NGC. Just thinking....Triumph T120

[bobrebos]

   Sure seems like a nice bike!  Anybody here have any experience with the new T120's, and any good review or? 

  https://www.ebay.com/itm/2020-Triumph-Bonneville-T120/362863925759?hash=item547c6019ff%3Ag%3Aw50AAOSwubdeBhve&LH_ItemCondition=1000

[Dave Swanson]

When the T120 first came out I was quite enamored with the them.  I watched a lot of YouTube videos and read most everything I could find.  By all accounts a fine motorcycle.  I love the look of the bike!

The closest I have come to riding the T120 is the Speed Twin.  The ST has the "high power" engine of the Thruxton, and is set up with more sporting wheel size and tires.  It was a very nice bike to ride.  A bike almost anyone would enjoy riding.   

The day I test rode the Speed Twin I had ridden my Griso up and back to the dealer.  My back to back comparo of the Speed Twin to the Griso is hands down I prefer the ---GRISO!!   

[JJ]

For the money, I also always like the T120 "Bonneville Black"...like this one!

[ohiorider]

I picked up this low mileage 2016 model in November 2019.  So, I own one, but due to winter and salty roads closing in on NE Ohio a day or so after buying, no ride time yet.  The GS is my go to bike until the roads are 100% clear of salt.





OTOH, my riding buddy, Tom, has owned and ridden his T120 since purchasing in spring of 2016.  Loves the bike!  I suspect he may see this thread and respond with his experience.

Bob

[Dave Swanson]

The modern T120s certainly are beauties.  The did a fine job of being true to the classic look.

My original paint 62 TR6SS with 5,000 miles.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I'd rather buy a Royal Enfield 650 INT for about 1/2 the cost...

[ohiorider]

The modern T120s certainly are beauties.  The did a fine job of being true to the classic look.

My original paint 62 TR6SS with 5,000 miles.

Speaking of a beauty!  Lovely TR6.  I know the 1966 model had a single carb.  Can't tell if yours has one or two.  Not familiar with the "SS" version of the TR6.  SS would indicate it may have been quicker than the TR6 (not SS.)

[Dave Swanson]

Speaking of a beauty!  Lovely TR6.  I know the 1966 model had a single carb.  Can't tell if yours has one or two.  Not familiar with the "SS" version of the TR6.  SS would indicate it may have been quicker than the TR6 (not SS.)

TR6's were always single carb.  Bonnevilles has the dual. 

[ohiorider]

I'd rather buy a Royal Enfield 650 INT for about 1/2 the cost...

Hi, Charlie,

If I had been shopping the new bike market, I would've been heavily influenced by the new RE 650 twins.  Lovely bikes.  And at a really nice price point.  But I wasn't shopping for a bike at all.  I was pulling into the local BMW dealer for 3 quarts of oil and a filter, and couldn't take my eyes off the gleaming burgundy and silver T120.  Probably a customer's bike.  Nope!  It had been traded in on a new R9T /5 model.  Here's the deal ..... not the worst, not the best:

$7475.00 including the questionable 'doc' fees.
$  505.00 Ohio Sales Tax (6.75%) collected at time of sale by dealer.

So for slightly under $8k, I was out the door with what looks like a brand new T120.  Essentially it is, considering the odometer read just slightly over 1600 miles.  and it came with the standard saddle and an upgraded Triumph saddle and flyscreen.  Out of warranty, obviously.

Without negotiating, I imagine a new RE would have been roughly $6000 + a couple hundred for doc fee and freight, plus tax, for total of about $6600.00 out the door.  As Pete R. would say "sort of chalk and cheese,"  a new 650 twin or a barely used 1200 twin.

OK, enough of this procrastination.  A filthy garage is calling out for me to do some much needed cleanup!

Bob

[jas67]

$7475.00 including the questionable 'doc' fees.
$  505.00 Ohio Sales Tax (6.75%) collected at time of sale by dealer.
..... Without negotiating, I imagine a new RE would have been roughly $6000 + a couple hundred for doc fee and freight, plus tax, for total of about $6600.00 out the door.

Beautiful T120, Bob, congrats!

I'm sure the RE650 is a fun bike, they certainly look nice, but, I'd certainly buy a pre-owned T120 for $1k more over one.

If ever you decide to sell the T120 has already taken the initial depreciation hit, so, you're likely to recoup a lot more of your money.

[ohiorider]

Beautiful T120, Bob, congrats!

I'm sure the RE650 is a fun bike, they certainly look nice, but, I'd certainly buy a pre-owned T120 for $1k more over one.

If ever you decide to sell the T120 has already taken the initial depreciation hit, so, you're likely to recoup a lot more of your money.

The depreciation thing was in the back of my mind, too.

[kirkemon]

I have a 2017 and love it. Electric cruise control, heated grips, plus many accessories. I changed my front rotors to Brembos, rear shocks are Ikon, and NH Toga pipes.
I also have the Triumph panniers and windscreen when I travel. Very comfortable ride.

 

[ohiorider]

I have a 2017 and love it. Electric cruise control, heated grips, plus many accessories. I changed my front rotors to Brembos, rear shocks are Ikon, and NH Toga pipes.
I also have the Triumph panniers and windscreen when I travel. Very comfortable ride.

Kirk, were you looking for a firmer or softer ride when you installed the Ikons?  I traded the 2014 CB1100, but removed the Ikon shocks I'd installed, thinking they might be adaptable to the Bonnie.  That's probably a one in a million shot in the dark.  I had them sprung softer for the CB1100.  I have an uninstalled set of bag mounts that will work with an unmolested set of small Givi E21 bags I've had for years.  For light touring, I think they'll be fine.  (Bet those Norman Hydes sound nice, too.)

[tazio]

...
My original paint 62 TR6SS with 5,000 miles.

Original paint? Simply Amazing!!!

[Dave Swanson]

Original paint? Simply Amazing!!!

I must admit it is!

[Dave Swanson]

RE


Tumpet. 

[ohiorider]

The REs are beautiful bikes.  The BMW dealer in Aurora now has RE, mostly in a separate section of his store.  The Triumph dealer in Warren OH has taken them on, too.  At the moment, one dealer a pleasant 30-40 minute ride from home, the other within 15 minutes.  Hope the brand goes well for them. 

[bobrebos]

The modern T120s certainly are beauties.  The did a fine job of being true to the classic look.

My original paint 62 TR6SS with 5,000 miles.

Nice!   

[ohiorider]

The T120 (and 1200S and R100GS) have a slightly cleaner home.  Spent 3-4 hours moving them out of the garage and doing my best to sweep a year's worth of leaves and other litter than had blown in over the past 12 months.  Still a lot to do.

Tomorrow though, no guilt feelings about jumping on the GS and going out for the day.  It's been months!

Below .....

a. Bikes in driveway while lazy ass owner cleans up the 'stable.'

b. The Italian, the German, and the Brit.

c. Before and after.  I can see the difference even if you can't!

[bobrebos]

The T120 (and 1200S and R100GS) have a slightly cleaner home.  Spent 3-4 hours moving them out of the garage and doing my best to sweep a year's worth of leaves and other litter than had blown in over the past 12 months.  Still a lot to do.

Tomorrow though, no guilt feelings about jumping on the GS and going out for the day.  It's been months!

Below .....

a. Bikes in driveway while lazy ass owner cleans up the 'stable.'

b. The Italian, the German, and the Brit.

c. Before and after.  I can see the difference even if you can't!

Nice bikes and I see the difference in the garage.  Reason Im looking at a T120 is Im thinking due to age (and health issues lately) of getting rid of my heavier stelvio and Gold Wing, and going with a lighter bike.  Im looking at V-9's, V-7's and a Triumph T120 so far.  Just in the thinking mode and havent decided for sure yet.  There are too many nice bikes to chose from now days!   

[grebmrof]

To the OP:  I've had my T120 for almost 4 years now and it really is a nice bike and much better than my '08 T100 in every way.  However, the price new is very stiff, today a nice used one can be had for 2/3's or less than new.  If the RE650 had been available in 2016 when I got my T120, I would have bit and probably bought one.  I've thought about adding an RE twin to my two Triumphs, but didn't think it would live up to how either of my bikes perform.  A nice used air cooled or water cooled T100 would be nice bikes to consider.  A new T120 is just a bit to expensive for a Guzzi guy...but I did it anyway in 2016 - thinking that this one could maybe be my last new bike...so what the hell...you can't take it with you.  Good luck sniffing around for a next bike, it is fun to be on the hunt...

[bobrebos]

To the OP:  I've had my T120 for almost 4 years now and it really is a nice bike and much better than my '08 T100 in every way.  However, the price new is very stiff, today a nice used one can be had for 2/3's or less than new.  If the RE650 had been available in 2016 when I got my T120, I would have bit and probably bought one.  I've thought about adding an RE twin to my two Triumphs, but didn't think it would live up to how either of my bikes perform.  A nice used air cooled or water cooled T100 would be nice bikes to consider.  A new T120 is just a bit to expensive for a Guzzi guy...but I did it anyway in 2016 - thinking that this one could maybe be my last new bike...so what the hell...you can't take it with you.  Good luck sniffing around for a next bike, it is fun to be on the hunt...

Thank You.  I will also look at used T120's.  Gotta find a good deal (Guzzi Content)!   

[kingoffleece]

Caption Obvious says: 1200 way more power than 650.

[bobrebos]

 

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2017-Triumph-BONNEVILLE-T120-5011709237

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2019-Royal-Enfield-Continental-GT-650-5007633333

[Route140]

Another happy T120 owner here!





A new 2018 leftover for a little more than a used one:

https://www.nationalpowersports.net/itemdetails.cshtml?itemid=48608

[inditx]

I love those bikes!
Had a ’69 Bonny that leaked and had crap electronics but I still loved her.
I am such a no chain snob now though that I just can't see owning one.
Enjoy!

[Vagrant]

So how hard is it to get at the valves for adjustment? How often. I've herd negative reports about Triumph service coasts.
Mighty pretty bikes.

[ohiorider]

So how hard is it to get at the valves for adjustment? How often. I've herd negative reports about Triumph service coasts.
Mighty pretty bikes.

Doesn't appear to be too difficult, in looking over some comments from the TriumphRat forum.  Unlike predecessor (2001 - 2015) that were DOHC, the T120 is a SOHC design with rocker arms.  Appears the shim changes would be less time consuming than getting to them.  Recommended interval:  20,000 miles.

[jas67]

Kirk, were you looking for a firmer or softer ride when you installed the Ikons?  I traded the 2014 CB1100, but removed the Ikon shocks I'd installed, thinking they might be adaptable to the Bonnie.  That's probably a one in a million shot in the dark.  I had them sprung softer for the CB1100.  I have an uninstalled set of bag mounts that will work with an unmolested set of small Givi E21 bags I've had for years.  For light touring, I think they'll be fine.  (Bet those Norman Hydes sound nice, too.)

Ohlins shocks from Thruxton R's show on eBay occasionally for about $500-$550 -- likely from salvage bikes.
I bought a pair to adapt to my V7 Racer, then sold them when a pair specifically for the V7 became available.

[philwarner]

Not a new T120, but a 2004 Triumph America 790 I bought 8 years ago with 30K miles on it for $3K.  Had ridden dirt bikes but not ridden on the road for 30 years and just had the bug to do it again.  A good solo bike and quite comfortable with a Corbin seat and backrest.  Still carburettered in 04 and a little cold natured, but a smooth ride and images in the mirrors are rock steady  -  unlike my 96 Cali. I bought the Cali half a year ago and the two have very different personalities and each is usually the only one in a sea of HDs wherever I ride around here.  I agree that the new T120s are truer to the style of the old Bonnies, but I've grown to like the feel of riding IN the cruiser style America (once my feet learned where to find the pegs) and I feel a little like a jockey perched ON the Cali.






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