Triumph T100 vs T120: Which One Should You Buy?

Book a T100 demo at one of Lind Triumph's shops:
And for the T120:

Sign up for my email newsletter of the best motorcycling stories here:

Places you can also find me:

My gear:

[quocanhnguyen]

Here are some of my opinions:
-In USA or some European countries, the gap between the prices of T100 and T120 is not large, so it depends on your need. You choose a T100 if you think it's enough powerful ( in fact it's enough for any tours). You choose T120 because you really would like extra power, you love how it feels when you're cruising your bike at 6th gear and you want front dual-disc brake.
-But in Vietnam which is my country, after the taxes, T120 is about more 7000 usd than the T100, it's not a small amount for average income of Vietnamese people. The traffic jam in Vietnam is so terrible, the weather is hot, the speed limit is not very high, so T100 would be ideal for most of bikers.
So if I live in USA or in Europe, maybe I will take the T120. But in Vietnam, I think T100 is enough. That's it!

[johnsteeden]

I ride the T100 and have done around 9k. Most of the time with my wife on the back. I live in the Midlands and just last year I travelled fully loaded with pillion to Normandy in France. Cruise motorways at 70/80 with no issues at all, the bike is more than capable. Fuel economy is great, and to be honest I've never had an issue with the breaks they are absolutely fine. In my experience the T100 is a great do it all bike.

[sendgl]

It is amazing how we now almost refer to the 900 as a small engine. My original Bonnie was 650cc, ample power when even a 500cc was considered a big bike back in the day.

[deansamons]

2 months ago i bought a T120 that is 2 years old. It puts a smile on this old guys face every time i ride it. I also own an Electra Glide, love it also, ,,, apples and oranges. But i have to say the Triumph makes me feel like a teenager. They handle wonderfully! Safe riding to all

[johnforestieri]

My first bike when I got out of the service was a 650 Bonneville back in 1970, Now at the age of 74 I’m still riding A Triumph, this time it is a 2018 120 Bonneville, The best bike I’ve ever owned and I owned quite a few. Enjoyed watching your video.

[ajojoseph]

Well presented. I was between these models a few months ago. Basically I choose the T120 down to these factors
1. extra torque for the super nice takeoff
2. better highway cruising. That 6th cog allows to settle down the motor quite a bit
3. Heated grips, not very essential, helps to extend the riding season
4. Way better brakes, the T120 has phenomenal stopping power. Though not as great as my Street Triple, the feed back is nice. Also like the fact that the ABS is not as intrusive.
5. Bragging rights of the larger motor....LOL😂
6. Center stand - lot of people don’t care. But it so much useful. I usually use the Cstand almost all the time.

The small difference in price ($1500) is certainly worth for what the T120 offers.

[elietarazi]

The best thing about Triumph is there is a bike for all tastes and needs. If possible I would buy 1 from each category. Big Dreams.

[drbanana]

I’ve ridden both of these actual bikes as loan bikes whilst my T100 was in for services at Lind. I took the T120 around London and out to Kent and just loved the extra pep over the T100 on the country lanes. The 6th gear was handy on the motorway (though anything north of 65 is unpleasant given the lack of wind protection), I didn’t find the T120 heavy around town, in fact the extra nip made up for the extra weight I guess.
I do really like my T100, I’ve used it for commuting, motorway riding, tours of England and Scotland and had a blast on it, but really I kinda wish I’d spent the extra cash on the T120

[stephenlong]

I've got 2017 T100 Black, and had it for three years. I've ridden across France and Belgium on it twice, and I love it.

[petebird]

I’ve just taken delivery of a T120, very happy with it, in my view the extra cash was well worth it, somebody has already commented that they’re built in Thailand, so what, the quality is there and the finish is superb, loving it, 👍👍👍👍

[triumphbonnevillet]

Hi MotBob, Having just retired I've got time to do what I want now, Ive always had a motorcycle from yams to BMW 1200 and my Last one Triumph trophy 1200, I'm now at the age 60+ and still riding Motorbike, This past week I've got myself Triumph Bonneville T120 looking like its just come back from the Future of 1959 . Its a great looking classic bike with a 2020 engine LED lighting with good power when you need it, all new models of bikes come with problems the ride is hard but with an air seat its fine, the motorcycle is a ride from the past and brings its own heritage along each time you hit the road . Kind regards Graham .

[coleythailand]

Hi Motobob, Approaching my 4th year, 44, 000 kms with my T120 in Thailand. Commute the suburbs of Bangkok, go for weekends to places and been on at least 5 or more week plus trips to the different motorcycle havens in Thailand. I still love the bike but I have changed the bike with x-pipe, v and h slip ons, rear suspension, seat, risers, grips and quite a few other things. I rode the latest street twin when my bike was being serviced and thought it was fine and fun. I am sure the T100 would be great for many Modern Classic fans butat this time I am still happy with the T120 and the way it works for me. I am 5 ft 9 or so and not heavy but travel with passenger and soft luggage when touring. Thanks for the

[alexparson]

I am petite and just 5'8" short, I rode only T100 and did not even try 120. I need feet firmly planted and it felt as one body one bike while riding, the sound was great and the swept up exhaust look superb, lighter and smaller men like me would enjoy T100.

[pistolpete]

I own a T120 and love the extra power.

[THEBIGCHULETA]

I’m liking the gloss black and chrome on the T100. It’s classy. With that said, I’d go for T120 in glossy black and chrome. Black and chrome is like wearing a nice tux in the motorcycle world.

[norpan]

I own a T120 and love the extra power and the bigger feeling. I live in Sweden and its perfect for our roads. Thanks for the nice videos you are putting out!!!

[biker]

first impressions, t100 sounds amazing, the stock pipes are doing a good job

[joshnnik]

A very accurate review Bob, I opted for the T120 over the 100 because I loved the extra grunt and thought, as you've already mentioned, that a centre stand and heated grips were a bonus. You are spot on for advocating the use of rain mode for giving a pillion a smoother ride, especially in town. I've no regrets and adding a Dart screen and Givi rack has added to it's appeal for me.

[martincolin]

Well I've had both...just traded up to the T120 and have to agree the extra power feel and braking take Bonneville ownership to its peak...for me it's the best all round Triumph Bonneville of all
Very happy with the looks handling and performance...just going to enjoy it for the next 20 hopefully

[jasonyoung]

I own a 2018 T120. It is, in my opinion, a work of art. I could (and do) just stare at it in my garage. This is before I even ride it. Once on it, it has plenty of power, a snorty low exhaust note, and is comfortable enough to ride all day. The seat also works great for taking a passenger along and it just feels well-built. I have just under 7k miles on her and I was choosing between a Thruxton, Speed Twin, and a BMW R-nine-T. I almost fell for the Thruxton, the Speed Twin was a bit too cramped, and the BMW just had an odd feeling with the boxer horizontal engine at idle. The T120 is truly a great bike!