Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has unveiled two new models aimed at strengthening its position in the competitive entry-level motorcycle market: the CB 125 Hornet and Shine 100 DX. Bookings for both models are set to begin on August 1, 2025, with deliveries and pricing details to be revealed thereafter.
CB 125 Hornet: Sporty Design & Premium Features
The CB 125 Hornet heralds Honda’s entry into the premium 125cc sporty commuter segment. Drawing inspiration from its larger Hornet series, it features a muscular fuel tank, split seat, and attractive dual-tone options tailored for younger riders.
Powered by a 123.94cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the CB 125 Hornet produces around 11 bhp and 11.2 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Honda claims a 0–60 km/h sprint in roughly 5.4 seconds, aided by its lightweight build of about 124 kg.
Key features include a 4.2-inch TFT display, LED lighting throughout, a USB Type-C charging port, side-stand engine cut-off, and single-channel ABS for enhanced safety. It also incorporates upscale hardware such as gold-finished inverted front forks and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock.
Expected to retail from around ₹1 lakh (ex-showroom), the CB 125 Hornet is positioned to rival bikes like the Hero Xtreme 125R, TVS Raider 125, and Bajaj Pulsar NS125.
Shine 100 DX: Premium Upgrades to a Reliable Commuter
Building on the success of the Shine 100, the Shine 100 DX adds premium touches without losing its reputation for fuel efficiency and reliability. Enhancements include a wider tank, refreshed graphics, chrome accents, and a modern LCD instrument display offering real-time fuel economy indicators.
Retaining the tried-and-tested 99cc engine with eSP and PGM-FI technology, it delivers around 7.38 bhp and 8.04 Nm, paired with a 4-speed gearbox. The bike also benefits from a side-stand engine cutoff, alloy wheels, tubeless tyres, and CBS braking configuration.
Pricing for the Shine 100 DX is expected to be slightly higher than the current Shine 100, which is priced around ₹70,000 ex-showroom, positioning it competitively in the premium 100cc segment.
Segment Strategy: Honda’s Market Push
With these launches, Honda aims to solidify its presence across both 100cc and 125cc commuter categories. The CB 125 Hornet marks its debut in the premium 125cc sporty niche, while the Shine 100 DX represents a strategic upgrade of its high-volume commuter flagship.
Bookings for both models begin on August 1, 2025, with deliveries expected soon after. Final pricing will likely be announced just before or during the commencement of sales.
Summary Table
| Model | Segment | Engine | Key Features | Expected Price (Ex-showroom) |
| CB 125 Hornet | 125cc sporty commuter | 123.94cc, ~11 bhp & 11.2 Nm, 5-speed | TFT display, LED lights, single-channel ABS, USD forks | ~₹1 lakh |
| Shine 100 DX | Premium 100cc commuter | 99cc, ~7.38 bhp & 8.04 Nm, 4-speed | LCD meter, chrome accents, CBS, tubeless tyres | ₹72,000 range |
Final Take
Honda’s simultaneous unveiling of the CB 125 Hornet and Shine 100 DX highlights a smart dual-pronged strategy to lead in both sporty and fuel-efficient commuter segments. With bookings starting August 1, feature-rich packages, and expected pricing that balances appeal and reach, these models could redefine Honda’s volume dominance in India’s sub‑₹1 lakh motorcycle market.
Photo Credit: Honda
