The 125cc showdown: Which bike strikes the perfect balance?

The motorcycle market in India is changing fast, and bikes today offer a lot more than just basic commuting. Entry-level motorcycles have come a long way in design and technology, as buyers now look for a mix of performance, mileage, comfort, and features that were once seen only in bigger, premium bikes. As a result, the 125 cc category has become one of the most hotly contested spaces in India. If you’re in the market for an all-rounder motorcycle without stretching your budget too far, here are some of the top contenders in the segment.

Bajaj Pulsar NS125

The Bajaj

Pulsar

NS125 boasts the iconic streetfighter design that runs across the Pulsar stable and resembles even its bigger siblings. But even beyond looks, the motorcycle has a lot to offer. Under the sculpted tank, the Pulsar NS125 houses a 124.45 cc SOHC 4-valve air-cooled motor, producing about 11.9 hp at 8,500 rpm and 11 Nm at 7,000 rpm. This powerplant is mated to a smooth 5-speed gearbox. Besides that, it also houses a generous 12-litre fuel tank, with an excellent mileage of 46.9 kmpl. Now, the good thing is that not only it delivers performance but also makes an ideal balance of fuel expenses.

Furthermore, the model tips the scale at 144 kg, which should make it nimble and agile enough for quick overtakes in city traffic. It offers one of the best power-to-weight figures in the segment, making it feel quicker and more responsive. Physically, it spans 2,012 mm in length, with a stable 1,353 mm wheelbase and a seat height of 805 mm (tall enough for confident cornering and suitable for most riders). In terms of hardware, it features telescopic forks, a monoshock, a 240 mm front disc, and a 130 mm rear drum, with single-channel ABS.Speaking of features, the Pulsar NS 125 comes equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster that shows key information such as speed, fuel level, gear position, trip meters, odometer readings, and distance-to-empty. It also gets LED DRLs, a full-LED headlamp and taillamp, along with a handy USB charging port. As for pricing, it comes at a starting price of Rs 99,994, ex-showroom, which makes it a jack of all trades at this price point. Also, it also carries one of the most iconic Pulsar nameplates.

Honda CB 125 Hornet

On number two, comes the newest kid on the block: the Honda CB 125 Hornet. The bike carries a sporty, youthful design and looks bulkier as compared to average 125cc motorcycles. It is also offered in some youthful colour options, hinting the company’s intentions to target youngsters.

This motorcycle is powered by a 123.94cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that delivers 10.99 hp and 11.2 Nm of torque. This engine comes paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Honda claims 0-60 kmph in just 5.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest in its class. The company also says it can return up to 48 kmpl. The bike rides on a new steel frame with segment-first USD front forks, a rear monoshock, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Braking is handled by a 240 mm front disc and a 130 mm rear drum, supported by single-channel ABS. The baby Hornet weighs just 124 kgs, which should make for a nimble riding experience.On the tech side, the CB 125 Hornet packs a 4.2-inch

TFT

display with

Bluetooth

connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and a USB-C charging port. This model has been priced at Rs 1.12 lakh, ex-showroom, thus making it a strong contender in the space.

Hero Xtreme 125R

On number three, comes Hero’s Xtreme 125R. The Hero Xtreme 125R is powered by a 124.7cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine that delivers 11.4 hp at 8,250 rpm and 10.5 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. It comes with impressive claimed mileage of 66 kmpl, but with a smaller 10-litre fuel tank.

For stopping power, the bike gets a 240 mm front disc brake with ABS option and a 130 mm rear drum brake. Other highlights include a telescopic fork at the front, pre-load adjustable monoshock at the rear and a kerb weight of 136 kg. The seat height stands at 794 mm with 180 mm ground clearance, making it manageable for most riders.In terms of features, it offers full LED lighting with DRLs and a hazard light switch, a fully digital instrument cluster, and a USB charging port. This model has been priced from Rs 98, 425, ex-showroom.

TVS Raider 125

The TVS

Raider

125 carves its niche with not as sporty a design but with smart tech. What sets Raider apart in this category is its digital gear, particularly on the SmartXonnect-equipped versions: you get Bluetooth-linked apps, navigation, and subtle ride data on a sleek TFT display.

The TVS Raider is a sporty 125cc motorcycle powered by a 124.8cc air and oil-cooled engine, producing 11.2 hp and 11.75 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60 kmph in 5.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 99 kmph. The bike comes with a 5-speed gearbox, two riding modes (

Eco and Power

), and a silent start system. It also gets a reverse multicolour LCD display (on lower variants) with Bluetooth connectivity for call and message alerts, plus voice assist. For suspension duties, it features telescopic front forks and a 5-step adjustable rear mono-shock suspension.Braking is handled by a 240 mm front disc and 130 mm rear drum with

CBS

, hence missing out on ABS. The Raider also gets LED lighting, idle stop-start for better fuel efficiency. The Raider 125 is available in six variants with pricing starting at Rs 87,375, ex-showroom.

Honda SP125

The Honda SP 125, on number five, offers decent performance for city and great mileage. It runs on a 123.94cc, 4-stroke engine that makes 10.7 hp of power and 10.9 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. You get the option of front disc or drum brakes, along with alloy wheels, tubeless tyres, and a Combined Braking System.

Built with daily commuting in mind, the SP 125 comes with telescopic front forks and a 5-step adjustable rear shock. It weighs 116 kg, has a ground clearance of 160 mm, and carries an 11-litre fuel tank. The bike also gets modern touches like a full digital display, LED headlamp, and is available in both drum and disc variants. Unlike the other options in this list, the model isn’t as sporty but does come as a reliable everyday commuter. It is available in two variants, starting from Rs 93,247, ex-showroom.

Verdict

In the 125cc segment, each contender brings its own personality to the table. The Honda CB 125 Hornet brings more upscale tech, while the Hero Xtreme 125R comes with class-leading mileage and a nimble build.The TVS Raider, on the other hand, stands out for its smart connectivity while the Honda SP 125 wins hearts as a fuss-free, reliable commuter. However, the Pulsar NS125 quietly sits in the middle of it all, ticking boxes across performance, styling, comfort, and practicality. It, in fact, appears to be a scaled-down version of its larger performance sibling rather than just a sporty commuter. In the end, these models go head-to-head, and the final pick really comes down to what the buyer values most and how much they’re willing to spend.