Triumph Bonneville T120 or Speedmaster, Which one should you buy | little known facts

[@thepodbaydoorshal]

I test rode a T120 before buying my Speedmaster, and for a second I almost changed my mind and went for the T120 however I had my mind set on a cruiser at the time. However one thing you mentioned made me think back to my test ride. That being, the seating position when on the highway on the T120 vs the Speedmaster. And you're right, because on the Speedmaster you do feel like a parachute, bolt upright due to the foot forward position and beach bars, and kind of locked into place. Some may like that but it did become tiring on longer journeys. I do remember my quick blast on the T120 at higher speeds feeling much more comfortable. Also the T120's lighter curbweight can be felt in acceleration. Both bikes are very quick but the T120 is noticeably more rapid. And the Speedmaster feels heavier (because it is), despite being a little lower. Lastly is that it took me no more than 10 minutes into my test ride to acclimate myself to the T120 whereas the Speedmaster took more time and I found myself shifting around and trying different riding styles. However the Speedmaster is a truly unique bike as you say and I think it's one of the most beautiful bikes out there. The T120 is equally gorgeous but perhaps in a more understated way because of its familiar classic styling. One thing Triumph left off the Speedmaster for which I will always deduct points are those gorgeous twin dials on the T120. Triumph, what were you thinking????!!!?

[@bike_addict]

@thepodbaydoorshal, you couldn't be more right. I would say the 2018+ Speedmaster is one of the best looking cruisers out there. With the water cooled motor, the heat issue is resolved as compared to the HD or Indian cruisers with the air cooled V-Twin, the heat there is so intense, when it doesn't have to be. At least to me. Some love it, I personally do not like the heat from the V-Twin, and the Speedmaster feels great, especially in traffic. Thanks for the comment, and ride safe!

[@Roy_Camacho]

Beautifully said. Such a beautifully constructed comment. I, too, rode both back-to-back, then again back-to-back then once more back-to-back. As you see by now, this was such a tough decision. They are both stunning and brilliant. They are both gentlemen's motorbikes. Nevertheless in the end I chose the British icon, the Bonneville T120. Just as the gentleman above mentioned, I know I made the right choice. It checks all the boxes for me in terms of style, comfort, and practicality. It is my daily vehicle pretty much. I feel as though I am a modern cowboy, and the Bonneville T120 is my noble steed.

[@flyingmulerider7166]

I test rode both the T120 and the Speedmaster last week. For all the things you indicated and the fact that I felt completely comfortable and at home within 300' of riding the T120 and not so with the Speedmaster. I assume I would get used to the Speedmaster, but the T120 was the bike for me and ordered one the same day. Should arrive next week- Can't wait! Thanks - David

[@bike_addict]

Nice! Which color?

[@dbonillab]

I own a Speedmaster, and agree 100% with you. Coming from a RE Continental GT, the Speedmaster felt incredibly comfortable. I did consider the T120, but for me, the looks of the Speedy are just gorgeous. I couldn't resist.

[@bike_addict]

Yeah, it's a beatiful bike, and I love how the fork angle reels the wheel in, rather than out like in classic cruisers. It's unique, much better than the Speedmasters and Americas a decade earlier. Great improvement.

[@geneahart5607]

My solution to this was to get both. First, I bought T100, then Speedmaster. Best of both worlds. Over time, I can say the Speedmaster is the most fun to ride.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for your comment! Speedmaster def a unique bike, I'm glad they decided to ed the previous models and come out with this one.

[@richardrenaud8053]

I have a Speedmaster and love it. Had several Harleys before and the Speedmaster is such a better ride. I am only 5’9” so it fits me perfect.

[@bike_addict]

Speedmaster is a nice one, I like to think of it as a refined Softail slim, but that's just me.

[@romeredubost6971]

Owned two previous cruiser, Honda 750 ace, vstar 1300 ( I still have the vstar), I bought a new 2020 t120…I love this bike, and you are totally on point about the flat seat. Engine super smooth and as you did in your video, you can cruise at 60 in 5th gear, and the 6th gear make going 80+ feel easy. I just got a marlin dart screen delivered from the Uk today. I will install it in the morning and see how it feels.

[@halz7]

Back in 2020 I went through the process and I am still very happy I went with the T120 Diamond Edition. Plus I always get people commenting on its looks, even Harley riders. People love the retro look.

[@christianmichaelis4201]

Brilliant review. Real life stuff and very helpful. Many thanks from the UK.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for your comment! I just thought I mention some of this, numbers and mechanical specs are great, but when you're uncomfortable after 30 mins, that also makes a big difference. Thanks again, and ride safe.

[@danield831]

I have a 2020 Triumph T120 and I can say without doubt it is the superior bike vs the Speedmaster. One big advantage IMO the T120 has over the SM is the lean angel in the corners. You can really push the T120 hard in the curves without the pegs scraping whereas the SM will scrape relatively easily in the twisties. The T120 is such a light and flickable bike that it impresses me even after 5 years of ownership!

[@bike_addict]

Yeah, it's fun on the turns, I would say as fun as naked bike, but good lookin'!

[@michaelpina1858]

Nice video, I have a speed master, love it , I wish I tried out a T120 before buying my bike so that I could feel the difference, I’m going to try out a T120 soon !

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for the comment. The Speedmaster is a great bike, these are just a few little things I noticed about the T120 that I appreciated over time. If I owned the Speedmaster, I'm not sure if I would switch out for the T120, rather switch out to mid controls, and get a new saddle, with flatter bars, you pretty much have the T120. :) But that's all subjective, right, We all have preferences. Ride Safe!

[@hogwylde]

I don't own either motorcycle but that was a nice short video with good points made.

[@johnosborn2555]

I completely agree with you. Years ago, I stopped riding when I had sons to raise and now that they are grown and I am comfortably retired, here we are. I was going to buy a Fat Bob but the sales manager was quite dishonest, so I visited a dealer that buys and sells a large amount of used bikes. Keep in mind that I still thought Triumph was long dead, yet when I walked into the store, there sat a black/white 2018 Speedmaster. I sat on the bike, it was comfortable, so I bought it. Now that I have ridden it for a month, I realize that the handlebars and seat I want are from a T120, I hate the rear brake location, and the bike is too heavy, feeling somewhat clumsy. To make matters worse a friend of 50 years, offered to give me a completely rebuilt and professionally modified Honda 750-4, and I thought this Speedmaster would be better, and it isn't. This thing will be decorating my garage, and I will buy a T120 or a Speed Twin. Anyway, many thanks for the video.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for sharing. I do like the FatBob, for some reason that rectangular light, and the ergonomics speak to me on that bike. But yes, the sales staff at Harley is like visiting an shady used car dealership.

[@johnosborn2555]

@@bike_addict Thanks for the reply. One's general body position on the Fat Bob weren't typical of a Harley. I was actually more interested in finding an old Harley XR-750, because I don't intend to ride to hell and back, just zip around on a beautiful morning, enjoying my retirement and listen to folks say, "what the hell is that"??

[@bike_addict]

@@johnosborn2555 That's the way to do it!

[@rahjr65]

I currently have an ‘18 Street Triple R for blasting around and a ‘21 HD Sport Glide for cruising and love having the bags and a bikini fairing. Then I saw the announcement for the T120 DGR limited edition that is coming out. I have my deposit on one of the 50 coming to the states. It is interesting listening to all the different reviews on the T120. Thanks

[@bike_addict]

Sweet! did u get it?

[@TheQ427]

I don't know what the T120 is for. Using it as a retro bike that you can go quick with, the mediocre brakes and suspension prohibited that. Altough i want to point out that the engine could do it and has enough go to stretch your arms in a splitsecond if you open the throttle. So another usage could be travel. The 57 MPG US would refer it as travel bike.There are accessories to turn it into a travel bike but they simply don't work (windscreens, luggage options). The engine, the exhaust sound and a bargain pricetag lured me into the purchase. But after the sensation of the engine got "normal" what remains is a bike that doesn't work for me / my style of riding. The Speedmaster on the other hand is the overall better concept. The relaxed engine and chopperesque appearance whilst having the same issues as the T120 is what I should have gone for.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for your reply. Check out my video on the highway pegs, and luggage. I found it to work quite well for me for longer distance on the T120. Don't get me wrong, def not a Honda Goldwing by any means. I got the Givi Monokeys on it, and they're super good. The highway pegs transformed the bike for me, I have the option for the relaxed knee angle, and they've given it a whole different feel. While the relaxed riding on the Speedmaster is great for around town, it's highway travel that I felt the Speedmaster had challenges with, at least by means of performance and handling. I have also found that every bike I have owned, never fully satisfied, unless I had two :). Here is a link to the youtube video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6GXlWuFnt1pp80

[@alampunjabi]

That helps a lot to make a right decision. Thank u

[@bike_addict]

You welcome, thanks for watching.

[@kiwi-on-a-bike660]

The seating and leg position is the very reason I bought a T120 over the Street Twin.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for your comment. This is why I made this video. It something so many overlook, but very important. Thanks and ride safe!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

I'M 6' AND WANT LEGS TO BE COMFY ; ALONG WITH A GOOD PANNIER SEAT SO....

[@ruffleschips9055]

Thanks. How do you compare the suspension, and if either one bottoms out on bumps?

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for your comment! I'm afraid, neither is optimal. :( . Give us better suspension Triumph!

[@Peter-gz6ux]

I have owned a Speedmaster for a few years now. Do any other Speedmaster owners scoot back to the back edge of the seat to be able to straighten your legs?

[@bike_addict]

Hmm, not sure.

[@peterwilliamson4296]

I like both models but I think (with respect) people over five foot ten look too tall for the Speedmaster. I wonder if they can redesign it to look a bit bigger as its a very nice bike.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

WHY NOT HAVE VARIABLE PEGS LIKE THE VULCAN s TO MOVE IT AROUND FOR TALL PERSONS ?

[@bike_addict]

Yeah, it's not a bad idea.

[@Marcelo-m6f]

Great video, do you think would be fine a trip 2up with this seat you got for touring, and the power is enough to take 2 people about 130kg together? And the stock rear suspension would be fine or an upgrade would be necessary, cheers!

[@bike_addict]

Highway? I dunno....Gets a little sketchy past 70MPH with 2 for me. I prefer solo on the highway, and 2Up on the two-lanes. But, that's just me.

[@stevegodfrey626]

What’s with the vibrating speedo?

[@keithnisbet]

Thanks for the info. I’ve been debating that very question. I’m 6’2 so I want to see how the fit is first. Looks like you’re in GTA area. Airport and Warehousing on the main arteries. 👍🏍️🏍️🏍️

[@servantofgod5642]

thanks.

[@davidskaggs9914]

I heard ground clearance could also be an issue. T120 has more clearance on top of center stand

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for the comment. It's possible, the pegs on the Speedmaster are def a little lower and more forward, I can see it scraping during a good lean...

[@RMD992-f2n]

why doesnt the speedmaster have two clocks on the instrument panel? dealbreaker for me

[@31acruz]

Nice review, did you ever compare it to the Triumph Speed Twin? it is lighter, and the HP engine is more powerful isn't it? (Researching before I buy)

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for the comment. I have ridden the Speed Twin 1200. I would compare the Speed Twin to more of a naked bike experience. The riding position is a little more aggressive, very similar to the RnineT. If you like that, the Indian FTR is great too. I enjoy more of the traditional riding position, but all subjective. I think the T120 delivers kind of what I am looking for in terms of appearance, comfort, and performance.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

WHY SO MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THE SM. INGNTION, VIBRATION, PILLION SEAT YET YOU HEAR NO UPDATES THAT THIS IS CORRECTED. ? MAYBE ITS COUNTRY SPECIFIC. I NEED A SALES PITCH FOR EITHER ONE SO I CAN not BUY THE VULCAN s

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for your comment. I think every bike has some sort of vibration, I think the Speedmaster is not bad at all, try a Ducati, and you'll be numb in 30 minutes, although thrilled! The Vulcan was one of my first bikes some years ago, can't give you an honest opinion, I haven't ridden one in ages, but I will say you get what you pay for. I personally like my bikes to be over 1000CC if I am to ride on street and highway.

[@myhealth8611]

The position you describe is not an advantage. You say that you change the position of your legs, your back. It's not good. That means you go numb. For me is beter with legs in front. I like the two clocks, tachometer and speedometer. Are ok. The Speedmaster doesn't have them. Triumph speedmaster is good and I plan to buy one. A good day and "dry asphalt" I say from Romania.

[@bike_addict]

Thanks for writing. I actually like the single clock on the Speedmaster. I will save, I love the relax on the bike, very peaceful. Thanks! Ride Safe

[@davidskaggs9914]

I saw a speed master with mini apes that changed the riding position somewhat and looked like a Harley Street Bob

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

MOVING AROUND DEPENDS ON LONGER HANDLBARS; SEE SO MANY VDO WITH ARMS STRAIGHT OUT. NEED BENT BACK BARS; SAME ON SPEED TWIN, STREET TWIN; AND NO OPTOINS TO MOVE THEM, RISERS HAVE PROBLEMS WTH NO EXTRA CABLE LENGTH DESIGNED IN. BASICS !!

[@bike_addict]

I think the cable length relates to many bikes. I know Harley guys that always get long cables for ape bars, etc. Just part of the cost for customizing I suppose.

[@davidskaggs9914]

I saw a speed master with mini apes that changed the riding position somewhat and looked like a Harley Street Bob