I've had my T120 for about 15 months now and love it. This is actually one of the reviews that convinced me to buy the bike, so "Thanks!" My bike's stock suspension has now bedded in and really works well. While the bike is very advanced from a technical standpoint, Triumph has not forgotten why we ride. The bike's smoothness, handling, and linear, usable power have been real surprises. It's all very satisfying. I've seen it written that Triumph greatly enhanced that things that Bonneville owners liked about about their air cooled bikes, and got rid of the things they didn't like. This has certainly been my experience. After buying my T120 I never rode my air cooled T100 again, and eventually sold it.
Ive clocked over 800 miles on my new t120 now. agree wholeheartedly with you rog. no vibration, clear mirrors, comfort is excellent, tank range outstanding. handling was hampered initially (way too soft) 2 clicks up on the shocks cured it and believe me tranformed the ride and comfort ten fold. i swapped my explorer 1200 for the bonnie. ....no regrets love it.
+John Carter I'm over 2k miles now. Still don't use more than 4K rpm most of time. Still getting 60mpg or better. I'm now dragging my roundabout peg more n more so handling is fine! Cruise control due soon to take the strain on the motorway. As per you, love the bike.
+rog5150 i was dragging the pegs within the 1st 20 miles rog. street twin pegs gets you better clearance and firming up the shocks made it a lot more positive. having a fly screen fitted tomorrow as its in for its sevice. never had a bike that delivers more smiles for miles than this one. doing a trip around scotland in September. cant wait....love this bike.
I'm 6ft & 90kg, I find the bike small and so easy to get on and go. Swapped from a GS which took some getting on as it was tall. I ride the T120 much more as a consequence. I've done two 6 hour sessions on the bike and it's fairly hard work. seat is good for a 90minutes, after that it feels more and more like I'm sat on the frame rails. But with not protection it has slowed me down a little and made me fitter! Sitting upright at motorway speeds and using my core so I don' t hang on the bars is like a good sit up session, plue my neck is getting stronger!. But for local rides it's mint. filters very well, good lock and 0-40 acceleration is impressive - and I don't usually use more than 4K rpm.
Yes Len, at 6,2 you'll need a test ride. If you do remember the rear shocks will be minimum preload, I and probably you (unless your a beanpole) will need two clicks more. If you don't it'll steer super slow - its not exactly fast when set up!!
Great review. It really is a nice machine to ride and looks great. Took one out today and signed on the line for a T120 Black. Rode my T140 back from the bike shop and still love it and will keep it too.
Nothing quite like a Bonneville! I don't care for the speed twin or other models because I don't like the rear fender, but I still like the Bonneville. My choice would be the T120 Gold Line.
The bike shown for comparison at 0.52 is not a 1959 model T120 but rather a late 1960s model. Note; unit construction, twin leading shoe front brake and Amal Concentric carbs. Sorry to be a nerd!!
Look of a 59? and you show an awesome 66/68 ( had 2 of these ,great bikes). Doesn't seem to have much more than my Honda Hornet 919 that I use for all round and longer road use, will try one to see though, pricey and crap colors. And meanwhile I'll keep riding my good old no fuss T140E daily.
Please... get rid or turn down the volume of this song in the background... OK... it gives some drama to the speech but at this volume it does more harm than good. The review is highly useful and concise. Thanks!
I found that the US model is geared completely wrong. Increased +2 teeth in the rear, performed a CAT delete, added a set of Norman Hyde Togas, Booster Plug, and Fox Shocks. Now it's finally rideable.
Thanks Rog5150 for your insight. Appreciated. I found the video review more painful than reading the brochure! Just an endless stream or bombardment of information without pause for breathe. TBH I was knackered by the end of the vid!! All the same, thanks.
Your usual, very good production values. Yes it would’ve been nice to hear more of the exhaust note but I appreciate hearing it at the end. Very nice review
Hi Terry, I had a Cub in 1966 - what a brilliant bike - then a 1959 T110 and then a long succession of Triumphs, just received a 2021 T120 bike today with 1500 miles on the clock. It looks brilliant, they have retained the classic Triumph design that I absolutely adore. It arrived in the dark from the courier, I will inspect tomorrow and then get it insured to join my 73 T140V. Horrible weather here in Norwich UK, not good biking weather. Liam
Excellent review, well done. Learned quite a bit. Perhaps I'll update from my beloved 2012 110th Anniversary Edition Bonnieville. Silver with red strips please... Thanks for the vid, be well brother. Cheers.
I really like it, but if I'm gunna spend this amount, I'd go a little further and grab the Thruxton. And if I was gunna get a Thruxton, I might as well get the Thruxton R.
I rode both back to back and I can tell you that they are completely different animals. I am a bit of a sporty rider and do a couple of track days in a year and I felt that the Thruxton was almost too sporty for the public roads: aggressive engine character (a speed triple is much smoother), stiff suspension and track-suited body position but no wind protection. The T120 is smoother alround but still steers like a modern bike should and has more than enough power for the public road and also for an occasional track day (it is still a 1200). Your track day would be hampered by the lack of ground clearance though. Ride both and judge then.
Nienke Meddeler yeah, I plan to for sure, but unless the Thruxton is atrocious around town, I'm getting it. I'm okay with sacrificing some overall comfort with those looks.
+Tommy Cruz how comfortable the suspension is depends on the quality of the roads where you ride most, and maybe you have the possibility to reduce the damping. For optimum engine smoothness around town you could consider a smaller front sprocket to get the revs up. Then it should be OK I guess. Body position is not as bad as a real modern supersport. Optimal choice for town riding would be the new Street Twin which is just great and more affordable.
Love the concept. It reminds me of the daytona 500 twin i had in the early 1970. ( minus the oil leaks) None of the reviews talk about pillion rider comfort? Has anybody had any experience. Cheers. Frank. G.
I can't decide between this and the Scrambler 900 . Maybe I shouldn't do any attempts to road test the bigger one and then regret with the purchase of the 900 ?
I just love the triumph range but the lack of a good windscreen option has so far put me off buying one. I ride a harley cruiser and they are known for their great screens but I can certainly relate to the lightness and beauty of a T120.
Guys in the shop told the legal V&H pipes as with the inspiration kit are not much better (louder) than stock. I think to get loud the Cat would have to go....
I was really not impressed with V&H pipes, they are expensive and not much diff than the originals, just a tiny little bit deeper, i believe this is mainly due to the cat. I am waiting for the Norman Hyde systems to come out, i spoke with them today and they should have slip ons in about 8 weeks and then a full cat bypass system soon after which will truly unleash the beast :) Check out there classic toga's for the T100 to get an idea of what they do.
I like these bikes except that the front shock covers are a deal breaker. Why not put metal covers??? Are there any after market companies that makes them?
Too many gadgets. No longer a bike for the home mechanic. Which is much of the fun of biking. I'll stick to my simple carb model, I don't need water cooling, traction control, a heater, rain mode or catalytic converters. Got all that on my car!
The T120 is marvelous. After I got mine I never rode my carbed T100 again, and eventually sold it. Yes, there's a great deal of tech on the T120, but it's completely unobtrusive. It's been written of the T120 that everything that owners liked about the air cooled Bonnevilles is improved, and everything they didn't like is gone. That's been my experience. Love the T120's power, comfort, handling, and smoothness. Fit and finish have ben kicked up a very big notch, too!
Love everything about it except the "period correct" goofy big wheel...👎. I want proper modern sized 17" wheels and tyres all around, retro looks be damned. Thanks for the review !
Nice enough review, here's my comments: 1/ monotone voice? Relax, it all feels hurried, and 'read out loud'. 2/ why that incessant and tedious background music? This bike has an engine, right? Can we hear it? Repeatedly? Please? 3/ re the bike, looks pretty good, nice for that kind of thing. But £9.6k!? I'll be surprised if they fly out the door given the competition. We shall see...
I've had my T120 for about 15 months now and love it. This is actually one of the reviews that convinced me to buy the bike, so "Thanks!" My bike's stock suspension has now bedded in and really works well. While the bike is very advanced from a technical standpoint, Triumph has not forgotten why we ride. The bike's smoothness, handling, and linear, usable power have been real surprises. It's all very satisfying. I've seen it written that Triumph greatly enhanced that things that Bonneville owners liked about about their air cooled bikes, and got rid of the things they didn't like. This has certainly been my experience. After buying my T120 I never rode my air cooled T100 again, and eventually sold it.
Got mine yesterday! 300miles so far. Initial thoughts running in
Ive clocked over 800 miles on my new t120 now. agree wholeheartedly with you rog. no vibration, clear mirrors, comfort is excellent, tank range outstanding. handling was hampered initially (way too soft) 2 clicks up on the shocks cured it and believe me tranformed the ride and comfort ten fold. i swapped my explorer 1200 for the bonnie. ....no regrets love it.
+John Carter I'm over 2k miles now. Still don't use more than 4K rpm most of time. Still getting 60mpg or better. I'm now dragging my roundabout peg more n more so handling is fine! Cruise control due soon to take the strain on the motorway. As per you, love the bike.
+rog5150 i was dragging the pegs within the 1st 20 miles rog. street twin pegs gets you better clearance and firming up the shocks made it a lot more positive. having a fly screen fitted tomorrow as its in for its sevice. never had a bike that delivers more smiles for miles than this one. doing a trip around scotland in September. cant wait....love this bike.
I'm 6ft & 90kg, I find the bike small and so easy to get on and go. Swapped from a GS which took some getting on as it was tall. I ride the T120 much more as a consequence. I've done two 6 hour sessions on the bike and it's fairly hard work. seat is good for a 90minutes, after that it feels more and more like I'm sat on the frame rails. But with not protection it has slowed me down a little and made me fitter! Sitting upright at motorway speeds and using my core so I don' t hang on the bars is like a good sit up session, plue my neck is getting stronger!. But for local rides it's mint. filters very well, good lock and 0-40 acceleration is impressive - and I don't usually use more than 4K rpm.
Yes Len, at 6,2 you'll need a test ride. If you do remember the rear shocks will be minimum preload, I and probably you (unless your a beanpole) will need two clicks more. If you don't it'll steer super slow - its not exactly fast when set up!!
Just bought mine today, Im so happy with it!
Great review. It really is a nice machine to ride and looks great. Took one out today and signed on the line for a T120 Black.
Rode my T140 back from the bike shop and still love it and will keep it too.
Great video review! We here at VikingBags are huge fan of your content! Keep up the good work!
Love that comment at the end about the Ducati Scrambler being "A foray into the Land of Joy". No doubt!
Nothing quite like a Bonneville! I don't care for the speed twin or other models because I don't like the rear fender, but I still like the Bonneville. My choice would be the T120 Gold Line.
Rode one today and loved it!
Always one of the best reviewers around!
The bike shown for comparison at 0.52 is not a 1959 model T120 but rather a late 1960s model. Note; unit construction, twin leading shoe front brake and Amal Concentric carbs. Sorry to be a nerd!!
Thanks ,,This is just about the best review I have watched..
Look of a 59? and you show an awesome 66/68 ( had 2 of these ,great bikes). Doesn't seem to have much more than my Honda Hornet 919 that I use for all round and longer road use, will try one to see though, pricey and crap colors. And meanwhile I'll keep riding my good old no fuss T140E daily.
Please... get rid or turn down the volume of this song in the background... OK... it gives some drama to the speech but at this volume it does more harm than good. The review is highly useful and concise. Thanks!
i got one love it sold my 1050 sprint im 54 now git a t120 black best thing in the world man
I found that the US model is geared completely wrong. Increased +2 teeth in the rear, performed a CAT delete, added a set of Norman Hyde Togas, Booster Plug, and Fox Shocks. Now it's finally rideable.
Thanks Rog5150 for your insight. Appreciated. I found the video review more painful than reading the brochure! Just an endless stream or bombardment of information without pause for breathe. TBH I was knackered by the end of the vid!! All the same, thanks.
Triumph say this is based 59 when they mean 69. Which is a small but important detail for the Customer base they are selling too. Good review 👍
Your usual, very good production values. Yes it would’ve been nice to hear more of the exhaust note but I appreciate hearing it at the end. Very nice review
I bought a new one. Love it as I had a T110 in 1958. I can't get the gas cap to open up. I don'd wanna use a pry bar on it. What is the secret?
terry stewart had the same problem on my test ride . Guess you've sorted it by now !
Hi Terry, I had a Cub in 1966 - what a brilliant bike - then a 1959 T110 and then a long succession of Triumphs, just received a 2021 T120 bike today with 1500 miles on the clock. It looks brilliant, they have retained the classic Triumph design that I absolutely adore. It arrived in the dark from the courier, I will inspect tomorrow and then get it insured to join my 73 T140V. Horrible weather here in Norwich UK, not good biking weather. Liam
Excellent review, well done. Learned quite a bit. Perhaps I'll update from my beloved 2012 110th Anniversary Edition Bonnieville. Silver with red strips please... Thanks for the vid, be well brother. Cheers.
Absolutely stunning!
One of the better reviews!
I really like it, but if I'm gunna spend this amount, I'd go a little further and grab the Thruxton. And if I was gunna get a Thruxton, I might as well get the Thruxton R.
I rode both back to back and I can tell you that they are completely different animals. I am a bit of a sporty rider and do a couple of track days in a year and I felt that the Thruxton was almost too sporty for the public roads: aggressive engine character (a speed triple is much smoother), stiff suspension and track-suited body position but no wind protection. The T120 is smoother alround but still steers like a modern bike should and has more than enough power for the public road and also for an occasional track day (it is still a 1200). Your track day would be hampered by the lack of ground clearance though. Ride both and judge then.
Nienke Meddeler yeah, I plan to for sure, but unless the Thruxton is atrocious around town, I'm getting it.
I'm okay with sacrificing some overall comfort with those looks.
+Tommy Cruz how comfortable the suspension is depends on the quality of the roads where you ride most, and maybe you have the possibility to reduce the damping. For optimum engine smoothness around town you could consider a smaller front sprocket to get the revs up. Then it should be OK I guess. Body position is not as bad as a real modern supersport. Optimal choice for town riding would be the new Street Twin which is just great and more affordable.
Love the concept. It reminds me of the daytona 500 twin i had in the early 1970. ( minus the oil leaks)
None of the reviews talk about pillion rider comfort? Has anybody had any experience.
Cheers. Frank. G.
Mne likes it for comfort.
I can't decide between this and the Scrambler 900 . Maybe I shouldn't do any attempts to road test the bigger one and then regret with the purchase of the 900 ?
I just love the triumph range but the lack of a good windscreen option has so far put me off buying one. I ride a harley cruiser and they are known for their great screens but I can certainly relate to the lightness and beauty of a T120.
Hi all,
Any chance to get some feedback on the sound of the new v&h pipes for the t120? Thanks :)
+Tommaso Tini
Same question!
Guys in the shop told the legal V&H pipes as with the inspiration kit are not much better (louder) than stock. I think to get loud the Cat would have to go....
I was really not impressed with V&H pipes, they are expensive and not much diff than the originals, just a tiny little bit deeper, i believe this is mainly due to the cat. I am waiting for the Norman Hyde systems to come out, i spoke with them today and they should have slip ons in about 8 weeks and then a full cat bypass system soon after which will truly unleash the beast :) Check out there classic toga's for the T100 to get an idea of what they do.
Bike Review = Let's HEAR THE BIKE ... it's not a symphony review.
Thanks for review
I got it very clear
I think its a pity the handle bar switchgear is so in your face....due to get a T100 soon...thinking of blacking out the red buttons.
WANT !!
The bikes coming out of Thailand are so much better these days
I like these bikes except that the front shock covers are a deal breaker. Why not put metal covers??? Are there any after market companies that makes them?
How does it compare with the Indian scout 60 ? I torn between the two.
It fairs better cause Indian makes the ugliest motorcycles ever.
good old school review, similar to what top gear used to do
Thank you for this great review.
Just needed to know what's the fuel consumption of this bike?
I always wonder how far can I go with a full tank.
2021 T120
4,7 l/100 km=50,046 mpg
4,9 l/100km=48,003 mpg
The mate black is the best looking bike, no too wild about chrome or shiny stuff!.
Bloody good review, thankyou
Nice video and editing, good to-point-commentary but... That background music is just annoying...!
USB socket - You and me what pocket! very good.
God I love me some triumph motorcycles! ✌👍
"Aimed to preserve the look of the original 1959 T120" with a picture of a 1970 model...??
Too many gadgets. No longer a bike for the home mechanic. Which is much of the fun of biking. I'll stick to my simple carb model, I don't need water cooling, traction control, a heater, rain mode or catalytic converters. Got all that on my car!
Pete Hargreaves Did you even try it, that bike is amazing!
The T120 is marvelous. After I got mine I never rode my carbed T100 again, and eventually sold it. Yes, there's a great deal of tech on the T120, but it's completely unobtrusive. It's been written of the T120 that everything that owners liked about the air cooled Bonnevilles is improved, and everything they didn't like is gone. That's been my experience. Love the T120's power, comfort, handling, and smoothness. Fit and finish have ben kicked up a very big notch, too!
Love everything about it except the "period correct" goofy big wheel...👎.
I want proper modern sized 17" wheels and tyres all around, retro looks be damned. Thanks for the review !
Oh, before someone says it: NO, I don't want a Truxton and it's cramped ergos just to get proper wheels and tyres.
+Kienyew 73 It does looks stunning, you have to give it that. 👍
"Icon is an overused word" is an overused phrase.
#iConception
like the bike but not the colours are too dark for me
I love how he says bonneville
+TheHappyRider he pronounces it as everybody else does lol
theLEGENDofKIZ Ya I guess cuz I live in french part of Canada so we pronounce it weird here
Nice enough review, here's my comments: 1/ monotone voice? Relax, it all feels hurried, and 'read out loud'. 2/ why that incessant and tedious background music? This bike has an engine, right? Can we hear it? Repeatedly? Please? 3/ re the bike, looks pretty good, nice for that kind of thing. But £9.6k!? I'll be surprised if they fly out the door given the competition. We shall see...
alwyn mcmath I agree on the price. Makes no sense when I can get the XSR900 for less.
"Foray into the land of joy."
What exactly are we talking about here?
Italy I think.
Why put symphonic music over the engine sound. Not the first time, and, you know, what's the point. We get, what, 2 seconds of engine sound? C'mon.
Mais il va se taire un peu qu' on entende la zic du moteur !!!!???
You don't need heated grips lol
bin it!
That was NOT a 1959 Bonneville. It was more like a '69.
copy cat
Too bad I can't afford my dream bike :(
Jeroen van Broekhoven keep dreaming bro, you'll find a way to buy it
Worse brakes of any bike I've ridden except for a HD.
Looks obese and ugly compared to the original T120 I like the idea of retro bikes but why are they all so bulky compared to the originals?
I hope your wife doesn’t call you that, lol.
what a shame the guy is talking all time long.. We can't even hear the sound of the engine
Triumph went too far with it's looks and it's got a whiff of old fart about it. Scrambler looks way cooler than this.
+Mikolaj1406 I am an old fart!