Triumph T120 Review. Is THIS the best allrounder Modern Classic Bonneville Motorcycle? Black Edition

The Ol' Man reviews the new 2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black, Modern Classic Motorbike.

Filmed in stunning locations, this review gets to the essence of the Bonneville. Like it's smaller brother, the T100, the T120 with the 1200cc engine, is a beautiful looking, minimalistic design, that also packs a power punch when you need it.

If you're trying to get your head around the modern classic's, particularly the Triumph Bonnevilles, then this video may answer your questions.

As always, we try to avoid listing specifications, other than power, torque and price, but get to the emotive elements that a spec sheet cannot provide.

[jimbanditsa]

Spot on your assessment of this bike I absolutely concur with you, 👌 I just love the retro clocks the exhaust sound from the 60s it’s a keeper for me and finally I love the big round headlight as it’s in keeping with the classic look, great review biker buddy 👍🏻😊

[ConradoDeDragon]

I have a T120 model year 2023.
I am delighted with the sounds, driving culture, power and quality of workmanship.
I commute to work every day and take advantage of more and more trips.
2000 kilometers behind us, greetings to all Bonneville supporters

[TheDroghedaBellRinger]

I have a T120, changed down from sports tourers. down is the wrong way to explain it as the T120 does everything I need and more and I am a tall old lad. It looks damn good and is so reliable. You look good on that bike btw.

[amham]

Can you imagine the thrill this 75 year old has watching and hearing this classic. I've had Tigers, Daytona's, TR6's, Bonneville's starting in the mid 60's and can never get it out of my blood...my family has long ago forbid me and out of respect I can only watch and dream!

[philip]

I don't think I would ever get tired of how this bike sounds. So lovely!!

[ingoweisspfennig]

If I was thinking about getting a T120, you just told me everything I want to hear 😂. But lucky me, I already own a 2018 T120 black. Bought new back then and absolutely love it. It’s my soul-machine. Takes me around my local scenic roads, long distance across Australia, puts a smile on my face.
Probably similar how you feel about your beautiful R18.

[johnsumser]

I have a Speed Twin, which I love, and when I brought it in for service I got a T120 as a loaner. It has a completely different feel than the Speed Twin: it is a wonderfully relaxing motorcycle to ride. Triumph sells a fender extender that will help keep the crud off of the radiator.

[ethereal_synapse]

Just picked up this exact model in May and have nearly 3000 miles on it. My main commute is on the interstate and the bike has no issues overtaking. There are times I am able to comfortably ride at highway speeds in the 4th gear (if the wind is hitting me right). My only complaints are how spongy and soft the front forks are when braking. My next upgrade is definitely going to be progressive fork springs because it really catches me off guard how quick and easily the front end dips when braking or taking sharp corners. Aside from that I have not ridden a bike more fun than this and highly recommend it to anyone on the fence.

[lauriebloggs]

Your opening assessment/resume is just spot on, and I've been waiting a long time for someone to publically recognise what the Bike is. What is isn't is a are quite right, it is a modern bike in a classic so much more. Thank you.

[FLY--wyyi]

I bought my T120 new in 2017 and it is the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned. There is something very special about it and believe me, this is a very fast bike if you want to ride like that! The sound of the engine can’t be beat.
I am however thinking about adding a new Speed Twin 1200 to the garage. Always good to change things up a bit. That said, I would never, ever sell my T120! Two retros are better than one🤣🤣

[davidelmore]

I agree with you about the mud guard and wish they offered a full size one that could easily replace the small one. Thank you for the nice review!

[jarleygarden]

Exactly like my 2023 model, which just had it’s 1000km service done. Went for a 400km trip round small roads LocalTalk here in Telemark, Norway, yesterday, even some gravel roads, and I absolutely love it. I come from big adventure bikes and sports tourers, so this is something er different for me. But, wonderful 🥰

[davidskaggs]

I found a 2022 with 110 miles, T120 Goldline on sale...finally got my dream bike🎉

[ccw]

Oh how I miss my bike! Im
62 now and stopped in my 40's and have regretted it ever since. If I ever gio back this would be my ride. A vision to behold and such a beautiful deep muted sound. Fab!

[Firstlastname]

Triumph makes a motorcycle the industry tries to duplicate.

[lawrieyoutube]

I feel a lump in my throat. I rode a T120 Bonneville (650 4-gear) in the 1960's here in Australia. And it rode just as you describe here in your video.
It would burble happily around the city (Brisbane) and was very maneuverable, or take off leaving almost everyone else in the dust if you changed down and grabbed a fistful of revs. It had a certain feel on the road.
It was extremely responsive and I hardly ever needed to use full throttle to really accelerate and fly. With the 360 crank it was very low engine vibration. When my mates and I swapped bikes for fun at times they were green with envy at how silky the ride was. Especially the owners of the new Japanese bikes that were taking over. I don't know how anyone put up with the 180 crank japanese twin. Much worse than a single. They made your hands go numb. But that was then, perhaps they are better now.
From your review I would say this new T120 is not just retro in looks. I want to tell you that all the fine riding features you describe in this video were there in my 1964 - 650 Triumph T120. The new one appears to have a near identical frame/forks/trailing-arm architecture and riding position.
What a magical thing that the modern iteration has captured so well the deep spirit of the original Bonnevilles. I am very impressed and not a little moved. Still have my license but haven't ridden for years. I would so love to take one out for a run. I can tell from your ride and its note that I would be at one with it in minutes, and that's not just sentiment.
I used to take my girlfriend out on it. We are still married. I really miss my old Bonnie, but am staggered that it has been reincarnated - better than ever.

[meattooth]

i got a '22 t120 last year. just an all around great bike. first major purchase i ever made without the hint of buyers remorse. comfortable with a very smooth engine that sounds great 'out of the box'. you can also get on it as it handles well and has good torque. i have gotten so many compliments on it. here in the states, you usually see HDs then JP Sport bikes. so folks will double look at it. first look, they probably assume it is a HD b/c of the classic look and second look, they see it is a triumph. some older folks will tell me how they had one back in the 60s or 70s.

[duncancleverley]

I totally agree.. I have a T120 and it’s almost perfect for everything from ride to work to a weekend away.. and it looks awesome.. 2016 models are now under £7500… an absolute steal for a bike this good… great video, love the scenery.

[flatcapcaferacer]

The Blue and chrome version of the T120 is my favorite.

[chap]

I agree with you. I have the t120 Gold line. Just ridden it through Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Perfect for just about every situation and more importantly, it always puts a smile on your face.