NGC - Triumph T120 Content

[ohiorider]

I purchased a lightly used 2016 T120 last November.  As with many bikes in my recent past, the combination of my weight of 155-160#, and stiff suspension didn't make for a good combination.  I found the Griso 8vSE too harsh, but not the 1200 Sport.  Probably why the Sport was in the stable for 10 years and 70k miles, and the Griso was gone in 3 years and 10k miles.

A few years ago, I purchased a leftover CB1100.  Nice bike, also stiff suspension.  Cured the rear end with a set of Ikon shocks, and the front with lighter springs and Race Tech valves.  But then I crossed paths with a 2016 T120, with 1600 miles showing, at a good price, so ....CB1100 gone.  I pulled the Ikons and put the OEM shocks back on before trading.  The fork springs stayed in place.

Fast forward.  I found the T120 a bit too sharp for my 77 year old body.  Thinking, not again!  But before doing the new shock thing, I contacted Roger at Ikon USA in Bedford, PA, and asked if the shocks I'd bought for the Honda might possibly work on the Triumph.  Answer .... aside from being 3/4 inch longer, yes, they'd work.

And they did.  Much softer rear suspension.  Now for the front.  I didn't want to go through several iterations of tweaking the RT valves, I wanted a simpler approach.  Simple enough.  Pull the OEM springs and replace them with a softer set of Progressive Suspension springs, leaving the same fork oil in place.  And she now feels good, rear and front suspension.  I'm now at 6500 miles on the odometer, and enjoying the bike more and more as the season starts to wind down.

Bob

[lucian]

It's funny that the older our arsses get the more important suspension becomes! I'm glad your liking the T120! They did an awesome job upgrading a classic.

[rschrum]

Funny you would re spring the honda, but not the Griso.

[ohiorider]

Funny you would re spring the honda, but not the Griso.

Kind of a cost thing  ....... Ikons for the Honda weren't all that expensive, and I felt like I could personally handle re-springing the simple damper forks on the Honda.  Plus, I had little $$ in the Honda, so felt like spending a few more bucks on it was an ok thing.
Ergonomically, the Griso was (for me) going to require more time and money than I felt like throwing at it.  I suppose the 1200 Sport misled me into thinking the Griso would be another touring-sprung Guzzi, which for me it wasn't.  And, after buying the Griso, I found myself continuing to spend far more saddle time on the 1200 Sport.  If the 8v Sport had been available in the USA, I may have gone with it and sold the 2v Sport.  Glad it wasn't available, and that I held onto the 2v Sport until July of this year.  One of the best bikes I've ever owned.

The Griso didn't work for me ergonomically nor did it work on the roads I typically rode.  But, damn ..... was it a beautiful bike!

[ohiorider]

It's funny that the older our arsses get the more important suspension becomes! I'm glad your liking the T120! They did an awesome job upgrading a classic.

She's a sweetheart!  The T120 comes with Triumph's HT (High Torque) engine.  Bike is geared tall, and the torque curve is fairly flat between 3000 and 4500 rpm.  So, it's just point and shoot.  I geared it down a bit by going from a 37 tooth sprocket to a 40.  Better for me.

[Indypikes]

She's a sweetheart!  The T120 comes with Triumph's HT (High Torque) engine.  Bike is geared tall, and the torque curve is fairly flat between 3000 and 4500 rpm.  So, it's just point and shoot.  I geared it down a bit by going from a 37 tooth sprocket to a 40.  Better for me.

Enjoy the Triumph! I have an 01' 790 Bonnie with 40K plus miles that I'll keep forever. Just a great bike that runs like a Swiss watch. I haven't ridden the EFI Bonnies but have heard good things. I have a CB 1100 as well. Both the Triumph and Honda compliment the Guzzi well.

[ohiorider]

Enjoy the Triumph! I have an 01' 790 Bonnie with 40K plus miles that I'll keep forever. Just a great bike that runs like a Swiss watch. I haven't ridden the EFI Bonnies but have heard good things. I have a CB 1100 as well. Both the Triumph and Honda compliment the Guzzi well.

I rode a 2003 Centennial Edition for 46k miles berween 2006 & 2011.  Good machine, good all rounder.  I like retro.  They fit me.

[inditx]

I purchased a lightly used 2016 T120 last November.  As with many bikes in my recent past, the combination of my weight of 155-160#, and stiff suspension didn't make for a good combination.  I found the Griso 8vSE too harsh, but not the 1200 Sport.  Probably why the Sport was in the stable for 10 years and 70k miles, and the Griso was gone in 3 years and 10k miles.

A few years ago, I purchased a leftover CB1100.  Nice bike, also stiff suspension.  Cured the rear end with a set of Ikon shocks, and the front with lighter springs and Race Tech valves.  But then I crossed paths with a 2016 T120, with 1600 miles showing, at a good price, so ....CB1100 gone.  I pulled the Ikons and put the OEM shocks back on before trading.  The fork springs stayed in place.

Fast forward.  I found the T120 a bit too sharp for my 77 year old body.  Thinking, not again!  But before doing the new shock thing, I contacted Roger at Ikon USA in Bedford, PA, and asked if the shocks I'd bought for the Honda might possibly work on the Triumph.  Answer .... aside from being 3/4 inch longer, yes, they'd work.

And they did.  Much softer rear suspension.  Now for the front.  I didn't want to go through several iterations of tweaking the RT valves, I wanted a simpler approach.  Simple enough.  Pull the OEM springs and replace them with a softer set of Progressive Suspension springs, leaving the same fork oil in place.  And she now feels good, rear and front suspension.  I'm now at 6500 miles on the odometer, and enjoying the bike more and more as the season starts to wind down.

Bob

Way to go Bob!
I have sold too many bikes because the suspension wasn’t right.
Hopefully that’s over for me.
inditx

[JJ]

This is the modern Triumph I like...the 2020 Bonneville Black!

[Daleroso]

Ohiorider, I too tried a Griso ('17) bought in a moment of heightened lust but alas it wasn't right soooo, traded it for a bigbikerrick sidecar rig that I thoroughly enjoy here in Fl.
That said, i have a '18 T120 that's been to 13 western states & 1/2 of Canada. One of the 2 easiest, friendly bikes to ride (the other a K75) that I've experienced after many others. I added Tec fork springs & Hagon Road Shocks to adjust the ride adequately. I'm 70 next month.
Enjoy yours for many safe miles.

[ohiorider]

Guys, I've enjoyed swapping Bonnie stories.  I'm at the moment out of Guzzis, so all I can relate are tales about the GS and the T120.

Bob

[JJ]

After I sold my 1975 Norton 850 Commando Interstate MK III, I bought this 2002 Triumph Bonneville, brand new.  It was a good bike overall, and I should have kept it.

[menzies]

After I sold my 1975 Norton 850 Commando Interstate MK III, I bought this 2002 Triumph Bonneville, brand new.  It was a good bike overall, and I should have kept it.

Sky Blue and Silver, my favorite Bonnie color. I have owned 4 Bonnies and 2 Scramblers and have never had an issue with one.