Triumph Bonneville T120 - 2000 miles review - Ride, Reliability, Niggles & some Motone Customs parts

[@Chef-Chad]

I purchased a T120 in San Antionio Texas 2 days ago and rode it home over 250 miles the same day. Love the bike

[@magnet2345]

Bought a Bud Eakins T120 2 months ago and couldn't be happier. Have had many BMW 's and although I enjoyed them The Bonnie is my dream bike. I'm vintage so fit well on the bike. Get thumbs up at every stop light. It is what a motorcycle should look like.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Spot on 👍. Thank you for watching the video 👍

[@Trevor_Austin]

I too have a Bonneville T120 and love it. They are lovely bikes that don’t encourage you to dress like a Power Ranger and blast around the country at Warp Factor Snot. Instead you can enjoy your ride and the scenery as you waft (Honest officer, I’m sure I was going well under 60 mph) gently along the road. My mods have been very modest. I have the Triumph flyscreen, Motone luggage bobbins, a DIN power socket (for the Optimate 4) and the best modification of all, a TEC “De-Cat” X-Pipe. The difference it makes is noticeable. It’s more tractable at low speeds, more eager to accelerate and doesn’t it affect the fuel consumption. I’ve also swapped the standard Pirelli boots for set of Avon Spirit STs. Now wandering off on paint lines and road imperfections is a thing of the past. In tying to eliminate the roll off/roll on throttle response at low speeds I tried a booster plug. I don’t think it did anything. I’m unable to feel the any difference so I’ve learnt to be gentle. Other superficial mods were blacking out the rear of the number plate (with faux self adhesive carbon fibre vinyl), some dinky alloy valve covers and witness marking the Jesus bolts (the ones where you shout “Jesus” when they come undone) with pink nail varnish. I do love the Bud Ekin’s scheme but consider the cost of the heated grips and rear grab rail too high. Great video. Thanks. EDIT: The X-Pipe also gives a throatier “prarp” on the exhaust.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Some really good upgrades there Trevor and yes I agree, the heated grips would have been nice to keep.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

PS I meant to say I had considered the motone aero screen but the jurys out

[@eyeguy51]

I had a 650 Bonnie back in the 70s, just picked up a 2023 T120 Black a couple of weeks ago here in the states, and I love it. I feel my Triumph life has come full circle.

[@michaelrheiner2415]

First time rider here, who opted for the T120….and 2200 miles in I could not be happier. I’ve never understood, personally, the whole “starter bike” concept. The weight of either of the T’s is substantial, but not overbearing. In fact, I’ve found it to be a true pleasure to ride from the first second. With 5 additional bags recently added, she’s a workhorse that lets me park my diesel F350 for most of my daily work and life activities. No performance modifications, and only a few adjustments to the brown grips, brown comfort seat, engine bars, and originally the waxed side bags. Otherwise, it’s great. Im sure I’ll add a few Motone dress up items, but for now I just added the Motone helmet locks on both sides so my wife can lock hers on when we stop (she bought the Triumph Bobber). I’ll switch the shocks and likely the front suspension as it does dive a little…but that’s just me finding excuses to customize the bike. Always good work and love your Bud!

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Michael. I’m glad you enjoy your T120. Yes agree it really is a wonderful bike. A great all rounder 👍. Thank you for watching the video. 👍

[@bayouboy8644]

Nothing looks better than the stock pipes, and their sound is right there.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you for your comments 👍

[@JohnCunningham-sy5ug]

Triumph makes a very good quality bike super easy to maintain. And when you stop people admire it. 😊

[@chrishill6276]

It’s good that they finally figured out that a bonne is a t120

[@tsmgguy]

Looks great! Very nice photography and commentary. The best performance upgrade I've made to my T120 was to replace the OE Pirelli tires with Avon Roadrider IIs. These are the latest version of the tried and true AM26. With the Pirellis, the bike felt a bit vague in corners. Turns out, it was the tires. The Avons are a big improvement, and are available in the original sizes.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you . Much appreciated I agree. The Pirelli tyres do feel a bit vague. 👍

[@Mynameisdiy]

This guys the Morgan freeman of KZbin reviews

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

👍😃

[@grantchanin2878]

Hi Jack, A superb upload. Thank you. Superb photography, and commentary. A great bike.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Grant 👍

[@AsphaltKobold]

You're a real Slowrider! 😁 Nice clip, and yes, the Bonny T120 is a bike for me, thanx for sharing!👍

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you. Yes I like to take my time. 👍 My job used to involve rushing everywhere so now it’s nice to plod around 👍

[@johnmartin7158]

Awesome Jack that you really love this bike. Hopefully I have the 2022 Matt/Black bike T120 by January. At the moment I have the 2019. Really enjoy your channel immensely. For me my happiness is my bike and scooter and going to a cafe drinking coffee. NZ

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you John. Not long to wait for your new bike 👍

[@samporter4818]

All that Brit stuff and then a Yankee 'Bud Ekins,' Southern California decal!!! (LOVE it:) I bought a brand new 1969 Bultaco Pursang from them in 1969 when I raced competitively in District 37 events. Love your video and thanks for not using cussing! GOD bless. I'm trying to decide between the T100 and the T120 and will buy within a few weeks. Past Triumphs have been a new 2008 Scrambler twin and a 2012 Rocket 3 !!!!! Sam

[@detectoruser]

What a very pleasant video to watch, thanks. I have had a long succession of Triumphs since the Cub and T110 in the late 60's and in a few days time I will be putting my pristine condition 73 T140V to one side as the 2021 T120 arrives. I LOVE the classic Triumph appearance and the newer models have retained and improved on that, plus those Motone parts are going to feature on my latest Bonnie. Like yourself, I appreciate top quality and am prepared to pay for it. I like a screen, so will be checking out what suits. I used to have a Spitfire screen on the T140's which served me well in cold weather, rain and snow. the only problem I have with this video is that its distracted me from completing my tax return admin .. Thanks for the excellent video Jack, Liam

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Liam, thank you for your kind words. I think you will like the new t120. I have a box 📦 full of Motone parts to fit over the winter which I will film. I have considered a small fly screen from Motone as I do believe they help with airflow hitting the chest. To be honest though, especially in my older age I have become a bit of a fair weather rider and tend not to venture out on either the Triumph or the Royal Enfield if there are signs of rain. 😊. Good luck with your new bike. All the best Jack. 👍

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Ps good look with the tax return 👍

[@detectoruser]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Thanks Jack, I think Tax Returns and riding the bike are at two extreme ends ..half done, time to look at some of your videos! I ride in all weathers apart from icy roads and all year round, I do enjoy the bike cleaning fortunately. I am around 5ft7ins tall, so that low seat height is a bonus! I notice no centre stand? Something I do like to use, especially when working on the wheels or shocks. Liam

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Liam. Yes I do have the original centre stand fitted to the bike. It must not be clear on the video. I wouldn't be without it. So much so I have been considering an exhaust swop recently but the particular exhausts I have been considering require the removal of the centre stand stop. So it may be a no no. 👍👍

[@ilikelampshades6]

The stock pipes are great it's just the cat choking the engine. Getting a decat will sound amazing

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Yes just had it done . Sounds much better 👍

[@jerryhutchison8952]

Glad you're enjoying the bike so much. I have a 2016 and love it. Regarding silencers, I put on the British Customs Predator Pros 3.5. They are just loud enough to hear while wearing ear plugs. A really nice deep sound but not excessive. I also swapped out the rear shocks for Hagons and the front fork springs for progressive ones. It make for much better handling/ I don't know all the terminology for shocks, I just know that I feel good going much faster through rough patches of road or gravel with the new suspension. Almost forgot, I also decatted the bike and installed a Motion X-pipe. Smoother throttle, less heat and weight, and faster acceleration.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thanks Jerry. Some excellent modifications. Yes I have heard the predator pros are excellent 👍

[@phillipmoore8114]

I am with you on that one

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Phillip ☕️

[@richiedewen9289]

Good review Jack. I also own a 2020 T120 Bud Ekins, they really are a superb bike aren't they? I've done most of the mods you have too (sump guard, grab rails, Motone union jack brake master cylinder cover and engine badges, I've also done a couple of other mods tho, I did the De-cat with Tec X-pipe and a DNA hi flo air filter It makes the bike sound much nicer, it gives a slightly louder boomier note with the stock peashooters fitted. I've also fitted the triumph flyscreen (which makes it a bit more comfortable on the faster roads), some black CNC clutch and brake levers as the stock silver ones are a bit naff and finally upgraded the front springs to progressive ones, this made the bike ride so much nicer on the Essex lanes. Looking forward to dragging her off the ramp when the winter is over and putting on some more miles this year.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Richie. Glad you are enjoying your Bud Ekins. Some fantastic upgrades. I have considered x~pipes myself and keep hovering over a fly screen. 👍 Take care and ride safe.

[@genegoodwin8925]

In today's world we have cruisers, adventure bikes, sport bikes, naked sport bikes, dirt bikes, enduros, and probably others. But there is only ONE PROPER BRISTISH MORTOCYCLE and that is the TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE!

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

👍thank you Gene .

[@RedfordBaron]

The British custom sleeper pro pipes sound nice with a d cat

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Yes I do like the look of the british custom pro pipes 👍 thank you

[@darrengudgeon9730]

Hi Jack. Lovely video mate, pleasure to watch and you’ve made some great choices with your tasteful additions. All the best. Darren.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Darren 👍

[@MrPrax28]

A video filled with poetry, man, I just loved it 👏..and I agree, it's a gentlemen bike😎. Thank you sir! Abraço ✌️🇵🇹

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Praxedes, Thank you. Glad you liked it. Thank you for watching the video 👍

[@markb3180]

Great vlog Jack really enjoyed it. I also run a 2019 Euro 4 T120 Bonneville and can relate to all you have to say about the bike. I have fitted the Motone Customs Saturn 5 silencers so if you would like to hear what the bike sounds like get in touch and we can work something out I live in North Wales not to far from you perhaps we could meet half way say The Ponderosa for a coffee. Now then I have some more news for you! I decided a short time ago to purchase a second bike, I wanted a Classic 500 however not many new ones available and all very expensive! So I've gone with my second choice and brought a Royal Enfield Himilayan brand new 2020 Euro 4 model and I'm very happy with it.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Mark congratulations re the Himalayan, a great bike. What do you think of the Saturn V’s and did you fit them yourself ? Did you notice an improvement on sound, and was it much louder than stock ? A coffee would be good 👍 but I’m not getting out much at the moment due family care issues but would be great in the new year. 👍

[@markb3180]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles hi Jack, I fitted the silencers really easy about 20 minute job. The motione silencers sound great, deep and throaty rumble. The only problem I encountered was :- on one of the silencers is a bump stop for the centre stand, however I found it to be to weak and it began to bend! Solution was to remove the centre stand and fit tec bike parts cotton reels to allow use of a paddock stand. I’m happy to do a walk around video of the bike with modifications if that helps.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

@@markb3180 That's a shame. I quite like the centre stand. I am surprised at Motone as they usually engineer parts that are fit for purpose. Did you give them any feedback ?

[@markb3180]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles The short answer no feedback given, I know stupid me! However I'm very happy with the cans. Just fitted Motone bar risers and will be sending off the stock seat to Hurley Custom seats for a complete makeover!

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

@@markb3180 sounds absolutely amazing the upgrade plans 👍

[@richardcasey7521]

Tell us about the gas cap… Regarding the gearbox, my 2020 T120 exhibits no gearbox stickiness at all with only 700 miles on the odometer.

[@danield831]

Thanks for a delightful video. What year is this bike?

[@seanfrank4158]

I know that this might sound a bit strange but I've had my eye on a T120 for a while now. However....I don't have a local dealer. My nearest dealer is an 8 hr drive away. How difficult would this bike be to maintain without local dealer support? I've heard that the T120 in particular can have wiring harness issues as well as transmission issues. While they might not be 'common' issues just the thought of them has kinda put me off considering the Bonneville as my next bike. Thoughts?

[@vipinjomy3738]

Superb

[@roberthambly9926]

Nice bike thanks

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Robert 👍

[@grahamwright8447]

Hi Jack, great video, I want a T120 but don’t like all the warning stickers on the fuel tank. Looks like you may have removed yours, if so was it simply a peel of job or did you use a special method?

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Graham. Yes they just easily peel off and with a bit of a polish they don’t leave a mark. Thank you for watching 👍

[@ericmagnusson1990]

I also initially had the jerky throttle on my T120 but after 5,000 km it’s gone

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Eric. Yes a few people at it settles down after a while. 👍

[@anoopj.p.1191]

Dear Jack, Great video and glad that you are enjoying T120. As you have done 2000++ on your motorbike, would it be possible to do a review on Speed Twin? Especially on longer ride comfort (100-200 km) Thank You and safe riding! Anoop Kumarakom/Cayman Islands

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Anoop. I have ridden the Speed Twin, just didn’t film it. Nice bike. Riding position is slightly more forward than the bonneville as the pegs are set slightly back. It’s not uncomfortable though. The engine has more power and the bike more nimble. It’s a great bike if you want something that looks traditional but with a sporty feel. Great for someone moving from a sports bike 👍 . A great allrounder. I will film my next ride out on one 👍

[@anoopj.p.1191]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Thank You so much for your comment. Will appreciate if you could add some points about the difference in riding comfort versus T120 as that’s something many viewers want to know. Especially with a pillion rider. Looking forward to see the video. Safe riding Jack 🙂

[@Richard-pe4cx]

have you thought of fitting a "C" pipe that would improve breathing and apparently raises slightly the exhaust tone

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Richard. I had considered the Motone x pipe and yes I have heard it does improve the tone. Motone also now do a set of end caps that replace the pea shooters. To be honest the stock sound is actually quite pleasing 👍

[@STIjojoSTI]

Are those stock signal lights? They look really good. Would want to install then on my standard t120.

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

I've heard the transmission issue is with the T120 and not the T100. Is that true? The T120 being a six speed and the T100 a five.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi yes predominately 2016 - 2018 t120s . 👍

[@informedcarpet]

Are you happy with the LED front and rear indicators? I’ve just got my new Bonneville T120 and am thinking of the upgrade.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Yes I am really pleased with them. They came standard on my Bud Ekins . I am surprised Triumph did not fit them on the standard bike especially while it’s LED at the front and rear 🤔

[@XENJITSU]

By the way, what is the brand and model of your glove?

[@wltrlg]

Hi Jack! Thanks for your review. Since I also own a T120 Black for a few weeks now, Im interested to hear from other owners how they manage the tubed tires and punctures. Would carrying a sealant like Slime be something in case of emergency? I do know there are Alpina rims supporting tubeless tires, but that is a very expensive mitigating measure. Happy to hear your thoughts! :)

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi sorry I have not replied sooner. Congratulations re the T120 Black.👍 Hope you like it. Not sure re the tubed tyres. Its not something I have given any thought to, but maybe I should. I have heard the puncture repair kits that inject into the tube do have mixed results. You have inspired me to do some research. 👍

[@richiedewen9289]

Dont bother with the tyre slime, its really not that good in a tubed tyre (speaking from experience), Just have your roadside recovery membership upto date.

[@885wc]

Convert it into tubeless with Outex. Works really well and you don't need to deal with tube punctures.

[@eugenemcenroe6990]

Thanks for the review. If you could only pick one, between your Triumph and your Royal Enfield which would it be?

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

A difficult one. I love them both but very different reasons. Not sure really.

[@informedcarpet]

Triumph

[@informedcarpet]

I just bout mine , a love it.

[@dat2ra]

Nice bike. Too bad it has that wretched Bob Ekins decal on the tank. It's like the HD riders who have to have brand all over. Ruins otherwise super clean lines.

[@michael4250]

Wrong...the grabby throttle is incurable. Get used to it. Or get a Booster Plug.

[@minidum0830]

Rubbish English cheap gear box, go for the Italy bike better!

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Alan. Bit harsh as I know mechanically many Ducati drink oil almost as fast as petrol ⛽️ 😊. That said Moto Guzzi produce some fabulous bikes 👍