Agree with all you have said. Have about 1350 miles on my T120 Black. Wife says its THE best looking bike I have ever had and I've had all sorts from 200 bhp sports bikes to harleys. I love how comfortable it is, how enjoyable slower speed riding is. Country lanes, snicking between 4th and 5th, 50 ish mph, sound burble bouncing off high hedges, open face helmet, no hassles, no stress. Might overtkae might not......lovely lovely machine.
Nice report thanks. I have nearly 500km up on mine in the three weeks I have had it. Great for zipping around town doing odd jobs. Usually can leave it outside the shop where I want to go. Its a real attention grabber though so you gotta be careful. All the attention it has got so far has been good but as a retired policeman I know that the other kind exists too.
When i'd bought a 76 Bonneville, there was a poster that the dealer had on his wall concerning the bike. It was titled "An attempt to explain the unexplainable" It was a blueprint of sorts, referring to the balance axis of the bike's center of gravity. A paragraph went on to point out that if one were to draw a line thru the long axis, and then a perpendicular line thru the short axis of the bike... the center of gravity, would be located exactly between the rider's two feet. After asking the dealer if i he would throw in a copy of that poster with the purchase... he said only one poster was given to each dealer. But if that if that's what it would take to seal the deal... then i could have his. i have yet to this date, found any website that has this poster. Anyway i'm currently riding my very first purchased Triumph. A fully restored '68 Trophy Sports, & i can feel the posters claim of balance... exactly where it said it is. 71817
Greetings from across the Pond in central Pennsylvania. Enjoying your videos on the T120. I have the two-tone black and white version. Just one request, when you happen to adjust the drive chain for the first time, please make a video showing the steps you take to accomplish. Page 89 of the owner's handbook seems to have the parts mislabled. I had my chain adjusted at the 500 mi service(currently have just over 1000 mi), but would feel more confident on any future adjustments of my own after watching someone else perform the task. Cheers!
Hi Andy, thanks for the upload, I've done around 1500 miles on my T120, and I echo your feelings about the bike. The other day, some old bloke (around my age!) said "nice Bonny did you restore it yourself? can you still get the parts?" Brake squeal is the only thing, and tyre noise and white lining on some surfaces, I've already got some different tyres (Bridgestones) ready for when I change (had those on my T100 and it transformed the handling) but tyres are subjective I guess, but overall it's the best bike I've ridden, and I've been riding since '68, so thanks again, cheers Dave
I only have my one two weeks and have not got out on it but I am looking forward to 1st March when I am putting it on the road, mean while I really enjoy your videos, thanks. Bob.
Hi Bob, I hope you get as much pleasure riding your T120 as I do. I can't wait to get my bike back on the road, as soon as they stop salting I'm out! I've been looking back at some of my videos this winter and I can't believe how poor the image quality is on the earlier ones. I'm hoping that my new camera gives better results. Regards Andy
Am returning to biking after a long break since the 70's, cannot make my mind up either T100 or T120, would just be for summer use only, bit worried a bit worried about the extra weight of the larger bike, am only 15 miles from Matlock towards Nottingham so your neck of the woods.
Hi, I'm only 5' 8" and I'm no Charles Atlas but I manage fine on the T120. I part exchanged a 1200 Tiger Explorer for the Bonneville and I coped pretty well with that, but it was a big cumbersome beast and I was always cautious. All of the weight in the twins is low down so when you're sat on one you don't get the impression that your on a big or heavy bike. I've owned a lot of big bikes over the years but I have never felt as confident or at ease on a bike since I had my last T140V back in 1978. I borrowed a Street Scrambler a few months back, there's a video somewhere on my channel of my impressions. If I was looking for a new bike I would seriously consider one, it's such a lovely and easy bike to ride and the 900cc engine is smoother than the 1200. Whatever your plans, you need to get yourself some test rides. The guys at Triumph World in Chesterfield are a helpful bunch and they've always got a good selection of demo bikes to try. Regards Andy
Thanks for that Andy i will book a refresher lesson and then test ride them in a few months when the weather gets better, love your vid of the Yorkshire Dales drove on the same road through Hawes and onto Leyburn, greatr bit of road will deffo do this on a bike.
I'll be getting a t120 in upcoming year. My Heritage Softail is 750 pounds, and my Ultra before that was just under 1000 pounds. Over with luggage and rider. This should feel like paper in comparison. Love the looks.
A fair review. I would have stunned if you had had any problems with a modern bike at 2000 miles. One of these is on my short list for a new bike when I decide to stop touring. Good to know the weight is low down. My current Honda ST1100 isn't bad, but it's nowhere like a low as the BMW R100RT I had. As you say, a lovely looking bike in the style of a late sixties Bonneville.
Hi Greg, The bar end mirrors are brilliant, I like them much more than the originals. The view behind is clear and stable. They are Triumph's own brand but you have to buy the bar finishers separately. Regards Andy
I like the look of the front fender stripe that you have added, and I plan to do the same on my T120 (same colour as yours). May I ask ....what is the width of the red stripe, and the width of the gold pin stripes? Thanks in advance. :-)
I've recently bought a T120 Black and echo your sentiments. My only issue is front brake squeal when stopping slowly. My Triumph serviceman reckons it's the nature of the pads and should disappear with time. Online forums indicate that this is a common complaint. Sounds like you haven't experienced this.
Hi, The front brake did have a squealy period but it seems to have settled down now. It's not completely disappeared, it occasionally but rarely squeals. I'm not too concerned though, so long as actually works! Regards Andy
Greg Wolf of Woy Woy my T120 has done 2250 miles and stil suffers a bit of brake squeal, Otherwise bike is great.I think triumph are reluctant to admit a problem.
Hi Andy, greetings from British Columbia Canada. Just watched this video 3 times; OK I'm convinced, I am going to get one just like this! Are the indicator lights, the tank bag and the end mirrors Triumph products? Any info. on these items would be appreciated as I agree with your mods right down to your colour choice. I am 72 and last rode a 2010 Gold Wing; my first bike was a 1954 Tiger 110/650cc in 1962 so your video has gotten me excited yet again. Thank you for this and a couple of part numbers of your accessories would be great! Cheers! Chuck
Hi Chuck, All the bits and pieces I've fitted are Triumph products. I have had a quick look on Triumph's Canadian website, shop.triumph-motorcycles.ca/accessories , but some of the items don't appear to be available in Canada. The parts that I can't see are the LED indicators and the round bar end mirrors, they do a couple of other bar ends in different shapes. You will probably have to look for them on the internet, the front indicators are part number A9838041, the rear ones are A9838039. These are the UK part numbers. If you find the part numbers for the items you want from the website above, you can then see the instructions on this site, triumphinstructions.com/. If you take the plunge, I hope you are as happy with the bike as I am with mine. Good luck and best wishes Andy
Ah, that's why it looks so good! You say "fenders" plural....so you did the rear one as well? Do you have any photos of that? I just bought one just like yours (2017), and would like to do the same. I imagine that the stripe on the rear fender would have to be somewhat wider, to be visible alongside the rear light etc.?
Hi Sandy, I hadn't considered that problem at the time. Both fenders have identical cranberry stripes with gold lining and the rear one isn't visible until you remove the seat. Regards Andy
Mind my ignorance but a 2000 mile review to me hasn't any real value yet. I mean 2000 miles is nothing compared to the expected life of a modern bike ..... 20000 or 40000 miles would make sense to me in terms of proving quality..... Hopefully you are planning to do another review later on ! Reading the other comments leaves me wondering what little you ride ( seems you all have cars as well.......) I have 70000km on one of my bikes and I certainly expect another 70000 with ease ! Have some faith guys ! Safe rides 👍
but 2000 miles is nothing, it practually is new still. If the bike has 1000 miles or even 24000km/15000miles(usually when the valves need a check up). then we can talk...
your comments echo my own experiences sir, a bike should not be a worry and an inconvenience to ride. bikes don't have to be huge to impress!
Agree with all you have said. Have about 1350 miles on my T120 Black. Wife says its THE best looking bike I have ever had and I've had all sorts from 200 bhp sports bikes to harleys. I love how comfortable it is, how enjoyable slower speed riding is. Country lanes, snicking between 4th and 5th, 50 ish mph, sound burble bouncing off high hedges, open face helmet, no hassles, no stress. Might overtkae might not......lovely lovely machine.
Nice report thanks. I have nearly 500km up on mine in the three weeks I have had it. Great for zipping around town doing odd jobs. Usually can leave it outside the shop where I want to go. Its a real attention grabber though so you gotta be careful. All the attention it has got so far has been good but as a retired policeman I know that the other kind exists too.
I love hearing zero issues!
I have a speed twin , each time it is serviced the loan bike has been a t 120 and I have really enjoyed riding it , I think it’s my next bike 👍
It's a looker and obviously a keeper too!
When i'd bought a 76 Bonneville, there was a poster that the dealer had on his wall concerning the bike. It was titled "An attempt to explain the unexplainable" It was a blueprint of sorts, referring to the balance axis of the bike's center of gravity. A paragraph went on to point out that if one were to draw a line thru the long axis, and then a perpendicular line thru the short axis of the bike... the center of gravity, would be located exactly between the rider's two feet. After asking the dealer if i he would throw in a copy of that poster with the purchase... he said only one poster was given to each dealer. But if that if that's what it would take to seal the deal... then i could have his. i have yet to this date, found any website that has this poster. Anyway i'm currently riding my very first purchased Triumph. A fully restored '68 Trophy Sports, & i can feel the posters claim of balance... exactly where it said it is. 71817
Greetings from across the Pond in central Pennsylvania. Enjoying your videos on the T120. I have the two-tone black and white version. Just one request, when you happen to adjust the drive chain for the first time, please make a video showing the steps you take to accomplish. Page 89 of the owner's handbook seems to have the parts mislabled. I had my chain adjusted at the 500 mi service(currently have just over 1000 mi), but would feel more confident on any future adjustments of my own after watching someone else perform the task. Cheers!
No problem.
Regards
Andy
My only worry would be each little bug or stone or dirt or mud that chipped the paint on that beauty would crush my soul...
Hi Andy, thanks for the upload, I've done around 1500 miles on my T120, and I echo your feelings about the bike. The other day, some old bloke (around my age!) said "nice Bonny did you restore it yourself? can you still get the parts?"
Brake squeal is the only thing, and tyre noise and white lining on some surfaces, I've already got some different tyres (Bridgestones) ready for when I change (had those on my T100 and it transformed the handling) but tyres are subjective I guess, but overall it's the best bike I've ridden, and I've been riding since '68, so thanks again, cheers Dave
2016 T120 Bonneville Cinder Red with 5000 miles, front brake squeak also, otherwise perfect in all ways ,such a joy to ride !
I have a 2017 model and have no brake squeak whatsoever, apparently they fitted a pad to absorb disc resonance and it cured the problem.
Love my T-120 Black! 3200 miles.
I only have my one two weeks and have not got out on it but I am looking forward to 1st March when I am putting it on the road, mean while I really enjoy your videos, thanks. Bob.
Hi Bob,
I hope you get as much pleasure riding your T120 as I do.
I can't wait to get my bike back on the road, as soon as they stop salting I'm out!
I've been looking back at some of my videos this winter and I can't believe how poor the image quality is on the earlier ones.
I'm hoping that my new camera gives better results.
Regards
Andy
Am returning to biking after a long break since the 70's, cannot make my mind up either T100 or T120, would just be for summer use only, bit worried a bit worried about the extra weight of the larger bike, am only 15 miles from Matlock towards Nottingham so your neck of the woods.
Hi,
I'm only 5' 8" and I'm no Charles Atlas but I manage fine on the T120. I part exchanged a 1200 Tiger Explorer for the Bonneville and I coped pretty well with that, but it was a big cumbersome beast and I was always cautious. All of the weight in the twins is low down so when you're sat on one you don't get the impression that your on a big or heavy bike.
I've owned a lot of big bikes over the years but I have never felt as confident or at ease on a bike since I had my last T140V back in 1978.
I borrowed a Street Scrambler a few months back, there's a video somewhere on my channel of my impressions.
If I was looking for a new bike I would seriously consider one, it's such a lovely and easy bike to ride and the 900cc engine is smoother than the 1200.
Whatever your plans, you need to get yourself some test rides.
The guys at Triumph World in Chesterfield are a helpful bunch and they've always got a good selection of demo bikes to try.
Regards
Andy
Thanks for that Andy i will book a refresher lesson and then test ride them in a few months when the weather gets better, love your vid of the Yorkshire Dales drove on the same road through Hawes and onto Leyburn, greatr bit of road will deffo do this on a bike.
I too echo everything you've said about the t120. I've put almost 5000 miles on mine since April and it's performed wonderfully.
Ive had mine for over a year and as you say its a joy to ride, and on the economy issue i recently did a 200 mile ride and the T120 returned 67 MPG.
I'll be getting a t120 in upcoming year. My Heritage Softail is 750 pounds, and my Ultra before that was just under 1000 pounds. Over with luggage and rider. This should feel like paper in comparison. Love the looks.
2000 miles?? you should have clocked that driving home from the dealer. Nice report, thanks
A fair review. I would have stunned if you had had any problems with a modern bike at 2000 miles. One of these is on my short list for a new bike when I decide to stop touring. Good to know the weight is low down. My current Honda ST1100 isn't bad, but it's nowhere like a low as the BMW R100RT I had. As you say, a lovely looking bike in the style of a late sixties Bonneville.
How true I agree about the risk review on top heavy dual sports, take the Boonie any day!
Its beautiful beautiful bike indeed,nice video !!! cheers from india.
How do you like your mirrors? Are the bar ends from Triumph and do they come with finished end caps ?
Hi Greg,
The bar end mirrors are brilliant, I like them much more than the originals.
The view behind is clear and stable.
They are Triumph's own brand but you have to buy the bar finishers separately.
Regards
Andy
Peak Biker Thanks Andy ! I enjoy your videos and the country side cheers !
I like the look of the front fender stripe that you have added, and I plan to do the same on my T120 (same colour as yours). May I ask ....what is the width of the red stripe, and the width of the gold pin stripes? Thanks in advance. :-)
Hi Sandy,
The cranberry red stripe is 3/4" wide with 1/8" gold pin stripes either side.
Regards
Andy
Thanks Andy
my, sentiments 100%
I've recently bought a T120 Black and echo your sentiments. My only issue is front brake squeal when stopping slowly. My Triumph serviceman reckons it's the nature of the pads and should disappear with time. Online forums indicate that this is a common complaint. Sounds like you haven't experienced this.
Hi,
The front brake did have a squealy period but it seems to have settled down now. It's not completely disappeared, it occasionally but rarely squeals.
I'm not too concerned though, so long as actually works!
Regards
Andy
Thanks for that Andy. Gives me hope for the future. It's a minor irritation but I guess we all expect perfection. Greg
Greg Wolf of Woy Woy
my T120 has done 2250 miles and stil suffers a bit of brake squeal, Otherwise bike is great.I think triumph are reluctant to admit a problem.
Hi Andy, greetings from British Columbia Canada.
Just watched this video 3 times; OK I'm convinced, I am going to get one just like this!
Are the indicator lights, the tank bag and the end mirrors Triumph products? Any info. on these items would be appreciated as I agree with your mods right down to your colour choice.
I am 72 and last rode a 2010 Gold Wing; my first bike was a 1954 Tiger 110/650cc in 1962 so your video has gotten me excited yet again. Thank you for this and a couple of part numbers of your accessories would be great! Cheers! Chuck
Hi Chuck,
All the bits and pieces I've fitted are Triumph products.
I have had a quick look on Triumph's Canadian website, shop.triumph-motorcycles.ca/accessories , but some of the items don't appear to be available in Canada.
The parts that I can't see are the LED indicators and the round bar end mirrors, they do a couple of other bar ends in different shapes.
You will probably have to look for them on the internet, the front indicators are part number A9838041, the rear ones are A9838039. These are the UK part numbers.
If you find the part numbers for the items you want from the website above, you can then see the instructions on this site, triumphinstructions.com/.
If you take the plunge, I hope you are as happy with the bike as I am with mine.
Good luck and best wishes
Andy
Hi Peak...nice review. I like the stripe on your front fender. How did you do that? Professional paint? Pin striping tape?? Thanks!
Hi Sandy,
I removed the fenders and took them to a local spray shop that specializes in bikes.
Regards
Andy
Ah, that's why it looks so good! You say "fenders" plural....so you did the rear one as well? Do you have any photos of that? I just bought one just like yours (2017), and would like to do the same. I imagine that the stripe on the rear fender would have to be somewhat wider, to be visible alongside the rear light etc.?
Hi Sandy,
I hadn't considered that problem at the time.
Both fenders have identical cranberry stripes with gold lining and the rear one isn't visible until you remove the seat.
Regards
Andy
You mean you just had yer Dinner ! ?.....
well said
Mind my ignorance but a 2000 mile review to me hasn't any real value yet. I mean 2000 miles is nothing compared to the expected life of a modern bike .....
20000 or 40000 miles would make sense to me in terms of proving quality.....
Hopefully you are planning to do another review later on !
Reading the other comments leaves me wondering what little you ride ( seems you all have cars as well.......)
I have 70000km on one of my bikes and I certainly expect another 70000 with ease !
Have some faith guys !
Safe rides 👍
True -that may be your thoughts BUT some who look may be just venturing into bikes and wondering if they are any good or not...lol
but 2000 miles is nothing, it practually is new still. If the bike has 1000 miles or even 24000km/15000miles(usually when the valves need a check up). then we can talk...