Triumph T120 is it right for you? The perfect bike? Is it a bike you should be buying?

[@ivor1957]

Issues with my Triumph - email received from Triumph say 'DO NOT RIDE YOUR BIKE'. That was three weeks ago, still waiting for it to be sorted.

[@bankruptpensioner]

That's not great news Ivor, where are you based? I am happy to give trying for ring to see what's happening.👍

[@fleshpie2129]

I recently went from 2019 ZX6-R Ninja to 2019 T120 and love it. T120 is fast enough and it looks just awesome

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Flesh 👍, well done on the choice of bike. I find the T120 just gets better and better the more you ride. A keeper for sure 👍

[@madbadger85]

If my bike cost £800 to service it I’d get rid, bikes are too expensive these days and service costs are just stupid. Had my zx10r since 2005 and I only change the oil and filter once a year, valve clearances check 3 times in its life (37000miles) and 3 sets of spark plugs, most I ever paid for a service was 140 quid for valvle clearances check. None has ever needed adjustment. Modern bikes to complex now.

[@bankruptpensioner]

It is just too expensive. We (the Royal we) appear to have lots of available money. That said, I know many that do not perform the first valve check and when they come to the second, it still does not require shims. Food for thought maybe

[@togglehead9738]

@@bankruptpensioner I did valve check early myself at 10k on my Thruxton and was out of spec, so you never know unless you check, cost me nothing bar shims.

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

I love my 2017 T120 and really enjoyed touring on it. I used the Lomo bags and they were superb and amazing value. I couldn't bring myself to put a top box on (I like the looks of it without) so I used the Lomo drybag on the back seat which worked for me.

[@GrumpyGarry121]

I just bought one. Last bike was the trident really short geared….. driving the t120 from the garage was really weird with the long gearing.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hey Garry, I assure you, it's just going to get better and better. First and second are really long. Town work, you only need first and second but on a bigger ride in the countryside, the gearbox rations on the T120 are so good. Well done on the new bike 👍

[@itsthebandit2977]

Got mine yesterday 68 miles in and absolutely love it

[@bankruptpensioner]

Congratulations on your purchase of a beautiful well balanced bike 👍. Like me, I think every time you ride her, she will get better and better 👍

[@nickneale1]

I have a 2019 T120 which will soon go to the dealer for its 20,000 mile service… this is the big one and will cost about £800 ..I did think about trading it in but it’s such a beautiful bike that I decided to have that service and keep it for at least another year. I don’t have cruise control but have a centre stand and heated grips which are fantastic…I have the king and queen seat which I would recommend for extra comfort and bar end mirrors… a beautiful bike with loads of torque and such a great looker….a fantastic machine…enjoy Austria…I’m very jealous !

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Nick, so your 2019 bike is out of warranty. That's the start. Instead of spending 800 on the big service (which includes the valve check), you might want to try performing the service yourself?? I suspect the gaps on the values will be fine but if the shims do need to be replaced, this is not a major task. You could forget the valve check right now and enjoy the bike for the current season. Then, in the upcoming winter, perform the valve check yourself when you may not be riding the bike. Just a thought. Plenty of support on KZbin for this work. Just takes time and patience. Assuming you do not have the tools to perform this work, the the 800 budget would easily pay for this. Could you bring the bike in the house to perform this work?? Rather than a cold garage??? Thoughts?

[@youcantbeserious7821]

I threw money at the Triumph dealership during the 2016 launch event for the T120 Black. Just shy of 22k miles on it and I just spent the last 3 months replacing the rectifier, stator, and master harness. After having it sit at the dealership for two and a half months waiting for parts from Triumph, I ended up doing all the work myself, in less than a day, using used parts from eBay. Dealership cost roughly 2k USD with labor, my cost 400 USD and about 6 hours of my time. No complaints about changing out the rectifier and to a lesser extent the stator since I've ridden this motorcycle all over the US and to work most days - but the master harness ticks me off. Wires should not just pull off the connectors - just bad design to not have the appropriate amount of slack on parts that move. Obviously not covered by Triumph with any kind of 'goodwill warranty'... I still love the bike now that I'm back on it again, but throwing in a bit of 'buyer beware' if you're really going to ride it.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Wow, that is interesting. Just shows how you can quickly fix the issue yourself if you know what you are doing and what parts need to be replaced. I am a bit saddened that the master harness failed at 22k miles. It shouldn't do that surely??

[@thierrygoli4271]

I own a T100 which I love. I dont miss a sixth gear and extra power because of the excess of wind pressure above 100 kmh. With de 3000 euros saved, I can ride out in town and have thousands of coffees

[@bankruptpensioner]

you are right, and thanks for the comment. Up to now, I have had five 865's mostly being the SE model. Brilliant bike. Can't fault the bikes. Never, ever, had a problem on all of them. That said, I did look after them well 👍

[@toddsegalpsychicdetectivea1578]

I recently traded in my naked sport bike for a t- 120. I spent three years coping with back and leg pain from my sport bike but no more. I absolutely love this bike and I also own a street scrambler. Now I am quite comfortable and can take a ride longer than an hour.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Well done Todd. At least the bills for the chiropractor will reduce 😆. Great choice of bike is the T120 👍

[@toddsegalpsychicdetectivea1578]

And reduced therapist costs. Now I can remain crazy 🤪 on two wheels instead of exposing it to family and friends.

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@toddsegalpsychicdetectivea1578 that is..........the right approach 😆👍

[@calemuffley8304]

I recently got one, loving it. she rips around no problem and is very comfortable. Only thing, I don't really like the aftermarket pipes I'm finding.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Well done Cale on your purchase. Great bike and it's just getting better and better for me. I am still on the standard pipes and to be fair, I think they are just great. Causes attention, but the smiling kind of attention 😆

[@AndrewSmalley-zo9sh]

Personally I'd go with a scottoiler. I fitted one to my T120. Works a treat especially on longer runs. I've got the new electronic version. Easy install and fits perfectly on the rear left frame diagonal upright. Recommended sir!

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Andrew, I set off for Austria tomorrow. Unfortunately, I have not had time to fit my scottoiler. I too have the electric one and it worked perfectly on my Tiger 900. I do need to fit it to the T120 but will have to suffice with a spray can whilst in Europe😬

[@jamesharris9163]

Hi Richard purchased my t120 new in 2018 done a few personal mod , it’s a keeper

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi James, this bike is just getting better and better as I ride it. Austria in June 😆

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi James, this bike is just getting better and better as I ride it. Austria in June 😆

[@Mraquaman1986]

Very nice bike I saw it personally from the dealership, the only reason not to own at this time is the price very dear here it cost 920k Philippine Peso

[@bankruptpensioner]

They are expensive Aqua 👍. But, second hand they can be great value for money. I assume the type of person that buys the T120 is the kind of guy that does look after it 👍

[@jothirs8067]

I too own a Bonneville T120 & I am enjoying it 🙏🏻🦾✌️

[@bankruptpensioner]

it's..............a great machine !!!!

[@richieford3176]

Great vid , appreciate the effort , very interesting and informative 👍🏼

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks Richie 👍

[@jacksonpauljackson2557]

Great video and conten new sub lm a none rider just like bikes never had one 😅

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks for the comment, Jackson. And thank you for the sub. Maybe now is the time to think about getting a bike. And why not, you've probably worked hard and deserve something new.👍😆. I assure you, you will have a great time.

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

£800! For it's mot my Honda crv needed, new brakes all round, new rear exhaust, welding and various other stuff, had it serviced too £830.....l'd like a Bonneville some time but l'd pay £5k tops & go nowhere near a Triumph dealer. Lovely bike. 👍

[@kennethbarkald]

19.000km on mine since April. Awesome bike

[@bankruptpensioner]

Well done. That's a lot of Kms for such a short time period. I am curious, how is the gearbox? Any problems?

[@kennethbarkald]

​@@bankruptpensioner i haven't had any problems whatsoever with the bike.

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@kennethbarkald That's great news. 👍

[@velocettektt]

I bought a second hand one a couple of years ago when I had some sort of mental aberration. I never liked it. Sold it again within weeks. Everything said here about riding it is true. But a great, lardy, hugely complex, marketing mans pastiche of an old Triumph really was not my thing at all. .But then my favourite bike is a 1950s AJS 500 twin, so I guess that says it all really. I have one modern bike, a Royal Enfield Himalayan which I do like. A nice simple low cost single that I can service myself with ease.

[@bankruptpensioner]

I can understand that. We are all different and that's a good thing. The AJS sounds wonderful, a proper motorcycle 👍. The RE is a great bike. I sat on the new 450 the other day. I was surprised how hard it was to get of the side stand but I guess that's something one gets used to. Great time tested machine 👍

[@TriumphantTraveller]

I love mine (its a '22), it does everything i want. Like yourself i have no issues with the stock mirrors. I also find the stock suspension is workable even for the heavier guys like me. My only negative is the difficulty in chain maintenance due to the peashooters but it is a very minor issue really.

[@bankruptpensioner]

It's just betting better and better. Only a couple of small issues and would to know your thoughts. 1, the indicator button: when wearing thin gloves, when cancelling an indication, the button feels a little sharp. 2, Cruise, I have to arm the cruise before using it. Seems very strange. Once armed no problem. I see no reason to have to press the cruise button to arm the system. 3, The handle bars have very little real estate to mount stuff such as navigation, cameras etc. Thoughts?

[@TriumphantTraveller]

@@bankruptpensioner I haven't really noticed the indicator button issue. I do find it a little small at times as i have quite large hands though. I think I get what you say about the cruise, press once to turn it on and then again to set speed, its sort of how a lot of car cruise control works so i had never really thought about it. I do agree about the lack of space on the bars, I have managed to squeeze on a quadlock mount but i am not happy as i cant get it where the phone is not at an angle. Other than that there is space for a couple of jaw clamps one each side but not a lot else, you are right.

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@TriumphantTraveller These are really small issues, and I guess to keep the looks, the handle bars nod back to the 60s and 70s which is great. Another niggle, the USB is under the seat. No real use there for daily use. It is 2024 and pushing that socket to one of the controls at the handle bar ends would have been great. I guess, based on the law of averages, most riders just bimble around on this type of bike (which is fine). But I am taking the bike to Austria in June so real estate and power at the handle bars would be useful. That said, we can always go back to basics, which is the fun part. I too find the quad lock at a slight angle. I will need to fit my TomTom rider for Austria and this will give more flex on the unlimited angles available I guess. Food for thought 😆

[@TriumphantTraveller]

@@bankruptpensioner I have been considering a quadlock mirror mount or the new brake fluid mount to see if they give a better angle. Yeah, agree about the usb, totally pointless under there

[@conrad152]

Excellent review of the T120, it's such a beautiful bike, enjoy your trip to Austria. It will be interesting to get your opinion of the T120 as a touring bike.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Conrad, take at look at the later video after Austria: kzbin.info/www/bejne/maG2dnhrpdNjp9U

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Hi morning great bike and video one of what I’m looking at I wish it was 2004 as you said 😂😂 and the prices were 2004 I’d buy 6 bikes but fast forward 20yrs and I can only afford 2 really and it might just be the t120 takes me back to the late 70’s anyway ride safe take care 👋

[@ColSnders]

As much as I enjoy your English countyside video, I'm really looking forward to following you on the upcoming Austria trip - and your longer term owner experience with the T120. Cheers from Alabama

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Geoff, just returned from Austria after riding 2700 miles over 12 days. More to come on that in the very near future 👍

[@lauriebloggs8391]

It is indeed a lovely bike, and you summarise it well. However, I think the suspension for a premium bike is poor, in particular, the FRONT. It can get very excitable, but have swapped the non progressive OE springs for some (TEC) progressive ones (very easy to do), the front end is much improved . Also fitted a Tutoro chain oiler, much cheaper and simpler than the Scottoiler and works very well. A bike for riding, indeed.........

[@bankruptpensioner]

Some great ideas Laurie. I have a scottoiler from the sold Tiger 900. I should fit it and will do when I get back from the ride in Europe. Btw, the T120 is acting great as a tourer. Currently in Austria 👍

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@bankruptpensioner That sounds fabulous!!! Was looking for someone to join me for a short trip to France this year, but all my bike riding friends are falling by the wayside....(not literally!!) I love the idea of a longer trip on a Bonnie.........

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@bankruptpensioner Sounds fabulous!!! Would love to do a longer trip on the Bonnie, (a short trip to Normandy) but all my bike riding friends are dropping by the wayside ........not literally!!!

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@lauriebloggs8391 Where you based Laurie, we can arrange a ride in the UK for a starter??

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@bankruptpensioner Oh wow! East Anglia? South Suffolk ..........???

[@DexterDexter123]

i really want to do austria. look fwd to your posts

[@bankruptpensioner]

It's coming, soooooon 😆

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Nice bimble Richard around some wonderful countryside. You really love that bike don't you ?

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Ian, she is a winner I am sure. First service completed yesterday. I only had to pay for the oil and the oil filter - £82. An OEM filter costs no more than £10 - meaning the liquid gold oil cost £72. Thoughts on that?

[@mum-0217]

She really is a super machine Richard. I think I said before, I do like the two tone colour scheme on the tank and all that economy your getting, what is there not to like?

[@bankruptpensioner]

She just gets better and better as I ride her. Looking forward to taking her to Austria in June, that should be fun

[@thomasbuckley34]

Another great video. I will be interested to see how you find the bike when you put a screen on it. I have a GT Pro 900 which as you know has a screen which does give great wind protection when on the motorway. I am looking at the Bonnie at some time in the future so I will be keenly watching your videos, keep them coming and thanks.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks Thomas. I missed out on a great screen from eBay. So I shall have to look further. The ride to Austria in June only has motorway for the UK and then one hour from Calais to Bethune. All other roads will be A and B roads. I am tempted to dump the idea of the screen for this trip to understand if I can get away from the need of a screen. More thought required 😆

[@hogwylde]

What is the yellow light on the dash? Is that a warning light? Never mind, you answered my question 10 seconds later 😅

[@bankruptpensioner]

😆

[@seanconnell2065]

Beautiful video- thank you.

[@bankruptpensioner]

thanks Sean 👍

[@paulchambers2296]

Great video, I so want to get a T120.

[@bankruptpensioner]

more vids on the T120 coming Paul 👍

[@user-fv1576]

Tubed or Tubeless tyres ? Btw , you said May 2004 😊time machine. Great video 👍🏻

[@bankruptpensioner]

Tubed - but, and this is a wild assumption - I assume the tubes have progressed like the tyres ????? Not sure on that one 😆

[@malcolmtaylor3231]

Morning Richard, great video, enjoyed the ride out with you, some narrow lanes I see with plenty mud to contend with. Look forward to the next video. The bike looks and sounds great 👍

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks Malcolm 👍

[@uncaring77]

If it had tubeless tyres I would buy one tomorrow 😢

[@bankruptpensioner]

That is a good point. My trip to Austria in June means - I need to order spare tubes and carry them across Europe. Mmmmm

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

I see that comment a lot, no offence intended but l've been biking 40 years, most of that time on spoked wheels, l've toured all over Europe too and not had 1 puncture. Since the advent of slime l'm not expecting a problem anytime soon.

[@uncaring77]

@@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 Glad it works for you and clearly alot of people as the bikes popularity proves, I have been riding 3 years and already had 2 screws in my tyres so guess it comes down to luck.

[@togglehead9738]

@@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 you're lucky, got a puncture 1 month after buying my Thruxton , slime wouldn't of helped, tube split, bent the valve stem and rapid deflation, scary, went tubeless after that, much much safer.

[@paulchambers2296]

Me too👍

[@albertsanchez8007]

Thanks!

[@bankruptpensioner]

Welcome!

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks ever so Albert for the super thanks, you are the first and, this is very much appreciated.

[@paulchambers2296]

Maybe too soon but do you miss the Tiger 900? I had a Tiger 900 but felt the gearing was wrong, seems to rev too high sat at 60/70 on a dual carriageway or motorway plus the vibes from the triple!

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Paul, good question, and yes I do miss the Tiger, great bike. The problem is me, not the bike. It's an age thing and the limitations of the garage I have. The T120 is just easier for me to man handle around the garage and the thin drive etc etc. Both bikes are great - it's just me getting older 😆

[@HdtvTh]

My only problem with Triumph is that they don't make a more accurate replica, carbureted and no electronic aids.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Ahhh.....the modern world dictates I guess 😥

[@jeremykeller211]

The veteran bikers I know would not allow anyone but themselves to work on their bike. Likewise, they would not buy a bike that weighs over 400 lbs, no matter how cute it looks. They know how weight affects handling.

[@bankruptpensioner]

That's a good point Jeremy. Especially the weight element. Sad to see that the younger generation do not appear to want to work on their machines, just send it in to the dealer. Maybe this is just a UK thing. Some young ones do, but most do not.

[@michaelcomerford5509]

Fantastic Bike

[@bankruptpensioner]

It is 😆

[@itssyedfazal]

I’m 25 I have T120 Before this I had Thruxton 900 Before that bullet 350 Electra

[@bankruptpensioner]

I wish I was 25 again 😆

[@vincesacca5025]

Are the transmission issues on these T-120 bikes resolved?

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Vince, I assume they have. Not sure how many bikes had the issue as a % but i have had no issues with my gear box. That said, only 4000 miles to date 😆

[@vincesacca5025]

@@bankruptpensioner please keep me informed if you have any issues. I want a T-120 but I keep finding issues with different year models that are just a few years old. I hope your bike gives you smiles after miles.

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@vincesacca5025 Don't worry Vince, if I have a problem, you will be the first to know 👍

[@raffaelecalandrella6788]

I got a speed twin 1200. How would you compare to the t120?

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Raffaele, the speed twin is a great bike, what I would call a hooligan bike (just like my Yamaha RD350YPS). But the T120 and the speed twin are completely different bikes. The speed twin has a completely different mapping allowing the 1200 engine to become a real sports engine. With that racing performance comes racing numbers. 45 miles per gallon where as the T120 does 65 miles per gallon. The T120 is a simpler machine where as the speed twin is much more performance focused. I suspect the speed twin is a great fun bike to ride ❤. Is that a fare comparison?

[@raffaelecalandrella6788]

@@bankruptpensioner​​⁠I can say that you’re right on the sporty soul of the speed twin that makes it really fun driving it. I was in doubt with the t120 just because I do both solo ride and small trip with my girlfriend and for those ones the t120 would probably be a better fit (also in terms of available accessories). I ended up with the speed twin because it’s so fun to drive but also allows for a quiet ride if you adapt your driving style. I feel like going with the t120 I would have won anyway, since it seems less sporty but still enjoyable (with great torque at low rpm)

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@raffaelecalandrella6788 my advice, while you can (😆), you stay with the speed twin. Enjoy the power and speed until you get a bit older 😆. Then you can enjoy the beauty of the T120

[@worldofameiso5491]

Before you tell people what the controls do, at least learn them correctly. The grey switch on the left hand cluster is not for daylight running and dip beam - it is for dipped and main beam. The button on the front of the controls is for a main beam flash.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi, actually, I am absolutely correct. Most Triumph in the 2023 and beyond range use the buttons as I stated. Personally, I think its the wrong way as when the button is on dip, you cannot easily flash with the high beam - however, flashing with the high beam in the UK now commands a £1000 fine 😬

[@lauriebloggs8391]

(re worldoffamemeiso5491) I'm sorry, but I think you are mistaken.

[@buddhastaxi666]

Test

[@garethlipyeart6520]

too quiet,my t140d with peashooters puts this to shame .

[@bankruptpensioner]

I know what you mean Gareth - she is very quiet. Maybe a custom set of pipes could cure that??? What do you recommend?

[@olavius771]

I've ordered some exhausts from mass moto in Italy. Not so expensive, very light and much better sounding. Stainless steel polished, satin or black ceramic. 😉👍

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@olavius771 just had a look at Mass Moto - great prices 👍