NGC. Just thinking....Triumph T120

[Dave Swanson]

I agree, Triumph has designed some beautiful retro classics.  None better out there than the "new" T120 in my opinion.

I just watched a 40,000 mile YouTube review of a 2018 T120.  Of course there were some issues.  The most annoying was nagging coolant leaks, with one serious 6th gear transmission failure.  The reviewer reporting on his routine chain maintenance, sprocket and chain replacements kind of shook me back to reality.   I am spoiled by the fact that all the bikes I ride regularly are shaft drive, with a belt drive thrown in for good measure. 

I still think the T120 really looks great, except for the radiator which is just barely tolerable. 

[ohiorider]

I agree, Triumph has designed some beautiful retro classics.  None better out there than the "new" T120 in my opinion.

I just watched a 40,000 mile YouTube review of a 2018 T120.  Of course there were some issues.  The most annoying was nagging coolant leaks, with one serious 6th gear transmission failure.  The reviewer reporting on his routine chain maintenance, sprocket and chain replacements kind of shook me back to reality.   I am spoiled by the fact that all the bikes I ride regularly are shaft drive, with a belt drive thrown in for good measure. 

I still think the T120 really looks great, except for the radiator which is just barely tolerable. 

Yep, the radiator isn't a thing of beauty, but better than many.  The oil cooler on the previous gen of 'new' Bonnevilles wasn't exactly lovely, either.  But overall, nice bikes.

As a previous owner of a GRiSO 8vSE, I get it when you mention 'excitement' differences between the two bikes.  I only wish my 2012 Griso had come with more compliant suspension.  And had been a few hundred serial numbers newer to get into the rollered bikes.

The T120 has some good low end torque, but the 1200 GRiSO definitely had some real umph when rolled on.

My Tenni Green was the best looking bike I'd ever owned. And was exciting to ride.

But at my age (77) I think the ergonomics and suspension of the T120 and I are much better suited to each other.  And the T120's performance is more than adequate for me at this stage of life.  Hell, I still think the R100GS roll on in third gear isn't bad!  That's a bad sign!

Well, if things improve through the upcoming months where we can get out and put some real miles on the bikes, we'll have some better ride reports.

Bob

BTW - have you checked out how Triumph hid the cat converter on the T120?  Damn clever, IMO.

[Dave Swanson]

But at my age (77) I think the ergonomics and suspension of the T120 and I are much better suited to each other.  And the T120's performance is more than adequate for me at this stage of life.  Hell, I still think the R100GS roll on in third gear isn't bad!  That's a bad sign!

Well, if things improve through the upcoming months where we can get out and put some real miles on the bikes, we'll have some better ride reports.

Bob

BTW - have you checked out how Triumph hid the cat converter on the T120?  Damn clever, IMO.

Bob,  you have 10 years on me.  I have noticed in the last couple years I am not quite as focused on just how fast I can hustle through the twisties, and have started to slow down just a tad and am enjoying the ride.  Maybe part of that is knowing a get off will be more difficult to heal up from.  Not sure, but I am not fighting this progression.

Yes, I did notice how well Triumph hid the Cat.   I also noticed that the most popular owner mod seems to be ripping it out and replacing it with an X pipe of some sort.   

I haven't shelved the idea of getting a T120.  I can get a leftover 2018 for about 4k less than the 2020 Diamond Edition.  If I make the jump I will go with the cheaper leftover.  That is quite a bit to save.

[bodine99]

Bob,  you have 10 years on me.  I have noticed in the last couple years I am not quite as focused on just how fast I can hustle through the twisties, and have started to slow down just a tad and am enjoying the ride.  Maybe part of that is knowing a get off will be more difficult to heal up from.  Not sure, but I am not fighting this progression.

Yes, I did notice how well Triumph hid the Cat.   I also noticed that the most popular owner mod seems to be ripping it out and replacing it with an X pipe of some sort.   

I haven't shelved the idea of getting a T120.  I can get a leftover 2018 for about 4k less than the 2020 Diamond Edition.  If I make the jump I will go with the cheaper leftover.  That is quite a bit to save.

What I did in 03. I turned 50 sold my Buell to slow down and smell the flowers!!. Got a brand new Bonny and been loving it since!!! I do allow it out 1x a month though!!

[JJ]

One of my all time favorites - - 1970 Triumph Bonneville 

Just a motorcycle of pure beauty!!

[JJ]

A Triumph buddy of mine just sent me this excellent video...

Now...I really, REALLY want another vintage Triumph!  Enjoy!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=24&v=jcfw_SBTCso&feature=emb_logo

[ohiorider]

JJ, maybe this will help fan the flame!

I picked up this brochure when I first moved to Toledo (1978 time frame.)  It took me a few more years to get back on two wheels, but I always loved Britbikes.  The original brochure is somewhere around the house (where?)

Enjoy!

[kirkemon]

I have been very happy with my T120 - it came with electric cruise control, heated grips, and all the other stuff bikes come with these days.
It has served well on trips from L.A. to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and runs up the coast (HWY1).
I haven't made many changes; Brembo front rotors (the originals were really crappy, heavy, and ugly Sunstar rotors), the Brembo rotors are half the weight of the originals, I went with the Norman Hyde Toga pipes, and a few cosmetic changes, LED winkers and new(old style) emblem on tank.