Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has once again strengthened its presence in the Indian two-wheeler market by launching two exciting new models – the Honda CB125 Hornet and the Honda Shine 100 DX. With one aimed at young enthusiasts looking for sporty performance and the other targeting budget-conscious commuters, Honda is making sure it caters to a wide spectrum of Indian riders.
Let’s dive into the details of both these motorcycles, their features, specifications, price, and what makes them stand out in their respective segments.
Honda CB125 Hornet – Sporty Appeal in a Commuter Package
The CB125 Hornet is Honda’s attempt to offer a premium 125cc bike for young riders who want style, performance, and efficiency in one package.
Design and Styling
The CB125 Hornet carries the aggressive DNA of its bigger siblings. It features:
- A sharp headlamp unit with LED DRLs
- Muscular fuel tank design with sporty shrouds
- Split seat setup with a step-up pillion seat
- Sleek LED taillamp and sporty graphics
The design is youthful and definitely appeals to college goers and first-time bike buyers who want a sporty stance without compromising on mileage.
Engine and Performance
- Engine: 124cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
- Power Output: ~11-12 bhp (expected)
- Torque: 10-11 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed gearbox
This engine has been tuned to deliver a balance of efficiency and punchy city performance. It offers smooth acceleration, which makes overtaking in city traffic easy while still keeping the mileage rider-friendly.
Key Features
- Full digital instrument cluster with speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, and fuel gauge
- LED lighting setup for headlamp and taillamp
- Sporty exhaust note
- Tubeless tyres with alloy wheels
- CBS (Combi-Brake System) for safety
Target Buyers
The CB125 Hornet is clearly targeted at young professionals and students who want a stylish, sporty commuter bike. With premium features in the 125cc range, it rivals models like the Bajaj Pulsar 125, TVS Raider 125, and Hero Glamour XTEC.
Honda Shine 100 DX – Affordable Daily Commuter
The Shine series has been Honda’s backbone in the commuter segment. Now, with the launch of the Shine 100 DX, Honda aims to strengthen its presence in the entry-level commuter space.
Design and Styling
Unlike the Hornet, the Shine 100 DX follows a simple, practical, and commuter-friendly design:
- Sleek headlamp unit with chrome accents
- Flat seat for comfortable riding, even with a pillion
- Minimal body graphics to keep things elegant
- Upright riding posture designed for long city commutes
This design approach focuses on comfort, practicality, and fuel efficiency rather than sportiness.
Engine and Performance
- Engine: 100cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
- Power Output: ~7-8 bhp
- Torque: ~8-9 Nm
- Transmission: 4-speed gearbox
The Shine 100 DX engine prioritizes mileage over performance. It has been tuned for smooth power delivery at lower RPMs, making it perfect for stop-and-go traffic in Indian cities.
Key Features
- Long and cushioned single seat for rider and pillion comfort
- Fuel-efficient engine with Honda Eco Technology (HET)
- CBS for improved braking safety
- Lightweight frame for easy handling
- Strong suspension setup for rough Indian roads
Target Buyers
The Shine 100 DX is designed for middle-class families, daily office-goers, and rural users who seek an affordable, fuel-efficient, and reliable two-wheeler. It directly competes with Hero Splendor Plus, Bajaj Platina 100, and TVS Sport.
Price and Availability
- Honda CB125 Hornet Price (expected): ₹90,000 – ₹95,000 (ex-showroom)
- Honda Shine 100 DX Price (expected): ₹64,000 – ₹68,000 (ex-showroom)
Both motorcycles are competitively priced within their respective segments and are now available at Honda dealerships across India.
Honda’s Strategy with These Launches
Honda has cleverly diversified its offerings:
- CB125 Hornet caters to aspirational youth who want sporty styling, advanced features, and a bit of performance.
- Shine 100 DX appeals to price-sensitive buyers who prioritize practicality, mileage, and durability.
This dual-launch ensures Honda maintains strong competition against both premium commuter bikes and budget-friendly 100cc motorcycles.
Competitor Comparison
- CB125 Hornet vs Rivals:
- Bajaj Pulsar 125: Similar sporty DNA but Honda offers refined engine quality.
- TVS Raider 125: Raider has advanced TFT features, but Hornet offers Honda reliability.
- Hero Glamour XTEC: More features but Honda edges with durability.
- Shine 100 DX vs Rivals:
- Hero Splendor Plus: The leader in sales but Shine 100 DX brings smoother refinement.
- Bajaj Platina 100: Better mileage but Shine offers reliability and comfort.
- TVS Sport: Budget-friendly but Shine adds Honda’s proven performance.
Final Verdict
The launch of the Honda CB125 Hornet and Honda Shine 100 DX showcases Honda’s adaptability to the diverse needs of Indian riders.
- If you’re a young rider or college student looking for a sporty 125cc bike, the CB125 Hornet should be on your radar.
- If you’re a daily commuter or family buyer prioritizing mileage, affordability, and reliability, the Shine 100 DX makes more sense.