2021 Triumph Bonneville T120 | Classic Done Right

[@j.d.thompson3505]

Low compression is a good thing. This bike will probably run for 50 years. I'm sure it would be a love affair to own one.

[@ctwrcfan]

Sounds like nice improvements, but they took some steps back too. They got rid of the center stand, grab rail, and heated grips. That saved a lot of the weight, but it didn’t reduce the price any.

[@hawkwood6405]

are those tubed bias ply tires?

[@MrTungvo]

But cruise control is now standard on the 2021 model.

[@Doug_Morgan]

That is why I picked up the last 2020 model the nearest dealer snagged from the warehouse. I lose cruise but gained all the stuff you mentioned. I had them add in the factory cruise control in the deal.

[@tnetroP]

Those losses would be deal breakers for me. I have a 2019 T120 and love it. The heated grips, centre stand and grab rail are more important to me than cruise control (which I admit is nice) and a slight weight loss.

[@michaelkaufman9625]

@@tnetroP how much more cost to add a center stand and a railing?

[@enriquecolin28]

That chart helps a lot. Not many talk about the competition. Well done Scott!, keep it up!

[@greysea4841]

For the the owners of the T120 before 2021, you can siginificantly improve the bike by changing to a 39 tooth rear sprocket. It will make the bike feel 50 pounds lighter and you will still have pleanty of gear for the highway.

[@keithsalmons9886]

They saved a lot of weight by deleting the center stand +grab rail+ heated grips which used to be included in the previous T120 .now you have to buy on top of the price ok you now get cruise control big deal Triumph .

[@da72ma]

The three most important pieces deleted in favor of weight?... Unbelievable...

[@ianclarke4814]

Not sure that was to save weight Personally I prefer the alloy rims double brembo etc etc with price the same

[@da72ma]

I will never buy a bike without heated grips anymore... the center stand is a requirement to get your bike properly mainteined and for the old and frail like me the grab rails make it super easy to get it lifted on that center stand... the issue to delete them makes no sense...

[@SvanbergSimon]

Cruise is much more important than useless rider modes.

[@garymasterson1174]

Scott, excellent review and appreciated. Your calm, balanced, easy-going approach is very welcome. Thank you. I'm a mid-life crisis newbie to biking but am planning my future stable which must include a retro naked machine. The T120 is now on my list. ATVB.

[@chuckwalksdogs]

I have a 2019 and the heated grips and centre stand are what compelled me to go with the T120 over competitors. Those two stock features were unique to the T120 in this category. Without those I would go right up to the Scrambler 1200 if I was buying a Triumph today. The aluminum wheels are a nice add. I bet it makes a huge difference on the front. There's an American guy named Jedz who put alloys on his T120 and apparently the improvement was pretty significant. Brakes on mine were top notch right out of the box tho. The dual disks on the front really bite. I'll always take more power and I've heard various criticisms of the engine before but if you live with one of these for a while you'll invariably come to realize you can't go much faster than 120km on one -- at least not for very long -- because the wind will beat the hell out of you. I ride on big toll highways up in here in Canada sometimes and the traffic flows at about 130km/hr. The engine thumps along quite comfortably at those speeds but the turbulent wind is downright punishing on the body. That's my biggest complaint about the bike for sure. Seems like any more horsepower would be borderline unusable without a massive windshield. The real fun for me is the torque anyway cuz it pulls like a diesel pickup truck. The exhaust note is satisfying without being obnoxious. It's a joy to accelerate away from every traffic light. The gearbox and throttle feedback are glorious.

[@jackchristodoulou197]

I put a small windscreen on my T120 works perfect

[@asacarrick1440]

105,000 Km. On my 2017 T100 and still loving it. I'm fine at 140kph even 160kph though not for too long. The paintwork on 2022 models is awful, tanks look like a pan with the wrong lid and they no longer colour code mudguards. They're picking out pockets a Triumph

[@RenatoPinheiro22]

Nice review from someone that knows how to appreciate and understand the T120 nature .... it´s a bike for strolling along and enjoy the biking activity .... I´ve just bought a '23 Blacked T120 and I loved it. The Center stand is a real miss so I got it installed at the dealer, for chain maintenance and for longer periods of stowing. I also got the short wind shield and the bar mirrors for a more cafe race style. The Heated grips are useless in Brazil and the brakes and Wheels were decisive to make me go for a newer model ... The cruise control I will never use ... It has all the power it needs but the torque is what really matters ... Having owned a HD883, it´s another level of bike in all the boxes .... Cheers from Brazil.

[@leeinwis]

It's winter here, no can ride.

[@allans7281]

Great review! uniquely done as always. I just picked up the Bonneville T100 2022. I’m loving it!! it’s the “Rolex”of classic motorcycles Cheers USA

[@asacarrick1440]

They robbed us of the centre stand and pillion gripper bar...no wonder it's lighter

[@duncanjury9167]

Love your videos. Hands down the best reviews and a joy to watch. Great work!

[@oceaniceos]

I'm 72 yrs old, riding since I was 18. IMHO my 2016 T120 leaves nothing to IMprove. So did grandma look pretty hot :-))

[@pietrovardi9583]

Boom-boom, 2 thumbs-ups from me for the content. I still wonder though if Grandma got there eventually... Splendid!! :)

[@georgeblumenthal7938]

I just took delivery of a gorgeous 2023 T120 red and silver. I previously owned a 1966 and 1973 Bonnie. Then it struck me, it's been 50 years between Bonnevilles.

[@001dres]

You really enjoyed this bike. Never saw you give so many boom boom 2thumbs up before, nor let go of rhe bar so often 😉. I’m not in the market for one, but you made me want to go for a test ride. Good job, nothing to prove, 👍👍 boom boom.

[@ВольфгангПетерсон]

Looks almost identical from side view to 2021 Kawasaki W800.

[@petewebb6952]

Interesting. Thank you. I’ve had two T120s in the past and I would certainly consider another. I ride a F900XR-TE at the moment which is an interesting twin. One comment is that the rear shocks may need upgrading, even on the new bikes, if you plan to take a passenger/pillion often.

[@larryvanputten4048]

Thanks Scott, it's nice to see you on this alltime classic. What a sound and what a sight! Allthough I wouldn't buy it I have always loved the Bonnies. The right bike for real lovers of style and riding not too long distances! Same story as Guzzi's but this one is even more stylish.

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you Larry!

[@hawkwood6405]

Certainly the T120 would be a worthy commuter. 77 ft-lbs @ 3500 RPM blows everything on your chart out of the water by a long shot. It must pull like a smooth freight train around town. Obviously it won't have much of a top end for those of us that like to rev the p*ss out of our bikes, but that is not the intent with the T120. Nice motorcycle.

[@josephfelder33]

I test rode one the other day. Even with it being 100lbs heavier, the T120 pulled away from stop lights harder, with less effort than my SV650, and it was incredibly smooth. 77 ft-lbs at 3500 RPM is sublime, I loved that torque.

[@UncleWally3]

There’s a symmetry between the review and the bike; relaxed, composed and pleasant. One comparison I’d like to hear an opinion about from NTP is the ergonomics of the T120 compared against the Speed Twin. Thanks!

[@styrr3]

Test rode the T120, the Speed Twin was unavailable att the shop... So I would also like to hear a comparision! Btw, LOVED the testdrive with the T120! But I was there to test the Speed Twin...

[@andrewedmond7738]

Thank you so much for doing this review Scott. I am right in the middle of making a decision on what my last bike will be. The T120, Speed Twin and the up speced Z900RS-SE have made the short list. I would have all three, but as I am retiring in a couple of months, financial reality comes into play. I will keep my 2014 Vstrom 1000 as I am a Strom trooper through and through, but my VFR800 will sadly have to go as my poor old back dictates that I require a less sporty bike. Soon to be 63, the retro style bikes and the history that accompany's them really appeals to me. Thanks again for your views regarding this bike mate, I really appreciate it. Stay safe.

[@NothingToProve]

Thanks Andrew, yea, sell the VFR and get this, I was so comfortable and so relaxed on this that I forgot that I'm only 54 and not 60+ and wanted this bike but I think I'd take the Speed twin over this, simply cause of the upgrades they did to the speed twin this year. But and this is a big but I have not ridden the speed as of yet, hope to soon! take care, Scott

[@horspiste]

So the Speed Twin is 20kg lighter, is more powerful and costs about the same. What am I missing?

[@NothingToProve]

Yea, I'd take the Speed Twin over this in a heart beat. :)

[@chuckwalksdogs]

Ergo is a bit different between the two

[@josephfelder33]

T120 is more comfortable for the rider, and especially more comfortable for the passenger and has more space for bags if you plan on mounting. The upswept exhaust of the ST moves the passenger pegs and rear geometry. So the ST is sportier, and the T120 is a better distance and 2 up bike.

[@pistolpete6321]

I owned a T120 for a few years and loved it, wonderful motorcycle! Great review!

[@louislopez55]

So you still have to remove the mufflers to remove the back wheel? And if you want to torque the nut on the rear axle after adjusting the chain you probably also need to remove a muffler? The pain of ownership for the sake of style.

[@asacarrick1440]

No you don't! Loosen the rear suspension springs, swing them up from the bottom and the wheel's in your hands. Bit tricky on refit, you need a block to rest the wheel on while you line it up

[@ferociousfrankie]

Speed Twin and Z900RS are still class leaders. CB 1100 is the best looking bike out of all of them.

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Cb1100 is a lovely bike and I would argue better made than almost anything out there.

[@asacarrick1440]

The Honda has a much heavier feel

[@giumbolorossonero]

I owned the previous m.y. and riding it was a real pleasure: they introduced all the stuff, features and devices that the 865 EFI owners had been requesting for years. I'm sure they improved this new m.y. further. Just one remark: they saved weight, ok, but they also don't highlight that this 2021 m.y. is sold without grab rail and, most of all, without the central stand. They both were present as stock in the previous version: this saves weight along with the aluminium rims. Just for the transparency sake.

[@tsmgguy]

The weight reduction is pretty impressive until you consider that most of it is due to the deletion of the center stand and low grab bar. These were standard equipment until the 2021 model year. Grip heat was also dropped.

[@frankpellegrino7448]

The biggest problem with the Bonneville is tubed tires and garbage Pirelli tires. No one really wants to sit by the side of the road for three hours waiting for a tow truck. The tires are so soft that hardly any small object will cause a puncture. I’ve gotten more flats in 4000 miles on my Bonny than on all the other bikes I have ever owned. They didn’t fix that.

[@masongoss4615]

I had the same tyres on a Yamaha XSR700 and they really are bad. The bike was transformed when I binned them and put some decent rubber on. Would be the first thing to change on the Bonny for me. 👍

[@toltod]

Still no tubeless wheels? That would also reduce weight.

[@dadmadforgot4050]

@@speedtwin1610 yeah… speaks volumes about the company IMO

[@johnmartin7158]

@@speedtwin1610 Yes and no. It is also where the bike loses weight that matters. Fly wheel dept. and rims and re designed motor helps with the perception of weight loss. There are a quite a few changes to this model.

[@olansp]

thanks for this review, Scott. I have tested the speed twin and do not understand why you should buy the T 120?

[@arminsalmen7542]

Ergonomics. Different leg angle.

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

Ergonomics, slightly beefier feel, less heat from the engine, lower compression so more long-term reliable, lower insurance, more retro looks, chrome pipes (not 'bronzed', spoked wheels, comfier seat...

[@WillyR659]

Not really interested in this bike but i love and watch all of your reviews. Excellent

[@alexmorgan3435]

To me the stand out bike of your table is the Kawasaki Z900RS. And in the new colour schemes for 2022 is very attractive. Might also consider the Speed Twin but for me it would be the Z900RS.

[@HaggisPower]

But, it’s a whiny 4..

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@HaggisPower Are you for real? A silky smooth in-line 4 rather than an asthmatic slower larger heavier 1200cc thumper engine which produces less power than the better looking Z900RS. But if you like it, go for it.

[@HaggisPower]

@@alexmorgan3435 Sorry, never been attracted to 4's. Sure, they go well, but have no soul.

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@HaggisPower Yeah right.

[@enriquecolin28]

Both are great bikes in my opinion, however in my country the Z900RS is about 17% more expensive than the Bonnie.

[@GazVanDyk]

Love your performance charts.

[@johancoes6984]

But what about gearbox problems. You speak highly about gearbox engine combination,but what about a lot of liquid cooled ones having trouble shifting or can’t shift at all. Is that solved? I’d like to know. Otherwise good video. Grüsse 49828

That break disk is so Fugly... it kills it for me. :/ even the original THruxton had them... it is horrible.

[@robertducharme2305]

I agree. Brake disc on T100 looks so much better.

[@hughowens]

I'm looking for nice condition speed twin for this summer or t120

[@Supernova12034]

Scott, your voice is so soothing, I could hear you in my sleep last night reviewing bikes

[@hawkwood6405]

that sounds a little creepy

[@Supernova12034]

@@hawkwood6405 motorcycles are never creepy

[@thelegendarysweendog3171]

Two thumbs up boom boom lol

[@scottburton68]

Thanks Scott, another great review. How would you compare the T120 to the Motoguzzi V7 Stone in terms of a weekend rider for some fun and day trip?

[@NothingToProve]

Hmm...interesting question, both have their quirks and both have pros and cons. Both will do daily/weekend trips but no further than that. I really don't know, I think I'd take the V9 bobber! :)

[@whiterabbitt2002]

@@NothingToProve I rode a Honda CB125 cross country (Washington DC to Kansas City. just saying

[@Topher7527]

I'm jealous. Cruise control isn't even an option for my Thruxton RS.

[@beetleything1864]

To me 1200 cc is huge and expensive on insurance here in Canada. I love the look and feel of Triumphs but why cannot the engine be 999 or 1099 plenty manufactered bikes get plenty BPh at that cc

[@chuckwalksdogs]

I'm in Toronto and insurance isn't that bad on my T120

[@enriquecolin28]

...Perhaps the Street Twin is for you. Stylish, 900 cc...

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

@@enriquecolin28 Or T100 if you want the same style..

[@DavidSmith-ve5kj]

Can anyone tell me about the American T120’s lighting. On the Eruo bikes have 3 headlight modes, high beam, low and DRL. MY American 2019 T120 has ONLY high and low beams and DRL is on in both modes but not alone.

[@xtrythis1170]

You definitely should try to get your hands on a 2020 to 2021 Kawasaki W800. No comparison in the performance department but as far as looks and feel I'd love to hear your opinion on it. My father just bought one and is so excited about it!

[@marcelcoenen1437]

Scott, excellent overview with many technical and „feeling“ details. I was wondering if the (lighter) motor/ the crankshaft really belong to the unspring masses? The aluminium wheels - of course!

[@pedromiguelareias]

«moving» masses, perhaps, or «reciprocating» masses. Still, he's one of the best reviewers.

[@marcelcoenen1437]

@@pedromiguelareias That‘s for sure!

[@iancarnell5020]

You didn't deal with the elephant in the room. Triumph have experienced gearbox failures on the early T120s. I understand the latest models have been fixed. The early T120s also had poor suspension.

[@jamesjkmorrison7355]

Dropped my K4 750 downtown one day ,luckily it was on the left side since the 4 into 1 tuned headers were on the opposite side, lucky me .Oh and whoever that man was behind me that helped me pick it back up THANK YOU A THOUSAND TIMES

[@humanbeing1675]

T 120 is on my list. Wish they had changed the front brake disks. Never liked that "wavy" design... (yes, just my personal taste and a minor point😉).

[@cbrider6267]

They have addressed all shortcomings from 2020 model but one: tube type tires. I wish that I could afford to trade in my 2020 T120 for 2021 model. BTW, to me brakes on 2020 model are perfectly fine.

[@hughowens]

This summer this or speed twin.

[@martincolin6445]

Yes much improved... centre stand gone, heated grips gone, seat grab rail gone...

[@NothingToProve]

And LIGHTER too because... 🤣🤣🤣

[@jamesjkmorrison7355]

You would definitely be screwed if you accidentally dropped it probably some crash bar's just to be on the safe side

[@japa6987]

Voltage regler is now hiden behind radiator, that is no good ... but i love my t120 2021

[@michaelkaufman9625]

I'm swayed towards the T120 and away from the Kaw. Z900rs.

[@mindspinn311]

I’m very tempted by the 2022 updates and refinements. I’ve wanted one of these since 2014 before this 1200 water cooled version ever existed. Yet, the NC750X is equally tempting for its own improvements and unbeatable practicality.

[@michaelevans1658]

Good review as always Scott.

[@N-SOJU]

Please review the new Kawasaki W800, or better the Meguro k3 if you're able to find one!!

[@jamesludwig9089]

What year are you comparing the 2021 to? Last year? Or a much older version?

[@Theophilus1968]

Would you buy it over the street twin for a all-rounder? Thanks for your thoughts.

[@NothingToProve]

Yes 👍😁

[@Theophilus1968]

@@NothingToProve thank you. Last question (🤔😂), would you buy it over the new Moto Guzzi V7?

[@NothingToProve]

@@Theophilus1968 Yes cause the V7 does not give me enough leg room and this does 👍

[@toradog5719]

I matriculated from Harley's to Triumph and haven't looked back. The integrity of the bike is exceptional. Very rider friendly, undramatic, but with a smooth, strong pull. I just like everything about it.

[@NothingToProve]

Agreed! I loved riding it. Enjoy it, take care, Scott

[@davidbealing454]

Bought one, nice agile bike but suspension and stock Pirelli Phantoms replaced under 500 miles.

[@NothingToProve]

Yea, I agree with you, it's sad that they put the Phantoms on them for "looks". If I were going to buy this bike, I would probably try to force the dealer to put different tires on it before taking delivery of the bike. Don't know if that'd be a successful endeavor though. 😒😥

[@franzb69]

the t120 costs almost 20k usd in my country. prices are retarded for european bikes here. i would have bought a triumph if these bikes weren't so damn overpriced. i went for a japanese bike instead. only overpriced by like 4k usd. lol

[@johnmartin7158]

I have to admit you make valid points Franz. NZ

[@playonwords55]

What’s your country?

[@c.g.c2067]

All I can say is that it simply looks beautiful

[@carlberg6918]

Thanks for showing that chart Scott. One thing I wish Triumph had put on. 1 Centre stand, 2 Change Cruise control for Heated grips and Grab Rail. But its personal choice.

[@NothingToProve]

Yea, the main thing they did was make the center stand optional, whereas last year it was standard...sigh. 😒

[@ulaskvlcm]

Street Twin, T 120 or SpeedTwin?

[@NothingToProve]

Just rode the Speed Twin yesterday and made a video of it, will be up next week. Have not ridden the new Street Twin as of yet. But I think as I get older I'm leaning more towards the T120 👍😁

[@Momfasa]

Wow, looks awesome! Great video!!

[@markb3180]

I own a euro 4 T120 and it is the best bike I've ever owned! The euro 5 model appears to have made it even better, got me thinking now shall I go take a test ride! Cheers Scott.

[@NothingToProve]

Yea, I've ridden your bike and this is on another level, Triumph did a very good job with the updates. The problem is that if you do a test ride on the new one, don't take any money or forms of payment with you cause you'll want to put money down on a new one 😒 ride safe, Scott

[@markb3180]

@@NothingToProve Yes probably!!!

[@overkillnick1003]

Love your reviews….thanks.

[@jamesmegill]

I appreciate the premium brands stepping up.

[@twobeagles1365]

I love the new gauges !!

[@fasthracing]

Its a Thaiumph

[@grantkokich6906]

Detailed review.

[@augustindecember7221]

Where is Honda CB 1100 RS :)?

[@NothingToProve]

I only put current bikes being sold on the list.

[@augustindecember7221]

​@@NothingToProve OK :) I'm from PL. You can still buy this model in Poland. Thanks for all the reviews:)

[@Rapunzel879]

Great review.

[@DavidSmith-ve5kj]

Why did they drop heated grips ?

[@5150bwagner]

$$

[@stephenchapman8344]

👍

[@ronaldvanveen7666]

Wow great v.American clear voice ,no British voice.I was able to hear the motor clearly, no wind sound..This is a great informative vidio..Boom,Boon, u hit all the important points dude.I never rode a motorcycle.I want this model and yr T120 2021...Ron from L.A,Calif

[@NickelStee1]

I like your review. I want to put this out there... Say you teleported from the 40's 50's 60's, would you want this bike or a SPEED TWIN? Think on it.. I would bet it would be the looks WITH the performance, and at the same price.....The T120 is beautiful, but you could buy an RE if the looks really mattered to you and save some money for booze.

[@NothingToProve]

I think I'd take this, period. All the things that I criticized in the previous gen, Triumph fixed. :)

[@NickelStee1]

@@NothingToProve thanks again. Glad to hear your thoughts on the subject.