In this piece, we have carried out a detailed comparison between the four entry-level sports bikes, including features, engine specs and colour options
The 125cc sporty commuter motorcycles are among the most sought after ones in the Indian market with intense competition due to a plethora of models from several leading brands such as Bajaj Auto, Honda 2-Wheelers India and TVS Motor Company among others. While TVS RTR 125 LC is the latest entrant in this segment, Hero Xtreme 125R, Bajaj Pulsar and Honda CB125 Hornet have been here for quite some time now. In this piece, we have carried out a detailed comparison between the four sporty commuter bikes with respect to their features, engine specs and colour options.
TVS RTR 125 LC vs Hero Xtreme 125R vs Bajaj Pulsar 125 vs Honda CB125 Hornet: Colours
The RTR 125 LC was presented in a premium dual-tone Lime Green and Grey colour scheme at the EICMA 2026 in Italy. The brand didn’t disclose the other paint shades and they are likely to be announced closer to the launch. As for the recently launched Hero Xtreme 125R Stealth Edition, it comes in Midnight Black colour with Pearl Red Accents.
Honda CB125 Hornet comes in three dual-tone colour schemes namely Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow, Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic, and Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red. In addition, a single-tone colour is also rolled out in the form of Pearl Igneous Black. Last but not the least, the Pulsar 125 comes in five dual-tone colours namely Dark Silver + Aqua Blue, Ebony Black + Cyan Blue, Ebony Black + Magenta Red, Fury Red + Light Orange, and Saffire Blue + Blue Silver.
TVS RTR 125 LC vs Hero Xtreme 125R vs Bajaj Pulsar 125 vs Honda CB125 Hornet: Features
The RTR 125 comes equipped with an array of modern and upmarket features in the form of 5-inch instrument cluster with TFT display and Bluetooth connectivity, full-screen map mirroring, turn-by-turn navigation, dual-channel ABS, and emergency brake light. The Xtreme 125R, on the other hand, boasts of a 4.2-inch instrument cluster with TFT display and Bluetooth connectivity. The riders have access to turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, and music control.
Hero has also introduced a segment-first feature in the form of Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). In addition, Dual-channel ABS, Ride modes (Rain, Road and Sport), and Cruise control are also a part of the feature list. As for the Pulsar 125, it comes equipped with TFT instrument cluster, Google Maps mirroring and Connected tech. The riders can also store vehicle RC, insurance and other important documents on the TFT console.
In addition, Bajaj has also offered segment-first ride modes (Road, Rain and Sport), Live call and message alerts, and music controls functions with the bike. Last but not the least, the CB125 Hornet is available with segment-first golden-colored USD front suspension alongside other bells and whistles such as USB Type-C charging port, single-channel ABS, side-stand indicator, and 4.2-inch TFT display with bluetooth connectivity through Honda RoadSync App to access navigation, calls & SMS alerts.
TVS RTR 125 LC vs Hero Xtreme 125R vs Bajaj Pulsar 125 vs Honda CB125 Hornet: Engine Specs
Mechanically, TVS RTR 125 LC is powered by a 125cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled unit which belts out out top power of 14.7 bhp at 9,000 rpm and peak torque of 12 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The engine is linked to a 6-speed gearbox along with a slipper and assist clutch. Hero Xtreme 125R houses a 125cc single-cylinder petrol engine which belts out max power of 11.4 bhp at 8,250 rpm and highest torque of 10.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The engine is linked to a 5-speed gearbox.
Honda CB125 Hornet is powered by a 123.94cc single-cylinder OBD2B compliant petrol engine which develops top power of 11 bhp at 7500 rpm and peak torque of 11.2 Nm at 6000 rpm. The engine is coupled with a 5-speed gearbox. The Pulsar 125 gets the new 124.58cc single-cylinder engine which delivers top power of 11.8 bhp at 8000 rpm and peak torque of 11 Nm at 6000 rpm. Hence, as visible, the RTR 125 LC is more powerful than all the other bikes due to the introduction of liquid-cooled engine.
