T100 vs T120 Bonneville Which one should you buy ? Take a Look! 👍 Motouk Subscribe now

Bonneville T100 or T120, here we take a look which one is better, what the difference is and what to look for before you buy ? Thanks and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel, much appreciated Nick 🙏👍

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[PhilipBallGarry]

I tried the T120 and the Street Twin before deciding on the T100. I too preferred the 900 motor. The fuelling is perfect (no doubt helped by having just a single throttle body). The handling seemed sweeter too, probably due to the single disc set up having less gyroscopic effect from the smaller rotating mass. But the brakes, though improved over last years model are still a compromise. But, as you said perfectly adequate for the style of riding. The lack of a 6th gear doesn't trouble me with 4000rpm giving an indicated 75mph in top. I also really appreciate a bike with which you can use most of it's performance most of the time. The T120 is a, great bike though and I suggest riding both back-to-back before deciding. We ride two up 90% of the time and find the T100 fine for that too. We're not heavy people though. The suspension is good and the ride almost spot on. The rear shocks are a big improvement over the 865 models but do lack damping a little. On a recent solo ride from Derby to the Triumph factory I achieved 82mpg which is astonishing. That said it was with "proper" petrol (super Unleaded) and an average speed of around 50-60 mph. But that's the kind of riding I do these days and the Bonnevilles encourage riding for relaxed pleasure just taking things in. For me this is what I want from a bike these days 👍

[johngriffin]

Glad I bought my T120 in 2020. The center stand was standard and very helpful in cleaning the chain. Also the 2020 had grip warmers which I use a lot in the spring and fall in New England in the US. I use mine as a commuter bike, but it does involve some hiway. So the 6 speed is nice to have. 2020 also came with the rear grab rail and chrome rocker covers. The one thing it really needed was the front springs replaced with progressive springs, what a huge difference in the feel when braking. I thought the front brakes were poor, after replacing the springs, it is so much better.

[brianpaige]

Yep my first Triumph was Tiger 100 my first brand new... early 70s...and loved it now I'm 70 and definitely goin to get a T120....

[tsmgguy]

I think a buyer will be well satisfied with either the T100 or T120. The T100 will probably be adequate for most people's needs. I bought a T120, though, and had the opportunity to take a long demo ride on a dealer's T100 more than a year later. Acquiring a T100 would not be an upgrade for me, because of the T120's marvelously smooth and powerful engine. The two engines have completely different characters, which of course carry over to the day to day ownership experience. Load the two bikes up or run at high speed, and the T120 shines. Think of the T120's extra power as a reserve that you don't often need or use, but are really happy you have. You'd think fuel economy would be better with the 900cc engine too, but it's actually about the same as the T120. Back out the difference in purchase price, and the choice becomes more clear.

[nickaxe]

Such a shame the T100 no long has alloy engine covers and chrome rims and fork changer for I bought my T100 just on a year ago.

I want my T100 to look like a Bonnie should look.

[rbattson]

I bought the St.twin. Its 22kg lighter than the T100, has a less bulbous tank and don't have to clean spoked wheels. The 5speed gearbox has been fine, as I blat about between 30-70. You have to find a bike that suits your regular routes, plenty of choice.

[particleinthewave]

Appreciate the comparison. I owned an older Speedmaster with the 865 and upgraded this summer to a 2019 T120. I agree with most of your assessment but will say I was a bit surprised that you forgot to really call out that lovely 6th gear when discussing the significant differences between the T100 and T120.
When I went to ride the whole new Bonnie range I was surprised that despite my SpeedMaster having 54 HP it felt quicker than the new T100! Both my old SpeedMaster and the T100 were wonderful around town and on back roads up to 70-75mph and both ran out of puff around 75mph. Both felt like it wanted a 6th gear and both felt a bit sluggish when riding a passenger at highway speeds. The T120 on the other hand was also wonderful around town and back country lanes but really outclassed the 900 cc engines when on the highway and or carrying the extra weight. When looking for one or two year old model in my area I found the price difference to be about the same as you described for the new models (about 1500-1700 USD) which is a significant upcharge but when you added the extra HP, the 6speed, heated grips, cruise control and center stand that all came standard on my T120 it was a no brainer for me. The harder choice for me was the Speed Twin/Thruxton and the modern classic T120 but in the end I didn’t like the ergos of the Thruxton (my fav in the looks dept though) and the SpeedTwin had me feeling like I would have way to MANY tickets and so I got the T120. All that said, if you are looking at a modern classic, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these Triumphs!

[GARamblinMan]

Very nice review and comparison between the T100 and T120. I really think it comes down to price and what kind of riding you’ll be doing. As just a 2-lane country road or commuter bike, the T100 is probably fine. But if you’re going to get on the highway and travel at higher speeds, the bigger motor, 6th gear and cruise control are probably worth the extra money, which really isn’t all that much. £1, 700 is pretty reasonable in my opinion for what you get. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the English countryside and towns are beautiful.

[scottroberts]

In went through this comparison myself and decided on the t120 - better brakes, more power, more torque, six gear (I use all the time), heated grips. I've since added the X-Pipe and British Customs exhaust and now have even more power. By adding the X-Pipe the engine easily runs at 2k rpms, nice and cool - I rarely go above 4k, there's no need.

[conordoyle]

Nice review, value for money I think the difference adds up to more features, an over drive and usable 6th gear, rider modes, blackout options, double disk braking (heaps better let's be honest) and standard centre stand. If you were to add usable upgrades to a t100 it would probably include a lot of these. Hence why I went with the big bonnie over the t100 and never looked back.
Great range though and great review!

[ohdirtracer]

I went with the speed twin, but also like the T120.

[markb]

Really enjoyed all the reviews of the Triumph modern classics, you covered all the key points as far as I'm concerned.

[smsuperstrat]

Asking my Triumph dealer about weight differences between the T100 and T120 is all the center stand and extra disc and caliper on the front wheel of the T120. They stated engines are identical with just the bore size and sixth gear. The material removed for the bore make up the piston and extra gear. Who knows it does seem to make sense. I think a a single disc with a more powerful caliper would be a great way to get the 120 a little weight loss.

[bobwelp]

I solved the problem of choosing between the T100 and the T120. I got one of each. The T100 is great around town and short trips in the country. The T120 is great for longer rides and if you have to hit a high-speed highway. Problem solved.

[MrBoybergs]

Excellent video. Interesting preference of the 100 over the 120
but your reasons make perfect sense. Good job sir.

[jabjab]

I like your channel. My only thought is that many British YouTubers who review bikes seem to focus on the use of these bikes in the UK. I’m in the US and the T120 makes a ton of sense here over the T100. I wonder how many of your subscribers are NOT in the UK with its highly controlled and low speed limits. Again, thanks for reviewing the Triumphs. I’ve got a T120 and love it.

[andrewooi]

Thanks for the comparison between the T100 & T120. Can’t decide between the 2 but as it’ll be more of a commuting bike I think I’ll take the T100, based on your feedback. Already have a Tiger 800 for touring.

[raymaybury]

I went to a Triumph dealer and checked out both. I didn't like the black rims, black indicators or satin stainless exhaust of the T100. It seèmed like a cheapened version of the T120 which looked amazing. The small difference in price between them was not worth it.

[peterford]

I just watched this again. Still agree with you about everything. I didn't comment about your Harley ride but you're so right. My neighbor has a big Harley and yes a single rotor disc up front. Maybe the disc diameter is greater? Or larger pads and calipers? Anyway nice seeing it again. Take care.

[marcusdixey]

Great series, I had the same dilemma and in the end went for T120 Matt black graphite. My logic in the finish was the bike is a luxury and I couldn’t get past not having twin disks, the 1200 engine has it all for me and I felt in the finish it’s a bike I’m never gonna get bored of the poke is there when I’m in the mood. The T100 is 85% of all the bike I’d ever need but then there are days I want that 15%. The mods have started, lighter cans, progressive springs so the weight difference is largely dealt with. Thanks for your insight and the vid’s