How To Set Up Your Triumph Bonneville T120 For Touring | Top 5 Bonneville Upgrades For The Road.

In this video, I go over my top five accessory upgrades in order to make the Triumph Bonneville T120 a better weekend trip, longer distance, touring bike. Can you tour on a Triumph Bonneville T120? In short, yes. There are some great accessories that can help with that. What are some of these accessories? Watch and see, and maybe it can help you save time and money.
Highway Pegs, Forward Foot Placement
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Corbin Seat:
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Steering Damper Kit (Cheaper Option)
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Steering Damper (Ohlins) More Pricey
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Cases: (note, you will need an additional adapter)
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National Cycle Windshield
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[@rodneyrosecrants8910]

Purchased a 2023 T120 Bonneville in December…..the classic blue and white color…..Love the Triumph design…..old school look….also have a 2023 Triumph Thruxton RS in black and chrome one year only model….have on order the 2024 Triumph Thruxton FE .. the last year for production…

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for the comment. That's a few good ones in the stable.

[@mkmd555]

I used to live in Glenview Il. Always took Exit 48 Willow Rd. Great memories.

[@bike_addict]

Yeah! It is the Willow Rd Exit. Good eye! It's a fun stretch there with the ability to throttle a little bit.

[@joshuajames1720]

brilliant video. I have just finished on a 3 month tour with my 2020 t120 bonnie without any updgrades aside from the panniers. I went givi Alaska and they are amazing. I am very keen on a wind shield, and I love the idea of those relaxed footpegs, definitely going to get me a pair. I really love touring with the T120, just a few tweaks needed here and there and in many ways could be the best/funniest touring bike ever.

[@bike_addict]

Wow, that's great. The Alaska are quite similat to what I have, and I have to say it: Those hard panniers are killer. But if you toured for 3 months, how did the tires do? I always worry with the tubed... Did you have any issues?

[@georgeroberts442]

Nice to see what you did. I have the same windscreen and top wing. I find that I use the wing if I’m riding with an open face helmet. But, with a full face helmet, which I’m using more often these days, the Long Haul windscreen by itself does the job nicely. I too was concerned by some front end wobble that developed on my bike after a couple of thousand miles. I wanted to go tubeless, so I wound up with tubeless wire wheels, and new Michelin tubeless tires. I also added fully adjustable fork cartridges for improved front suspension. No more wobble problems. But if it returns, I’m going the steering damper route like you took. Those bags of yours look remarkable. But a bit overwhelming for me. I know I’d appreciate them on the road, but for around town, not so much. So, I’ve gone with triumph’s bags, both the waxed cotton, and the nylon zipper bags. They interchange in seconds, with the same clips and rail. I also use a tail bag with quick release straps. I have a smaller one for everyday, and a big one for road trips. I use a RAM big claw for holding my Garmin on the handlebars, which removes in seconds and stows away if I need to leave the bike unattended for any length of time. That’s about it. I have everything I need out there on the road, and the T120 Black performs magnificently! Oh, about the seat. I never have a passenger, so the king/queen thing isn’t for me. I never liked the look of the brown seat with which Triumph oddly equips its “Black” bikes. So, I went for the black diamond tufted bench seat offered by Triumph. Amazingly enough, that flat seat is very comfortable for all day riding. So, I guess I lucked out there.

[@bike_addict]

Wait, hold on a sec..tubeless rims?? Please provide more info, that is great.

[@steveoconnor7069]

Nice upgrades. I went with the Triumph touring windscreen knowing that it won't completely shield me. It takes a good bit of the wind off of my chest which is a good thing when touring but I still get wind on my shoulders & face which is also good since the screen isn't adjustable. I used to ride FJR's with the adjustable windscreen so one could put wind on or off you depending on the temperature. I went with the Hepco & Becker C-Bow mounting brackets and bags. I have a variety of bags including one's similar to your Givis. The brackets also are very unobtrusive when bags are left off.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for your comments. Hepco & Becker are good bags too.

[@steveoconnor7069]

@bike_addict I like the brackets for lashing/tie downs on your Givis, that's a nice feature.

[@AlxPy]

That's a great guide for transforming one of the best looking, elegant, and well-designed motorcycles ever done, in the ugliest assembly of c..p you can see in a road. I know, I know, everyone has a different taste. If you like it, happy for you. Personally, if I ever find myself adding hard box panniers, huge windshields, additional footpegs on my T120, the only possible conclusion is that I should have bought a different motorbike.

[@bike_addict]

Hmm, not unless u love the bike, but want some versatility. Without the panniers, I wouldn't own a T120.

[@raulmujica]

I installed the DIYBikely highway pegs on my T120 -- barely fit above the OEM Sump Plate, but it fit -- it's a really tight space to tighten the bolts and took me a few hours overall -- but love the addition and riding with them

[@bike_addict]

Yeah, Triumph does not make it easy to get highway pegs! A couple hours, wow. Now that I think about it, it took me a bit too. Although I also agree, Being tall, they help a lot on longer rides.

[@bike_addict]

Wait, did u say u installed it over the Skid Plate?? How did that fit?? That seems super tall?

[@jonathanstorer9022]

Your Vid is very helpful, as currently I am planning on doing a 2 month trip in Canada (shipping T120 from UK) in 2025 and then USA in 2026 and was considering changing to a GT Pro, but now I have seen what is possible for upgrade I am now thinking stick with T120 and just upgrade a few things (will certainly be cheaper than trading in for a GT Pro)

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for your comment. The upgrades do help, although the Tiger is one good bike. I've takne 300-400 mile trips before, but the winds in the mountains are strong, love the Bonneville but for an adventure like that, I dunno, I guess you have to test it out right?

[@johnpaulgarzaniti5065]

I added not only the Givi side cases you have but also a rear rack and Givi top case matching the Givi side cases you have. Triumph and Givi both make a rear rack for the T120 Triumph Bonneville

[@bike_addict]

Nice, I mostly ride solo so I never got a top rack, but I'm sure it helps with two-up

[@robertparisi8016]

I added hepco Becker detachable luggage, I installed Madstad detachable windshield, 20 inch tall and fully adjustable up to 2 inches, installed riser bars, triumph heated grips, comfy seat, I found steering is fine on stock, I didn't like the gunfighter seat, it is way 2 firm!, also attached faring lowers to the Madstad windshield, love this bike, don't want the touring weight any longer, no its far from a goldwing or ultra or rt but it's light and nimble, great video enjoy ur triumph!

[@bike_addict]

HA! Thanks Robert, it's great to see another person so passionate as to take these types of steps to dial-in the Bonneville. Very cool, so did you stick with the stock seat? I have bar risers too, they are great. I used to own an RT, I felt I needed to go 75 mph just to feel I'm on a bike, great machine though... Hepco, hmm, good choice, and much more price-wise if I may say. Thanks again, ride safe!

[@robertparisi8016]

@@bike_addict stock seat is not to comfy after a hr or so. I bought the triumph touring saddle, much better, raised seat height a tad, hepco r nice but yes expensive$ 600 . Not touching exhaust or ecu, like it quiet, just a fun, light, decent handling bike with good power, I guess negatives are minor ,clock only measures in 24 hrs military time, low fuel comes on way 2 early, cruise Control has no increase or decrease while engaged, and of course chain maintenance, no bad

[@bike_addict]

@@robertparisi8016 Yeah, the bike really delivers that thrill, sometimes I feel many get too caught up in performance. I think if someone is all performance, it's not the bike for them, this bike is all about character for me, but I DO LOVE the 1200 motor, I agree with you, plenty of power delivery when needed. Once I crossed the 1000CC threshold, that was it, point of no return.

[@metalmystic6214]

How do you like the 20” madstad? Does it push all the air up and over your helmet? How tall are you? I’m trying to decide what height I should go with for myself.

[@robertparisi8016]

@@metalmystic6214 I am 5` 7" , 29" inseam so my torso is long, I bought the 18" at first and still had some buffeting all the way up. So I went with the 20" and it's very quiet, plus if you get caught in rain you will have full coverage, you can always lower it down if u want to look over it, the only downside is the 20" looks slightly large on the bike, well worth the tradeoff though.

[@projectswithjw]

It's a really nice looking bike! 🏍😎

[@bike_addict]

Thanks so much! It's a great combo of fun, and good performance.

[@rd7911]

very informative !! thanks...

[@bike_addict]

Thanks, glad it may have helped.

[@bikenbush]

Great 👍🏽 stuff! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for watching, ride safe!

[@colinwinslett4851]

Thanks for the video, BA. Here in the UK I own a T120 Black just like yours . I agree about the poor comfort of the standard seat. I went for the Air Hawk option because (like you did with the screen) I can easily remove it to regain the original cool look of the stock plank (sorry, I mean "seat"). I managed 4 consecutive days of touring with no discomfort using the Air Hawk. The most significant modification I made was to fit the Triumph Accessory Fox shock absorbers. Although not cheap, the improvement in ride quality and handling is worth the money. I would even say that the improvement in damping offered by the Fox shocks might cure your steering wobble without the need for a steering damper. How do you rate the standard shocks? For comparison, I'm 6'3" and weigh 200 lbs.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for the comment! In my humble opinion, the stock shocks seem ok when you buy the bike. I noticed that the problem starts after about 3K miles. They start to be bouncy and start to bottom out, even on max pre-load setting and I am 175 lbs. At 200lbs, I would agree, new shocks needed. I bought the Hagon Nitros, but did not like them. Fox seem like the way to go, so good choice! I may be getting those for Spring '24.

[@rottweilerfun9520]

I got a Speed Bag for my bike. It's perfect.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for writing. Yeah, a Speed Bag is a great option too.

[@rottweilerfun9520]

Your cases are really nice.

[@bike_addict]

Glad you like them!

[@WaldoWizard]

I have the 20 bud ekins model . Kinda hard to do too many upgrades and lose the collectible appeal, but I did add a nice black with red stich corbin seat and have the backrest for passenger upgrade as well . Bought the bike with 2k on it and already had the touring windshield. I took off the black trim from the edges as it looks a lot cleaner. Also put on pannier supports, engine guards , and a radiator cover. Love the bonny . Someone once described it as " smooth delivery and a twist of throttle as a girlfriend grabbing your shirt and tugging you in "

[@bike_addict]

Nice model! Thanks for sharing, I also removed the black border. Do you like the Corbin?

[@rockyescape8989]

thanks for the video that was really helpful. the only upgrade i made is changing the rear shocks to fox shocks and it's insanely good performance wise, though the price is equally insane lol. i might consider the steering damper upgrade, sounds like i need it because my terrain quality very poor. my future planned upgrades would be bar end mirrors to increase rear visibility and also engine guards that can double as auxiliary light holders.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for your comment! Agree, the Fox shocks are excellent. I do have them on my bike but do not mention them on my video, I'm happy with them, but overall, thanks for adding in, shocks are a great upgrade....don't get me started on the mirrors, perfect view of my elbows!

[@asacarrick1440]

Didn't your education include adjectives...? It's you that sounds " insane".

[@danielmart7940]

I put the fox rear shocks on n made a huge difference. I will also put uograded shocks on the front. Was looking for highway pegs. I will try the ones you have. I currently have Burley soft luggage. I might upgrade,

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for the comment. The Fox shocks are on my list for this year. I had Hagons, and took them off. Burley have a good look to them.

[@danielmart7940]

The Fox shocks were expensive but very noticeable

[@samsungtaco11]

@OP I'm glad i'm not the only one feeling that the bike "wobbles" a bit in higher speed. Took it to the dealer and they said there was nothing wrong with it. They recommended airing up the tires a bit more than recommended, which helped a bit. So, those dampers really help? I might have to give it a try. I just ordered some viking bags for my T120, seems to be a better in price compared to others. Thanks for the great video.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for the comment. Oh, it's there, I think it really depends on the level of the rider. Someone new to motorcycling, may not know what it feels like. But after you ride for a while, you know. The damper immediately fixed the issue for me. A good test that I did was when the tires were cold I took the bike on a straight road at about 40 mph, and carefully let go of the handle bars, if within a second you start to see the handlebars wobble, grab 'em, and you'll know. Once I installed the damper, I can let go of the bars, adjust my gloves, and the bike doesn't move one inch, stays locked and balanced. When I hit the bumps on the highway, I don't get the slippery insecure feeling, so it does. Someone mentioned getting the FOX shocks helps too, but since I felt it in the front, I went with the damper. Before that, the fact that I couldn't figure it out was killing me. I knew it wasnt just me when I met another guy with the model and rode his, and sure enough..same issue.

[@libuyohannan3581]

Can you put the link for windshield

[@bike_addict]

Yes, here is the link for the National Cycle Windshield www.nationalcycle.com/vehicles/motorcycle-1/triumph/triumphbonnevillet120/2018triumphbonnevillet120/n25043.html

[@garypatrick7817]

Enjoyed 😊

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for watching!

[@imageofthebeast8599]

thanks great job

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for the comment and for watching. Ride safe!

[@petroosabdollahian1648]

nice video, is this bike good enough and usually commutingfriendly? foor daily use and weekend Turing? Any way great video Be safe & God bless

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for your comment. Daily use would depend on climate, but you can easily do 200-300 miles a day on it. Not sure if you could do 300 on the highway though, def need a windshield and a comfy seat.

[@petroosabdollahian1648]

@@bike_addict Thanks for your message, I drive to work every day and sometimes on the highway, so I think it would be wise to have a windshield and a comfortable saddle

[@evilherojoseph]

Why am I watching this ? I don't even have a motorcycle ... yet :)

[@bike_addict]

If you're already thinking about rigging a touring version of a bike you don't yet own.... you're past the edge....only a matter of time :)... Safe riding.

[@danielcox7490]

Very useful. I’m on the hunt for your extended height windshield now. Did you ever see a sissy bar for more rear storage that did anything for you? Thanks

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for your comment. The only sissy bar type product I found is the Corbin Backrest, but it's super pricey. If I did not have the boxes, my preferred choice would be a tank bag, I used to have one of those, and that was always a go to for travel. Just my humble opinion

[@charlesbabella1581]

Did you ever look at the madstad detachable windshield made for the t120 I have one and it’s great

[@bike_addict]

Hi, yes, that would be my choice out of the third party well known co.'s However, quite tall, aesthetically, meh. But works great, totally agree.

[@vantamg7918]

Thanks Man. This is a perfect video. I am going to follow your "bike tracks". Could you please post the links for all your upgrades ? Please and thank you.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for writing and the comments! Yes I will update the links on the video for sure. If you have any questions, or you have some ideas, put them on here. Ride safe!

[@kikekeito2089]

Jesus!! So useful!! I wish I could find a video like this one for Europe!!! Any hints?

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for writing. I'm sure there are some. I find that for every bike I buy, I end up viewing all the vids about all the stuff I didn't know about beforehand.

[@paullandry5907]

Great video... but what is the windshield you are using later in the video with the Black Moulding around the edge? It's at 6:25 on the video. It does not appear to be either of the windshields you talk about earlier in the video. Is this a different model windshield? And your thoughts about it?

[@bike_addict]

Same windshield, just took off the black striping that comes with it.

[@bike_addict]

I personally like the removable, mostly due to the wind locking down the front end, the front is def not my favorite part.

[@paullandry5907]

@@bike_addict Thanks for replying.... 1 more question? Do you like the darker smokey color removeable windshield ....versus a clear one?

[@paullandry5907]

By Same windshield to you mean the Triumph more permanent one? Or does that black border go on the Removable windshiels?

[@bike_addict]

@@paullandry5907The border is on the Triumph Permenent Long Haul screen. On the removable, I chose the tinted one because I have the black model, I think otherwise, I probably would have went with the clear one honestly. I will say that I am not a fan of the national cycle logo on there, and wish it was blank, but again, for the times i use and take off, works. And for the 10 times a summer I used it, the $120 is well worth it. I have owned it now for 3 years. I think it paid for itself, it's a little wobbly though. Just FYI, but hangs in there even at 90 mph

[@Kojak-zh7qo]

Really enjoyed the video thanks,are the panniers the 36ltr ones

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for the comments, yes that's correct the 36L

[@Kojak-zh7qo]

@@bike_addict thanks mate can you tell me the width of them on the bike please

[@cpuissue]

I would go with a proper motorcycle more suitable for highways in the 1st place, it just not meant to travel on high speed long runs

[@bike_addict]

While it may not be the best bike to cross country, it can certainly do 300 miles a day easy. I think I have to mention in the next video that my bike doesn't always look like this. I think people assume I ride like this everyday. But most of the time, it's pretty stripped down.

[@borisstihkrajnc6234]

Great video. One question. What is that thingy on top of passenger grab rail in the rear. It looks like you can attach a flag pole. Do you probably have a DIY passanger back rest that goes there? If so, any suggestions of where to get it?

[@bike_addict]

Yes, it's for a GoPro, and a backrest.

[@Rubiodiamante]

Does the pillion have enough room for the legs with those panniers attached?

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for writing. Yes, plenty of room, I had a pillion at 5'7" and quite comfortable, the boxes also come in handy as a grab bar.

[@MonkeytownRider1673]

What is the part number for the Givi hardcase rack ?

[@bike_addict]

Good question....Let me check and see if I have the original docs for the rack. I will respond back. I know that different cases have different racks, so you def want to get the right one.

[@paulfehrman6831]

Great video as I just found you today, I'm looking into buying my first Triumph and test rode this one yesterday which I will go with. I own Harley's and want something different and this is a nice bike. Any advice for a newbie I'll listen.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for watching. My advice would be to enjoy the bike for what it is. But feel free to ask anything. Ride safe!

[@secutores]

What leather palette did you go with?

[@bike_addict]

@secutores, Chocolate, but I would ask them to send you a sample of colors, they will and then you can match. There is one that matches the stock brown on the t120 black as well.

[@dwightbernheimer331]

Boxes are water resistant???... For those prices you should be able to put them on the outside of a Submarine!!!... LOL good stuff thanks for posting...

[@bike_addict]

They have seals on them, I assume so, I've had them in some rain, but not in the storm.

[@rodcurran6474]

Just watched your video (10 Jan 24). I would really like to have those highway pegs! Would you know if they are still available? I’ve tried looking them up but couldn’t find then.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for watching, they help, here is a link www.amazon.com/Highway-Forward-Foot-Triumph-Bonneville/dp/B0CDSXHBW9/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3LLZMS53O1LVV&keywords=triumph+bonneville+t120+highway+pegs+kit&qid=1704893632&sprefix=triumph+bonneville+t120+highway+pegs+kit%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-3

[@bike_addict]

Here is the classic pegs version www.ebay.com/itm/134847476223?fits=Submodel%3AT120%7CModel%3ABonneville%7CMake%3ATriumph&hash=item1f658931ff:g:HdYAAOSwieRk2R4e&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4Bp0obAzVT5J4s6CsAK0CIBZlomIgAcDyuNFYJ4qgD%2FQBjN9vt1XMHmXfwmrNTnXbvXsa%2FJU39TSBFCevzCRLdvnOk7dl2ThHWk5%2Bmzinoyseq72WSFwrKp8AWpKxf5%2B94NQfl8O0egbIFyC%2B0YKXrgIbxRHyQUPJ8qUs22mR7iJMLXvWOZx%2BzZCRXF%2Fi4ai6YDAjiWoiCxfpLIhJxP6LEmyyUTWpozeQHmvX5pC9LudzJ4XCS4YuVqW5RuzPHOs8RAcVf89j5iMcwgP5IgX4QAUU8xEqvhGbNgl4z4CmWGQ%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4bfyLmeYw

[@braffray1266]

You butchered it

[@bike_addict]

I would strongly disagree. There could be an argument for the traditional colored Bonnies, but the Black... looks boring stock. Triumph made it to do something diffferent, seems like blank canvas to me. and besides it doesn't look like that all the time, but it sure is comfy and enjoyable. Ride safe.