Really?? Triumph T120 Bonneville Review, should you really be buying one of these things?

A quick high level review of the Triumph T120 riding in the coastal town of Los Cristianos in Tenerife. A wonderful bike to ride but is it a keeper? Should you buy a new one or a second hand one on the understanding that you would probably lose £5000 over the first three years on the price of a new one. A second hand one can be found for about £5500 and I would suspect this type of bike will have low mileage which is great. I would also expect the type of owner to look after this bike through their ownership, also good news. Could this be the bike for you?

[rafikallana]

I bought one a couple of months ago and its lovely to ride. I have owned some more powerful bikes but every time I open the garage it makes me want to ride it. My wife absolutely loves it and always asking me for us go out together. It makes you feel really cool and isn't that what motorcycling all about?

[Grumpy-Goblin]

I've had my 2017 T120 for 8 months now and I have to say it is an utterly fantastic machine and will be with me for a long time to come. It has just enough character to be interesting but still refined enough to never be annoying. It felt special from the first moment I sat on it and it still feels just as special today. I don't know where the idea of the bike being a garage queen comes from because mine gets used and I've put 5, 000 miles on it in 8 months including a 1500mile tour in Scotland. It is a real do it all bike that is happy bimbling around a country lane and can equally sit at high speed on a motorway for hours. There is plenty of power and torque so overtakes are simple and safe with plenty left in reserve should you need it. It is a more expensive bike to buy new than some of the other retro classic styled bikes but it is a premium quality machine and the paint, coatings, plating and other fixings are fantastic quality so as long as you look after it well there's no reason why you can't get use of it all year. It draws a lot of attention wherever you go and often you'll find yourself surrounded by old fellas sharing their tales from back in the day. The sound is just incredible even with standard pipes on and the greatest thing of all is that even after 8 months I cannot ever walk away from it without looking back at it.

[seanfrank]

I bought my T120 last spring. I can say hands down that this was the bike I've always wanted. I flirted a bit with dual sport bikes and big Adventure bikes but my Bonnie is the bike that stirs my soul.

[michaelcomerford]

I had the bobber nice bike, but then got the T120 changed the exhaust to 2 into 1 removed the cat and changed the front fork springs, its now 12kg lighter, I have had lots of bikes over the years this is the best one yet for a 68 year old . Great vid by the way .

[tnwilliamson]

I have over 25000 miles on my 2018 t120, its still like a brand new bike. It feels so good exiting a corner and coming on the power, smooth and strong.
The quality of build is right, just right. I hope i can ride this bike into my 80s.

[anthonyhosford]

I bought one about 6 months ago. I love it. Perfect all rounder bike. Can’t wait until next spring to ride her again!

[jerhughes]

I had one when I lived on Vancouver island, rode it all over the island and onto the mainland to Vancouver and beyond. It’s a fantastic machine. I’m currently in Scotland and have been looking at the Tiger but my heart is with a T120. Must be nice riding in the sun all the time. 👍

[brianw]

I’m thinking of buying one and you have sold me from your commentary. Good looking bike man. I have a z900RS and really enjoy it and just want to have a second bike. I really like the look of this bike. Thanks for the video.

[davidskaggs]

I bought a 2022 T120 Goldline version with 110 miles on the clock two weeks ago and I can't put her down. I want to ride her absolutely everywhere. I also have a 2024 Transalp which I also love but this one is special. The power, torque, and exhaust note are great! The bike fits me like a glove. It has the power to go 100 plus in a blink, but I feel great just cruising through town doing 30 as well. I was on the fence and debated this and the Guzzi V7. Definitely made the right choice💯🍻

[MoroMagrew]

T120 is pretty much my dream bike right now. Where I live (Hong Kong) they are expensive compared to other markets, and I would have to park outside. Currently on a Kawasaki Z650RS, which is a lovely fun bike, and is as expensive as I would leave parked outside all year round. If I move to somewhere that I can get inside or covered parking then perhaps I will look again at a T120.

[derekjohansson]

Bought my used 2018 T120 at the onset of COVID with 3, 000 miles on the clock and couldn't be happier. Coming from owning a few Ducati Monster's, I definitely appreciate (as do my knees and back) the ergonomics and more linear power. Love putting around town in rain mode, then clicking over to road and opening her up while in the twisties. Just a fantastic machine that does everything right. Unbeknownst to me (and the dealer), the previous owner fitted a full Öhlins suspension, so maybe I'm biased, but the handling is sublime. It's truly the best bike I've ever owned.

[murrayedgar]

My 2016 has been dropped a couple of times on the left at low speed (my drive is a 4wd tester) but despite a bent lever I've not had any selection problems. I love the torque and mad fuel economy for a big bike. Loving it more and more. Did a two up tour around the south island (NZ) and averaged 4l/100km. Triumph flyscreen is enough protection for me, cruising at 100-130 km/hr. Reminds me of why I got into bikes 50 years ago.

[ralphrotten]

Got a new 2023 t120 last spring. Great bike, haven't had any issues with it and no real complaints about it. Reminds me of my first bike, 1960 650, but soooo much better. -40° F last week so not much riding, come on spring!

[franktreadwell]

They look magnificent in chrome. The blacked out ones just look like a cheap fad to me. I don't remember seeing any 'blacked out' bikes in the 60s.

[woodtickgreg]

I've had my T120 for a full riding season. Absolutely love the bike. Its just so easy to ride and enjoyable. Its all about the torque. I'm an older rider, I've had many bikes in my lifetime. But at 63 years of age this bike just tics all the boxes for me. It gets you back to the basics of motorcycling without all the complications of too much electronic intervention. It has just enough, the basics. Its comfortable, powerful, low seat height, and just puts a smile on my face everytime I ride it. I have no regrets with the purchase and I would do it again. With bags and a windshield and top case I can even do weekend touring on it. I have not had a single problem with it. The build quality and fit and finish of it is first rate. Im counting the days until springtime so I can get back on it again.

[timgarnett]

I bought mine about 2 months ago now. The power is just the right amount to give you the fizz whilst not turning you into a hooligan.
The bike looks great and holds up against anything else at a bike meet. My mate has a new Harley and despite the price disparity you wouldn't say this is any less of a bike both in terms of brand or quality. I also find the riding position spot on and I don't cramp up on it like I did on my interceptor. Negatives.... not many... the gearing low down is not great as it doesn't like going above 2nd gear until you're at 35mph. Added to this the throttle response is a little snatchy low down (I assume euro 5 to blame). Also standard mirrors aren't wide enough. I'll be seeking to improve both with sprocket changes, fuel enricher and bar end mirrors. Once done I think it will be perfect.

[Foggy]

I traded my '23 Speed Twin in on a '23 T120 and I can say that it was a good move for me. While I loved the power and torque of ST, the power and torque of the T120 is more than enough for the public roads and the riding comfort is so much more comforable on the T120, much better seat and more options for carrying capacity, let alone the more classic looks. Plus, the much taller gearing contributes to a more relaxing and enjoyable ride with the added bonus of better MPG. Being able to add a center stand for cleaning and maintenence is nice too.

[simonjones]

I’m thinking of getting one here in Sweden the price of a new T120 is 9500£ massive inflation today I have a speedmaster 865 efi which I love. I which you a lovely Christmas 🎅

[kevinhenault]

Looking at a speed twin and the t120. Waiting for my wife to decide if she wants to 2 up or finally get her own bike.

[crumblymal]

I have a hankering for one of these or the T100 haven't made my mind up yet I obviously need to test ride them interesting watch 👍