India's Best Executive 125cc Motorcycle

Honda Stunner

While many doubted Honda's conservative approach and lack of sporty models in its product portfolio, the Japanese major had an ace up its sleeve in the form of the CB Stunner 125. An absolutely sporty and racy looking motorcycle with precise proportions and an even more spot-on pricing. Honda had a clear winner on its hand with the Stunner.

And they launched it too at the right time when the 125cc market in the country needed a fresh breath of air, like the Honda Stunner. A very elegantly drawn quarter-fairing adorned with gorgeous graphics aping Honda's international superbikes, the Stunner is undoubtedly the best looking bike the 125cc class has ever seen. The new upgraded variant of the Stunner for 2010 features a tachometer, an engine-guard and a funky chain-cover while the kick-lever has been trashed to stay true to its sport image.

Furthermore, Honda has gone one step ahead where no manufacturer has dared to go - racing! Honda launched a One-Make championship for the Honda Stunner in 2008 as a support race to the national championship to promote the brand as well as introduce the masses to the joy of racing in safe environs of a race-track. The effort has seen good response and it has now turned into a full-fledged year-long championship with five rounds! Rightfully then, the Stunner has amassed strong response amongst the public and it has shown steady growth in the market owing to its remarkable performance, comfort and style. Although currently its younger sibling, the Shine, is the highest selling bike in the Executive 125cc class, the number of Honda Stunner patrons is rapidly growing. In the 125cc segment, there are a host of feature-packed bikes on offer, but the Stunner wins as a complete package.

Quick Facts

Engine: 124cc Air-cooled, single

Power: 11PS@ 8,000rpm

Torque: 11Nm @ 6,500rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 1,271 mm

LxWxH: 2012 x 734 x 1111 mm

Weight: 128 mm

Performance

0-100 km/h: 6.1seconds

Top speed: 100km/h

Fuel efficiency (overall): 68.3kmpl

Variants

CBF STUNNER Self-Drum-Alloy (Ex-showroom, New Delhi): 51,449

CBF STUNNER Self-Disc-Alloy (Ex-showroom, New Delhi):  54,506

Cheers:

1. Certainly the best-looking bike in its class, the CB Stunner is a complete head-turner

2. A very peppy engine coupled to a nimble chassis with superb suspension setup

Sneers:

1. Feels too short-geared and runs out of steam too early, especially on the highways

2. The headlight beam needs to be brighter and stronger with a wider spread

1st Runner Up

Suzuki Slingshot 125

Replacing the Suzuki Zeus, the new 125cc Suzuki Slingshot comes with funky looks and some new features like lightweight alloys and smart new console. The Suzuki Slingshot 125 is a promising effort from Suzuki to grab a sizeable share in the growing 125cc segment. But we have one question to ask - why not a disc brake at least as an optional fitment?

Other Rivals

Bajaj Platina 125

Bajaj Auto's only offering in the 125cc segment, gives great efficiency at an aggressive pricepoint but feels lacking in the looks department against its rivals.

Hero Honda Super Splendor

Carrying forward the Hero Honda's Splendor lineage but with a bigger 125cc heart, the Super Splendor tries to strike a balance between performance and economy.

Hero Honda Glamour

True to its name, the Hero Honda Glamour does offer a fair amount of appeal and good looks but it's certainly not as exciting as its competition.

Honda Stunner PGMFi

Brought in only to showcase Honda's engineering prowess and mainly exported to Europe from HMSI’s manufacturing unit, the Stunner PGM-Fi is for the techno-freaks.

Honda Shine

The hottest-seller in the 125cc class of bikes, the Honda Shine offers an excellent mix of practicality and style without demanding a hefty premium.

TVS Flame SR125

The controversy-stricken TVS Flame SR125 does appeal to the untrained eye but once astride the bike, it fails to pack in the feel of a 125.

Yamaha YBR 125

While the Gladiator is for the ones inclined towards spirited riding and the sporty-kind, the YBR 125 offers practicality and a very sophisticated design for the conservative buyer.

Yamaha Gladiator SS / RS

One of the best products to roll-out of the Yamaha factory, the Gladiator twins (SS/SS) have been around for a while and continue to add to Yamaha sales, consistently.

Vibgyor Hunter 125

Vibgyor's Hunter 125 offers a smart design and a decent package at a throw away price. But built quality looks tacky.