Triumph Bonneville T120 or Speedmaster, Which one should you buy | little known facts

If you're considering a Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or T120, here is a quick video with a few little things that made me choose the T120. Both bikes have same engine and performance is similar, but here are small little differences that overtime are quite noticeable and made me realize I made the right choice. So, which Triumph should you buy? The Speedmaster, or the T120? Enjoy.

[thepodbaydoorshal]

I test rode a T120 before buying my Speedmaster, and for a second I almost changed my mind and went for the T120 however I had my mind set on a cruiser at the time. However one thing you mentioned made me think back to my test ride. That being, the seating position when on the highway on the T120 vs the Speedmaster. And you're right, because on the Speedmaster you do feel like a parachute, bolt upright due to the foot forward position and beach bars, and kind of locked into place. Some may like that but it did become tiring on longer journeys. I do remember my quick blast on the T120 at higher speeds feeling much more comfortable. Also the T120's lighter curbweight can be felt in acceleration. Both bikes are very quick but the T120 is noticeably more rapid. And the Speedmaster feels heavier (because it is), despite being a little lower. Lastly is that it took me no more than 10 minutes into my test ride to acclimate myself to the T120 whereas the Speedmaster took more time and I found myself shifting around and trying different riding styles. However the Speedmaster is a truly unique bike as you say and I think it's one of the most beautiful bikes out there. The T120 is equally gorgeous but perhaps in a more understated way because of its familiar classic styling. One thing Triumph left off the Speedmaster for which I will always deduct points are those gorgeous twin dials on the T120. Triumph, what were you thinking????!!!?

[dbonillab]

I own a Speedmaster, and agree 100% with you. Coming from a RE Continental GT, the Speedmaster felt incredibly comfortable. I did consider the T120, but for me, the looks of the Speedy are just gorgeous. I couldn't resist.

[geneahart]

My solution to this was to get both. First, I bought T100, then Speedmaster. Best of both worlds. Over time, I can say the Speedmaster is the most fun to ride.

[richardrenaud]

I have a Speedmaster and love it. Had several Harleys before and the Speedmaster is such a better ride. I am only 5’9” so it fits me perfect.

[romeredubost]

Owned two previous cruiser, Honda 750 ace, vstar 1300 ( I still have the vstar), I bought a new 2020 t120…I love this bike, and you are totally on point about the flat seat. Engine super smooth and as you did in your video, you can cruise at 60 in 5th gear, and the 6th gear make going 80+ feel easy. I just got a marlin dart screen delivered from the Uk today. I will install it in the morning and see how it feels.

[danield]

I have a 2020 Triumph T120 and I can say without doubt it is the superior bike vs the Speedmaster. One big advantage IMO the T120 has over the SM is the lean angel in the corners. You can really push the T120 hard in the curves without the pegs scraping whereas the SM will scrape relatively easily in the twisties. The T120 is such a light and flickable bike that it impresses me even after 5 years of ownership!

[christianmichaelis]

Brilliant review. Real life stuff and very helpful.
Many thanks from the UK.

[halz]

Back in 2020 I went through the process and I am still very happy I went with the T120 Diamond Edition. Plus I always get people commenting on its looks, even Harley riders. People love the retro look.

[johnosborn]

I completely agree with you. Years ago, I stopped riding when I had sons to raise and now that they are grown and I am comfortably retired, here we are. I was going to buy a Fat Bob but the sales manager was quite dishonest, so I visited a dealer that buys and sells a large amount of used bikes. Keep in mind that I still thought Triumph was long dead, yet when I walked into the store, there sat a black/white 2018 Speedmaster. I sat on the bike, it was comfortable, so I bought it. Now that I have ridden it for a month, I realize that the handlebars and seat I want are from a T120, I hate the rear brake location, and the bike is too heavy, feeling somewhat clumsy. To make matters worse a friend of 50 years, offered to give me a completely rebuilt and professionally modified Honda 750-4, and I thought this Speedmaster would be better, and it isn't. This thing will be decorating my garage, and I will buy a T120 or a Speed Twin. Anyway, many thanks for the video.

[michaelpina]

Nice video, I have a speed master, love it, I wish I tried out a T120 before buying my bike so that I could feel the difference, I’m going to try out a T120 soon !

[TheQ]

I don't know what the T120 is for. Using it as a retro bike that you can go quick with, the mediocre brakes and suspension prohibited that. Altough i want to point out that the engine could do it and has enough go to stretch your arms in a splitsecond if you open the throttle. So another usage could be travel. The 57 MPG US would refer it as travel bike.There are accessories to turn it into a travel bike but they simply don't work (windscreens, luggage options). The engine, the exhaust sound and a bargain pricetag lured me into the purchase. But after the sensation of the engine got "normal" what remains is a bike that doesn't work for me / my style of riding. The Speedmaster on the other hand is the overall better concept. The relaxed engine and chopperesque appearance whilst having the same issues as the T120 is what I should have gone for.

[rahjr]

I currently have an ‘18 Street Triple R for blasting around and a ‘21 HD Sport Glide for cruising and love having the bags and a bikini fairing. Then I saw the announcement for the T120 DGR limited edition that is coming out. I have my deposit on one of the 50 coming to the states. It is interesting listening to all the different reviews on the T120. Thanks

[kiwi-on-a-bike]

The seating and leg position is the very reason I bought a T120 over the Street Twin.

[hogwylde]

I don't own either motorcycle but that was a nice short video with good points made.

[peterwilliamson]

I like both models but I think (with respect) people over five foot ten look too tall for the Speedmaster. I wonder if they can redesign it to look a bit bigger as its a very nice bike.

[alampunjabi]

That helps a lot to make a right decision. Thank u

[Marc-NZ]

Great video, do you think would be fine a trip 2up with this seat you got for touring, and the power is enough to take 2 people about 130kg together? And the stock rear suspension would be fine or an upgrade would be necessary, cheers!

[ruffleschips]

Thanks. How do you compare the suspension, and if either one bottoms out on bumps?

[Peter-gzux]

I have owned a Speedmaster for a few years now. Do any other Speedmaster owners scoot back to the back edge of the seat to be able to straighten your legs?

[davidskaggs]

I heard ground clearance could also be an issue. T120 has more clearance on top of center stand