetfighter DNA proudly, thanks to a muscular fuel tank, sharp tank extensions, and an aggressive twin-split headlamp setup. Interestingly, the gold-colored inverted forks and fuel tank-mounted ignition key are firsts in the air-cooled 125cc category — subtle touches that elevate the visual appeal instantly.
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| Honda CB125 Hornet |
It’s being offered in four vibrant colour options:
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Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow
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Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red
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Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic
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Pearl Igneous Black
On the other hand, the Shine 100 DX sticks to its commuter roots but receives a touch of class with chrome highlights on the headlamp housing, gear lever, exhaust shield, and handlebar ends. You’ll also spot new body graphics and a more premium-looking fuel tank cap — a small detail, but one that adds to the sense of refinement.
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| Honda Shine 100 DX |
Colour choices for the Shine 100 DX include:
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Imperial Red Metallic
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Pearl Igneous Black
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Geny Gray Metallic
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Athletic Blue Metallic
Features & Technology
This is where Honda has done a fine job of distinguishing the two bikes.
The CB125 Hornet gets a rather premium 4.2-inch full-colour TFT screen, complete with Bluetooth connectivity via Honda’s RoadSync app. This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade — it allows for turn-by-turn navigation, call and message alerts, and even music control. Add to that all-LED lighting, a USB Type-C charging port, and a side-stand engine cut-off feature, and you have a feature-loaded commuter with real urban appeal.
Meanwhile, the Shine 100 DX borrows its LCD console from the Honda Livo, bringing in real-time mileage readouts, distance-to-empty indicators, and service reminders — all features that matter to someone using their bike for daily commutes. It also gets the same side-stand engine cut-off for added peace of mind.
Safety Equipment
Safety on the CB125 Hornet has taken a noticeable leap forward. It’s equipped with a 240mm front petal disc brake, a 130mm rear drum, and crucially, single-channel ABS — a must-have for confident braking, especially in urban stop-and-go traffic.
The Shine 100 DX, while more basic in its approach, includes drum brakes at both ends (130mm front, 110mm rear) and Honda’s Combi-Braking System (CBS) — ideal for budget-conscious riders who still expect decent stopping power without compromising on simplicity.
Engine, Performance & Mileage
Let’s talk about what’s under the tank.
The CB125 Hornet is powered by a 123.94cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that’s been borrowed and fine-tuned from the SP125. The output is quite impressive — 11.14PS at 7,500rpm and 11.2Nm at 6,000rpm, mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed gearbox. Honda even claims a 0-60 km/h time of just 5.4 seconds, which should appeal to younger riders looking for a punchier ride without jumping to the 150cc segment.
In contrast, the Shine 100 DX sticks with its reliable 98.98cc engine, the same one seen in the original Shine 100. It delivers 7.38PS at 7,500rpm and 8.04Nm at 5,000rpm, paired with a 4-speed transmission. It’s not built for speed, but it’s known to be incredibly efficient and ideal for daily urban use.
Specifications Table
| Specification | CB125 Hornet | Shine 100 DX |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 123.94cc, air-cooled | 98.98cc, air-cooled |
| Power | 11.14PS @ 7,500rpm | 7.38PS @ 7,500rpm |
| Torque | 11.2Nm @ 6,000rpm | 8.04Nm @ 5,000rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 4-speed |
| Front Suspension | Inverted fork | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock (5-step adj.) | Twin shocks (5-step adj.) |
| Front/Rear Brakes | Disc / Drum + ABS | Drum / Drum + CBS |
| Tyres | 80/110 - 17 tubeless | 2.75/3.00 - 17 tubeless |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 litres | 10 litres |
| Seat Height | - | 786mm |
| Kerb Weight | 124kg | 103kg |
Colour Options & Variants
CB125 Hornet is available in four sporty and contrasting colour schemes, giving it a street-smart, youthful vibe.
Shine 100 DX, meanwhile, sticks to more conventional but fresh commuter-friendly shades — perfect for the segment it targets.
As of now, both bikes are expected to come in single variants, but Honda may introduce special editions or accessory kits based on future demand.
Ex-Showroom Price
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Honda Shine 100 DX – Estimated at ₹72,000
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Honda CB125 Hornet – Expected around ₹1,00,000
Official prices will be revealed by the end of July, just ahead of the August 1 booking start date.
Roz News 24 Verdict
Honda seems to have timed this dual launch smartly. The CB125 Hornet finally gives the brand a worthy challenger in the sporty 125cc category, where players like the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R have already gained a foothold. The Hornet’s design, features, and performance specs put it right on their tail — and perhaps even ahead in some areas.
The Shine 100 DX, meanwhile, feels like Honda’s quiet but calculated response to flagging sales in the ultra-competitive 100cc segment. It’s not a radical departure from the Shine 100, but the added features and visual upgrades could give it the extra push it needs against the likes of the Hero Splendor Xtec and HF Deluxe Pro.
That said, the real test lies ahead — in showrooms and city streets. But one thing is certain: Honda's intent is clear, and it's aiming to reclaim its dominance in segments it once led comfortably.
Follow Roz News 24 Auto for more updates on two-wheeler launches, test ride impressions, and detailed comparisons.