Honda CB125 Hornet vs TVS Raider Spec Comparison: What's Different?

The 125cc motorcycle segment in India has gained a new competitor — the Honda CB125 Hornet — which will rival well-established models like the Hero Xtreme 125R and the TVS Raider. We've already compared the Honda’s new 125cc model with the Hero Xtreme 125R. Now, it’s time to compare the CB125 Hornet with the TVS Raider. The TVS bike maintains a strong position in the segment with its feature-rich console, sporty design, and agile handling. In this comparison, we'll see how the new Honda bike will stack up against its second and perhaps the most notable competitor across different factors. 

Honda CB125 Hornet vs TVS Raider:  Styling

Both 125cc models target young, urban riders with their unique design features. The CB125 Hornet has a bold, streetfighter-inspired look, highlighted by an aggressive LED headlight with dual DRLs and eye-catching gold USD front forks — a segment-first feature. The sculpted fuel tank, sharp body lines, and edgy tail section give the Honda bike a muscular, purposeful stance. It is available in four striking dual-tone colour schemes.

Also Read: Honda CB125 Hornet vs Hero Xtreme 125R Spec Comparison: What's Different?

On the other hand, the TVS Raider 125 has a more balanced design language. Its sharp bodywork and unique LED headlamp with integrated DRLs offer a sporty look, while still retaining a practical, everyday usability. Overall, while the Raider leans towards a versatile sporty character, the Hornet pushes a more aggressive and high-end aesthetic.

Honda CB125 Hornet vs TVS Raider: Dimensions

In terms of dimensions, the differences between the two bikes are subtle but noteworthy. The Hornet has a longer wheelbase of 1330mm (compared to the Raider’s 1326mm). It also has a taller seat height at 796mm (16mm higher than the Raider’s more accessible 780mm). The fuel tank is larger, with a capacity of 12 liters. The CB125 Hornet is also 1 kg heavier than the TVS bike at 124 kg.

Honda CB125 Hornet vs TVS Raider: Engine

Both the Honda CB125 Hornet and the TVS Raider are powered by very similar single-cylinder, air-cooled engines. The Hornet's engine is 123.94cc, while the Raider's is a slightly larger 124.8cc.

In terms of performance, the TVS Raider has a minor power advantage, generating 11.2bhp at 7500rpm, just a touch more than the Hornet's 11bhp at the same rpm. The torque figures are also very close: the Hornet produces 11.2Nm at 6000rpm, and the Raider offers a similar 11.2Nm, potentially increasing to 11.7Nm with its i3S (Idle Start-Stop) system. Both bikes utilise a 5-speed gearbox.

Honda CB125 Hornet vs TVS Raider: Hardware

The Honda CB125 Hornet sports upside-down (USD) front forks, compared to the TVS Raider’s conventional telescopic forks. Just like the Raider, the 125cc Hornet also uses a monoshock at the rear, but the TVS model offers adjustable setup, which allows riders to customise ride comfort. While both models have the same front tyre size (80/100-17), the CB125 Hornet gets a wider 110/80-17 rear tyre. However, Braking is similar, with matching 240mm front discs and 130mm rear drums.

Honda CB125 Hornet vs TVS Raider: Features

In terms of features, both bikes are well-equipped. The Honda CB125 Hornet comes with a 4.2-inch TFT display enabled with Honda RoadSync, offering Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and a USB Type-C charging port. It also includes an all-LED lighting setup, an engine stop switch, and a side-stand indicator with engine inhibitor.

The TVS Raider 125 counters with its own feature-rich package, including a fully digital instrument cluster (with an optional 5-inch TFT screen on the SmartXonnect variant) that offers Bluetooth connectivity, voice assist, call/SMS alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation. A unique selling proposition for the Raider is its under-seat storage and the segment-first riding modes.

Also Read: Honda Shine DX vs Hero Splendor Plus Spec Comparison: What's Different?

The Raider also boasts an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) for silent starts. The CB125 Hornet offers single-channel ABS, a significant safety feature in this segment, which is a notable advantage over the Raider, which primarily offers Synchronized Braking System (CBS) in its lower variants, with disc brakes on higher trims.

Honda CB125 Hornet vs TVS Raider: Price

The Honda bike is expected to cost between Rs 95,000 and Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. Meanwhile, the TVS Raider 125 is currently available with prices ranging from Rs 87,010 to Rs 1.02 lakh (depending on variant, ex-showroom).