Will The Honda CB125M, CB125X Be Launched In India?

Honda has already filed patents for the production models for the Honda CB125M and CB125X concepts in Europe, and these models may be launched sometime as 2020 models in the European market. Both these models, the 125M being the road going version and the 125X being the adventure-styled model, are based on the Honda CB125R, with design inspired by the Honda CB1000R. Comparatively, the Honda CB125M and Honda CB125X offer a completely new design language, radical, yet tastefully stylish. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has only one 125 cc motorcycle for India, the immensely popular Honda CB Shine, and the Honda CB Shine SP. But now HMSI officials say that these two models may be considered for India, with the right demand.

HMSI CEO Minoru Kato has not ruled out introducing the Honda CB125M and CB125X in India

To a question whether the CB125M or its adventure-styled sibling, the CB125X could have any interest in the Indian market, HMSI CEO Minoru Kato didn't completely rule out these models for India. Speaking to carandbike on the sidelines of the Honda Activa 125 BS-VI unveil in New Delhi, Kato said, "In future, yes, but so far, we don't have any plans. Depending on the market size, depending on our CKD capability, how to meet customers' expectations in the price range, that's our challenge."

HMSI introduced the Honda CB300R earlier this year, and that model is a naked roadster with design inspired by the Honda Neo Sports Cafe concept, like the Honda CB1000R. When the CB300R was unveiled at the EICMA 2017 show, we were suitably impressed with the design and build quality, and just over a year later, the Honda CB300R was launched in India, as a CKD model, assembled in India. Now, HMSI hasn't completely ruled out either the Honda CB125R, the CB125M and the CB125X provided these models can be introduced at a price point which will be attractive for the Indian customer.

Both the CB125M and CB125X are expected to share the same powerplant with the Honda CBR125R and CB125R, and likely to share the inertial measurement unit (IMU) as well. The Honda CB125R weighs just 126 kg and is powered by a 125 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which puts out 13.3 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 10 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. Currently, India does have a sporty 125 cc in the KTM 125 Duke, and if HMSI does end up introducing these models, the baby Duke will be the sole competition.