Ather Energy 450X vs Honda CB 125 Hornet
Prices ex-showroom Delhi, checked 2026-09. On-road and running costs estimated for Delhi.
Ather Energy 450X and Honda CB 125 Hornet are from different segments and turn up together on most shortlists. The CB 125 Hornet undercuts the 450X by ₹24,688, a gap big enough to notice on the EMI but not to decide the argument on its own.
The CB 125 Hornet takes 4 of the 6 categories we score. Our overall ratings are 8/10 for the 450X and 6.5/10 for the CB 125 Hornet.
Category by category
Price
CB 125 Hornet
The CB 125 Hornet starts ₹24,688 lower (₹1,15,312 against ₹1,40,000), about ₹780 a month less on a standard loan.
Running cost
450X
The 450X is electric and costs a fraction per kilometre to run, though its purchase price and battery replacement risk need weighing against that.
Performance
CB 125 Hornet
CB 125 Hornet has the better power-to-weight ratio: 89 against 77 bhp per tonne. It will feel quicker with a pillion and on overtakes.
Safety kit
CB 125 Hornet
CB 125 Hornet adds single-channel abs and tubeless tyres that the 450X does not have on any variant.
Features
CB 125 Hornet
CB 125 Hornet gets usd front forks, rear monoshock, led headlamp and led daytime running lamp and 5 more items.
City manners
450X
450X is 13 kg lighter and lower in the seat (780 mm), which you feel in traffic and when parking.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the 450X if
- you are a new rider or shorter and want the lighter bike
- your priority is ride quality over range
- your priority is premium buyers
Buy the CB 125 Hornet if
- you want the lower purchase price and EMI
- you ride two-up or on highways and want the stronger engine
- you live where Honda's bigger service network matters
- your priority is style-conscious commuting
What each really costs
Base variants, Delhi, 30 km a day. Servicing and insurance are class-typical estimates.
| Cost | 450X | CB 125 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom | ₹1,40,000 | ₹1,15,312 |
| On-road, Delhi | ₹1,46,900 | ₹1,31,600 |
| Energy, 5 years | ₹10,390 | ₹82,160 |
| Servicing, 5 years | ₹10,000 | ₹30,000 |
| Insurance renewals | ₹7,052 | ₹6,316 |
| Five-year total | ₹1,74,342 | ₹2,50,076 |
Full specification comparison
Better figure in each row is shown in green.
| Spec | Ather Energy450X | HondaCB 125 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting ex-showroom | ₹1,40,000 | ₹1,15,312 |
| Rough EMI / month | ₹4,440 | ₹3,660 |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | — | 123.9 cc |
| Engine type | — | 1 Cylinder |
| Power | — | 11.0 bhp |
| Torque | — | 11.2 Nm |
| Claimed mileage | — | 55 kmpl |
| Transmission | Belt drive, PMSM motor | 5 Speed |
| Electric | ||
| Peak motor power | 6.4 kW | — |
| Battery | 3.7 kWh | — |
| Claimed range | 161 km | — |
| Charging time | 5.5 hrs | — |
| Top speed | 90 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Kerb weight | 111 kg | 124 kg |
| Fuel tank | — | 12 L |
| Seat height | 780 mm | 796 mm |
| Ground clearance | 170 mm | 166 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1296 mm | 1330 mm |
| Length | — | 2015 mm |
| Width | — | 783 mm |
| Height | — | 1087 mm |
| Under-seat storage | 22 L | — |
| Brakes & suspension | ||
| Front brake | Disc | Disc, 240 mm |
| Rear brake | Disc | Drum, 130 mm |
| ABS / CBS | CBS with regen | Single Channel ABS |
| Front suspension | Telescopic | Upside down Fork (USD) |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock | 5-step Adjustable Mono-Shock Absorber |
| Tyres | ||
| Front tyre | 90/90-12 | 80/100-17 |
| Rear tyre | 90/90-12 | 110/80-17 |
450X vs CB 125 Hornet: questions people ask
- Which is cheaper, the 450X or the CB 125 Hornet?
- The CB 125 Hornet is cheaper by ₹24,688 at the base variant (₹1,15,312 against ₹1,40,000 ex-showroom Delhi).
- What is the on-road price difference between the 450X and CB 125 Hornet in Delhi?
- About ₹15,300: roughly ₹1,46,900 for the 450X and ₹1,31,600 for the CB 125 Hornet, base variants, including road tax, registration and insurance.
- Which costs less to own over five years?
- Our estimate for five years at 30 km a day in Delhi is ₹1,74,342 for the 450X and ₹2,50,076 for the CB 125 Hornet, including purchase, energy, servicing and insurance renewals. The 450X comes out ₹75,734 ahead.
