TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on) Review | MCN
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TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on) Review

Published: 09 March 2016

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MCN Review
Owners' Reviews
Photo Gallery
Facts & Figures
History & Versions
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A relaxed retro for the modern world

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on)

A relaxed retro for the modern world

Overall Rating 4 out of 5

If you look at the T120 and think ‘that’s a bit of me’ then you will love it, especially if you are stepping up from one of the older air-cooled models. As well as a refined ride, it’s comfortable, beautifully styled, has as smooth motor and overall is a very practical retro for the modern world. It’s a grown up Bonneville aimed at riders who will appreciate and exploit this new found level of maturity.

Ride Quality & Brakes 4 out of 5

Its chassis is more than capable of carving through the bends, but it has far more limitations imposed on it than the sportier Thruxton when it comes to cornering. Ground clearance is quite limited and the 18-inch front wheel can give a slightly lazy feeling to the front end and odd feedback if you are more used to a 17-inch item. The suspension is soft but perfectly suited to the bike’s relaxed outlook on life.

Engine 4 out of 5

The new parallel twin motor may be 1200cc, but in the Bonnie it has been tuned for maximum ease of use. You don’t need to go hunting for an elusive bit of torque, as long as the rev counter is showing above 2000rpm the T120 is ready to waft you forward with minimal fuss and revs. It’s silky smooth in its throttle response and has virtually no vibrations, certainly not enough to make the mirrors do anything as ungainly as vibrate.

Build Quality & Reliability 4 out of 5

Triumph has lavished huge amounts of time and effort on the T120 and the level of detail and finish is excellent. It is a beautiful bike to just stand and admire and MCN can’t forsee any reliability woes. The motor’s service intervals have been extended to 10,000 miles, which is also good news.

Insurance, running costs & value 5 out of 5

The Bonnie offers a lot of technology and style for a very reasonable price. The optional two-tone paint is worth the extra cash as the hand painted pin stripe does really set the bike apart. The T120 Black replaces the T120’s chrome for matt black should you want a more subtle style at no extra cost.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The only adjustment on the suspension is the rear preload, however the Bonnie has two-level heated grips as standard, ABS and traction control. The dash is loaded with useful information such as fuel range and a gear position indicator. A pillion grab rail is standard fitment.

By Jon Urry

MCN contributor, original 916 & R1-owner, human labrador

Facts & Figures

Model info
Year introduced 2016
Year discontinued -
New price £9,600
Used price £8,000 to £11,000
Warranty term 2 years unlimited mileage
Running costs
Insurance group -
Annual road tax £88
Annual service cost £60
Performance
Max power 79 bhp
Max torque 77.5 ft-lb
Top speed 130 mph
1/4-mile acceleration -
Average fuel consumption 50 mpg
Tank range 140 miles
Specification
Engine size 1200cc
Engine type Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin
Frame type Tubular steel
Fuel capacity 14.5 litres
Seat height 785mm
Bike weight 224kg
Front suspension 41mm conventional fork, non-adjustable
Rear suspension Twin shocks, spring preload adjustment only
Front brake 2x310mm two-piston sliding calipers, ABS
Rear brake 255mm disc, two piston. ABS
Front tyre size 100/90 R18
Rear tyre size 150/70 R17

History & Versions

Model history

None

Other versions

T120 Black, also for £9600, available in black or grey

Owners' Reviews

8 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on)
Summary of Owners' Reviews
Overall Rating 4.4 out of 5
Ride Quality & Brakes 3.8 out of 5
Engine 4.6 out of 5
Build Quality & Reliability 4.8 out of 5
Value & Running Costs 4.5 out of 5
Equipment 4.5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Just love this bike

24 November 2017 by Neil

Year : 2017

I had a Thruxton R, but it was like a high maintenance girlfriend - great looking, but just too much hard work. Switched to the T120 and instantly loved its comfort, performance and relaxed ride. Probably the best bike I've ever owned.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Brakes are adequate, but could be sharper with floating discs rather than floating calipers. I'm told that changing the pads will produce an improvement.
Engine
4 out of 5
The engine is great, but the gearing is too high. I fitted a Thruxton R 16 tooth front sprocket and now the bike pulls away sharper, speed limits don't sit between the gears any more and 6th gear is now more useable rather than an overdrive.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
5 out of 5
The bike has everything I want or need, but I have added a Dart flyscreen (excellent) and the Triumph oval mirrors to replace the standard long stalks.
Buying experience

Got a great trade-in for my Thruxton from Pure Triumph at Woburn, and a great price on the T120.

5 out of 5

T120terminator

10 August 2017 by GaryJonasthebikestalker

Version : Black White
Year : 2016

Singapore is a humid bloody place. It gets pretty hot when this beaut is in slow traffic (obviously). 15.5k km mileage. Rode it to Malacca, Malaysia and back. No complaints. Blasted it to its max, 210km-ish, wasn't pleasant without flydart screens. Honestly? I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I would state the obvious, and then some. But I wouldn't recommend it. Call me selfish, but I love the exclusivity. I adore its aesthetic appeal, which is only as equivalent to its responsiveness. It's not obnoxiously loud either, which is a real plus when you're more of a gentleman, or at least trying to be one. Give a bike its due maintenance, it should be fine. I'm keen on purchasing essentials like crashguards, outex tapes and tire foam due to it being tubed, but that's it. Caution: Only for people who adore their bikes to rinse, wash, wipe, polish and maintain their bikes.

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
-
Engine
4 out of 5
-
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
able to spend a mean rate for a "fanch-ey" bike.
Equipment
4 out of 5
-
4 out of 5

Very cool, very fast, nice bike

21 June 2017 by Dalbumansel

Version : Black
Year : 2016

Very hot engine on right side

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Acceleration is awesome
Engine
5 out of 5
Just perfect
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
3 out of 5
Expensive to buy new
Equipment
5 out of 5
-
Buying experience

Good

5 out of 5

Modern replacement for my 1970 Bonneville

28 December 2016 by Wetcoaster

Version : T120
Year : 2016
Annual servicing cost : £50

Brake noise is bad but the rest of the bike is excellent. Just what I wanted for a modern do all plus look good scoot. Doesn't look like some space alien craft, rather form follows function, always a good design direction. have recommended it to several friends already.

Ride Quality & Brakes
3 out of 5
Front brake harmonics are a real problem, brakes are adequate otherwise Have gone 6 hours on rough twisty roads with no problem
Engine
5 out of 5
Torque is King
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
Front brakes squeal and have a harmonic just before stopping, drives me nuts!!! Dealer wont even fix it for me, common complaint i hear.
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
Do my own so far. Oil & filter costs thats all. had dealer do the $300 CDN first service though
Equipment
5 out of 5
heated grips are excellent, plus the standard stand Tires are a good choice so far wish you could easily disable the ABS and Traction control for dirt or gravel riding also have it remember your choices when you start the bike
Buying experience

excellent sales service, great trade in on my old Bonnie Not so hot listening to my brakes complaint

5 out of 5

Super chilled, great looking and sounding, feel great bike

20 June 2016 by Rog5150

Version : Black
Year : 2016
Annual servicing cost : £65

5 out of 5? Well that's me, maybe not you! I wanted a good looking, good sounding, easy to ride, pillion friendly bike. That's exactly what the T120 is, I'm 6ft so its nice a compact for me, step over with no effort, push the button and instance V twin burble (yes its a parallel twin but it has a 270 crank) Easy access power, most of the time I short shift and seldom go over 4000, yes 4000!. its a cruiser not a sports bike - hell if only does around 110mph and is so high geared that's in 4th.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Seat is 90 minutes good, for ride and pillion, tank is 2hours+ so get a taste for coffee. Ride is firm and either getting better or I'm getting used to it. Brakes are okay nothing better, Handling is peg scraping good. super stable and different to 17inch front wheel bikes BUT not a limitation.
Engine
5 out of 5
Great sound, and torque up to 90 and dead after, but carries a pillion and offers super easy overtakes with high gear low rev roll on's. So so easy to use, light clutch, great gearbox. All gears super high, final drive is 37/17 against 42/16 for a ThruxtonR (normal Thruxton same a T120) so is very much a overdrive gear. Motor is very smooth for a twin below 4000, not bad above but noticeable. Runs down to 1500rpm with small throttle openings.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
Great build, hidden cables, cast controls not pressed, easy to clean, however the left had engine cases is scuffed from my boots already - it's posh plastic.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
Only first service so far
Equipment
5 out of 5
Brilliant, Pillion Grab rail, no need of a hugger, centre stand, radiator guard, USB charging point and heated grips all standard.
Buying experience

Paid 9600 before options. Bevan's in Cardiff are great to deal with.

4 out of 5

17 June 2016 by MrDJ

Version : T120
Year : 2016

The bike is beautiful to look at and when you're on it you will get a big smile on your face, this is the reason to buy this bike, coupled with the fact its English and that it looks like a bike not a Transformer is another, the engine is creamy smooth and full of low end grunt. It has English mixed in the oil and if you are English it will take you back to the 60's when everything was as it should be now! So take yourself back and dream of being there! No other brand can do that.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
I am used to a BMW which doesn't dive under front end braking, this bike dips under heavy breaking but not enough to worry about. The comfort seat option has a type of memory foam infill which isn't suitable for long journeys.
Engine
4 out of 5
Very smooth to 4,000 RPM after which slight vibration does set in but not enough to spoil an enjoyable ride. The BMW I had produced 110 bhp, this Triumph has 78, however because the triumph has so much torque the engine is better than the BMW and has less vibration.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
Beautiful finish, could have provided some of the extras as options or included them in the mix, but hey its an extra revenue stream.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
Excellent economy
Equipment
4 out of 5
Be prepared for long wait times for accessories such as Panniers and the King and Queen seat.
Buying experience

Carl Rosen in Sanderstead Surrey pulled out all the stops to provide the bike, their manner is an example to all.

4 out of 5

Gentlemans Express

15 May 2016 by Rog5150

Version : Black
Year : 2016

Looks, motor, brakes, instruments, steering lock, easy of use, SOUND, equipment, (grab rail, centre stand, heating grips, locking fuel cap and radiator guard all standard) comfort. suspension heavily damped. pots holes are jarring (95Kg rider preload minimum)

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Super easy bike to operate, low seat, all day riding position, taut suspension (maybe too taut!). You have to plan your corners and don't expect to change your mind - like a old bike. Big wheel and 25 degree steering = slow steering. BUT get it right and it's very rewarding (pegs may suffer)
Engine
5 out of 5
I've had singles, V twin Buell's, inline fours across and alone the frame, and a V4. This motor is the most satisfyingly to use. Sound with standard pipes is, to me, very pleasing! Torque is the new power? no screaming revs, a hard burble from the pipes and with a high gear roll on over take its like " did that car brake?" Running in was never this much fun
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
Only done 300miles .......
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
Don't know cost but intervals are 10K or annual.
Equipment
5 out of 5
it comes with all the stuff you used to have to add = grab rail, centre stand, heating grips, locking fuel cap and radiator guard no hugger needed also.
Buying experience

Bevan Triumph, lovey people! (Cardiff)

3 out of 5

nice bike shame about the handling

28 April 2016 by nailer

Year : 2016

Steering very vague, hard work on faster bends

Ride Quality & Brakes
2 out of 5
-
Engine
5 out of 5
-
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
-
Equipment
3 out of 5
-

Photo Gallery

  • TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on)
  • TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on)
  • TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on)
  • TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on)
  • TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on)
  • TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on)
  • TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on)
  • TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on)
  • TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 (2016-on)

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