Triumph Bonneville T100 vs T120 - a short test ride...

Having lauded my enthusiasm for my Royal Enfield Meteor 350 on social media for the past year or so, the time has come for me to swallow my pride and admit I got dragged along with the mass hysteria of this new, very pretty bike and that it is not quite all it seems particularly when it comes to the safety aspects of performance.
The Meteor is an excellent back lanes bike and you might think it would be ok to occasionally hit the highway, but it struggles to get to 70mph (110kph). On a flat road it took 11 seconds for the bike to get from 60mph to 70mph and, when it comes to safety, thats not good?
My requirements, at my age are getting my leg over and not too heavy to push around the garage. Ended up looking at the Triumph Bonneville - checked could get my leg over so tested the T100 and the T120 back to back.
You see my conclusions here !
RobLittleUK

[@moto.avalon]

Really good video and its a very tough choice. I previously had a Thruxton 900 and traded up for a T120. It was the 6th gear and motorway miles that made the decision for me. The extra torque makes real-world riding very fun, and famous last words, but I can't imagine wanting anything more.

[@RobLittleuk]

Perhaps a thunderbird or a rocket 😃

[@YouMotorcycle]

"Sounds like a Triumph should" how so? Isn't it a 270 degree crank firing vs the traditional Triumph 360 degree crank?

[@michaelburgess2993]

I think the T100 will suit you for your needs Rob. It’s got the similar looks of the Meteor but the added power with no restrictions will be more to your liking. Looking forward to riding out with you ( in the distance😊)

[@RobLittleuk]

Ha ha 👍

[@multitrubshaw]

I prefer the blacked out engine, brushed exhaust, single riding mode, black rims, lighter weight and 5 gears….so mine is turning up this week!!!! Bring on the sunshine.

[@RobLittleuk]

Yep the black is lovely but I like the authentic look albeit I had to have what was available!! Thanks for your comment and yes, spring is coming we hope!

[@asacarrick1385]

I fkg hate the way they're blacking out the beautiful detail Edward Turner put into these bikes they look as exciting as a lump of coal

[@anthonybrunt181]

Bought a Meteor 350 last year and swapped it for a T100 after 8 months. Went for a Gold line 22 MY unregistered, delivery miles from Triumph Birmingham West (Streetbike). Pleasant people to deal with.

[@adolfonovelli3320]

One more difference the tank badge!!! 😮 Good Job!

[@RobLittleuk]

Never even noticed that !!

[@bambalam9170]

A tough choice but it makes a lot of sense…with the cash you didn’t spend on the T120 you could get a centre stand, beef up the suspension and still have change for a bag of chips!

[@RobLittleuk]

I did add a centre stand and cruise control !

[@Richard-pe4cx]

i test rode the T100 , the street twin with the bremo brake and the T120 i have a T120 and i love it its the one for me ; i got an earlier model with center stand heated grips extended front mud gaurd and you get a grab rail very useful getting it onto center stand

[@RobLittleuk]

Thanks Richard for your comment - in truth they are much of a muchness I am perfectly happy with the 900. I have added a centre stand and cruise control. I’d have gone from the 120 but I would not have been able to get a new one until next April so…..

[@jefflambert8603]

What a Nice Decision to have to Make For me the weight would be the Tipping Point ..so it would be the T100 But i am sure you will be Very Happy With the Choice you have Made Farewell Meteor parting is such sweet sorrow ... as you Depart for Stratford upon. Avon 😭

[@RobLittleuk]

Indeed I feel another couple of videos taking shape

[@anthonybrunt181]

Good choice

[@RobLittleuk]

Very happy with mine - loved the Meteor except for a few niggles which got to me in the end. Had to endure some unpleasantness from the FB Meteor page..."oursouls" !!

[@fiucik1]

I'm a polish man living in the UK and what's funny is that T100 is cheaper in the UK while the T120 is cheaper in Poland. There's about 2300£ difference in price in UK, which I think is too much.

[@mrrmut57]

I subscribed because you chose the T100.

[@RobLittleuk]

The sensible choice but I am very excited!! Thanks for subscribing!

[@Wellin220365]

I have the T120 black edition 👍👍👍👍 excellent bike, comfortable to ride and plenty of power for me.

[@RobLittleuk]

Not too much difference in either in my opinion - in the end it came down to what was available !

[@scottroberts4551]

i went through the same analysis after realizing my Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 wasn't exactly what I was going for... i ended up choosing the Triumph T120 for the dual brakes. 6th gear (use it all the time), and tons of torque.

[@Flamster57]

Me too. No regrets!

[@RobLittleuk]

Well my other half persuaded me that as an old bloke i only need 900cc

[@johnmartin7158]

The T100 is kinda the sweet spot for the retros. Anyway I have the T120 myself.

[@RobLittleuk]

@@johnmartin7158 you….you….reprobate, you !! 😀

[@ameliopierotti1356]

It was a big dilemma for me to choose between the 2, in the end I went for the T100. I could add the cruise control and I find the braking system good enough for the bike. But the main reason, was the engine temperature! Here in Italy during the summer period, the temperature can go up to 35°C. Now with only 20°C I can feel already the temperature of the engine, someone told me that the T120 makes much more heat. I really didn't want to be burnt by my bike during the next hot summer. Very happy with my choice

[@RobLittleuk]

That was my thinking too - I also added the cruise control and the centre stand and being in England the bike keeps me warm 😅 thanks for your comment!

[@ameliopierotti1356]

@@RobLittleuk I also added it and other optionals too

[@volt8684]

So glad an honest person berates 350 RE.i am not the only one.

[@RobLittleuk]

I'm not sure I berated the Meteor - more incensed they restricted the speed to 72mph.....my XSR125 could give it a ruin for the money.

[@adolfonovelli3320]

I saw your video with interest but not sure between those or a BMW Nine Pure. As the latter looks better quality. Have you tried all of them? Thanks

[@RobLittleuk]

I am not a BMW man Adolfo - I appreciate your comment but not wishing to offend, while the BMW may arguably be of (even) better quality build, the difference is "cultural". There are those of us in the biking fraternity who say "There are BMW riders, there are Harley riders and there are REAL bikers"! Largely derived by the lack of acknowledgements on the road emanating from BMW and Harley riders to the rest of us. I also have another issue with BMW - they "bought" the Rover Group from the UK government for £1 and then stole Mini for themselves whilst dumping the rest of the business and those working in them. I am not the "forgive and forget" type I'm afraid.....a long explanation, sorry!

[@dlittlester]

I take it no whales were hurt in this test. 😉 I like the black engine cases better, but those twin Brembo brakes on the T120 are nice. The six speed might be a welcome addition at highway speeds. So yeah. my heart is also with the 120.

[@RobLittleuk]

But I am going with my head and buying the T100

[@dlittlester]

@@RobLittleuk I'm sure it's the right decision, and if it's not, you'll have another option.

[@SunofYork]

@@RobLittleuk If we used our heads we would stay single and buy a car

[@RobLittleuk]

@@SunofYork then thank goodness we are not sane 😁

[@Rolandmotocom]

Congrats on the wonderful bike you got!How is the bonding going?

[@RobLittleuk]

well Emanuel I have had the bike now for a little over a year and love it !

[@asacarrick1385]

128,000 Km in my 2017 T100....bit more than your 5000 write off figure...and it's going like a dream

[@RobLittleuk]

I think you didn’t spot my “tongue in cheek” sarcasm in that comment. If fairness many people want low miles when they buy a new bike but you have done 80k miles on yours and I am celebrating 30k mikes / 45k kilometres on my little 2-stroke YB100! We Brits are known for our dead pan sarcasm 😅

[@khairulbasher5705]

SUPER BIKE I LIKE IT I AAM FROM BANGLADESH

[@RobLittleuk]

Welcome ! Great to hear from you !

[@allans7281]

Wow this video got my attention. Just replaced my meteor with 2022 Bonnie t100. (Same color Gota a smokin year end deal) triumph made some good upgrades for 2022 I believe it’s 2021 in Europe . The “ rolex” of classics! Amazing bike i added a center stand- a must to do pre-ride tire checks etc

[@RobLittleuk]

I too opted for the T100 and the centre stand - I ended up with the red and cream. "The Rolex of Classics" - love that !!

[@allans7281]

@@RobLittleuk yeah the meteor 350 really is a good bike for many reasons but it does have its limitations

[@ChadWinters]

11 seconds seem very slow for the Meteor, I need to test mine, but after the run in and the DNA air filter and plate its a pretty linear power band up to 70MPH. I commute at 70 frequently I definitely feel it gets there quicker than that

[@RobLittleuk]

All I can say is you do the test but, then, you need to take account of the fact that I am a fat bastard and I had no tweaks in the performance with DNA etc. thanks for your comment.

[@eduardosilva7304]

Hi mate. I see you went for the more racional choice, the T100. I am also trying to decide which, and the fact that the 1200 has cruise control and some more grunt to it makes my heart, such like you, in the t120...despite the fact that it spends 0.4 liters more per 100km than the t100, but that's not too bad. Also a 6th gear. How are you getting along with yours? Are you disappointed with anything in particular? Cheers

[@RobLittleuk]

Well - giving you my answer after nearly a year of owning the T100,...forget the 6th gear, I added cruise control but not a sensible thing to do because this is not a bike that wants to go on the highway/. Extra fuel - who cares. Glad I chose the T100 though - perfect for the kin d of riding I do !

[@amywatters3828]

What was the deciding factor for you in the end? Was it cost?

[@RobLittleuk]

I don't think anyone has asked me that Amy! Very simple, actually. I was looking to buy in September 2022 and when I went to order a T120 I was told I was looking at an APRIL delivery date! So I looked around to see if I could find one and couldn't so found the T100 not far away and went for that. In truth there is really not that much between them. While the T120 has a little more umph (as if you need it...) it is less smooth on take off and top gear on both bikes is exactly the same ratio - I have since tested a T120 speed twin when mine was being serviced. Video to come in a few weeks. Thanks for your comment / question.

[@bikermc]

WELL 350 cc and 1200 isn't too much to compare

[@mirkorossi4865]

T100 good choice 👍🏻

[@RobLittleuk]

👍

[@jaysinhoffner2134]

I have a t100 2018 black I love the bike all sorts of aftermarket done to it xpipe k&n air filter b.c sleeper pros .....

[@RobLittleuk]

I opted for the T100 and happy with it but is in hibernation for winter 🥲thanks for your comment.

[@jaysinhoffner2134]

Mine doesn't get winterized....

[@RobLittleuk]

@@jaysinhoffner2134 well not sure where you are but I ride for pleasure and it’s not much fun riding in cold and drizzle with greasy salted roads - ok I’m a wimp

[@jaysinhoffner2134]

Pennsylvania for the moment we're quite warm but layers and gear always a plus guy.....

[@jaysinhoffner2134]

Goes a long way

[@ingoholtz3896]

First of all good luck with your T 100! However, am curious why you decided against the 120 and in particular against the cruse control? Also, I believe there is another difference between both. The T120 is equipped with LED front and tail lights while the T 100 with LED tail light only. Am I wrong? Best regards!

[@RobLittleuk]

Hi Ingo - in the time allowed I didn't have time to detail every single difference - I think you are right, though, on the LED lights. Why did I decide against the T120 - well at the time (Sept 22) I decided that having had all sorts of extreme machines in the past, that the T100 would suit me nicely - I don't often ride two-up. And in the meantime I have added a centre stand and cruise control so that answers that question? Hope this helps?

[@ingoholtz3896]

Hi Rob, thx for your quick reply. Very helpful. Didn’t know that cruise control is also available for the T100. The center stand would be also my first addition to the bike. Have a nice weekend!

[@RobLittleuk]

@@ingoholtz3896 Yep it was just an off the shelf addition - they just replace the switch unit with the indicators and horn and replace with one with the Cruise.....and a but more connecting up somewhere too I guess. You have a nice weekend too!!

[@asacarrick1385]

In 2022 Triumph removed the hitherto standard fitted centre stand and pillion gripper bar ....then announce a " lighter Bike '' 700 quid or so to fit them. Then they announced a range called '' Gold line " Every T100 and T120 has that gold line. Great bikes thanks to John Bloor but his son who now runs things is a greedy sod

[@carlbenstead5165]

@@asacarrick1385 The 2022 models also came fitted with alloy wheels not the steels on the older models. This took a lot of the weight off, and its unsprung weight so it benefits the steering/handling. Personally I have a 2017 T120 with 28k miles on it and love it !

[@snaketree11]

Sames story. I had a Meteor 8 months later I bought a T120.

[@RobLittleuk]

Snap !! Can't wait till Spring !!

[@snaketree11]

@@RobLittleuk I'm not waiting till spring, the heated grips work a treat lol

[@RobLittleuk]

@@snaketree11 I’m afraid I’m a wimp and me knees hurt when I’m cleaning!

[@GunCollector007]

I’m keeping my meteor and just added a t100

[@RobLittleuk]

You just have to be rich to do that - like you and me !! But I decided to spend the money on something else! Thanks for your comment!

[@greatkingrat]

I have a 2022 Interceptor 650 and a 2021 Bonneville T100. I got the T100 with 4000kms on it for a bargain. I lost faith in the RE due to blown gearbox at only 9000kms and constant false neutrals during its life so I bought the Triumph and will sell the RE.

[@RobLittleuk]

When I started reading that I thought "why would he have two such similar bikes".....but then read to the end.....sorry you had the problem with the Intercepter - the T100 is a great bike!

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

For me , the T-100 has everything to suit my needs . I like the Street Twin as well , but the classic design of the T-100 is just so appealing and timeless ! It’s more manageable than the T-120 as well .

[@RobLittleuk]

Exacly - I have now bought a T100 and love it !

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

@@RobLittleuk congrats on your Triumph ! A classy classic ! Ride safe and enjoy, I hope to see some more videos from you soon

[@RobLittleuk]

@@NorthwoodsNomad Once I perform the great unwrapping after the winter hiatus, there will certainly be some more videos - thanks for watching !

[@ronaldthomas9396]

T120 has much more frequent valve checks, a far more frequent breakdown record and is alaround less reliable!

[@RobLittleuk]

Didn’t know that - thanks !

[@alexanderirwin7271]

One thing on the T120 which is a turn off is the dummy carbs.

[@RobLittleuk]

Well I think they all have them - shame in a way

[@asacarrick1385]

They are RETRO bikes! That means they're styled on classic models. Are they dummy brakes cause they're not drums? Dummy light bulbs cause they're LED ...go and buy a suzuki

[@lauriebloggs8391]

You've got to be heavy handed to get the T120 down to less than 60 mpg average...........???? That takes effort!

[@RobLittleuk]

Thanks for your comment

[@bonwana2275]

2:38 A bike that has done 5000 miles is not worth having???? wow, that is a surprising statement.

[@RobLittleuk]

Ah but that is my ironic, sarcastic sense of humour!! All the same thanks for watching and for taking the trouble to comment. By the way my other bike is a 35 year old Yamaha YB100, original engine - which I rode around Ireland on last year if you take a look you will see the videos!!

[@geraldineold3641]

KAWASAKI W800 CLASIC ❤

[@RobLittleuk]

Nice bike but the 650 was the real deal!

[@paulegner7653]

T120 also has cruise control

[@RobLittleuk]

So does mine ! 😉

[@Trevor_Austin]

The difference between the two is going uphill, travelling two-up and the range of ‘grunt’. The T120 has more of everything, both going and stopping. You mentioned getting a 2nd hand bike. May I suggest a pre-Euro 5 model. The difference in the engine performance is negligible but you gain the following: Centre stand, heated grips, chromed cam covers, rear grab rail and chromed wheels. You can also de-cat the bike and fit an X-pipe. I have a T120. Whilst I don’t go silly I don’t hang around either and it still does an indicated 62 mpg. I suggest the bike you tested was very new and low mileage.

[@RobLittleuk]

Well rightly or wrongly a future video will show that I now have a “Big brother” (euro 5!!) T100 - I am pleased with it so had better not try a pre euro5 🤬

[@jeansealy3324]

Hi can tell me what the x pip does please

[@jeansealy3324]

Pipe

[@RobLittleuk]

@@jeansealy3324 Tobacco? Ganga?

[@RobLittleuk]

@@jeansealy3324 Best have a look on youTube -

[@jabjab1010]

My T120 has 10K miles and I’ve never had a problem. “Any bike with more than 5K miles isn’t worth having”. . .Sir, you are showing your age or lack of research. That being said, in England, speed limits are so low that the 120 would be overkill. Here in the states we need to go 70-80 regularly and the T120 can handle that much better.

[@RobLittleuk]

John thanks so much for your comment but you have got hold of the wrong end of the stick me ole mate! The comment about 5k miles was an expression of English sarcasm - I mean, sh1t, I have. 35 year old 2-stroke 100cc that took me round the coast of Ireland on June and that has 30k on the clock. Also you mention our speed limits - our National widely ignored limit is 70mph and we do not have the plethora of cops and state troopers hovering around to try to enforce it. Can’t imagine the boredom though, of riding hundreds of miles across featureless roads at 80mph. Come over and check out our roads John!

[@jabjab1010]

@@RobLittleuk Fair enough Rob. I’m sorry I didn’t pick up on the sarcasm! I would love to ride in England at some point. I agree that riding at 80 (or 70mph) is boring, but in this country , because of the size, you kind of have to ride long distance on interstates to change your scenery. From watching other popular English KZbinrs, I’ve been led to believe that smaller bikes are much more popular in England because most of the time, you guys are riding on roads with much reduced speeds making a large displacement bike not as necessary. My wife and I crossed the US many times on bikes, once her on a 450, whilst I was on a 1200. All was fine except on Interstates (which we avoided if possible) where the small bike really struggled. That all said, I love my T120, especially for the 6th gear. . .that I only use when going 60mph or higher. Thanks for you response! JAB

[@RobLittleuk]

@@jabjab1010 Hi John - just thought I'd continue the conversation briefly!! I have done 25 states and driven (car) about 30k miles in the US and I love to "feel" the size of the country. I always choose the small roads in preference to the highways for motorcycling and, actually, they are not always that much slower because our equivalent to your IS's carry a lot heavier traffic - its no fun. I am in a little group of mainly older guys riding small capacity engine bikes - usually from 50cc - 125cc although we are not prescriptive. We roar through the countryside at 35mph on a Sunday morning getting lots of amused looks from all those around!! And actually, we have found that the little bikes are just as much fun although, like the bigger bikes, the fun tends to start when you get off!!! This is only the second Triumph I have owned.....the first, a very oily Tiger Cub 200cc many years ago. You talking of riding across the US reminds me of a brilliant vacation my wife and I had when we rode to the Mediterranean on a 1600cc Intruder but even that kind of mileage is nothing for you guys! As a tour guide, the great thing about the UK is everything is close by,.....you can see three or four world class locations in a day here......and thats why your compatriots like to visit here!! Be safe and come visit one day!

[@FAF4567]

For long trips with two people, the T120 is better. It has 6 gears, more power.

[@RobLittleuk]

I agree but I rarely ride 2-up !

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@RobLittleuk 60 plus BHP was what 70's 750s were putting out, and I don't remember any complaints about lack of power with them? 🙂

[@RobLittleuk]

@@lauriebloggs8391 not sure what you are picking up on in the video as it’s been six months since I posted it. But totally agree, to get the same speed and power as we had back in the 60a you need a bigger engine that’s down to emissions controls and nanny state as you must know. Still, the bike looks and sounds nice and rides nice too.

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@RobLittleuk I was making the point (irrespective of engine capacity) that the latest incarnation of the T100 has an abundance of power, in my opinion, for one or two up or loaded up or whatever............ It does indeed, look, sound and ride nicely too..... 🙂

[@RobLittleuk]

@@lauriebloggs8391 agree 100% -

[@markfraser6307]

Any bike with less than 5000 miles is not worth having 😂😂

[@asacarrick1385]

I have both. The T100 is a superb machine. The T120 is a step up. It doesn't matter how you ride. The T120 excels with Better lights, Delicious extra power, superb braking with double Brembo's on front. They've dumbed down the T100 with horrible black casings and it's shocking that bikes of this callibre doen't come with centre stand. But that is the most boring review I've seen ever

[@RobLittleuk]

More a brief impromptu comparison than a review but thanks for your kind and constructive comments.

[@stevenelliott5403]

Better lights? In what ways? Both use a halogen bulb in the front light, power isn't that much different and if you wanted a faster Bonnyville you would buy a speed twin, superb brakes on a T120? I don't think so, average at best, might be a step up having two front discs for stopping but at least the disc on the T100 is floating so it has a fair amount less unsprung weight at the front which means the T100 turns better, the black casting on the T100 match the rest of the engine unlike the T120, for me that make the T100 look better, and who cares about a centre stand? Just makes the bike even heavier, neither bike gets one as standard now so you can fit one if you really think you need it, I'd take the T100 any day especially with such a big difference in price, in fact I did just that, took both for a test ride and bought the T100

[@stevenelliott5403]

@@RobLittleuk Nice to see both together, helped me make my mind up which to buy

[@RobLittleuk]

@@stevenelliott5403 For a minute I thought you were replying to MY comments because I couldnt see anything where I said the T120 had better lights. So you bought the T100 - good choice. Extra power on the 1200 minimal and wasted along with the extra ££ to buy it.

[@RobLittleuk]

@@stevenelliott5403 Take it you went for the 900?

[@RetroBiker]

"Any bike with more than 5K miles is not worth having"......................................clown🙃

[@RobLittleuk]

Thanks for your comment - if you could explain your comment I'd appreciate it though? Thanks.

[@RetroBiker]

Of course, at 02:45 ish in your vid you state that any bike that's done more than 5k miles is not worth having. You're a joker of course hence the 'clown' comment.

[@RobLittleuk]

Are you going to reply to my question mate? I am wondering if I am misunderstanding you or you are misunderstanding me?

[@RetroBiker]

I replied 2 days ago.....MATE

[@RobLittleuk]

@@RetroBiker I don't think you did.....lets just say you don't understand irony or, in your ignorance to what I said, you were just being effing rude. If you listen, you will hear that in the same sentence I mentioned my treasured 100cc two stroke that has 30k on it so...

[@fjp3305]

Good choice

[@RobLittleuk]

Indeed it was