Which Triumph Bonneville Should You Buy In 2024? (T100, T120, Speed Twins, Scramblers & More)

QUAD LOCK - our #1 choice of motorcycle phone mount, well before they came on board as a sponsor. We love their top-drawer build quality, as well as their huge range of mounts, accessories and adapters that mean you can always find a setup to suit any bike. Use "MOTOBOB10" link to get 10% off all products:
motobob.cc/u/qu...
Thanks to all of our channel other sponsors - you can find out more about each of them here!
CALIMOTO - the ultimate navigation app for bikers! Use the code "BOB30" for a 30-day free trial, or "BOB10" for 10% off a premium membership:
motobob.cc/u/ca...
CARDO - the best comms units on the market! Use "MOTOBOB" to get 10% discount on their PACKTALK EDGE, FREECOM X and SPIRIT lines, and 15% off the PACKTALK BOLD and FREECOM+ lines:
motobob.cc/u/cardo
DJI - we love using their Osmo Action 4 to capture all of our riding footage. The image quality is fantastic, the stabilisation is rock solid, and they have a super-wide field of view so you can get plenty in your shots. Find out more about it here:
motobob.cc/u/dj...
METZELER - the crème de la crème of motorcycle tyres. We've used their adventure-ready Karoos, mile-munching Tourances, sticky Sportecs and Ractecs, and the king of all-rounders, the Roadtecs. All of them get a huge thumbs up from us, so do check out their full lineup here:
motobob.cc/u/me...
SPEEDO ANGELS - keep your expensive-to-replace speedo clear of scratches and damage. Use "MOTOBOB20" for 20% off any product:
motobob.cc/u/sp...
BEMOTO - excellent insurance cover with brilliant customer service. Quote "MOTOBOB" for free licence defence cover:
motobob.cc/u/be...
Want to be one of our sponsors? Email [e-mail]

[@pdominois]

Speed Twin 1200. Perfect weekend bike, but comfortable enough for touring, and agile enough for commuting. Such a fun bike. Love it.

[@outlaw6313]

For city riding and slower traffic I recommend the 900 variant, as the motor keeps very cool, other than that - 1200 is the way to go!

[@ianjames3078]

Spot on, 1200 all the way

[@nathansatran2507]

Love my ST1200. Great in traffic and hitting the mountain twisties.

[@ilikelampshades6]

I'd go for the t120. It's the most practical, has the most modification potential, is the most versatile.

[@hamids4550]

that and scrambler 900 are the best and solid

[@girishramakrishnan9904]

I love the sound of T120

[@Andy-ik9zq]

Just picked up a new speed twin 1200 stealth , no complaints whatsoever

[@martynhughes8305]

Love my Speedmaster , has had the foot pegs moved back to the mid position like the bobber, rides fantastic and great fun.

[@paulchambers2296]

T120 I think for me, love the retro styling and the torque of the engine, for me I think you can not only commute and Sunday ride this bike but I think it would be a great bike to tour on.🏍️😎

[@louisjones2653]

I cannot fault my 2022 T120 Goldline. It’s as near the perfect bike as I have ever found.

[@ilikelampshades6]

I've got one. The green and silver are so beautiful

[@michaelmclarney1994]

I am torn between the t120 and speed twin. I like both but if I could have the speed twin with the comfort of the Bonnie, it would be perfect for me!

[@scottroberts4551]

Agreed, I'm tall and had to jack my T120 up to make it fit. Speed twin was not as comfortable

[@TheSwishpaul]

Owned a thruxton r, scrambler 400x and now have the speed twin 1200, the last one is the best!

[@marcvanhove9756]

Scrambler 400x. I had a Street Twin for one year. Maneuverable, pleasant engine, but I'm tall and my legs were too bent. I then replaced it by a Bonneville T120. Driving position more suited to my size but very heavy and too powerful for my use (peri-urban environment, roads with a speed limit of 90km/h) and gear ratios too long. Very nice machine but tiring to use. So I just replaced it with a Scrambler 400x which is perfect for my tall size and gives me a lot of good sensations with its small, torquey engine at low revs but quick to rev up. I use it whenever I get the chance, even if it's only for a 15 minute ride.

[@goodthiefphoto]

I had the Thruxton RS when I had my Street Triple in for a service. I really really loved that bike and have been looking to get myself one ever since! I know it's not as practical as the Speed Twin 1200 but you can't deny that Thruxton has the extra wow factor!

[@andi8489]

chose the Bonneville T120 Chrome. It's glorious! It's chrome and baby blue... and Chrome :) Like an oldtimer!

[@elnino3903]

T120 is definitely the one, I'd go for the black stealth edition with the brown seats 🤤

[@thecappy]

Speed Twin(1200) is always the answer.

[@stefanfrittiert1038]

I have a Speed Twin 1200, very happy with it. It’s not perfect but who is.

[@darrenhall6509]

Speed Twin 1200. Had mine a year now and still love it, no plans to ever sell either. Fast enough, handles lovely, stops great and looks fab. What else do you need?

[@Jacob99174]

Looks “fab”?? May need to consider the source on this opinion 😂

[@darrenhall6509]

@@Jacob99174 ??

[@gonzalomarsilli5741]

The bike I want is a Scrambler 900 with the design of the 400, an actual scrambler, not a ST900 on makeup

[@urbanstrencan]

Triumph retro model lineup is just awesome, love the Bobber and Scrambler 1200. Keep up with great work bringing us videos like this ❤❤❤❤

[@leighpeel9563]

Speed twin 1200 is my pick

[@edwinmelissen9745]

Love the video, missing the seat height on some 1200 models like the T120 and the Speed Twin.

[@johnhall23]

Would be Speed Twin 1200 as my choice, lovely looking bike.

[@rayfriedman6107]

Bob never seems to tire of the sound of his own voice droning on, and on--especially over yards and yards of other peoples recycled video clips. He's the king of re-tread video and this one's no exception. Yak, yak, over factory clip after factory clip, and very little if anything concrete said. Yup, that's Bob--safe as houses, never a feather ruffled--and a favorite of insomniacs the world over!

[@Dooby0071]

Buy them all!

[@emminentvictory]

Recently picked up a Speed Twin 1200 and absolutely love it blend of power and comfort. Would love a thruxton rs but could never daily that

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I'd recommend the Thruxton RS final edition, then T120, T100.

[@MikeNoble]

I’ll take a t100 or t120. Beautiful bikes!

[@BienCanonizado]

Bien from the Philippines,Triumph speed twin 900,perfect for us Filipinos shorter height.

[@max602]

After so many bike. I’m glad I didn’t sell my t120.

[@togs0762]

Speedmaster for me. Would have had one already were it not for my knee replacement

[@brassteeth3355]

im afraid ill regret not getting a 1200 but i want them all.

[@paulpeace6455]

Speedmaster 1200 👍👍😊 . + Windshield & panniers 👍 good for short touring ✅

[@genowynn9273]

What about the Thunderbird?

[@Jack908r]

Speed Twin 1200 hands down. Good power and a great all rounder.

[@AlexOnABoat]

I'm surprised that Triumph haven't given the modern retro Speed Twin and Scrambler 900 more of an upgrade by now. A rummage in the parts bins of both the 400 and 1200 Scramblers for some Led lighting would do a lot to bring it up to date and give it a more cohesive look to match the other modern retro bikes in the range. A name change and some new paint really hasn't made it a new model despite what Triumph would like us to think. And please Triumph, isn't it about time you gave it its own front mudguard, reusing the Speed Twin's for the 18' wheel just looks weird.

[@volt8684]

Which is best one for tall long legged rider

[@wins412]

Bring the air cooled t100 the real British classic

[@maldidus]

I like 400 x for price, weight, maintenance in general. Perfect commuter home to office. Its not beautiful like het sisters but save many money

[@nielsmeer]

Triumphs look and ride very well. But, being built in Thailand the prices should be lower. A T100 is $11K in the US for a Thailand built bike. A similar performance MotoGuzzi V7 Special is $9.5K and built in Italy. When you look at Royal Enfield & you can get a Int650 for $7K for an Indian built bike. If the T100 was $8K, it’d be a great option and priced accordingly to where it is built, but at $11K, it is way overpriced.

[@paulwallner472]

t120

[@javiervar494]

Buen vídeo 👍 👌✌️

[@taylorsnyder7974]

Update the t100 and t120.

[@taylorsnyder7974]

And give us some tubeless spokes!

[@stevenelliott5403]

@@taylorsnyder7974 I could even live with cast wheels, pretty sure they had them on the older bikes back in the day

[@geoffbroderick403]

owned over 50 bike truimph clearly on top ,innovative,quality re ,a cheap copy

[@christopheleroy5697]

Inventer allemand ?….

[@gabormartin2052]

Attention. In this video isn't bikesound. Just narrativ. 😢

[@jeremykeller211]

If over 420 lbs wet, none of them.

[@logangodofcandy]

Wait for 2025 for the bobber upgrades

[@tedcity5861]

Doubt if it's worth the wait.

[@jeremykeller211]

None of the above. Why? The designers apparently forgot the relationship between weight and handling. The '60s T120 was a better bike for this reason. Car genius Colin Chapman said "add lightness." The contemporary designers didn't listen.

[@ilikelampshades6]

Not a fan of the limited edition colours. Prefer the 2022 goldlines

[@patfinn7399]

It's a strange paint job for bikes sold as stock retro bikes. The paint job belongs on a custom chopper peanut tank.

[@ilikelampshades6]

@@patfinn7399 totally agree. It should be bright, colourful sparkling paint

[@davidarmstrong3481]

Speed Twin 900 is the sweet spot

[@nigelmorgan1824]

Picked up my brand new Speed Twin 900 2 weeks ago and i couldn't be happier, perfect bike for me and my style of riding.

[@robvdrdp]

Scrambler 900 is best overall imo. looks, sound, price. great bike!

[@bigbadvicHo]

That exhaust is God awful

[@davidwhittaker5587]

That’s what I have and I love the exhaust, the only complaint is the seat for touring 👍🏻

[@robvdrdp]

@@bigbadvicHo Why?

[@bigbadvicHo]

@@robvdrdp it’s just weird, too high up, and just not classy. It’s one of the ugliest exhausts I’ve ever seen.

[@FadyBujana]

Nice video! To me, Triumph and the Bonneville lineup is a late discovery (having owned mostly BMWs among other brands). In fact I fell in love with them watching your series on the Street Twin and ended up getting a used one to customize! I enjoyed it so much (and still do!) that I jumped on the opportunity to pick up another Bonneville when the opportunity arose to get a Scrambler 1200 XC with just 1000 kms on the clock! I am amazed at how different the two bikes yet sharing the same spirit. I cannot quite describe it but the Bonneville make me feel “at home”, having never ridden them before in my 40+ years of motorcycling! Great design achievement from Triumph to deliver a completely different bike with only slight alterations! It makes want to experience all of them! Now my real dilemma is which of the two bikes to call my “work horse” and which to consider my Sunday bike! And you my friend did not make it any easier on me calling the T120 “the perfect work horse”! 😅

[@daxmotis27]

I have the old thruxton R. I’ve also had a a t120, thruxton 900, and speed triple RS. Thruxton R is by far my favorite though I do miss that t120…

[@gordonshand8598]

Speed Twin, but would test ride a Speedmaster too 😎

[@Sparky-Mark-uk]

Absolutely love my Bobber, great ride, loads of torque and the coolest looking thing out there. My Bobber chrome gets loads of attention when at bike meetings, and even just riding around. And even the stock exhaust sounds amazing.🤩

[@Irfan87]

Speed Twin 1200. Enough power, handles well, just abt comfortable enough to do long distances, good handling and easy to ride. Very well rounded street bikes. Beautiful bike on top of it all.

[@boris8787]

I like the 1200cc speedmaster, but the 12 litre fuel tank is too small for serious rides - even their 400cc has a 13 litre fuel tank. Practicality over aesthetics.

[@lmallanao]

I’ve owned my 1200cc Speedmaster for just over a month. If you’re going super long distances (over 150+ miles/240+ kilometers a day), then yes you’re going to make more than one stop on road trips. But I’ve found the 12 liter/3.2 gallon tank is good for anything less, which is most of my rides. Plus, on long trips, I’m stopping after 100-125 miles anyways to stop and stretch for a second, I just need to be a bit more mindful of how far away the next gas station is

[@seanheadley7090]

Owned to recently the XC1200, loved it, but next would be T120

[@gonzalomarsilli5741]

why would you do that? the T120 does not beat the XC in any department except the exhaust heat maybe

[@seanheadley7090]

Agree, not saying it’s a better bike, just a change of character with same engine, in 4 years never any issue with exhaust heat, had the TEC can on and it was fine tbh.

[@soggywuffles882]

Of the dozen or so bikes I’ve owned, the Speed Twin 1200 is the only one I regret selling.

[@Alex-HD]

Why don’t you buy another one?

[@soggywuffles882]

@@Alex-HD I more than likely will in a few years. I just bought a new Africa Twin, wanted to give the adventure bike thing a go.

[@billesbacon]

I am really enjoying the scrambler 400X 12:26

[@teamtempest844]

ooh, none. Poor experience with the brand and disingenuous dealership.

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

Which one should you buy? None of 'em. That's my suggestion after owning a new Triumph and experiencing a parade of issues and ZERO dealer or manufacturer support. Buy Japanese.

[@user-rf9me7xm1w]

I owned a street twin for three years and know exactly what you mean. Swapped it for a Yamaha and couldn’t be happier.

[@collyernicholasjohn]

Speed 400. Small bikes are just more fun …..and easy on the gas.

[@corneilcorneil]

They have the flimsy Kawasaki turnsignals... they wobble and break.

[@elnino3903]

Small details that add up.

[@toddsegalpsychicdetectivea1578]

I have the Street Scrambler 900 as a second bike. I love it! Great for country roads and beach drives where I live. The horsepower is great and cruises fine on the highway going back home. Only drawback is the exhaust pipes on a hot day especially in traffic. I do love Triumph so much I may be trading my Japanese sport bike for another triumph. Haven't determined which yet.

[@Leon-vp3vb]

I think, Street Twin and T100 are perfect bikes, best ergonomics, good looks, perfect blend of everyday commuter with highway capacity. And Speedmaster has beautiful cruiser design. They should've designed speed 400 on street twin ergonomics and chassis design. One on T100 design, And another version of 400-Speedmaster.

[@spodokomoto5020]

I’ve owned a Speed Twin 1200 - which is a great fun bike. I currently ride a Scram 1200 XC which I love even more. I understand why Triumph dropped it from the line up - mostly to have a greater differentiation with the XE - but the XC is the better bike imho. The XE is more capable off road but for that kind of terrain there are better bikes, certainly lighter and cheaper ones. The XC is capable off road but handles better on the road and looks cooler. If you’re thinking about a 1200 Scrambler I’d find a low miles XC rather than either the new X or XE. My next bike will probably be a T120 though - there’s just something appealing about it but mostly its style and comfort.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

They need a full size cruiser now 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ the speedmaster is just too small. I’m 6 feet and look like an elephant on a tricycle 🤣🤣🤣

[@geraldineold3641]

Triumph need to sort out the renowned gearbox problems.I see so many water cooled Triumph Bonnevilles for sale with low mileage. I wonder if these bikes are problematic ones. I have a Bonnevile 865 se . Which is a great bike. Fingers crossed 🤞 😅

[@Landylala]

What I don't get is how such a large engine capacity is low in bhp and torq compared to other companies what aren't triumph doing.

[@volt8684]

Saving money and profiteering

[@tedcity5861]

Me too,, 64hp for a 900cc is lame. Makes me wonder if it's designed so it's not close to the 1200 so the 1200 is not redundant.

[@davidforsdike4343]

Would wait for the new Norton models. Hopefully not too long now.

[@davepfjr]

I went with the Speed Twin 900 (new rider, wanted to stay with the 900). I did give the other Bonnevilles a close look, and sat on all of them. I just felt like I connected with the Speed Twin better than the others. Last but not least, I thought it had the best stock exhaust sound, which was really important to me. Helped fill in the hole of my past v8 cars. Really I don't see going wrong with any of them, just find the one that fits you and your needs best and go for it. If you do end up dumping it, at least the trade in value on Triumph is a little better than some other makes.

[@lughole]

We all want the thruxton but without the aggressive ride position, no?!

[@elnino3903]

The reason I got into motorcycles. Delicious bike.

[@tedsalmon2533]

The t120 is the bike I chose. After 12,000 miles I love it more every time I ride it

[@alanbarnes2920]

How is it for touring solo?

[@InstaPete]

I’m looking at the speed twin 400 as my first bike. Always loved the classics and have no desire whatsoever to be a speed demon! 😅 I’m 5’10 and a little chubby but I figured a modest start. My ultimate dream bike has always been the T120/Speed 1200 to do some long rides! Namely, I’ve always wanted to cruise the west coast down Highway 1.

[@Ronald-u1s]

4:27 I still own my 69 T120 R BONNIE , first scooter of my life , only😢 it is in my garage not running but hope to get it back up on the road, had many great miles on it before ran out of money and a little older in age (72 yrs) . Am impressed with the 1200 but not many good yrs left. The thump, thump, thump still makes my heart quake!

[@taylodl]

Speed Twin 900. I commute to work cross-town on surface streets. This bike makes the commute fun! Still has plenty of go for weekend riding!

[@motorcyclemusings]

Love my 2022 Speedmaster, after upgrading front and rear suspension to Nitron the bikes handling has been transformed.

[@johnsonya3401]

I have a T120 Diamond and a Speed 400. Love them both. I'd love to add a 1200 Speed Twin at some stage as well.

[@JamesIanGilliam]

Love my T12o but if I could have one more, it would have to be the Thruxton FE

[@YangCalgary]

Triumph’s lineup is brilliant.

[@meattooth1303]

got the '22 T120 a couple years ago. thought about the Speed Twin but felt a little too cramped as I am 6'3" 200 LBS. the T120 offers a smoother ride though less speed and handles but at 54, speed and the need for that type of handles is not required anymore. less compression makes this one feel like a smooth cruiser with a nice upright seat position. 10-20 years ago, I would have gone for the less comfortable more sporty Speed Twin.

[@MRo55i74]

Would have to be a Bobber or maybe a Speed Twin 1200

[@elnino3903]

T120 black stealth edition. Sweet, sweet bike. Do a feature please Bob ❤

[@jerryandnancywertzbaugher7778]

The T120 is my bike. Such a fabulous all-rounder. It's part of my 6 bike stable and definitely my favorite for comfort and just all-day spirited ridding. The T120 would be the last one I'd part with. My other bikes are Vintage Yamaha XS 650, Vintage Yamaha XV 920 HR (the rare cafe style Virago), new Moto Guzzi V7, new BMW F900 XR, new Kawasaki KLR 650.

[@sectoraRush]

I have a T100 Black and simply love it. For long highway travel though, it gets a bit harder on the body. Comfy but open to condition. I was lurking a F900XR so when I saw you having one, I had to ask : how would compare the two (T120 and Bimmer). I know two totally different bikes, but do they complement each other well ? How about comfort on the F900XR (seat is rumoured to be really bad). I dont intend on parting with my Bonnie. So it is either had a big windshield on it or adding a second bike for longer highway travel. PS: My old buddy started up with a XS650 from Yamaha, with a banana seat; great looking bike and really cool !

[@jonmartin88]

I have a 2022 Speedmaster. It s not the fastest but it is probably the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden.

[@matusknives]

I think that Triumph should make a 400 XE. It would be a lot ligher then the 1200 XE, so actually a lot more suitable for light off-roading.

[@motobob]

Now that would be a very cool bike! And a lot easier to manage than the 1200..

[@khia2805]

Considering a Speed Twin 1200 as my next bike. Need to get out on one

[@ianjames3078]

I bought one a month ago………rode it for the 1st time on the way home. Love it. Had over 50 bikes, top 3.

[@Jacob99174]

@@ianjames3078thanks for the recommendation, based on such an experience 👍

[@himydad1499]

I'll choose the kawasaki W800 😏

[@MalShakur]

Thank you for breaking this down.

[@ashleyhouse9690]

Speed Twin 1200 with the Ohlins suspension front and back from the Thruxton - LOL!

[@dacarguru7983]

That would be the Speed Twin 1200 Breitling Edition 😏

[@guywolff]

I have 6 seasons on the Street Scrambler 900 .For the roads and the style of riding I do I can't imagine being any happier .. If I had to take another bike it would be beteen the T120 and the Srambler X (29 inch inseam ) ... I wish Triumph would fool around with a shaft drive in something smaller than the Tiger 1200 . At 73 I am tired of playing with the chain ...

[@pggp273]

Oh this is an easy one to answer. Buy the one with the warranty that is honoured. Oh wait a minute that will be none of them then.

[@midlife-crysis]

Bobber with x-pipe and motone shorties. Best sounding bike in the world. Video on my channel

[@LloydGrace1]

I would be torn between T120 and 900 Scrambler. The 900 power plant is so perfect, I’m just not sure I would need more for that type of bike

[@Alex-HD]

It’s so hard haha. The 900 is amazing to be honest. But I am afraid I would want more. But I bet if I get the 1200 I would feel maybe I should’ve got the 900 😂

[@LloydGrace1]

@@Alex-HD Haha true that😂

[@wulfgadebusch9586]

ST900 for me😎

[@jamescrydeman540]

1969 four speed!

[@Quicksilver_Cookie]

I was considering new, but instead I got a well taken care of 2018 T100 and I'm very happy. Very well behaved bike. Pretty agile and happy in the corners, and 55hp doesn't sound like much but 80Nm of torque is 80Nm of torque. It just pulls like a mule at 3-4k rpm. Great feeling. Great sounding stock pipes too. If I were going to get current year model it'd probably be a T100.

[@Jeffslayzos]

LOL, i just bought my Speed Twin 900 3 weeks ago (1 week before this video came out... this video would have been a pretty nice resource for my decision making, THANKS @MOTOBOB! jkjk). After months and months of painstaking researching ... to an obsessive degree... I chose the right bike for me, but I am also kind of itching to add a Bonneville 120 to the stable. I'll add my context here too, just in case anyone finds it useful in their decision making. Pricing aside, I personally believe it all comes down to the ergo differences AND one crucial piece of tech if you plan to do long tours: cruise control. I'm 5'6" and 30" inseam, and the Speed Twin 900 is perfect for me on the ergos - I can easily flat foot with both feet in my riding boots, though there are times where I wish the foot controls were a bit more "mid" mounted. This thought about the controls really only hits me when I've hit ~1.5 hour mark at highway speeds (70+ mph). I've ridden my ST900 at 85mph on the freeway, and I'll be honest, the wind is brutal ( as I'm sure it is on all of these bikes at those speeds), so I highly recommend a windshield. That aside though - the 900cc engine is MORE than capable of riding at 85mph+ for long stints (emphasis on more - I pushed it a fair bit higher than this , ahem, for science, and it still felt fine, but I felt like I was going to get ripped off the bike by wind). If you get the 900cc engine variant of any of these, it will feel GREAT on the highway. However ... my ST900 does not and cannot have cruise control; Triumph does not offer one for the ST line. That is the ONE thing I really, really wish was an option. I'll tour on this thing anyway, but yeah. The ST is perfect around town, in stop and go traffic, on the b roads, on the highway, very nimble in corners for what it is - it will easily do it all and its fun as hell. That and it sounds INCREDIBLE. I will never replace these exhausts. Triumph engineered these to perfection. I don't feel the itch to get the ST1200; however, I think my next will be a T120 in a couple years. Stock, that thing is perfect. The only reason I didn't get the T120 is because the seat is noticeably higher, and I just wanted something I could easily flat foot at my shorter stature while I'm getting back into the sport (I have over a decade of riding experience, but this is the first bike I've had in about 9 years, and honestly its a dream bike by any measure). Anyway, get a Bonneville - pick one that feels right ergonomically and has the tech you need (or want). You won't regret it. In fact, you'll probably start scheming how to get your second one.

[@MrEvhel83]

T120 and Speedmaster if i could have 2 :D

[@MarkLAdkins01]

Well... I chose the Thruxton RS first. Then I bought the Scrambler 900 and then the Speedmaster. I traded the Speedmaster for the Bobber (good choice). All of these are wonderful. My top pick though...is the Thruxton - hands down. 👍

[@theFALL3n]

Hoping one day I'll own either a ST1200 or T120. Love the look of the ST1200 but it will most likely be too tall for me. Im only 5'4 with short legs. So the T120 would suit better with its smaller seat height. Either way I'd be very happy.