Honda unveils CB 125 Hornet with USD forks, adds premium Shine 100 DX to lineup

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, on Wednesday, unveiled two new motorcycles for the Indian market — the Shine 100 DX and the CB 125 Hornet. Both models aim to strengthen the company’s position in the commuter and sporty 125cc segments.Bookings for both bikes will begin on August 1, while deliveries for the Shine 100 DX will roll out in phases. Prices for the CB 125 Hornet will be revealed closer to its official launch.

The CB 125 Hornet marks Honda’s entry into the sporty 125cc motorcycle segment. This category is currently led by competitors like the TVS Raider 125, which helped establish the segment, and the Hero Xtreme 125R, which has recently gained popularity.

In terms of design, the CB 125 Hornet adopts an aggressive and modern look. The front end features a sharp, angular LED headlamp. It also becomes the first bike in the segment to offer upside-down (USD) front forks, which improve handling and give it a more premium appeal.

The motorcycle also gets a split seat setup and a fully digital 4.2-inch TFT instrument display. This screen supports the Honda RoadSync app, allowing smartphone connectivity for added convenience. Other standard features include single-channel ABS, full LED lighting, and a USB charging port. The CB 125 Hornet will be available in four colour options.

Alongside the Hornet, Honda has also introduced the Shine 100 DX, a more premium version of its existing Shine 100. The Shine 100 DX is designed to appeal to young, value-conscious buyers looking for a commuter bike with added style and features.

Visually, the Shine 100 DX gets a more muscular fuel tank and bold new graphics that give it a contemporary appearance. It also includes a new LCD instrument cluster for a more modern touch. Chrome inserts on the headlight cowl and a chrome heat shield on the exhaust add to the bike’s premium look. The larger fuel tank enhances the visual bulk of the motorcycle, making it appear more substantial than the regular Shine 100.

Mechanically, the Shine 100 DX is based on a steel frame and uses telescopic front forks along with five-step adjustable twin shock absorbers at the rear. The bike runs on 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres for improved durability and convenience.

Powering the Shine 100 DX is a 98.98cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 7.28 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 8.04 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a four-speed gearbox. The bike will be available in four colour options — Pearl Ingenous Black, Imperial Red Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic, and Geny Gray Metallic.