Living with the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 - In Depth Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 гру 2024
- Living with the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 - In Depth Review
I've now had the pleasure of riding the Triumph Bonneville T120 for hundreds of miles in all sorts of conditions over a period of time. Here are the practical aspects of what I've learned about living with the Triumph T120....
My Patreon is now live! / themissendenflyer
I'm now on that Twitter thing! Join me @MissendenFlyer
You can now follow me on Facebook too The Missenden Flyer@TheMissendenFlyer
I use the following equipment to record and edit my VLOGs:-
GoPro HD Hero 4 helmet camera amzn.to/2lQVI1a
GoPro Session (4) "B" Camera amzn.to/2lTT0oz
Nikon D7100 DSLR for static and video shots with various lenses amzn.to/2lU1gEX
Lavalier microphone and sellotape for in helmet audio amzn.to/2kOZVOU
BOYA BY-M1 3.5 mm Lavalier Microphone for in-garage pieces amzn.to/2pVAf4X
Movo LV20 Dual Lavalier Clip-on Microphones for 2 person interviews amzn.to/2qQuw5r
Power Director 8 for the PC (for video editing) amzn.to/2kP3HaR
Radio mic for in garage audio amzn.to/2lpq61B
Rode VIDEOMICPRO On Camera Microphone for general use amzn.to/2qvcZwv
Rode Deadcat VMPR Windshield to kill wind noise amzn.to/2qroOWG
Neewer CN 160 LED Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Video Light amzn.to/2qQPEs2
Goliton® Camera DSLR Triple Mount for LED Video Lights Microphones amzn.to/2rpUlGg
A pair of Lantoo LED Floodlight 50W for additional lighting amzn.to/2rpOKjs
My current motorcyles are:-
Honda CRF250L
Triumph Street Triple R
BMW R1200GS
Ducati 899 Panigale
For any additional enquiries please send a PM, contact me via Twitter or Facebook or leave a comment below...
I've had my T120 a few years now. I've done some 3 day rides I'm 5'11 and 41 years old. I absolutely love this bike.
im 5’11 and 22 and debating buying one
Just bought one in black! T120 looking forward to it
Congratulations!
@@TheMissendenFlyerthanks
@@TheMissendenFlyer just collected the bike today and just wow, simply amazing, so smooth, the gear box is like a butter, never experienced a ride like this! Just upset didn’t buy this sooner! Just gorgeous
@@samker5491 Congratulations! Told you they were good...
@@TheMissendenFlyeryou did tell indeed, bring on the summer! 😂 I’m blown away - bought it from Honda Doble, they were really good!
I've got a 2016 T120 Black. Recently took it to Flanders in Belgium from the UK which was a 280 mile round trip. Luggage-wise I purchased the SW Motech LR2 Tailbag and this had room enough for all my clothes and camping gear. I'm 6' 2" myself so fitted the Motone Bar Risers just to bring the bars a few inches up and back to make it comfier. After these two mods the ride to Belgium was flawless and I didn't have any comfort issues. Love this bike.
Purchased my 1st Triumph last week, the T120 Diamond edition! What a wonderful motorcycle! Only drawback is that my garage has room for only 2 motorcycles so traded in the GS which was hard to do but the size of the T120 is a better fit for me. I also liked the fact that only 900 of the Diamond edition were made which makes it a somewhat unique model.
PistolPete63 how is your diamond. I love how it looks 👌🏽
hisurfer8 so far I love it, plenty of power, looks great, run in service is done so can open it up a bit more. One thing I wish it came with was cruise control but I will get that added in a few months.
Bubz of Steel clearly you have zero taste in motorcycles!
8:24 "It's no problem hauling the weight" My wife would have boxed my ears if I had said that about her on the pillion!!
This is one of the best review videos of anything I have ever seen, ever. Very well done, sir, and thank you so much for doing it.
With regards to the noisy front brake, I have found that if you change the pads from sintered to organic the noise disappears. I find that the sintered pads are too harsh on the disc. Better to replace the organic pads more frequently than have to replace the discs.
Great review, I know it’s 2 years old and the first time I’ve seen it. I thank you. ✌️
You and I are so much alike! Yes it was a joy listening to your views as I sit here in Sweden with an opportunity to buy this model.
I do have a gravel driveway, yet also plenty of twisty country roads! I’m not young anymore and was worried about the comfort level, yet I guess a test drive is in order. Big thx for the degree of detail and no it wasn’t waisted on me. If you ever want to visit Sweden you are welcome to stay here.
Yes, I ended up buying the T120 at my local dealer a 2017 version and everything you said was true. The sound is amazing, yet I could only ride it late last night and came back with half the mosquitoes in Sweden on my visor ha ha
Nice offer Stephan,l got same from Finland..love your Skandi hospitality 🍔
Pepperdog181@gmail.com 🐶
Thank you for a very comprehensive review. I especially appreciate you riding it at dusk to get an idea of how the headlight brightens the road ahead.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I've seen hundreds of Reviews on the t120 now, but this one is by far the best! The only One talking about drivin in town and how it parks, great! If I only have found this one first, it would have saved me hours. Really informative, everything you need to know! Love it!
Wow, thanks!
Took a T120 Black out for a demo ride at the weekend. Loved it! Great fun, so smooth with loads of low down torque. Back to the dealer tomorrow to talk figures. Thank-you for your long term review.! :)
So good when you say 'god I love motorcycles' made me smile. I say that every time I'm on my bike.
Just like to say thanks for your reviews, I just bought a T100 partly down to your long term review. Thanks
Brilliant - thanks Matt!
What a stunner, A modern bike with all of the Bonneville's charm and character and none of the old 60's bikes drawbacks.
Agreed!
I keep a right angle tyre valve extension in my pocket all the time - really essential and solves the issue of forecourt pumps etc you don't really want a great valve thing on your tyre all the time for obvious balance reasons
Very informative review! I purchased a new 2017 T120 four weeks ago. I bought the T 120 black/graphite. Love the bike so far. This is my second motorcycle after having sold my first in 1974! Still as much fun as I remember. I just completed the rider's safety program, which really helped gain some confidence and riding skills! Love all of your videos!!
Nice one Jay - great bikes aren't they.....take it easy, once a biker always a biker eh?
Snowy afternoon in Toronto, so a great time to catch up on your videos.
I have a 2003 Triumph Bonneville and I am looking at getting one of the new Bonneville's, so enjoyed the two videos on T100 and T120. Thanks for your help in my decision making, cheers.
You're welcome and I hope the snow stops soon - I love Toronto, especially the view down at the airport from the CN tower :0)
I have a 2017 Bonny. After riding Harley's and Victory's for a decade, I settled down to the Triumph. It's so smooth and easy to ride you forget you're on a full-size motorcycle. Really pleased with it and going to add a new Speedmaster to my garage in the near future.
Good call!
I bought a speed twin 2 years ago. I absolutely love triumph. I road Harley for more than 10 years. Harley’s are great bikes, but the bonneville is the ideal motorcycle IMO. I plan to get another triumph this summer. The T120 is at the top of the list.
@@thomaswhite160 Went one step farther and bought a 2015 Thunderbird Night Storm 1700. Heaven!!
The T120, in my option as owner, has the impractical downside of tubed tires in combination with a hard to reach backend due to both dempers. If you take that one on a long trip, bear in mind to arrange road assistance since fixing a flat or doing chain maintenance is quite difficult
Buying a 2017 t120 this week and found this video. Thanks for answering questions I didn't know I had and going in depth. Cheers!
Enjoy your new bike!
I owned a 1962 &1964 Bonneville and a 1967 TT Special factory racer. This bike is so similar in appearance it is great I loved the looks of the older bikes mine were all 650 CC engine bikes 40 cubic inches. This video makes me want a new Bonneville but I'm crippled up and to old but still love the Triumphs. Ride safe everyone. 😊😊😊😊😊
Very cool Tom - sorry to hear you've had to stop riding....
Was browsing for bikes today and fist time i threw a leg over these babies. I m in love. Prob my next bike. It s a beauty. So having said that, this is the best comprehensive review i ve found on youtube. Kudos @TheMissendenFlyer. U got my like.
Thank you - glad you liked it!
Thanks as always. Went back to this as I am thinking about a third ride and the idea of a Bonny is becoming more appealing.
I love Triumphs . All their bikes are well made and beautiful .
I love the look of theses bikes I just wish they weren't so expensive..
especially considering that Bloor has them made in a Third World country like Thailand, where they work for a bowl of rice a day
@@dotdashdotdash In fact they probably earn more than you. And you also get quality unlike certain First world countries Icould mention
I'm 6'2" and have no issues on long rides. Usually on bikes like these or similar, even on some sport bikes, I look to mount a forward foot rest like I did on my T100. On this bike, no. I agree it is a joy to stand on the pegs, so maybe that's it. Also, moving he bike and getting it on the centerstand is nota prblem and actually is one of the best bikes I have owned in this regard. I think it is a matter of what you have owned in the past, and what you are used to. Most of my riding was on a Kawasaki Concours, and THAT is a real bear to move around in the parking lot, especially with a full tank of gas (petrol). Otherwise, this review is spot on. Good on yer, mate.
The best review of the T120 I’ve ever seen. Very useful and reassuring because I ordered one recently. Thanks. Best, Alex
Congratulations!
Man, that bike in that color.... mmm mmm good! Great review, that's just a looker!!
I agree Scott, it rides as well as it looks too - lovely machine this one...
Old jav
Thanks for the review....Nice garage by the way...Last Triumph I had was a 77 Bonnie here in the USA....love the sound of that bike even more so when the mufflers were worn out...
I just bought one today with 110 miles on the clock🎉 loved the way it rides straight away...loads of torque 😅
Great review.. Love my Bonneville. On my 2022 T120, I believe the throttle issue has been fixed. I have no brake squeal with hard stops - so maybe that has been addressed as well. I do notice that over 4K RPM, there is quite a bit more vibration. I am not sure if this is normal for a big twin or not. did you notice that ? I’ve asked the question to their service department about it, so I’ll see how they respond when I get the bike back from the 500 mile service. My bike did not come with heated grips - I don’t think it is a standard feature on US models (at least in California ). Also there is no daytime running light switch (again maybe a US thing). the bike has a low beam headlight which is on all the time and a high beam switch. The low beam is completely inadequate as a running light, so I run with the high beams on during the day.
TMF. Thanks to your fantastic reviews on the Triumph Bonneville range (2016) I've now bought the T120. Kudos to you sir!
Lovely bike - congratulations and enjoy!
I’ve probably watched this video a dozen times as well as the ones from Stuart Fillingham and Dick Whistle and I must tell you that as a result I have just purchased a 2020 T120. In the States we don’t have the issue with the daytime running light/dip light because we don’t get the daytime running light. It’s either low beam or high beam. It’s not my primary ride but for short trips I do enjoy it more than my Goldwing. Thanks for your honest reviews, much appreciated.
I find that strange that you don't get the DRL in the headlight on the T120. The T100 does not have it, but would be an option if one wanted it. Is there some road rule there that forbids DRLs on motorcycles? .When you say it's either low beam or high, I guess you mean you pick either beam to have on during daylight hours...
David Hamilton motorcycles in the US are required to have lights on at all times and they come on with the ignition, there is no way to turn them off. Low beam is the default.
@@frankpellegrino7448 That's what I've heard, but here in Australia, as in other countries, DRLs are common place today on motorcycles, as they are on all other vehicles. On a straight stretch of highway measuring more than a kilometer, I have seen an older model motorcycle using small after market DRLs quite visibly in broad daylight.That's why I don't understand why the US does not accept such a highly visible DRL as the Triumph's T120 factory fitted unit. I've also noticed your older model cars and motorcycles use red at the rear turn signals. Cars use the stop light filament in the taillights, and at the front both amber light lit, to become the turn signal for left or right when required. I have to say that was also the case in Australia, but was discontinued here in 1959 when amber became the norm for the rear, with the white (parking light/turn signal double filament bulb), at the front changing to amber soon thereafter. Appreciate your explanation there Frank. Ride safe...
Thanks for the review. Two months into ownership of mine now and I agree with almost all you said. I also have the jerky throttle in 1st and 2nd but it was made a bit softer by adjusting the chain to the correct tolerance and the dealer also noticed some free play in the clutch which they adjusted. The dealer informs that the jerkiness is as a result of having to finely tune the bikes to pass emissions but that as the mileage increases that abruptness becomes less noticeable.
On the maintenance its also a bit of a chore to adjust the chain tension as to do it properly both exhausts have to come off. You can't get at the rear wheel tightening nut with a torque wrench to re tighten it if the exhaust is in place and it also makes moving the adjusters very difficult.
Good one Mark - I never had to adjust the chain so never came across that one - glad we are in agreeance on the other points...thanks for watching - TMF
Very best review I have seen. Had my R 120 for less than 2 months. Traded in a 2015. Just more of everything.
Cheers Ed!
My only complaint so far is the wire spoke wheels (i.e. requires tubes). The tires are designed as tubeless and the rims have the tubeless tire retention rim. Between the thick tubeless tire walls and the rim's retention rim, it is damn near impossible to break the bead with normal hand tools out on tour. I purchased the Outex kit to seal the spokes, and after 1000 miles, so far so good. Real tubeless, and ability to fix flats with a plug and a 12 volt mini air pump. Touring is great. Around town is great. Love the bike.
Agreed. I got stranded in Montana, USA because of this.
On the T120, range and fuel level start to update after fueling when the clutch lever is first actuated, FWIW. To get rid of the brake squeal, I replaced my T120's stock front rotors with a pair of the floating rotors from the new T100. No further noise.
Ahh, interesting, I'll check that out next time I'm on a Triumph.....cheers....TMF
What really useful reviews.....I've watched and re watched this several times to learn about the T120 as I thinking of one having sadly lost my Guzzi Norge. Thank you so much for your time and effort.
Real world information.
You're welcome Laurie....
Just bought a very nearly new one...……...and it is EXACTLY as per your review...…...@@TheMissendenFlyer
Excellent and honest review pal. I have the T100 and I’m thinking of getting the T120. You’ve given me food for thought. Thanks
No problem 👍
Really great review. Great to see Old Amersham again. We lived in Tring and Hazlemere before moving to Ireland. I had the T100 and loved it but always felt it needed a bit more power. I recently rode the T120 and absolutely loved it. The extra torque made a huge difference with a pillion. I only used top gear once on the two hour test. The clutch is absolutely the lightest I've used. An awesome bike.
Agreed! Thanks for watching.....
At 6:55, who can possibly argue that this is not one awesome looking machine. What better compliment is there, with Triumph reintroducing the iconic looks of the Bonneville, for us to relive again today, what we experienced way back then, but with the added bonus of improved safety features, together with modern day electronics...
Agreed!
Really good review- I do love the Bonneville T120 but just bought a new Scrambler 1200 XE last week. The off road capability was critical living in Montana. I take delivery of the new Scrambler in about 3 weeks. Thanks
Exciting times waiting for a new bike! Congratulations!
Yep - Bought a 1200 XE Scrambler 3+ years ago loved it but ended up selling it and just bought a T120 this week!
Great review and from the heart as well! I bought a 2021 T120 3 months ago as I was moving back to Norwich and have at present also got an immaculate restored 1973 T140V that I WAS intending to sell, but now undecided .. I have only recently had the chance to get out on the T120 and it does ride like a dream, though the T140v is a bit better through corners and town. But most likely due to brain still not switched over to the new machine, different weight and handling characteristics. I am a 100% Triumph fan, Tiger Cub to start with all those years ago and I am so very surprised and delighted that the original Turner design has been blended into this new machine. I can simply sit with a cuppa and admire the bike on the driveway. I know that what I see is often cosmetic, designed to look like carbs, gearbox etc. But I will get over that I am sure. Not a spring chicken anymore, bionic right knee and so electric start, low down weight & height, easy to operate controls and plenty of torque from the lights is GOOD to have. I am preparing for the Advanced Rider test and so I need to abandon the T140V for a while and focus on becoming "as one" with the T120. Mine does not have a centre stand, something I have always had and I will look at getting one fitted. Rear luggage rack needs considering, bought a Boss heavy chain and lock, but where to carry it? I will decide if a screen is needed later on. Brilliant review, thanks, Liam
My next bike. Keep up the good work TMF.
I get the same hip cramp, I thought it was just me, that's the reason my T100 is for sale. Bought a harley fatbob, I rode 10 hours home from where I bought it, no problem. Not going to ride a bike with standard footpegs again.
Fair enough!
I like pegs mounted under my knees seem to have more control turning the bike. Into side roads . To each his own.love that Triumph
Excellent review as always TMF. Thanks for your honest and straight forward opinions on all things relating to motorcycles - it really helps us prospective buyers when making decisions prior to purchasing.
Thank you Darren....
Nice day - free day watching this again prompted me to take my T120 out. Got a recall from Triumph during the week "Replacement of headstock tidy to prevent malfunction of the turn signal indicators. headlamp and / or engine stall". Applies to T120, T100, street scrambler, street twin and street cup. Explanation - "the clutch cable may contact the main harness sheath and cause damage to wiring within the main harness. If this condition occurs and remains undetected, it may lead to a loss of electrical power to various electrical circuits which could lead to malfunction of the above lights and loss of engine power without warning - increasing the risk of a crash. Due for service next month anyway so I will leave it until then.
If the headstock tidy is as bad a recall as it will get, then I'm happy. Made and appointment with the dealer, rode in, handed the desk guy the key, went to take care of a nature call and the desk guy was patiently waiting outside the restroom (loo for you Brits) with my key. I guess I shouldn't have picked up the Cycle World magazine while in the loo.
Britons. not “Brits”
Such a nice bike, i bought mine in 2016 and i am gonna do a long term review soon. Still love it so much and never regret the decision of getting my bonneville.
These Bonneville's are great fun to own, I use mine as an occasional bike. I also get the hip cramps from time to time.
Glad it's not just me - I can forgive the bike that though, it is a lovely thing to ride....
Hi there TMF, I viewed your triumph videos, some of them several times prior to deciding last November to buy my 2017 T120. I agree with everything you say about this bike. My T120 is identical to your test machine and shares all the same Good and not so good points.
I bought the bike as used with only 3.250 Km on the clock. It has now covered 9.200Km. I was attracted to this model after a long day's outing on a friends T100 which opened my mind once again to owning a Triumph. This T120 has a very similar appearance to the new 1969 T120 Bonneville I had as a 21 year old. It was love at first sight. It is a great bike for an old codger re-living my past. It's got that Classic look but with all the modern amenities and oodles of power. In addition to your comments, I feel the rear shocks should have been of better quality with adjustable damping. My only other criticism NO BLOODY TOOL-KIT. From buying the bike (in the South Island) I had touring ride home of over 2000Km and had to go to a garage to have the chain adjusted, the mechanic wondered why I hadn't done it myself. Otherwise a GREAT BIKE.
And I love it.... Down-under Rider NZ. Thanks for a great review.
Cheers Brian - glad we concur!
T120 comes both with a centre stand and side stand, in the commentary, it had mentioned as side stand, , just to clarify.... thanks. Great review!!
I am an owner and enthusiastic. I use my T120 Bonneville for city rides, long distances (Prague - Amsterdam vv) and for daily 120km rides through hill (mountain) landscapes from village to village on bad repaired roads with gravel and zand on it, and some unpaved field roads in the Czech Republic. I wish I could upload a picture of my adjusted Bonneville as an answer to many of your remarks. I have additionally ordered this bike with a center stand, classic fall protection groom bar , and a middel high Triumph fantastic wind screen that you can apply or take down in one click. Also a original beautiful an comfortable Triumph special gel Buddyseat. Also the original classic Triumph leather rear site bags with the accompanying groom rack and rear passenger support/ rear luggage rack. I also ordered other tires, rear shock absorber’s
, and the original more sound Triumphs special exhaust dempers. It’s a bit extra money all together, but… than you have the best universal bike as possible.
One big disadvantage: if the bike tips over on the left side, you can be 100% sure that the clutch lever brakes. This is a big problem because the bike won’t start without it. You can find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere. Better buy a spare clutch lever and the tools for replacement..
For touring, "Renntec" do everything for this bike.( Based in Poole I think.) Engine bars and chrome fittings for Givi panniers.
This is an excellent and honest review where everything has been picked up. Put a little Dart fly screen on though... it makes a difference on a long motorway run.
Cheers Alex!
I have fallen in love with this bike 🥰
Love that bike and the colour scheme is what I remember when I remember about bonnevilles of old. Would quite like a little bit more noise from it though with those pipes.
Agreed!
Yeah a little more deeper sound would be nice
This video is exactly what I want when it comes to reviewing a motorcycle! Excellent and I thank you
Thank you Ron, I aim to please!
Looks a stunner but that high gloss tank is easily scratched as are those beautiful chrome exhausts.
+Mark Murphy Yes, a bit of care required to keep these looking good as new...that's part of the fun though!
I think I would do a clear wrap on that tank.
I think the brake squeal is a Triumph thing with the pads - my Storm does the same noise. It sounds like a small spring or clip is dragging against the disc... but I've been assured the only things that touch the disc are the pads themselves.
triumph bonneville T120 2017 cool motorcycle
Love your reviews...very comprehensive (you cover pretty much everything that 99% of riders need to know, without any nonsense or "filler"), and genuinely real-world useful. Plus, your presenting style and manner are very professional! Have you considered a move to TV presenting, in some field? Not joking!
Hehe, no I've not considered that particularly, sounds too much like getting a job to me and I'm happily done with the rat race! Thanks for the kind comments.....
Very excellent review and hugely useful to me as I decided between a 2017 T120 and a 2021 T100! Of course there's quite a difference in price and I'm must lean towards the T120 but if I get it and not the other -regardless of price- you will have been a deciding factor. Thank you very much!!
Glad it was helpful!
Just wanted to say thank you for this review, I am back to biking after 30 years, house, kids etc, etc. and this review was instrumental in my bike choice of my 2018 Triumph T120 Black, (which used to belong to Martin Hughes-Games from Springwatch fame) keep up the great work, avid viewer, now subscribed. should have got back on a bike years ago!!
Welcome back Jayson and great choice of bike!
Hi Jayson, I’m Jason and am in almost the same situation...haven’t had a bike in 19 years and finally said enough is enough! Bought a gently used 2018 T120 a couple days ago and am happy as a little kid at Christmas! Cheers!
Hi Jason, mine has been a great choice, easy to ride, ultra reliable and good fun, my only criticisms are the standard Pirelli tyres are not the best, and the front brakes are not as good as my wife Brembo on her Street Twin. But otherwise great bike, welcome back to biking, ride safe! 👍
So true re the headlight switches- just when I think I’m used to it I find myself blinding oncoming traffic with a long main-beam ‘flash’ instead of giving them a quickie.
Glad it's not just me David!
What a thorough, detailed review! Great seeing your videos as always.
Thank you...I aim to please!
Excellent review, but still think I'm going for the interceptor though.
It's half the money. I don't blame you! Enjoy!
Re need to up bhp then no contest whatsoever
Always a pleasure to watch your stuff. Thanks!
Thank you for saying so!
I think the headlight set up where you have to turn on the daytime running light is a great safety feature, because the amount of cars in see going down the motorway with no rear lights showing because the daytime running lights are on at night and the driver thinks he or she is running on dipped headlight’s
This is a great bike. That 1200 engine seems very appealing
Coming from a V8 with a driving behavior of 1L/5km to a 300cc bike, it felt I'll never need fuel again since I got it from my dealer and putting fuel on it. Being a nooby rider, and have nothing to compare my bike on fuel consumption. I can save a lot of dough for a better machine like this. ü
Good plan!
My compliments and thanks to you, for a great and fully informative review. All going well, this T120 will take pride of place in my garage next year...
Just bought the 2017 t120 as it was on clearance, so bloody Happy
Good deal?
TheMissendenFlyer
$8999 dollars new
Sounds like an excellent deal!
TheMissendenFlyer
It's a bloody awesome bike
They have already come down massively in price here. Waiting my time.
I didn't know that - so much the better if you can get a good deal, they are a great bike....
Really, gone down in price ? Not here inthe DMV area. As oon as the dealers get the Cranberry/Silver Two Tone T-120 model in stock it is gone at sugessted retail price the very next day. Extremely popular ! Not discount whatsoever. just saying
ray b OK Google can you tell me the difference in weight of the Triumph Bonneville motorcycle and the keeway 125 motorcycle
OK Google can you tell me the difference in weight of the Triumph Bonneville motorcycle and the keeway 125 custom motorcycle
Where is "here"? In my area they are holding retail in their ads even as the 2018 model year approaches. I'm in Texas.
I hear you on the tucked legs position, leading to cramping after a while. Had the same problem on a Honda NC700X. Forward pegs installed, solved it.
Afternoon Mr F. Nakeds are my bike of choice; so adaptable, so light, and you're not going to need to remortgage your house if you drop it. But the Triumph is a retro and that's where most of your issues lie; increased weight, lower seat, fins, etc compared to more modern nakeds. For the storage, I used to use a tank bag and throw-over panniers on the back seat, no problem whatsoever, but you need to have a bit of weight in them so don't stuff them with feathers. For Mrs Flyer, Velcro on the back seat and the seat of her jeans ;) Great vid as always and ride safe!
Cheers Steve - and lovin' the velcro idea....
Thank you for making this video so delightfully British!
You’re welcome (it’s all I can do!)....
Their well liked in U.S. too
@@shelbyfowler8946 I bought one a few days ago.
Over this weekend had a ride on a Z900RS and a T120 and found the "Bonnie" better suited to my mainly 2 up riding. The Z900 only had 2 klms on it so was a touch tight but the wife had trouble getting on it. Was a great bike though.
Interesting feedback!
Filtering is just the best, you can almost feel the eyes burning in the back of your jacket. I'm 6ft 2in to small for me. Great vid as usual.
Yeah I agree, you can sense the jealousy in car drivers as you sail past....
I love everything about this bike, except for a small issue; I am 191 cm tall, my wife is 186 cm. To put into perspective; author of this video is 175 cm. When riding alone, I feel a bit cramped, with foot controls too far back. She as passenger is out of question for any distance. Frame and engine easily handles our weight but not our length. Deal killer.
I've got a date with a 2018 T120 on Tuesday - two hour test drive, woo!
I just purchased 2020 T120 and great in every respect. The dealer pointed out around town use rain mode as the power was delivered more evenly which certainly works for me.
Great review as always! I get nervous every time I see someone move a bike from the kickstand side hehe If it starts leaning to the other side, there's no way back :)
Brilliant review, very detailed and systematic, thank you.
Thanks for watching!
It's amazing that Triumph managed to mimic the original appearance of the late 1960's T120 so well, with a water-cooled engine. I think they must have had Edward Turner's ghost looking over their shoulder when it was on the drawing board. If I had the money this bike or the T100 would definitely be in my garage, though my heart says Thruxton R the rest of my ageing body wouldn't thank me for returning to the rear-sets and clip-ons riding position. I did sit on one when a fellow biker crossed the channel on the Euro Tunnel in the same carriage. I thought it was surprisingly small and light but that's probably because of the 710 lb weight of my ST1100 that I'm riding now. As ever, many thanks for a great review.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by as ever Geoff. All the best - TMF
I find using a dish brush makes washing the spokes pretty easy, but I'm sure I'm not as particular about removing every molecule of grime.
My brakes squealed when new too, but they quieted down pretty quickly. Using a full face and ear plugs, the noise never really bothered me.
In addition to making the pillion happy, putting a backrest on would make moving it around easier.
To tame the jerky throttle, ride it in rain mode. It has all the top end power of ride mode, but with none of the jerkiness when getting on the throttle.
Nice review as always.
Thank you saddlebag - and a a great tip! Cheers - TMF
Spokes on motorcycle mean tubes tubes problem sure can plug
I had my T 120 for 3 years from new and loved it, its a powerful high speed cruiser with very good economy but in the end I began to notice the weight ( I'm getting old } otherwise I never would have changed it, so I now have a Speed Twin which is 30 kilos lighter.
Funnily enough I have a T120 coming on Friday specifically so I can record a video comparing the T120 with the Speed Twin (which I own) - do you have any other points of comparison or difference I might include in the video? Would be great to have your thoughts as well as mine!
@@TheMissendenFlyer The T 120 is a lazy high speed tourer / cruiser due to its high gearing which also makes it very economical, I got just over 67 mpg on a 200 mile trip to York due to the motor only revving at 3000 at 70 mph, due to the weight of the bike agility is not its strong point but it does handle very well.
The Speed Twin is completely different, the gearing has much closer ratios so 70 mph is achieved at 3800 rpm, it's much lighter so handles like a dream, and if you give the bars a shake the bike shimmies instantly which was impossible on the T 120, try it and see as a guide to how well the geometry is set up. There are minor bad points, the foot lever on the prop stand is too short so not easy to dig out but someone will produce an extender I'm sure, front brake squeal is evident which apparently only effects brembos, I certainly didn't have this problem on the T 120, and the footpegs are in the way when at a standstill, but it goes well, handles well, and stops well, and for older riders like myself the lightness is a godsend, its even lighter than a Street Twin, good luck with the review.
Great video review! We here at VikingBags are huge fan of your content! Keep up the good work!
Thank you! Will do!
Hey TMF!!! Great video! I have a 2018 Bonneville T120 with 45K miles on it and I ride the thing EVERYWHERE! I live in Vermont so we are a bit locked in with snow right now but enjoying the content as I'm snow locked here in New England USA. I will be pushing close to 80K miles by the time we wrap up the 2020 season and hoping to be at 100K miles on my Bonneville by mid 2021 season... It's been a great motorcycle but I have run into some issues on my Bonneville T120 since I bought it brand new. FYI. Keep up the great videos I watch them through the snow until I can get out in April. Best, -Jedz
Hope the snow clears soon Jedz!
@@TheMissendenFlyer it's a bit depressing... I have my cross country (USA) trip planned with my T120 this coming year. Planning and binding time... It's going to be fun living off the T120 for a month! Think Spring! Cheers!
Great review, big fan! I figured the petrol opening on my Street Scrambler - you need to simply unlock it and than PUSH it down and simultanously unscrew it. I think its the same on this t120.
+Jan Vaculín Thanks Jan :0)
good review thanks!, I've had my T120 for a year now, and I more or less endorse your long term impressions... I tour on mine, and I have the triumph rear luggage bags, not very much storage space and no good for driving rain, the side bars for that luggage though are great for supporting large throwovers, and a 60L dry bag on the rear seat works for me, I've fitted the cruise control option, which helps relieve my right wrist, and some bar end mirrors that you can twist in for threading through the traffic.. cheers !
+Dave Harriman Great stuff Dave - glad we concur!
Did you fit CRG Lane splitter mirrors? I have these on my XSR900..
I also wanted to thank you for this great review of the T120. What you said and pointed out makes a great deal of sense. Perhaps my only small criticism is that the seat is a bit hard. I am getting an upholsterer to fix this at half the price of the K&Q version. Miss your O'seas vid's with the travel restrictions. Thanks again.
Cheers Steven - and you and me both!! Hopefully next year I'l be able to get some decent tours in exotic places back on the schedule.....
Living with my ST900. 371 miles in one year. Rather look at her than ride. Lol
Triumph. 🏆
Excellent review. Thank you for sharing this.
You have sold me virtually every one of the bikes you have reviewed. Should anyone ever say you never find anything wrong well that’s not surprising, there are very few bad bikes built today. However each bike fills a particular niche in the market. I am in the “Old Git” segment. That means the bikes I was looking at were the Triumph twins, the Kawasaki R900RS and the BMW RNineT. So which did I choose? Well based on this review I bought a T120, the green and white model. It’s bloody brilliant. What might I buy next? Well one of the others on the list of course! Many thanks for your review.
Nice one Trevor - I love the T120 - Im getting one early in the New Year to do a direct comparison with my Speed twin as it happens - thanks for all your encouragement, comments and so on this year - have a great Christmas if you can!
Since I own an T120 I agree with your observations, spot on. The seat for me (a personal thing) is absolutely horrible for more than an hour. There simply is no way for me to even think about touring on it. I've tried the comfort seat from Triumph and it's not much better. I admit I have a sensitive rear end. The lighting for me is pretty bad, I added some lighting to help and it made a huge difference. Other than those two pet peeves with me, the bike is incredible and I love the the power, the smooth tranny and the great flickable abilities in traffic. As for the fuel. I've been running a non-ethanol blend which I think has improved the smoothness of the engine and the mileage. I'm getting about 60 miles to the gallon. Just spectacular! I'm actually going to sell my T120 after a year of ownership because I need something with more extended range comfort and to tour with. The squeal of the front brake is almost as painful as the seat but not a deal breaker. I find the front brake only squeals when I lightly apply the brake, never a problem when applied hard. Great bike for commuting, an afternoon of riding, finish, quality and just a plain fun bike to own. Not so great for longer journey's, horrible seat, fixable lighting and squeaky brakes are the negatives. There ya go TMF, my 2 cents worth... Great review on your part and as always continue to enjoy your great videos. Cheers Mate!
+Allan Brown Thanks for that Allan, glad we concur! What are you going to replace it with?
Two that are top on my list & seemingly your favorites, GS or RT. Test riding both tomorrow (Friday). Another thought is the Yamaha FJR1300ES though right from the get go everyone mostly agrees it has the worst seat and a replacement is immediately required. Once that happens, great bike from what I am told. In order of what I think 1.RT, 2.GS, 3.FJR. I owned a 2004 RT and liked it real well, wife LOVED it. The older RT's always felt very top heavy so am interested to see how the new generation is, my understanding, much better. One of my goals is to get my wife out with me more, some comfort for her is needed. Any additional thoughts TMF?
I had new pistons and seals fitted to the brakes under warranty. It cured the brake squeal
Brill review, making me want to top up my garage with yet another motorcycle 😬🏍 always loved the bonneville
HI Mark another great review on the Triumph T120 ,i want them all but it,s called money . Keep up these outstanding excellent reviews cheers.
Great review covered most things I could think of
Well i'm 1.92m. I sat on it at a bike show, amd really love it. Would the t100/t120 be suitable as a first bike?
The T100 more so but generally yes....
Awesome that you still react on comments on a video from 2017 haha. Thanks! I'll search for a second hand t100 then, Chears
@@acvn-hg9gy I try to respond to as many as possible - but it is getting harder and harder!!!
Chaps I’m 6’3 novice rider do I go for the T100 or T120, the street twin is a bit too small
Great job as always!! Can't wait to see the 2018 Tiger 800 review!!
Stay tuned!
TheMissendenFlyer Always!!!!
Great review. I ride my T120 on a mix of roads including longer rides with a pillion. Average economy 63 mpg. Solid and stable with loads of grunt. Not as nimble as the 900 bonneville/street twins which isn't a bad thing for pillion and longer rides. My pillion loves it. Fit and finish are good BUT I have noticed some corrosion on the wheel rims where the spokes connect and on the base of the rear shocks. I ride in all weathers and so weather proofed with ACF 50 even so, still not enough to protect these areas (sad face). Overall a great sound, greatest ride, plenty of grunt and always turns heads (smiley face).
+Andy Cheetham Cheers Andy, too bad about the corrosion - any sign on the engine cases?
The engine cases are fine
the adjusters on the spokes have started on mine too, engines fine.
At 6:20 I didn't see that the side stand was down and thought you walked away with it balancing. My heart sank thinking it would fall haha