Triumph Bonneville T120 v Speed Twin - Which Would You Choose ? - Both Bikes Compared

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The T120 or Speed Twin. Which would you choose. I compare and contrast both bikes in this overview video.
Bill Smith Motors - www.billsmithmotors.co.uk/

[@erikleeblake]

I was in the market for a new bike the year the Speed Twin was introduced. Having tested (and loved) the T120 previously, I thought this new sportier sibling was sure to be the perfect blend. But it wasn't. Almost immediately, I knew that its sportier, more taut and athletic nature -- with more engine braking and twitchy responsiveness -- for me detracted from the T120's sublime combination of character and refinement. This, coupled with the fact that the roads around here don't lend themselves to corner carving, saw me picking up a new T120 and happily pocketing the extra cash I'd saved vs. the Speed Twin. Now several contented seasons later with the T120 and I've not once questioned that choice.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Erik. 😀 totally agree. Thank you for watching the video 👍👍

[@andrewbecker3700]

You say you happily pocketed a wad of cash by not buying the Speed Twin? My dealer has both bikes on the floor for the same price? I Happily bought the Speed Twin for the same price!

[@Fernando90054]

This comparison is very well done, because I think it takes a test ride on both to decide. I did the same as you. Tried first the speed twin and next I tested the T120. I already have a KTM SDGT. Maybe because of that, I wasn’t impressed with the experience on the speed twin. But unexpectedly I found and felt the T120 an exquisite bike. The upright body position immediately says it is something different. A very comfortable bike made to ride in style not just thinking about the rider but also conceived for the rider’s passenger. And with all the grunting power of the engine, with six gears it is a wolf in sheep’s clothes! I immediately took the decision and made the deal. The roadster lost the challenge. Maybe because I’m very well served in that field but mainly because the Bonneville T120 caught me by it’s own nice personality and character✌️✌️

[@andrewbecker3700]

@@Fernando90054 I modify almost every bike I've ever owned, so I felt the Speed Twin offered the better package for the same exact price. It could be set up for cruising or touring if need be, but I live in Montana where my tendency to attain warp speed seems to occur quite often! I'm actually working on an ECU flash to unlock the full potential of the mods I've done. Especially above 5000rpm where it's a bit soft.

[@quad_solo_az]

I'm starting to realize that there is no amount of comparison videos that will resolve this decision in my mind. And that no matter which one I get I'll love it, and also wish I'd gotten the other.

[@jimbandit1250sa]

I’ve tested both and because I want to get out of the Rat race culture I’ve gone for the gold line T120. I think I’ve found my forever bike. Thanks for informative comparison I’m thinking it’s a age thing, I’m feeling 50 but actually 65😃😊

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Jim 👍

[@superten1780]

The Gold line is gorgeous mate 🙏🏽

[@Trevor_Austin]

I no longer get the enjoyment from a hard thrash along country roads. Instead, I enjoy a gentle burble through the countryside on nice days and enjoy the scenery as it passes my by. I also enjoy the looks of the T120 with the its chrome, bling and shiny bits. This is also my first bike after a 35 year hiatus. This is why I chose the T120. I have no desire to change bikes but if I did I would consider the Speed Twin but I’d also think about a Kawasaki Z900RS.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Trevor. Exactly the same as me. And the same choice of bikes 👍👍

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

I think you can do on both bikes it depends on the person

[@denisg4288]

Ditto. Be nice to have the T120 and 900RS😆

[@qureshi5720]

Great video, Jack. I can sit and listen to you all day.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you. Glad you liked the video 👍👍

[@joshchacko7729]

The number of metaphors. Epic man. Some of those similes were exactly apt for what I was looking for in a comparison. 👌🏼

[@Doug_Morgan]

A very well made video with the right conclusion. For me it was the classic timeless look of the T120. Mine is the 2020 that came with heated grips, rear rail/grab bar and center stand. I added a Mastad quick detach windshield, factory cruise control and the factory backrest and carrier. It makes a wonderful bike for around town yet it comfortable enough for doing 900-1000 km in a day.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Doug. Yes it was the same for me. The more I ride the bike the more I love it 👍. Thank you for watching

[@warrior3195]

I have both bikes and the T120 is more comfortable. The speed twin Ergos are not very good for me I need bar risers and also foot peg is too far back. I need to get adjustable foot pegs. Hopefully that helps. Hopefully with the changes I’ll like Speed twin more.

[@GrahamHazlehurst]

Great comparison video, I had this choice earlier this year and have gone for the T120 and love it.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Graham. Thank you. Yes I love my T120. For me it was the right decision 👍

[@Shaqeroni-2]

New subscriber…awesome video. I chose the T120 Ace Cafe Edition. #1125/1400. Love it.

[@Fr99763]

Very nice comparison. You are spot on! Cheers

[@Shinysideup]

I had the same dilemma, I road both and choose the speed twin, I prefered the lighter more nimble younger sister. But as you say to beautiful quality bikes, excellent review

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Ian and thank you for watching. I came from a XSR 900 so you would think the natural choice for me would be a speed twin but I just loved the t120 and wanted a change. The t120 just fitted what I wanted but I do love the speed twin 👍👍👍

[@imaustinyoung]

Very well spoken. I shall test ride both. Thanks!

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Austin 👍

[@robertwolfe854]

Thanks so much for a great review For me just got a spanking new T120 and love it

[@HolgerLink]

I have ridden both. And I have decided to buy the Speed Twin. Because for my needs it’s the better bike for me. And here in Germany it’s a little bit cheaper than the T1 20. and it was always a dream for me to own one. But for sure both are really extreme good bikes.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Holger. You will not be disappointed 👍. Thank you for watching 😘

[@speedtriplerider7853]

Great comparison video. Yep would be a tough choice and would depend on my mood at the point of deciding. Both bikes, as you say, have lots to commend them but on balance I think I would plump for the T120 as I already have a Speed Triple 1050 RS so the T120 would be a nice change for when I felt like just bumbling around the Cheshire lanes. My Speed Triple is fantastic on the A49 down to Hereford, gets me there in no time lol. Keep up the great work mate.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi John , thank you. For me it was a tough choice but the t120 suited the slower pace of life for me. You know , I came from that XSR 900 and just wanted something more refined at the time. Speed twin is a great all rounder though. 👍

[@MrPrax28]

Wonderful video 👏..thank you Jack for your passioned opinion, yet very wise. Abraço ✌️🇵🇹

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you so much 😊 👍👍👍

[@jordesign]

I'm a gentleman on the outside, but a hooligan on the inside, so I am leaning towards the Speed Twin.

[@staffordvideoproductions5788]

Enjoyed your video. Wonderful, concise comparison. Helpful? More so than any other video. Today I find myself bike less and just enjoying my next purchase decision. 10 years ago I think the Speed Twin would have won favor. Today I think the T120 will win the day.

[@reyndewit7443]

A perfect Motor the T120 and than in a blue color Super. 😊😊 Gr. Reyn. 😊

[@Clarkthefaceofwnba]

Speed twin for me

[@patgreenerides]

T120 for me.. Speed Twin was a bit more cramped

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Patrick . Thank you for watching. 👍👍

[@31acruz]

Great video, may I ask why the red bike (T120) sounded "beefier" and "throaty" then the Speed Twin? I mean, the Twin as the HP (High Horsepower) flash/tune from the manufacturer and is delivers more power does it not? also more torque in the low end I believe, so I would have expected it to sound beefier, but the T120 is the one that sounded stronger and better. The Twin sounded weak and faint. I am confused. (Do both have stock exhausts?)

[@markb3180]

T120 for me, everyday of the week!

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Mark , 👍😊well you know what I chose 😊. Saying that the speed twin is a great bike but I just love my t120 👍

[@jensjansen1915]

I have chosen .. the Speed Twin .. great Bike

[@bongoscot]

I agree that of course I have to make the decision for myself, but I'm still disappointed that you didn't tell us which was best for YOU

[@bongoscot]

Since making this comment I went and test rode a '23 Speed Twin and I bought it.

[@todddavis240]

Thank you sir, I love the exhaust note of the T120, but with the wind and highway sizes I have, I better go with the Speed Twin. Will the T120 go 115 Kph and fight a head wind? Or does it feel sketchy? Really thanks Jack, this is truly a service to a retired guy who needs to spend wisely. ;)

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Todd, thank you. Yes the T120 will easily go over 115 kph in a headwind . I regularly ride a coast road at closer to 130 kph (80mph) and the bike feels like it’s just plodding along. The issue with both bikes will be wind resistance so a good wind deflector does help at that speed. I prefer 113kph (70 mph) the t120 and the wind I find are no problems at that speed 👍😀

[@todddavis240]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Thank you so much for getting back to me so fast. Spring is coming and I'm watching bikes disappear off dealership floors and internet quickly now, I found a used red T120 for around $7200 USD, very low miles. I honestly don't see anything even close to the ride, and quality for this kind of money. This will be my second bike so I'd like to stay away from those fee's again after buying this under powered bike I now have :( .....many thanks helping me on this journey sir, I might even go nuts and get that beautiful Thruxton. Dreaming Lol

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Todd. If you can give the bike a good test ride 👍. Be great if you could also try the speed twin . Is it a triumph dealer ?

[@TheDessmith]

over a ton on naked bike they all feel sketchy, plus on the motorway your likely to be knicked. the T120 isnt geared for much over the ton in my opinion. it will virtually do ton in 3rd then changing gear just lowers the engine note and revs. think with a sprocket change it would have chance to pull higher, T120 will get you to the ton in good time but its not designed to spend any time up form there.

[@shubhromu]

Both!

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

That’s got me 🤔 thinking 👍

[@raulantonioperezortiz1118]

Yes!!

[@ohdirtracer]

I went with the speed 👍

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

A great bike 👍

[@DaBinChe]

love my speedtwin

[@jordesign]

Just starting my Triumph research... Is there an easy explanation for the "Street" vs "Speed" nomenclature? Is Street 900CC and Speed 1200cc? Trying to keep them all straight.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Triumph dropped the street name last year so there is now a speed twin 900 and 1200 👍

[@jordesign]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles No wonder I was confused. What about for the Speed Triple / Street Triple?

[@rottweilerfun9520]

The Speed Twin does it for me. The T-120 is beautiful, but so is the Speed Twin , and it's got that STONK !

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

bonny better for passenger w/ pegs but don't care for spoked wheels. ??

[@SquireSCA]

I looked at both... I have had a Daytona, 2 Speed Triples, a Street Triple RS, a heavily modded Street Cup, and my wife has a Bobber 1200 Black. I ended up going with the Speed Twin. Better suspension, better tires, better brakes, better handling... The 2022 US exhaust lets you easily remove the dB killers from the stock mufflers. It's much more like a sportbike, while still having all the look, attitude and presence of the T120, or any of the new Bonnevilles, for that matter... Both are easy to unlock and get rid of the ride by wire restrictions Triumph put in there, so my Speed Twin delivers the full power of the Thruxton RS now... it was the first mod that I did when the dealer dropped the bike off at my house and I was filling out the paperwork. LOL Both are brilliant. Lots of aftermarket parts and upgrades for both...

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Some nice bikes you have there. 👍 Yes agree. The speed twin has more of a sports bike feel. 👍thank you for sharing 👍

[@gezginendurocu]

For 1200cc speedtwin otherwise t100

[@thejonathanrath]

The SPEEDY for sure 100% 🎉

[@1001Balance]

Why are you whispering?