2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 (T100, T120, Speed Twin .. which is best)

Join me as a test ride & review the 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 and compare it with my thoughts about the T100 and Speed Twin.

[@erikleeblake]

Bought a T120 in spring 2019. I tested a ton of bikes, many of them laudable, but I kept coming back to the T120. It's the perfect blend of character, refinement and comfort that makes it pure pleasure to just cruise along on a beautiful riding day. Plainly, it's no sportbike, but when you want to pick up the pace, it obliges and will keep you smiling. And, yes, I tried the Speed Twin, which on paper sounds oh so tempting. But in reality, and in my opinion, it trades too much of the T120's contented unhurried nature to achieve its more athletic bona fides. I found the greater engine braking, sharpness and stiffness unwelcome. Perhaps if I lived in a curve heaven of mountain roads rather than pretty farm lanes I'd feel differently. But as it stands, I've not once regretted buying the T120.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Yes the T120 is truly a lovely machine and I think like you say a lot of it comes down to is where you do your riding & the type of roads you have locally. I was very torn between the 120 and the Speed Twin and I think at this point (and taken into account where I live), the Speed Twin would probably have just taken it for me, but it sure would be a very close run thing. Great to hear you're so happy with your choice, they are a great bike and thanks for watching.

[@IbrahimYounes]

I bought my first bike from Triumph, a Thurxton 900 (2015). Was a torture test as a first bike, you really need to learn how to ride that bike to be able to enjoy it. I thought about selling it and start regretting the whole purchase. After 1500km on it. It became a real pleasure to ride. had to move few years later and sold my bike. I cried as the new rider start driving away. felt like I want to stop him and ask him to stop ruining it he is already burning the clutch. now in 2023 I am looking to buy a T120 Bonnyville, Since I am little older I want an easier riding position. I will admit it, i am a total truimph fan boy. you can judge me, but they are wonderful bike to own and ride with such a style and nostalgia to it! Saving money for next summer. pray for me folks!

[@michaelrheiner2415]

Bought my very first motorcycle back in July of 2021…Bought the beautiful T120….it has been everything in a bike that I wanted. I expect my purchases to be more than just toys, they need to work for me. The T120 will easily do 100 mph or more if thats your thing, but at 54 years of age, I could care less about that. This bike looks great, is super easy to ride, shifts smoothly, turns and leans easily and willingly, and is also easily able to be a pack mule for my daily work and life needs so that I can park my F350 (saving the diesel fuel while prices are sky high). My T120 loves the saddle bags, tail bag, tank bag, and top box which allows me to even run to Costco for a decent trip. The bike handles two up quite comfortably with no complaints from my daughter who is use to clinging for dear life on the back of sport bikes. The only downside is that since my wife and I often ride together, my beautiful T120 gets completely overlooked sitting next to her blonde hair hanging out the back of her helmet as she sits on her 2020 Triumph Bobber which is neither useful or efficient (especially since she buzzes around in 3rd gear just to hear the roar of her Cat deleted stock motor). It isn’t a Harley loud, but it’s pretty close to a 65’ Corvette with side pipes. The T120 is the one bike I will never get rid of. I will likely add 1 or 2, but the 120 is every bit the tool for daily work, while also being outstanding cruising and road tripping the rural roads of Middle America.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Hi Michael, interesting what you say and you're absolutely right the T120 is fabulous all rounder, it was a bike that very much impressed me, I'd probably just have to say at this point I would probably lean slightly towards Speed Twin, but I was genuinely very impressed with the T120, I could imagine one appearing in my garage in a few years time. Thanks for watching.

[@RetiredTSgtUSAF]

Thank you for the great video. My favorite riding motorcycle was a 1982 Honda CB900C Custom. I wanted a bike that rode and looked like that one. I had the Honda from 1983 to 1998, it is a got away, should have never sold it. But due to being in the Military at the time I had to move overseas and could not keep it. I purchased the 2022 T120 a few days ago in San Antonio Texas. I rode it home about 250 miles to West Texas. I have not ridden a motorcycle since 2019 but had no problems riding this bike home over city roads, expressways and hills and twisties. The T120 makes you feel confident as soon as you throw a leg over it. I knew I could make it home, no problems on this bike. I tested the Speed Twin and did not like the sports motorcycle position of the pegs. For me the T120 is the perfect bike for a 58-year-old retired person.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Yes I think we’ve all sold bikes we later wish we’d kept, hence a lot of the older stuff from that era are now becoming collectible (it’s guys like us wanting to re-live their youth I guess). Well you’ll certainly be happy with the T120, it really is a superb machine. ENJOY !!!

[@tedcity5861]

age is only a num.... hmmm ya.

[@genegoodwin8925]

The Triumph Bonneville is still the proper British motorcycle. It is the only Triumph I'll ever be intersted in. Love the peashooters! Thanks for the review. Ride safe and enjoy every journey.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Glad you enjoyed it and ye, great bike for sure. (Thanks for watching and hopefully you've subscribed, as it's FREE and it greatly helps the channel grow).

[@nicksword87]

Always good to see a fellow West Aussie enjoying the roads. I always love a cruise on West Coast Highway over the summer holidays. Cheers for the review

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Thanks a mill Nick

[@projectswithjw]

It's nice to watch a ride video without background music. Great video 👍

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Yes sometimes the music can be a bit much can’t it. Thanks for watching 👍

[@barryroberts2474]

Good to see a road test in our back yard. Thank you for sharing the run, might be a little conservative for me. Might try the Speed Twin. Good also to see a shout out to Cullys who are a very friendly and helpful motorcycle crew.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Cheers Barry, yes I think I'd probably go for the Street Twin to be honest, it just had "something" about it that was a touch more appealing. Ye I can't fault Cullys, good service and just a great attitude ! 👍👍👍

[@quad_solo_az]

My next bike, which I hope will be this summer, will be either a T120 or a Speed Twin 1200. It really depends on my mood which I prefer on any given day and I’m sure I’ll love either, but also always wish I had the other. I have a 2022 Street Twin/Speed Twin 900 now and it’s excellent, but I do a fair amount of freeway riding and that’s where I wish I had a sixth gear and more power.

[@michaelvella4824]

Great video. I have a 2019 T120 An absolute joy to ride. Changed exhaust to Predator Pro Shorty exposing more of the chrome at rear wheel . Amazing sound. Also recently replaced tyres with a set of Roadtec 01 by Metzeler a huge step up on front handling of bike Enjoy safe riding

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed the video and yes the 120's a great bike for sure. (Thanks for watching and hopefully you've subscribed, as it's FREE and it greatly helps the channel grow).

[@robertkollath8929]

Helpful and informative as I am evaluating the bonneville line

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Great, thanks for watching 👍

[@tsmgguy]

When it first came out, the T100 was 11 KG lighter than the T120. This weight difference was accounted for in the T120's center stand, low grab bar, and second disc brake. The stand and grab bar are no longer standard on the T120, so weights are almost exactly even. Both bikes need the second disc brake, but the T100 doesn't have it. With the T120 you get that marvelous 1,200 cc engine, and the extremely useful sixth gear.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

That’s very interesting to know, I didn’t realise that, but yes I totally agree the T120 is a hell of a machine, I’m pretty sure there’s one on the cards for me at some point. Thanks for watching 👍

[@tiggy2756]

Totally agree T120 is basically the same bike as T100 even the engines are virtually the same its just the Triumph drastically reduced HP/Torque on T100 . The 900 engines power is strangled ,it is perfectly capable of power close to the 1200 engine , but I think Triumph thought maybe to close and that would hit sales of the 1200 range Personably I think Triumphs best bike is the Speed twin as its a Thruxton in different clothes (a little more comfy ) I have the Thruxton , it may look like a cafe racer but its quite comfy

[@ruahinesrider]

8kg is the difference between the T100 & T120 on the 2024models but was more.Up to 2020 the T120 came with center stand 2kg,grab Rail nearly 1kg,extra disc ½kg heated grips etc put it about 11-12kg more than T100. I think 🤔 the Speedtwin 900 which has the 4pot Brembo front brake should be 4-5hp more than the T100 2pot front brake since the Speedtwin 1200 is 20hp more than the T120 & can easily be done. They should also put the 4pot Brembo front brake on the T100 too & increase HP on the Speedtwin 900 by 4-5hp & maybe put a 17" front wheel on front of Speedtwin as well only easy to do & be more of a difference between bikes. They use to do the T100SE special edition bike upto 2015 which had 17" front & rear alloy wheels which improved handling & most people would prefer the choice of a Bonneville T100SE with 17" alloys front & rear & a 4pot Brembo on front rather than the Speedtwin 900 which is for shorter people.I would prefer a T100SE with 17" alloys,4pot Brembo than Speedtwin 900 which has the alloy wheels but seat height is to low & seat should be more like the Speedtwin 1200 slightly bit higher so not as cramped for taller riders.I do understand the reasoning behind low 765mm seat height for shorter riders but they should do a T100SE model with alloys not everyone want's spokes & might be to tall for Speedtwin 900.The T100SE filled that gap & they'd only have to release the T100SE every second year or do a Speedtwin 900 with 17" front & 4-5hp more & higher seat for taller riders.I'm torn between the two bikes & want alloy wheels but being 5'9" & bad hip worried that Speedtwin riding position will be to cramped & can't afford the 1200version so leaning towards the T100 & carrying 2 cans of Tyre Inflate in Messenger bag I have.

[@MecPex]

I bought a 120 2023 chrome model. This is what i wanted an easy bike with a strong engine with i can do anything at the best on the road. Offroad it is another story.

[@thebigempty_5792]

I bought a 2018 T120 Black brand new - best bike ever! However, I did choose to spends quite a bit on upgrades to get it just right for me. I ride a lot of Texas back roads, so I installed progressive front springs and Fox piggy back shocks/ Motodemic LED headlight, because the stock lights are terrible and you couldn't see a deer if it were right in front of you. I also added Denal DM1 aux. fork mounted lights / Pirelli Trail 2 tires / Motone X pipe / BC Predator Pros / bar end mirrors/tons of brass bits here and there....So I love the bike, but man it takes another 2-3k to get it just right.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Wow .... you've certainly gone to town on it, they are a great bike to start with, so yours must be SUPERB, well done ! TAKE CARE & RIDE SAFE.

[@stevehamilton306]

Good to see a video from here in Perth! I own a 2018 T120 Black. Agree with the review although I like my heated grips and centre stand with the 2018.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Hi, yes as I mentioned I think Triumph of foregone those in favour of the cruise control, shame really, should've had all three.

[@GARamblinMan]

Very nice review of the motorcycle and some beautiful western Australian scenery. Definitely on my bucket list to visit your lovely country for some motorcycle touring one day. Keep the great review videos coming. Very informative and entertaining. Ride safe, mate.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

That's very nice of you, and yes we're quite lucky here in WA, thanks very much for your comments & watching.

[@sergeantsodom6969]

Another great vid mate! Keep it up 👍

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Cheers, yours too buddy 👍👍👍

[@Barnie104]

Really nice bike would be a toss up between the speed twin and the T120 both look awesome thanks for the review great to see coming from WA

[@stevenwatling3160]

Thankyou for this review ! I am seriously considering a new Bonneville and tossing up between the T120 and T100. The pillion friendliness is definitely a factor and the ease of riding. I am 5'7" with 30" inseem, 63 y/o and moving from a larger sportsbike(266 kg) which I dropped recently ( getting old & weak!) My wife will be more comfy and more likely to come with me on this. Cheers!

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Thanks for watching Steven and your comments, I think the T120's a bit more suited to 2-up riding and it's a LOVELY bike for sure .... sounds like the one for you guys to me, good luck with whatever you decide. 👍

[@jackchristodoulou197]

I am on my second T120 don’t know why I sold the first one but missed it so much I brought my second one love it.

[@johnmartin7158]

How do you find the new generation Jack ? For me I find it significantly better. Bought one 4 weeks ago. Sold my 2019. NZ

[@jackchristodoulou197]

@@johnmartin7158 mine is a 2018 so probably the generation, it has all the goodies they charge you extra for now

[@jackchristodoulou197]

@@johnmartin7158 love it alot better value than the new ones

[@johnmartin7158]

@@jackchristodoulou197 Hi Jack. Yes I’ve forked out about 4K dollars for various accessories. One being the YSS gt rear shocks (1700), centre stand, side mirrors, radiator cover, rack grab rail, triumph oil filter wrench etc. Feels a lot lighter in front and I can lug it around corners easier. Alloy wheels. More snappier due to engine redesign-lighter too. But you do make good points.

[@johnbentall5105]

I have had my T120 for 7 months now. I agree heartily with your comments about its superb, relaxed cruiser credentials - it has very tall gearing. The upright riding position suits me perfectly and I have a lovely touring screen. The woofly sound of the exhaust is very pleasant and the engine is smooth. It will do 90% of what a 1800cc touring cruiser will do without an extra 130 KG of weight. I've ridden a BMW R18 recently and the T120 suits my needs (and my aging body) better. The brakes aren't amazing but are quite adequate for the performance and nature of the bike. There's more than enough engine braking to do most slowing down. No regrets about my choice so far.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Yes is certainly a really good all-rounder, I don't think it's a bike for everyone as I said, but if it ticks your boxes it's certainly a great machine.

[@homelywriter]

Im buying a t120 at 18 😅 been my dream bike since i was 13 aside from the brough superior ss100

[@SquidzitAce]

Great video, liked and subbed! 😎

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Thanks a mill Pete, much appreciated. (I've been out with a knee pop recently, but hopefully more to come soon )👍👍👍

[@touchthebacon5447]

That is a beautiful blue on that bike.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Sure is, thanks for watching

[@user-bq1re6tv5y]

Good review

[@nevillekettle1823]

I have been checking these bikes out here in Thailand. Pitsanoluk Triumph have a good range. Tend towards the 120 but at current exchange rate 22.5bt//1aud the bugger is $30k aud. Nearly 700,000bt. Can buy a lot of Asics for that. Cheers.

[@clausentumsoton]

I personally would never buy a machine without a centre stand.. especially with tubed tyres. Good review, well done

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@asacarrick1440]

They robbed the centre stand along with gripper bar on 2022 models

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

yes I believe so, (a bit of unnecessary money saving maybe), thanks for watching !

[@petsatcom]

Nice Job from Jim in Virginia USA

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Thanks Jim, and thanks for watching !

[@jamesdocherty5919]

Traded in a VStrom 1050 for aT100 goldline(downsizing)and love it everytime I take it out. less is more in this case

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Yes the Bonni range really are something special, thanks for watching.

[@dvm8834]

Прекрасный обзор, у меня Т120 2019 года. Я каждые выходные совершаю короткие поездки по деревенским не скоростным дорога по 200-300 км в день. ( все так же как и на твоём видео) На скорости до 90 км/час этот мотоцикл дарит восхитительные эмоции, успеваешь наслаждаться и мотоциклом и пейзажами. Жаль у нас короткий мото сезон всего пять месяцев ….спасибо …Dima. Россия….можно я подпишусь на твой канал?

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Good to hear and thanks for watching, yes of course you can 👍

[@Doug_Morgan]

To my surprise they can be used for some touring. I added a quick detach windshield, rear rack and cruise to my 2020. (20's came with the rear grab handle, center stand, and heated grips which the new ones do not have) I have done 900 km days on mine which included stopping at the dealer 450 km away to get the cruise installed. Nothing like doing long trips on my Harley, but it is surprisingly quite a capable little bike.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

WOW ..... that's good to know, sounds like you've turned it into a good all-rounder

[@davgb7904]

Good on you. However, I can't help but smile at any modern comments on the suitability of a bike like the T120 as a tourer. It's as if many believe nothing but a full dressed sports or adventure tourer can manage it. Back in the early1980s I organised a bike club talk from Ted Simon. On 6th October 1973, at the age of 42, Ted set off from London on a 500cc Triumph Tiger motorcycle on what became a four year solo journey around the world, covering 64,000 miles through 45 countries. With others who have achieved similar on 50cc and 250cc machines, I consider just about ANY modern two wheeler a tourer. It may not cross African deserts (although Ted did) or cover the autobahn at 100+mph for hours on end, but it would be sad testimony to the T120 if it couldn't do it capably.

[@Doug_Morgan]

@@davgb7904 Back in ‘77 I had a little Yamaha 360 twin. I equipped it with a light fairing and saddle bags. I rode it to rally’s in Western Canada including out in the mountains. The lady that bought it from me then rode it from here in Alberta all the way across the country to Quebec and back. While they may not be as quick they can definitely go the distance.

[@mrofnocnon]

Only an American would call a world leading Triumph motorcycle a little bike. The only way a Harley is comfortable is due to its weight and massive seat. Not worth the trade off of handling and performance by any measure.

[@Doug_Morgan]

@@mrofnocnon You are funny, to begin with I am not an American. I will give you a hint, my wife is from Kent. Second it is a little bike, I am folded up on it due to my height, Weight of a bike doesn't have a lot to do with comfort.

[@WaldoWizard]

Just bought myself the 2020 bud ekins edition t120 bonny . 2400 original miles ... we can fix that !! . Love the bike . I've had a 2020 rocket 3gt , and a bunch of other brands 😆

[@handlebarsandholidays]

Ye the T120 is definitely something quite special. Thanks for watching 👍

[@phirozeirani4196]

Lovely review, lovely scenery. I’m always sceptical about the transmission on the bonevilles. Love the retro looks but transmission problems is scary.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Hi, well to be honest as I've mentioned previously I'm actually quite new to Triumphs, (I now have the Rocket 3GT), and all the Triumph's I've written recently have all had superb smooth gearboxes, so I'd have to say I'm quite happy.

[@davgb7904]

I've circled round and round which of the twins is the one to buy - and still do. I didn't ride the T100/T120 back to back, but my impression of the T100 (the earlier lower 55HP version) was lovely - I suspect the newer 64HP will make it perfect. In contrast the T120 was noticeably heavier, awkward and difficult two up on back roads and the gearing far less suitable. It pulled like a steam train and that was addictive, but at times likened to a steam hammer as well. Perhaps I needed more time. As you mention, many who have a T120 love them, but many who have also T100 experience much prefer the T100. They are definitely not the same bike with different capacity (and I believe there is some slight geometry change?) The Speed Twin I did ride back to back with the T120 - the dealer threw me the keys with a big grin. I hadn't even though about trying it, but when I returned I understood the grin. Although it has masses of torque it doesn't hammer it out like the T120. It suddenly down poured as I set off on the Speed, but I carried on and didn't even notice it. My only reservation is that it isn't regarded as comfortable two-up. It also seems to be the ever-eager option that will never be truly relaxed when you want. I really doubt the value or wisdom of 1200cc over 900cc. I haven't tried the Street Twin yet, but that seems to be the sensible (and, from owners and sales figures, much loved) choice.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Yes I feel your pain, it's hard finding "just the right bike" and to be honest, I've found that when I've eventually decided on what's the right bike "for me", it's not been because of a particular reason, it's usually been because of something you can't quite put your finger on, just the way the bike makes you feel. I've also found that that "special something" changes as your riding style & experience evolves with time. Hence we (well I anyway), change our bikes fairly regularly. Good luck with whatever you decide, it's hard to get it wrong these days, most bike tick lots of boxes, especially the Triumphs. 👍👍👍

[@davgb7904]

@@Carlshandlebarsandholidays So true. I started the 'Triumph trip' in 2018 when downgrading (in terms of weight) from a BMW RT. It took me through to lighter and smaller capacity machines. Accidentally, it took me to the Z900RS - pitted against the Speed Twin in the press for quite a while. I bought an NC750X back then, but kept oggling and test riding the Triumphs, but the RS also stuck in my head. Eventually traded the NC for a mint 2018 s/h Z900RS which I absolutely adore. However, like the Speed, it talks to me and wants to be unleashed, although is I think happier than the Speed to cruise about. I still fancy a Triumph Twin to complement it and provide an alternative ride. Friend says I should go for a Scrambler, but as I say the Street looks the best all rounder. Sometimes, one bike is not enough to meet all those feelings. Then again, one budget often can't meet all those feelings!

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Yes we all have to work within our budget don’t we, I’m limited to two bikes and if I’m honest I think I need three to satisfy all my requirements/moods, (but the Mrs won’t have a bar of it LOL). The Z900RS has been on my radar for a while, but as yet I haven’t rode one, but I will at some point and I’m expecting that to be a great bike, only issue with it is no cruise control (which I need), but if the next version has it I’ll be all over it !

[@davgb7904]

@@Carlshandlebarsandholidays Update on my choices. The Z900RS was (is) wonderful, but it remained a shackled beast wanting to be let lose. I stand by my comments to Doug Morgan about the suitability of almost any bike to touring. However, the Z is more of a day trip blast bike and I don't do that. As a local runabout with some decent fun in the twisties, it is a wrestle compared to others. After nearly two years, I did a bit of test riding and, for the first time, tried some Royal Enfields. I immediately gelled with the Interceptor 650 which, with sufficient performance to be great on a dual road, feels much lighter on the back roads and more engaging than the Z. I also tried the new Scram (Himalayan) and, low powered it may be, but fell in love. I traded the Z for an Interceptor AND a Scram. I have yet to go back and compare to any of the Triumph twins, but will. However, there is something special about Royal Enfields - maybe the air cooled engines take me back to a simpler and less 'clinical' time in motorcycling.

[@richardjohnson3463]

Less is MORE 😊

[@silverstreamfoundry4104]

I had a 2020 t120. No good for big people. Going around winedy roads you need to move your feet back on pegs as they can grab the road and the ground clearance is not too good. I did like it but I got a rocket the same as you have . I can't find 1 thing I don't like about the rocket. Over 6000ks now . Love it. Cheers 🍻 Roger nz.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Hi Roger, funny you say that about the pegs, I forgot to mention it on the vid, but I did find exactly the same. Yes, the Rocket's hard to beat eh ! .... Cheers Carl 👍

[@Doug_Morgan]

Yes I find the same on mine. I have gotten used to it now but at first I had a few surprises. Especially shifting from 1st to 2nd when turning left in an intersection.

[@raymorris952]

Lovely bike, great engine and build quality, suspension let's it down for me , fine if you just want to bimble around, but not for pushing through the Twisties! L E D lights as standard would be nice at this price point too.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Hi, totally agree, but I must admit to being a bit of a "bimber" myself, so the suspension didn't worry me, but certainly yes, LED's should be standard fitment for sure, other than that ... GREAT BIKE. (Thanks for watching and hopefully you've subscribed, as it's FREE and it greatly helps the channel grow).

[@stevegodfrey626]

Nice video thankyou…. I am considering a T120 or a Kawasaki Z900 RS. Similar price and both retro type bikes. A twin versus a four. Both great bikes…. Mmmmmmm

[@johnmartin7158]

Hi Carl ! I’ve talked to people who have had both in NZ and they said on a long journey the T120 is far more comfortable than the speed twin. What do you think ?

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Hi John, that's interesting and I'd probably imagine that would be the case, I only had each bike for 2-3 hrs so it's quite hard to relate to a long journey. My feeling would be, yes, long trips T120, nipping about and a quick "fun-blast" Speed Twin. I guess this is why we'd all like a garage FULL of bikes .... LOL

[@harlequin75]

That opening tune sounds like Road Rash 2

[@Fernando90054]

I understand your attraction about the speed twin, it is lighter , more powerful, better brakes, more sophisticated suspension and race tech tyres (really sticky on the dry weather) and it is almost the same price than the Bonneville. So I ear you. It’s a different kind of bike, yes. But that particular model has a lot of competition. The classic roadster style is produced by the Japonese brands like Honda or Kawasaki and their motorcycles in this particular segment of the market are real nice and serious alternatives. On the other side. You have the Bonneville T 120, with its rudimentary specs, the rear thin tyre and tyre’s dimensions…So, why is it so costly? My interpretation is that the Bonneville is an iconic bike from Triumph, a bike with a lot of history, a bike with an distinctive presence, the real Classic bike, not just an effort of style. Besides, in comfort wise, it leaves the speed twin away far behind, and a last but not the least important aspect, the Bonneville T120 is a solid peace of machinery and you are obligated to respect that when you’re riding it. It wants to go on a straight line, you have to muscle it a bit into corners put there some body work and she does everything (almost) you demand. And do all that with another advantageous help:- The (unusual nowadays on bikes of this segment) low gravity center that transforms to higher levels of pleasure the riding experience making the 230 kg of weight vanish and seems to run like a feather. That’s the mysterious key to understand the charm and the overwhelming experience for two (not just for one) people, sharing a nice motorcycling ride. It will be a very pleasant ride for the rider and also for the pillion. And this my friend, is the reason why the two bikes have almost the same price on the Market. They offer different riding experiences. One more focused on the rider, and the other focused just not on the riders pleasure but counting to deliver a very nice time and participation, like a team working together, for the passenger too. And pleasure of ridding for two people in this range of price tag , is an hard thing to find! ( And the Japanese or the German brands, for what I’m aware of, have nothing to offer like a Bonneville T120). I can be wrong, but at least I tried to answer to your well addressed question. Be well and ride safe✌️✌️😎

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

I think you're absolutely right with what you say, both great bikes but very much for different purposes, as always the hard think (for me) seems to be deciding what I really want from a bike and I think the reason for that is (again, for me) that changes with time and maybe even depending on where my head is at that moment in time. This is why I try to explain to my wife how all us motorcyclists should have a "collection" of bikes, rather than just one or maybe two ... it's a concept that doesn't seems to sit right with her though, (sadly) ... LOL (thanks for watching & your comments)

[@Fernando90054]

@@Carlshandlebarsandholidays thanks for your kind compliments to my comment . Our other half’s have to be generous with us. Because this passion we have about motorcycles is something difficult to understand looking at it with a naked eye. Yes, you are right. We change, our perspective of which bike suits us best, changes with our days, our state of mind and our “spirits”. That’s easy to see, when you feel as we feel about this marvelous machines. At the same time is very unlikely that someone who doesn’t share that particular emotion of pleasing that riding a bike represents, could agree with the economic sacrifices we are willing to endure in our quest of fulfilling that need. It can be seen as a vicious addiction. And we have no proof to offer that the facts point to a different assessment. So, what must we do? There is only one answer to give and it is that , there is only one life to live and we have the obligation to try living our lives on the best way we can, as Life itself is a tremendous important gift for everyone and to each one. Thus, there is no love that being truthful could be in opposition to this principle 😉😎✌️

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

@@Fernando90054 Very well said and so true 👍👍👍

[@doomguy10011]

Kawasaki does have the W800. Though I've never actually seen one on the road.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

No, me neither .... LOL

[@mrofnocnon]

Good or bad? All the Triumphs are excellent!

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

You're right there, Triumph are making some fantastic bikes at the mo. Thanks for watching

[@billbarrett6285]

I believe the Speed Twin has a limiter on the 900cc engine where the T100 doesn't.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Oh that's interesting, I didn't know that !

[@asacarrick1385]

Nice review though Dude

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

cheers, thanks for watching

[@asacarrick1385]

It's basically the same bikes T120 and Speedtwin. Just differently tuned and some slight changes in appearance and riding position so why would they have different prices

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

good question ... LOL

[@jackchristodoulou197]

Regretted selling my first T120 so brought a second one they are great bikes: but saying that I would probably buy a speed twin next, just sick of the spoke wheels on the T120

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Ye, a lovely bike for sure, I did think the wheels might be hard work though

[@arminsalmen7542]

And they require tubes which makes it challenging to fix a flat tire.

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

@@arminsalmen7542 Arrrrrr .... good point, I never noticed that !

[@scottroberts4551]

@@arminsalmen7542 I just converted my T120 tube rims to tubeless! Should have done it a year ago - best decision ever.

[@Doug_Morgan]

Yes I wish they had an option to add cast wheels to it.

[@silverstreamfoundry4104]

Guzzi v100 mandello looks interesting 🤔

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

ye, it's a nice looking bike but I've no connection (as yet) to Guzzi, so no ride on the horizon for that one I'm afraid (got a few of the new Harleys coming up).

[@zhiyuanjiang9111]

Sir may I ask how is your height? do you feel t120 is a little small to you?

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

Hi, I'm about 178cm tall and no, to be honest it felt just nice, not too small at all.

[@stevenleek1254]

The seat on the Bonneville bothers me quite a bit. I know...nit pick nitpick

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

LOL ... thanks not a nit-pick, seats matter !

[@Ihavetocorrectyou]

Can you have a passenger on this bike?

[@Carlshandlebarsandholidays]

You certainly can, maybe not an ideal long distance touring bike two up, but more than good enough for day rides etc (Thanks for watching and hopefully you've subscribed, as it's FREE and it greatly helps the channel grow).

[@MsDenver2]

Or the wife could say too you -want to come on the back of my T120

[@PeterRichmond-vh7mk]

At last an Aussie content but with a bloody Pom commenting Grrr Triumph growl

[@handlebarsandholidays]

LOL

[@jodrel3]

😂

[@MsDenver2]

Or the wife could say too you -want to come on the back of my T120

[@MsDenver2]

Or the wife could say too you -want to come on the back of my T120