Casey Lewis Certified Harley mechanic huh ? Doesn’t MMI pump out a couple hundred of “certified Harley “ mechanics every 3 weeks? Guess I’m just saying it doesn’t mean much to say that anymore . And it’s ok for me to say this because I 2 am a “certified Harley mechanic “
I had 2 harleys a Sportster and a Dyna. I switched to a Triumph Bonneville and I realized what refinement really means. Triumph makes well engineered refined bikes and I don't think I'm ever going back to a Harley.
One of the best things i heard someone who test rode a Bonnie had to say, after coming off her harley was that she didn't know motorcycles were supposed to be fun to ride. The bonneville is one easy and fun to ride bike.
@gemini232003 you're right, see unlike you I have more brains than money so I'd use $5k wisely. $5k is enough for another bike in the collection or a turbo/supercharger kit. I'd hate myself if I spent $20k on a Harley that gets outclassed by a $12k Thunderbird Storm 👍
@gemini232003 I know of the breakouts, and I know about the balanced 110 twin cam too and like I said its around Thunderbird Storm territory specs wise. What makes it limited edition? Is it the special paint? All the extra chrome parts? All the things that only matter when you're parked outside of the bar. I'm glad I dont have your brains, then I'd be spending money on an expensive paint job! I've ridden with a breakout before and watched it get destroyed by a Vtx1800. The Vtx got more compliments all day too.
The Triumph HT 1200cc Parallel Twin will provide relentless smooth torque, great reliability, and if you throw the X-pipe underneath you'll pick up even more thrills. Great choice.
Triumph makes a good bike. So do lots of other companies. It all comes down to preference. As long as the grin factor is there, everyone ride what you want. Unless you are paying for someone elses bike your rude comments don't mean much.
I'd take the Triumph between those two but what the guy said about the T120 Bonneville is true, more comfort, better handling, and much superior brakes. About the same money can get you a Aprilia Dosodoro and it will just run all over those two bikes. Ditto with the Yamaha FZ900..
You are a real Triumph lover... to each his own. I personally like the Harley much better for many reasons. I've owned many motorcycles and many brands, and I still would prefer the Harley. For one the simplicity, air cooled engine means no engine coolant to leak, no hoses to replace, no radiator, no sensors. Two, BELT drive means NO CHAIN, Three, hydraulic lifters means you NEVER have a valve lash adjustment on a Harley, while on the Triumph you have to adjust the valves, I believe they might be a shim and bucket system which is quite expensive at the Triumph dealerships. The Harleys I've owned have been trouble free and I don't trade until I have around 60,000 miles on them. My nephew bought a new Triumph and had nothing but trouble. First it was the mapping of the fuel injection, then it was a wiring problem, then transmission troubles. The Triumph dealer never could fix the fuel injection so my nephew traded the Triumph for something else.... A HARLEY!
I own a Triumph and my brother owns a Harley. When his bike is running I always stay in front of him because of all the parts that fly off his bike. His kickstand nearly impaled me one time when I was riding behind him!
I have both a 2014 Harley Sportster 48 and a 79 triumph Bonneville T-140E. Both purchased new. I ride the Harley more but like both equally for different reasons. Ride what you like is what I always say. I diss no ones bike.
I've rode Harley's for way to many years.I have 2 at this time and neither of them have more then a few things from the factory on em and that's the only reason why they don't suck.I was 10 minutes away from purchasing a Victory Octane and they pulled the plug on that and I'm to old and tired to grab an H-2.So I guess what I'm trying to say is don't get a POS because of the 'NAME On The Tank". Get something that will make you want to ride it every-time you look at it and that will be money well spent.
Oggy Oggy So, a man comes around & admits his earlier mistakes, which many men never learn to do, yet you have to come at him with some snarky ass comment? Sounds like you’re actually the slow one, my dude...
I've always felt the HDs look meaner/tougher and that the Bonnies (my preferred of the two) looked a little lack-luster (its a personal thing). But seeing the Bobber sitting next to the Harley I was amazed at how it held its own visually. Nice. Sounds great too.
Very unique looking Bobber but for me, the T120 Black is damn near the perfect all around motorcycle. The owner of the local Triumph/ Ducati/ Suzuki dealer has his choice of 150 bikes and he rides the T120.
the peanut tank on the Harley says without a question the coolest tank any bike has ever had ever in my opinion. However the rest of the new Harleys just look like a big chunk of s***
I had to laugh when you said that Harley might have a disadvantage being 5 years older. It's not like Harley's are dripping with new tech year after year.
Harley 48 sounded a bit like an old lawn mower against the Triumph Bobber. The cockpit view on the Bobber when watching this review also looked a lot nicer to me. I can't help think HD need to up their game.
That Harley is a 2012 in all fairness, but it was like new (200 mi). Aren't they building a new engine at HD? The two bikes rode surprisingly similar but everyone says the build quality difference that Triumph has brought with the new classic lineup is massive.
With Triumph you are getting premium build but then the price of the bikes reflect that, unlike a Japanese bike price point. Harley's have always been expensive but now maybe they need to improve the build to keep in the game. That said the die hard HD rider probably feels the Triumph is too much hipster polish and hair cream.
Thanks for that. I stopped by again today; if I were interested in the style, I'd get that Harley which only had 200 miles on it. They were very similar IMO. The Harley sounded much better. $9k with no shipping and set up fees.
I've owned 1 Triumph America 2002 which I powdered coated sating black and made it to my taste, regretted selling it so I bought another 2004. I prefer those because if the spoke wheels. Cut the rear fender about 11", shortened the front fender, powdered coated the wheels, the forks and bits here and there. Painted it black satin and put tracker handlebars plus some more pieces from British Customs, slimmed the seat and reupholstered it prefessionally. I love it and wouldn't sell it again.
I have a zx14r and a Bonneville Speedmaster (bobber with a pillion). The Triumph gets all the attention when I ride it. Everyone gives a thumbs up. Just such a pretty bike. Slow as heck comparatively but a joy to ride.
I was down to the 48 and the bobber. Test rode them back to back and fell in love with the bobber. To me it had a more comfortable feel, and a lot better power! I went with the triumph
@@jokenfu I had no issues in my 3 years of owning the Triumph Bobber. It was a great bike. I recently sold it and now I have a supermoto as I was looking for a new style of riding. Triumph pulls way harder then the HD. I never rode the Indian but my friend has one and enjoys it. I would also even look into some of the new bigger HD like the Sportster S.. thing looks like a rocket but a little pricier. Also depends on the look you want
I think you last comment was spot on. "I like them both!" - same here. It was funny listening to your initial comments on the Triumph and then your surprise with the HD. And I agree, the seat on the HD 48 was the first thing to go on mine... I kept sliding back and riding from the rear bumper when taking off from a stop, lol. I now have a Triumph Thruxton R and a HD Slim S... but man do I miss my Sportster. Maybe in a few years I can add back a Sportster (this time the new Roadster model). Anyway, thank you for the video!
I just bought an '05 Speedmaster 900 for $3,000 to get back that feeling. I feel (and I also have a Thruxton R) that we find going back to what feels good is important and it's not always light, modern tech induced speed and performance, but just that metal horse underneath you with a brilliant exhaust note is really all you need sometimes. I would have bought the HD that day with all things considered and I really hope you're able to get your old bike back and also keep your Thruxty ;)
Gentlemen, I bought my '01 Bonneville from Tom himself. That was almost 20 years ago. I don't ride now. I broke my hip on my 2011 Dyna "Street Bob." I don't know how many bikes I had. I was a MCist for 51 years. John Spencer Long Beach, Ca.
"Where is he? The Harley can't keep up" Having ridden a few of both, this seems fairly standard for Triumph vs Harley - the former always seem to handle better and have more grunt. I do like HD but they need to engineer in a bit more lean angle clearance and stop selling everything de-tuned in order to flog aftermarket upgrades.
How HD gets away with it astounds me. Each customer who buys a new HD spends , on average, $10k on accessories... like an exhaust? How is it that the dealer wants another bag of money so that the HD i wanted to buy sounds like a HD?
It's an older 48 they made a ton of improvements in 2014 and did a re-do in 2016. I miss my 48... a lot. That being said the Triumph looks like a bad ass bike.
Really? Why would they put a 3 year old Sportster up against that Triumph? Seems a bit unfair. Seems unlikely they couldn't have got one if they had wanted to.
Seeing the Triumph in maroon reminds me of the 1950s sprung hub 500s Mitch loved by the British police. If you ever get a chance watch the film Genavive about the London to Brighton vetrin race there are two police triumphs in one seen. The film is also funny in a quaint old English way.
That same bike is STILL THERE now with the x-pipe and ape hangers. Idk why, it’s a great bike, they just kept the price up whereas they sold 80 (yes 80 bikes) of the T-120 Black models $8,999 plus fees in that same timeframe. The Harley was gone in a week.
Funny I watched a video where they took the public out and asked them what one they thought looked cooler, the people were from neither America or Britain so not biased and considerably the Triumph had 20 percent more people pick it. You might think you look cool on a Harley but it's the general public who don't ride and don't care for brand loyalty that picked the Triumph for looks.
Interesting. My 17 year old son is on his second Harley. His first was an '06 883 customer. His current ride is a Sportster Seventy-Two. We like all bikes. I ride a Triumph Thunderbird LT (the kid calls it a Cadillac). We both like the Triumph bobber. Anyway, Mark, there is a whole new generation of riders out there and they love Harley's as much as the previous generation. Whether or not they can afford them is another story. The Harley Forty Eight got revamped in 2016, so the comparison to the Bobber, may not be the best. But it was interesting to watch.
Right on, and they did ride surprisingly similar which caught me off guard after I said that the Triumph was going to has a huge advantage. Triumph is killing it lately (1200 HT and HP, 900HT, and upcoming 765cc Street) not even mentioning the Bobber. But based on what you are saying, a more accurate comparison would be that 883 with a Speedmaster 900, or a Thunderbird Storm and a Fat Bob? What I came away with was the Bobber wasn't good enough (although new in tech) in comparison with a $9,000 HD which held it's own. I expected the HD to be slow and heavy in and less torquey in the head to head, but I was wrong.
We don't see many Harley's driving around in Ireland as they are very expensive. Had my T120 up at the only Triumph dealer in Ireland in Dublin (a round trip of around 600 miles) the last day. They are also a Harley dealer which is their main selling product. I never saw any new Harley's up close. Love all the chrome but the seat on all of them seemed so low relative to the handlebars and the seat itself seemed cupped and I kept thinking what if it rains that seat is going to fill up with water? That's just what my initial impressions were. Obviously many love their harley's so I am not going to say anything negative about them but its a pity Harley don't make bikes like the Triumph T120. Hopefully next year I will get a Thruxton R to keep my T120 company in the garage.
@@ThiefOfNavarre True, even if they'd liquid cool... I still wouldn't want a Harley. For me, there's too much stigma, too little progress and too much dollars involved :D
HD reliability hasn’t been an issue since the AMF years. I’m not a HD fanatic, had a few over the years and still have a 00 Fatboy and none of them ever left me stranded.
I don't know if I would say it sounds better. It sounds ALMOST as good imo. I agree about everything else though. The Triumph is better in 90% of ways.
really like the look of this bike but honestly I had a Triumph Speedmaster when they first came out and a Bonneville. Before that I had the Harley 883 hugger Sportster. The Triumphs both felt like plastic and I lots of problems with them. I ended up going back to the Sportster. I now have a 48 and I probably won't go back to a Triumph unless they make them like they did back in the day.
I had a 98 Sporty, and it was a great bike, but I am too big for it. Same story with the Bobber. Looks cool enough, but I am cramped on it. For the money, you get a lot more with the T-120 and a little more with the T-100 for less money. Plus, for someone my size, there's a lot more room. For reference, I currently own a 2013 Tbird 1600 abs, and a 2016 FLHR. I'd like to get a T-120, mostly for the urban commute. Looked briefly at the new Street Rod, but I am too big for that too. PS _ will probably never sell my 2016.
I love my 2010 Thunderbird SE 1700 with airbag removed, I have the Thruxton R as well. That said, I really love the T120. Could be the best all around bike at the entire dealership.
I've never ridden a Triumph, but I have tested quite a few Harley's. I recently own two. A 1200 Nighster and a Road King. Both were gifts. I don't ride them though. I just bring them out of the garage once a year and hang them on my Chrisrmas tree.
Last week the local HD dealer, who also is a Triumph dealer, had a demo day. I rode the Triumph Street Twin, the T120 and Sportster 48 in that order. I liked the ST. Very light feeling and performance was good. The T120 however was much better. The 1200 motor was real smooth and quick. Dual disc brakes worked well. The 48 paled by comparison. It was not anywhere near as smooth running as the Triumphs, the clutch was not as easy to pull, the ride quality was not as good and I think the T120 would beat the 48 in a race. My last 3 bikes were Harleys but I really like these Triumphs.
I only sat on Triumph Bobber 1200 in a store just a week ago. It is surprisingly low and thus very comfy for a girl. Couldn't find any specs on its maximum speed and I wonder how does it compare to 1000 cc sport bikes. I liked the bike .... great review vid.
It feels like a small cruiser with a good, torquey engine. It feels unique and classic in harmony with modern technology. In this case, I personally don't want both worlds: I would get the Thunderbird storm for $9,999 from Socaltriump for some big cruiser power or if wanted the 1200 Bonneville, I'd get the T120 or the Thruxton. This bike needs 25 years to really become interesting. Now comparing it to a sport or super sport is just not relevant, it would be like a P-51 Mustang and an F-14. I imagine the Bobber would do 100mph, I just wouldn't see the need. That GSXR600 I rode yesterday seemed to want nothing but high RPMs and triple digit speeds.
Thank you for taking your time to write this detailed explanation. Very nice bike indeed. I like your wording "unique and classic in harmony with modern technology" ... pure poetry.
So, did you edit out the part where you two raced? I mean, really...no two guys on bikes go out test ride, without a race. Also, do you not blip the throttle on downshifts? Makes the clutch last so much longer.
This Triumph looks pretty damn good. I own an Iron and i am quite surprised by Triumph politic concerning the passenger side. HD produce Harleys than can sit from the factory only one person and then change it to be able to carry a passenger. At least you cannot change it for this Triumph. For that matter i'll keep my Harley because i think it is too expensive for a strictly personal use. Anyway the looks and technology of the Triumph if far beyond what HD produces. Peace and safe ride ✌
If that was the style I wanted, I'd take the HD in this scenario. They felt so close and yet the HD had the character. I am NO HD guy, but I respect it greatly. That said, the 1200 HT engine you get here on the T120 Bonny is what I would do. You have a bike that comes with everything, looks the classic part, great technology, crazy torque, and a quality build at $11-11,500. you're totally right here to state that for a strictly one up bike, $12,500? Nope. And I ride the Thruxton R and have 2 other Triumphs. But the HD took this comparison. I don't know HD but I think I would go for a Dyna Low Rider, love that bike, and you can go big with the S!
MrPainfulTruth Bobber mirrors are fine. I split lanes so I put CRG on my Thruxton (it had the same as the Bobber) but the Harley were flipped down and pretty useless.
I love my Sportster 72 but damn do I wish Harley would make an updated liquid cooled version of the 45 degree v twin and still make it look old school, like what Triumph has done. A stock 1200 Sportie dynos at about 59 HP, maybe 67 TQ. A stock 1200 Bobber dynos at 73 HP/75 TQ. All are rear wheel measurements, not the propaganda numbers.
Went down to the local Triumph dealer to look at a Bobber...Oh but wait,,,There isn't a "local Triumph Motorcycle dealer locally. There is one 40 miles to the north and another one 70 miles to the south ,,but there is a local Harley dealer here and another one 40 miles south and another one 20 miles north and that's a good selling point in my book. In conclusion,ride what you like and ride often and ride safe.
I will say this, (and I, to your point, ride Triumph because I like Triumph) whenever I have sold a Triumph motorcycle on Craigslist, it goes pretty fast and it's typically the only one of it's kind on the site. In fact, when I sold a 2006 Thruxton (black, checkered stripe), it was the only one nationwide on Cycletrader and Ebay. The fact that Triumph may represent 5% of the US motorcycle sales is of benefit in that respect. If you change bikes a lot that is, which I should stop doing. Be safe out there.
Like the Bobbers owned an 1100 sport in 87 bored out to 1200 replaced pipes with low restrictives replaced filter w/cast highway pegs huge difference. Upgraded in 02 to a Fatboy, have ridden everything since. No Heritage no Road King no V-Rod no Deuce, which look cool, but for me Fatboy is the best. Floorboards no fairing ride for miles and Km’s!
I test rode the triumph in the pursuit of a lazy day bike and to be a keeper, it was either that or a sporty 12. Very comfortable and a smooth ride but found the engine somewhat dull if I’m honest, probably great in a Bonny but this kind of bike needs a raw engine for the styling. Triumph are not cheap bikes and I would like to see either a shaft or belt drive on this bike instead of the chain. £11,600 for the model I’d want so with all the intentions of buying a homemade British brand I went for a twisted cherry 1200 iron, stands me now at just over £10,000 but is just how I want it and still cheaper than the triumph. Both great bikes but for value and that exhaust note the Harley all day for me, just my own preference mind....
I’m deciding between a Panhead and a Shovelhead. I like them both. I think I’ll get a Panshovel. A generator Pan engine with that Shovel top. Yeah, thank you self. I can always count on me. A Panshovel with a 4speed tranny.
If this Triumph were a 650 I could see myself buying one. The gas tank with a 1200cc engine is about worthless for riding more than 75 miles. Gorgeous though
Harley will be here for a long time to come, they also hold money better than any other brand. HD are clever they will appeal to new and old customers again, this has started.
I have been riding for 50 years. I ride a Triumph street twin. Perfect all around bike and easy to ride and is light and nimble, yet stable at highish speeds. 115 mph tops. 64 mpg. Cheap insurance and payments.
Both good looking rides .Triumph kept up with the times better with liquid cooling that looks air cooled . Future Emission standards rumoured to be killing off air cooled bikes within 5 years. Supposed factor in the Polaris Victory kill off decision so as to invest in new liquid cool 2nd generation Indian engine. Give Harley credit for commitment to giving their die hard followers what they want .
People are so funny talking about refined, smooth, water cooled engines in their old school looking retro bobber. LOL. Part of the whole old school bobber appeal is that "flawed air cooled paint mixer" engine. Harley Davidson knows this. When Harley comes out with new technology, like the Street Revolution X engine or the V Rod , customesr still tend to buy the old paint mixer engine. It all boils down to personal preference. Harleys for some and Triumphs for others. I'll take one of each please
The old school cool and feel is why the sportster is still a very popular bike. I got one...I love it. The fit and finish of the Harley is top notched.
I really love the Bonneville, but it's more UJM reliable do it all than the rip roaring badassery of the early Bonnevilles. I want it to be a bad boy bike but it's just too nice. They should make one that's louder, as fast as possible with the para twin and with more aggressive lines. The bobbers an American thing, doesn't feel at home in Britain.
One is an old bike made to look modern and the other is a modern bike made to look old. The only real possible argument on the Harley side is looks which i suppose are subjective. Every other aspect of the Triumph is centuries ahead.
I am a certified Harley-Davidson mechanic, I ride triumph.
Casey Lewis
Certified Harley mechanic huh ? Doesn’t MMI pump out a couple hundred of “certified Harley “ mechanics every 3 weeks? Guess I’m just saying it doesn’t mean much to say that anymore . And it’s ok for me to say this because I 2 am a “certified Harley mechanic “
U said everything 😊😂😂😂
@@coryCT You obviously haven't ridden the new softail's Mr "Certified Harley Mechanic".
The best bike is what you own
I’ve owned a Harley and a triumph. I like triumph more
I had 2 harleys a Sportster and a Dyna. I switched to a Triumph Bonneville and I realized what refinement really means. Triumph makes well engineered refined bikes and I don't think I'm ever going back to a Harley.
There's a lot of that sentiment going on these days.
One of the best things i heard someone who test rode a Bonnie had to say, after coming off her harley was that she didn't know motorcycles were supposed to be fun to ride. The bonneville is one easy and fun to ride bike.
@gemini232003who cares?! $5000 is enough to buy another bike! Its not even worth $5k extra I promise
@gemini232003 you're right, see unlike you I have more brains than money so I'd use $5k wisely. $5k is enough for another bike in the collection or a turbo/supercharger kit. I'd hate myself if I spent $20k on a Harley that gets outclassed by a $12k Thunderbird Storm 👍
@gemini232003 I know of the breakouts, and I know about the balanced 110 twin cam too and like I said its around Thunderbird Storm territory specs wise. What makes it limited edition? Is it the special paint? All the extra chrome parts? All the things that only matter when you're parked outside of the bar. I'm glad I dont have your brains, then I'd be spending money on an expensive paint job! I've ridden with a breakout before and watched it get destroyed by a Vtx1800. The Vtx got more compliments all day too.
Thanks for the side by side... These were my 2 choices for a bike and I've chosen the Triumph... Just waiting for it to be shipped to me.
The Triumph HT 1200cc Parallel Twin will provide relentless smooth torque, great reliability, and if you throw the X-pipe underneath you'll pick up even more thrills. Great choice.
Triumph makes a good bike. So do lots of other companies. It all comes down to preference. As long as the grin factor is there, everyone ride what you want. Unless you are paying for someone elses bike your rude comments don't mean much.
Amen brother.
Ride what you like. Spot on man, spot on!
Thank you!
I'd take the Triumph between those two but what the guy said about the T120 Bonneville is true, more comfort, better handling, and much superior brakes. About the same money can get you a Aprilia Dosodoro and it will just run all over those two bikes. Ditto with the Yamaha FZ900..
Phil Lott I believe if you think that, you’ve entirely missed the point of these bikes.
You are a real Triumph lover... to each his own.
I personally like the Harley much better for many reasons. I've owned many motorcycles and many brands, and I still would prefer the Harley. For one the simplicity, air cooled engine means no engine coolant to leak, no hoses to replace, no radiator, no sensors. Two, BELT drive means NO CHAIN, Three, hydraulic lifters means you NEVER have a valve lash adjustment on a Harley, while on the Triumph you have to adjust the valves, I believe they might be a shim and bucket system which is quite expensive at the Triumph dealerships.
The Harleys I've owned have been trouble free and I don't trade until I have around 60,000 miles on them. My nephew bought a new Triumph and had nothing but trouble. First it was the mapping of the fuel injection, then it was a wiring problem, then transmission troubles. The Triumph dealer never could fix the fuel injection so my nephew traded the Triumph for something else.... A HARLEY!
the best bike in the a world is the one you own
Totally agree. Any motorbike is definitely the best if you can ride it any time you like
No mines better, no matter what. See those custom pipes, I put an air filter on... best bike ever!
I dont own one yet ;-;
Unless you own a Harley. Then not so much.
Damn straight
I own a Triumph and my brother owns a Harley. When his bike is running I always stay in front of him because of all the parts that fly off his bike.
His kickstand nearly impaled me one time when I was riding behind him!
I have both a 2014 Harley Sportster 48 and a 79 triumph Bonneville T-140E. Both purchased new. I ride the Harley more but like both equally for different reasons.
Ride what you like is what I always say. I diss no ones bike.
WORD !!!!
I have a 78 Bonneville,,,wouldn't sell it , had many offers,,,the engineering is amazing and so overkill,,,but I appreciate that,,,goodluck with yours
The sound of the triump dumbs down. Compared to Harley. Jus comparing the sound
Great job on the comparison between the two! Your attention to detail, various compare/contrast analogies, and fact bullets were Top Shelf Quality!
Thanks Captain Sarcasm!
Just left my second sporty ( 01 hugger XLH then 14 iron both 883 ) for my new bobber black . Delighted
I've rode Harley's for way to many years.I have 2 at this time and neither of them have more then a few things from the factory on em and that's the only reason why they don't suck.I was 10 minutes away from purchasing a Victory Octane and they pulled the plug on that and I'm to old and tired to grab an H-2.So I guess what I'm trying to say is don't get a POS because of the 'NAME On The Tank". Get something that will make you want to ride it every-time you look at it and that will be money well spent.
Patrick Teto
So you're a slow learner then.
Oggy Oggy So, a man comes around & admits his earlier mistakes, which many men never learn to do, yet you have to come at him with some snarky ass comment? Sounds like you’re actually the slow one, my dude...
@@susanmaggiora4800 Susan, do you still work the same street corner in Vegas?
Flying Dog Bitch, you could neither afford, nor handle my work...
@@flyingdog1498 that wasn't Susan, that was your mum
I've always felt the HDs look meaner/tougher and that the Bonnies (my preferred of the two) looked a little lack-luster (its a personal thing). But seeing the Bobber sitting next to the Harley I was amazed at how it held its own visually. Nice. Sounds great too.
Very unique looking Bobber but for me, the T120 Black is damn near the perfect all around motorcycle. The owner of the local Triumph/ Ducati/ Suzuki dealer has his choice of 150 bikes and he rides the T120.
The T120 is sweet.
Damn right!
the peanut tank on the Harley says without a question the coolest tank any bike has ever had ever in my opinion. However the rest of the new Harleys just look like a big chunk of s***
Both of the bikes seem cool as hell. I'd love to have either one.
I had to laugh when you said that Harley might have a disadvantage being 5 years older. It's not like Harley's are dripping with new tech year after year.
They completely changed the sportster in 2016. So he was correct.
Harley Shmarley, Triumph is where it's at😎
Triumph all the way.
Harley 48 sounded a bit like an old lawn mower against the Triumph Bobber. The cockpit view on the Bobber when watching this review also looked a lot nicer to me. I can't help think HD need to up their game.
That Harley is a 2012 in all fairness, but it was like new (200 mi). Aren't they building a new engine at HD? The two bikes rode surprisingly similar but everyone says the build quality difference that Triumph has brought with the new classic lineup is massive.
With Triumph you are getting premium build but then the price of the bikes reflect that, unlike a Japanese bike price point. Harley's have always been expensive but now maybe they need to improve the build to keep in the game. That said the die hard HD rider probably feels the Triumph is too much hipster polish and hair cream.
The Sportster engine is the same. They have a new big twin.
Thanks for that. I stopped by again today; if I were interested in the style, I'd get that Harley which only had 200 miles on it. They were very similar IMO. The Harley sounded much better. $9k with no shipping and set up fees.
telestrat060 I like it (Bobber) a lot.
I've owned 1 Triumph America 2002 which I powdered coated sating black and made it to my taste, regretted selling it so I bought another 2004. I prefer those because if the spoke wheels. Cut the rear fender about 11", shortened the front fender, powdered coated the wheels, the forks and bits here and there. Painted it black satin and put tracker handlebars plus some more pieces from British Customs, slimmed the seat and reupholstered it prefessionally. I love it and wouldn't sell it again.
it's so good just to have the choice long live harley and triumph old and new shop brought and shed built
Bobber for me, thank you. I'm done with air cooled V-twin engines.
I have a zx14r and a Bonneville Speedmaster (bobber with a pillion). The Triumph gets all the attention when I ride it. Everyone gives a thumbs up. Just such a pretty bike. Slow as heck comparatively but a joy to ride.
Wow. Right now I have a Thruxton R and Speed Triple S but for some reason I really want my old Speedmaster back...love that sweet sound.
I was down to the 48 and the bobber. Test rode them back to back and fell in love with the bobber. To me it had a more comfortable feel, and a lot better power! I went with the triumph
@@jokenfu I had no issues in my 3 years of owning the Triumph Bobber. It was a great bike. I recently sold it and now I have a supermoto as I was looking for a new style of riding. Triumph pulls way harder then the HD. I never rode the Indian but my friend has one and enjoys it. I would also even look into some of the new bigger HD like the Sportster S.. thing looks like a rocket but a little pricier. Also depends on the look you want
I think you last comment was spot on. "I like them both!" - same here. It was funny listening to your initial comments on the Triumph and then your surprise with the HD. And I agree, the seat on the HD 48 was the first thing to go on mine... I kept sliding back and riding from the rear bumper when taking off from a stop, lol. I now have a Triumph Thruxton R and a HD Slim S... but man do I miss my Sportster. Maybe in a few years I can add back a Sportster (this time the new Roadster model).
Anyway, thank you for the video!
I just bought an '05 Speedmaster 900 for $3,000 to get back that feeling. I feel (and I also have a Thruxton R) that we find going back to what feels good is important and it's not always light, modern tech induced speed and performance, but just that metal horse underneath you with a brilliant exhaust note is really all you need sometimes. I would have bought the HD that day with all things considered and I really hope you're able to get your old bike back and also keep your Thruxty ;)
Gentlemen,
I bought my '01 Bonneville from Tom himself. That was almost 20 years ago.
I don't ride now. I broke my hip on my 2011 Dyna "Street Bob."
I don't know how many bikes I had. I was a MCist for 51 years.
John Spencer
Long Beach, Ca.
Triumph is a better bike emphatically...taking emotion out of it.
"Where is he? The Harley can't keep up"
Having ridden a few of both, this seems fairly standard for Triumph vs Harley - the former always seem to handle better and have more grunt. I do like HD but they need to engineer in a bit more lean angle clearance and stop selling everything de-tuned in order to flog aftermarket upgrades.
How HD gets away with it astounds me. Each customer who buys a new HD spends , on average, $10k on accessories... like an exhaust? How is it that the dealer wants another bag of money so that the HD i wanted to buy sounds like a HD?
I like the triumph bonneville bobber black ,cause black really looks great on it
It's an older 48 they made a ton of improvements in 2014 and did a re-do in 2016. I miss my 48... a lot.
That being said the Triumph looks like a bad ass bike.
Really? Why would they put a 3 year old Sportster up against that Triumph? Seems a bit unfair. Seems unlikely they couldn't have got one if they had wanted to.
Had Triumph in 68 .Had a 2008 Sporty.A 2011 Superglide ad now ride a Harley Electraglide CVO.They were all good.Trumpet handled corners best.
Seeing the Triumph in maroon reminds me of the 1950s sprung hub 500s Mitch loved by the British police. If you ever get a chance watch the film Genavive about the London to Brighton vetrin race there are two police triumphs in one seen. The film is also funny in a quaint old English way.
That same bike is STILL THERE now with the x-pipe and ape hangers. Idk why, it’s a great bike, they just kept the price up whereas they sold 80 (yes 80 bikes) of the T-120 Black models $8,999 plus fees in that same timeframe. The Harley was gone in a week.
Funny I watched a video where they took the public out and asked them what one they thought looked cooler, the people were from neither America or Britain so not biased and considerably the Triumph had 20 percent more people pick it. You might think you look cool on a Harley but it's the general public who don't ride and don't care for brand loyalty that picked the Triumph for looks.
Interesting. My 17 year old son is on his second Harley. His first was an '06 883 customer. His current ride is a Sportster Seventy-Two. We like all bikes. I ride a Triumph Thunderbird LT (the kid calls it a Cadillac). We both like the Triumph bobber. Anyway, Mark, there is a whole new generation of riders out there and they love Harley's as much as the previous generation. Whether or not they can afford them is another story. The Harley Forty Eight got revamped in 2016, so the comparison to the Bobber, may not be the best. But it was interesting to watch.
Right on, and they did ride surprisingly similar which caught me off guard after I said that the Triumph was going to has a huge advantage. Triumph is killing it lately (1200 HT and HP, 900HT, and upcoming 765cc Street) not even mentioning the Bobber. But based on what you are saying, a more accurate comparison would be that 883 with a Speedmaster 900, or a Thunderbird Storm and a Fat Bob? What I came away with was the Bobber wasn't good enough (although new in tech) in comparison with a $9,000 HD which held it's own. I expected the HD to be slow and heavy in and less torquey in the head to head, but I was wrong.
Thunderbird is a beautiful ride! Nice bike mate
Triumph is soo good in sounding:)
We don't see many Harley's driving around in Ireland as they are very expensive. Had my T120 up at the only Triumph dealer in Ireland in Dublin (a round trip of around 600 miles) the last day. They are also a Harley dealer which is their main selling product. I never saw any new Harley's up close. Love all the chrome but the seat on all of them seemed so low relative to the handlebars and the seat itself seemed cupped and I kept thinking what if it rains that seat is going to fill up with water? That's just what my initial impressions were. Obviously many love their harley's so I am not going to say anything negative about them but its a pity Harley don't make bikes like the Triumph T120. Hopefully next year I will get a Thruxton R to keep my T120 company in the garage.
Retro Triumphs piss on Harleys; I wonder how much the rise of the modern Triumphs has hurt Harley sales.
triumph is hurting them I'm sure. But the new Indian scouts are the ones that are actually killing Harley-Davidson right now
Harley has been commiting suicide since the 50's.
@@ThiefOfNavarre Very slow suicide. They might wanna liquid cool their suicide and so they get it to go a bit faster :D
@@cy-one They tried liquid cooling and nobody wanted it. 🤷
@@ThiefOfNavarre True, even if they'd liquid cool... I still wouldn't want a Harley. For me, there's too much stigma, too little progress and too much dollars involved :D
No contest. Triumph all the way!! Faster, more power, better handling, looks amazing and far more reliable than a HD
More reliable than a 1200 evo motor, yah okay lol
Reliable than evo's 😂😂. Mann you have a great sense of humor
HD reliability hasn’t been an issue since the AMF years. I’m not a HD fanatic, had a few over the years and still have a 00 Fatboy and none of them ever left me stranded.
Enough said, lol.
The Triumph is awesome
Lmao.....more reliable than an EVO.....bwahahahahahaha.....I'll wave at you when I ride by and your Triumph has broken 5 times already that day.....
Simple, bobber is more reliable, smoother, looks and sounds better.
I don't know if I would say it sounds better. It sounds ALMOST as good imo. I agree about everything else though. The Triumph is better in 90% of ways.
ive owned 27 harleys and loved them all..i now ride a late bonneville because its the best all round bike ive ever had
really like the look of this bike but honestly I had a Triumph Speedmaster when they first came out and a Bonneville. Before that I had the Harley 883 hugger Sportster. The Triumphs both felt like plastic and I lots of problems with them. I ended up going back to the Sportster. I now have a 48 and I probably won't go back to a Triumph unless they make them like they did back in the day.
Comparing Triumph and HD is like comparing cars and tractors. The Triumph is what the tractor driver uses to get to work.
What does that mean?
@@dedricthere I suspect that if I explained it you wouldn't understand.
two nice looking and capable motorcycles
I had a 98 Sporty, and it was a great bike, but I am too big for it. Same story with the Bobber. Looks cool enough, but I am cramped on it. For the money, you get a lot more with the T-120 and a little more with the T-100 for less money. Plus, for someone my size, there's a lot more room.
For reference, I currently own a 2013 Tbird 1600 abs, and a 2016 FLHR. I'd like to get a T-120, mostly for the urban commute. Looked briefly at the new Street Rod, but I am too big for that too.
PS _ will probably never sell my 2016.
I love my 2010 Thunderbird SE 1700 with airbag removed, I have the Thruxton R as well. That said, I really love the T120. Could be the best all around bike at the entire dealership.
I've never ridden a Triumph, but I have tested quite a few Harley's. I recently own two. A 1200 Nighster and a Road King. Both were gifts. I don't ride them though. I just bring them out of the garage once a year and hang them on my Chrisrmas tree.
Your head says Triumph but my heart says Harley, every day
I own a triumph and there's no better feeling than the pull i feel in my shoulders
I didn't get it, which seat is more com comfortable?
Are you David Schwimmer by chance?
The only thing I like abt the sporster is that famous Harley sound. The rumble...
Last week the local HD dealer, who also is a Triumph dealer, had a demo day. I rode the Triumph Street Twin, the T120 and Sportster 48 in that order. I liked the ST. Very light feeling and performance was good. The T120 however was much better. The 1200 motor was real smooth and quick. Dual disc brakes worked well. The 48 paled by comparison. It was not anywhere near as smooth running as the Triumphs, the clutch was not as easy to pull, the ride quality was not as good and I think the T120 would beat the 48 in a race. My last 3 bikes were Harleys but I really like these Triumphs.
I only sat on Triumph Bobber 1200 in a store just a week ago. It is surprisingly low and thus very comfy for a girl. Couldn't find any specs on its maximum speed and I wonder how does it compare to 1000 cc sport bikes. I liked the bike .... great review vid.
It feels like a small cruiser with a good, torquey engine. It feels unique and classic in harmony with modern technology. In this case, I personally don't want both worlds: I would get the Thunderbird storm for $9,999 from Socaltriump for some big cruiser power or if wanted the 1200 Bonneville, I'd get the T120 or the Thruxton. This bike needs 25 years to really become interesting. Now comparing it to a sport or super sport is just not relevant, it would be like a P-51 Mustang and an F-14. I imagine the Bobber would do 100mph, I just wouldn't see the need. That GSXR600 I rode yesterday seemed to want nothing but high RPMs and triple digit speeds.
Thank you for taking your time to write this detailed explanation. Very nice bike indeed. I like your wording "unique and classic in harmony with modern technology" ... pure poetry.
Hahaha, Rolling Rock induced linguistics.
Just traded in my 2017 t120 for a harley 72 ,the harley has so much much character
Regards
Dave from Scotland
Funny how as soon as he gets on the Harley, it sound like he just got on a tractor.
Funny how when he got on the triumph it sounded like a vibrator
@MOTHER PEARL its funny how things that are funny are funny
@Robin Stiff nah triumphs are a falling brand just like HD but i still love my HD
@@NoName-sy3di that's funny, harleys bikes just get worse and worse as the years go on. Triumphs bikes have been getting better and better!
@@thembones6976 lol its good bud like the grandpa used to say, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one and they all smell like shit
Those are both excellent bikes. But the bobber is liquid cooled I believe?
And chain not belt, like a real motorcycle
Go with the Bobber Black. Looks better and has better brakes. Change rear shock and can ride all day long.
So, did you edit out the part where you two raced? I mean, really...no two guys on bikes go out test ride, without a race.
Also, do you not blip the throttle on downshifts? Makes the clutch last so much longer.
Sales guy wouldn't dare, but we can! I always do rev matching, not sure why or why not seen there.
Ya where's the race?
Triumph all day.
This Triumph looks pretty damn good. I own an Iron and i am quite surprised by Triumph politic concerning the passenger side. HD produce Harleys than can sit from the factory only one person and then change it to be able to carry a passenger. At least you cannot change it for this Triumph. For that matter i'll keep my Harley because i think it is too expensive for a strictly personal use. Anyway the looks and technology of the Triumph if far beyond what HD produces. Peace and safe ride ✌
If that was the style I wanted, I'd take the HD in this scenario. They felt so close and yet the HD had the character. I am NO HD guy, but I respect it greatly. That said, the 1200 HT engine you get here on the T120 Bonny is what I would do. You have a bike that comes with everything, looks the classic part, great technology, crazy torque, and a quality build at $11-11,500. you're totally right here to state that for a strictly one up bike, $12,500? Nope. And I ride the Thruxton R and have 2 other Triumphs. But the HD took this comparison. I don't know HD but I think I would go for a Dyna Low Rider, love that bike, and you can go big with the S!
thank you for your feedback :D
The new Triumph Bobber with the twin front disk and a 9-liter tank installed was needed.
“Taking that 35mph corner at 70!”
I would ride either. Each has their goods and bass. Currently brat bobbing my 1977 xs650 Yamaha. It's different. That makes me happy.
top speed of bobber and what about vibrations
How were these mirrors? From the looks they are both appealing designs, but i wonder how mcuh you actually see...
MrPainfulTruth Bobber mirrors are fine. I split lanes so I put CRG on my Thruxton (it had the same as the Bobber) but the Harley were flipped down and pretty useless.
Fenomenal!!
Love the look and sound of the Harley more.
I love my Sportster 72 but damn do I wish Harley would make an updated liquid cooled version of the 45 degree v twin and still make it look old school, like what Triumph has done. A stock 1200 Sportie dynos at about 59 HP, maybe 67 TQ. A stock 1200 Bobber dynos at 73 HP/75 TQ. All are rear wheel measurements, not the propaganda numbers.
Like em both.... That's the way
Enjoyed the vid. Only got audio from the left channel though.
Oh yeah, just verified that as well, thank you. Maybe the mic wasn't pushed all the way in.
my left ear loved this review
Went down to the local Triumph dealer to look at a Bobber...Oh but wait,,,There isn't a "local Triumph Motorcycle dealer locally. There is one 40 miles to the north and another one 70 miles to the south ,,but there is a local Harley dealer here and another one 40 miles south and another one 20 miles north and that's a good selling point in my book. In conclusion,ride what you like and ride often and ride safe.
I will say this, (and I, to your point, ride Triumph because I like Triumph) whenever I have sold a Triumph motorcycle on Craigslist, it goes pretty fast and it's typically the only one of it's kind on the site. In fact, when I sold a 2006 Thruxton (black, checkered stripe), it was the only one nationwide on Cycletrader and Ebay. The fact that Triumph may represent 5% of the US motorcycle sales is of benefit in that respect. If you change bikes a lot that is, which I should stop doing. Be safe out there.
Seems a lazy attitude?? Especially when 'miles away' is an opportunity for a ride ?? LOL
Triumph for me, mind you if there giving them away, I will have either LOL..
Damn right!
I ride a hd road king and respect triumphs...
Like the Bobbers owned an 1100 sport in 87 bored out to 1200 replaced pipes with low restrictives replaced filter w/cast highway pegs huge difference.
Upgraded in 02 to a Fatboy, have ridden everything since. No Heritage no Road King no V-Rod no Deuce, which look cool, but for me Fatboy is the best. Floorboards no fairing ride for miles and Km’s!
I have both bikes. The bobber is all around the better bike in my opinion. I bought my bobber from Kyle in this video, lol.
That HD 48 price is 48K USD in Indonesia.
This is not real bobber, delete 1 seat - not mean Bobber) am i right ?
I test rode the triumph in the pursuit of a lazy day bike and to be a keeper, it was either that or a sporty 12.
Very comfortable and a smooth ride but found the engine somewhat dull if I’m honest, probably great in a Bonny but this kind of bike needs a raw engine for the styling. Triumph are not cheap bikes and I would like to see either a shaft or belt drive on this bike instead of the chain.
£11,600 for the model I’d want so with all the intentions of buying a homemade British brand I went for a twisted cherry 1200 iron, stands me now at just over £10,000 but is just how I want it and still cheaper than the triumph. Both great bikes but for value and that exhaust note the Harley all day for me, just my own preference mind....
I still Kick start my 68 boni chopper
2012 HD 1200 for $9k Had a brand new '16-'17 at the Harley stealership for $8k
I’m deciding between a Panhead and a Shovelhead. I like them both. I think I’ll get a Panshovel. A generator Pan engine with that Shovel top. Yeah, thank you self. I can always count on me. A Panshovel with a 4speed tranny.
If this Triumph were a 650 I could see myself buying one. The gas tank with a 1200cc engine is about worthless for riding more than 75 miles. Gorgeous though
Harley will be here for a long time to come, they also hold money better than any other brand. HD are clever they will appeal to new and old customers again, this has started.
SO THE SEAT IS GOOD BECAUSE HE WAS ON IT LESS THAN A MINUTE !! 1:09 TO 1:31
You can hear the vibrations in his voice on the Harley.
Lol, so true.
Triumph any time cheers
maybe against the roadster be better match.roadster has 3" more ground clearance
I'll take Harley just for the sound..
Is triumph gd as a first beginners bike in anyone opinion?
I have been riding for 50 years. I ride a Triumph street twin. Perfect all around bike and easy to ride and is light and nimble, yet stable at highish speeds. 115 mph tops. 64 mpg. Cheap insurance and payments.
Both good looking rides .Triumph kept up with the times better with liquid cooling that looks air cooled . Future Emission standards rumoured to be killing off air cooled bikes within 5 years. Supposed factor in the Polaris Victory kill off decision so as to invest in new liquid cool 2nd generation Indian engine. Give Harley credit for commitment to giving their die hard followers what they want .
Try triumph bobber black. Abs, dual rotos in front. And its sports tuned from factory, more power, torque and fater front tyre.
People are so funny talking about refined, smooth, water cooled engines in their old school looking retro bobber. LOL. Part of the whole old school bobber appeal is that "flawed air cooled paint mixer" engine. Harley Davidson knows this. When Harley comes out with new technology, like the Street Revolution X engine or the V Rod , customesr still tend to buy the old paint mixer engine. It all boils down to personal preference. Harleys for some and Triumphs for others. I'll take one of each please
The old school cool and feel is why the sportster is still a very popular bike. I got one...I love it. The fit and finish of the Harley is top notched.
Your audio is messed up, can only hear it through left ear man.
Thank fuck you said that. I thought I was having a stroke
Im with you PeteDad60
Bobber of course.. ! ! ! ! !...💔
The Triumph looks so much better it isn't even close..... Put a Pushrod engine on the Triumph and it would be perfect.
48 😍
I really love the Bonneville, but it's more UJM reliable do it all than the rip roaring badassery of the early Bonnevilles. I want it to be a bad boy bike but it's just too nice. They should make one that's louder, as fast as possible with the para twin and with more aggressive lines. The bobbers an American thing, doesn't feel at home in Britain.
My Harley's always made me so happy......when they started One more time🤔😂😂😂
One is an old bike made to look modern and the other is a modern bike made to look old. The only real possible argument on the Harley side is looks which i suppose are subjective. Every other aspect of the Triumph is centuries ahead.
Triumph is great bike i like it bobberbike 🥰🥰🥰👏👏👏🥰🥰😘😘😘😘😘