Triumph T100 Bonneville Review 2020. My Thoughts after 1000 miles. Best looking bike in the world?

Hi , These are my thoughts of initial ownership of my 2020 Triumph Bonneville T 100.
Is this the best looking bike on the world?
I have " sort of" collated the views of quite a few other owners of the same bike and present my findings here.
Thanks for looking in and please feel free to Like, comment and subscribe if you really want to support my humble efforts.
Thanks again and most importantly
Ride Safe👍

[@graemeevans2608]

Great video Keith. It really is a a fabulous looking bike. Looks are subjective though, so we mustn't forget the Classic 350 or the V7 or even the Goldstar or R nine T. We all have our favourites. We often complain about manufacturers, but they are producing some beautiful machines these days. Ride safe.

[@shottostravels]

Hi Graeme, yes they are. The ones you mentioned are all in the mix. But the Bonnies the best. I'm never wrong! Just ask my Mrs! Ride safe Mate 👍

[@edwardsenesac]

Thank you for the video and your thoughts and for being a decent guy😉! I have a 2023 Guzzi V7 that I think looks great as I have it. When seated, the tank is large and masculine between the legs, unlike the tiny Triumph tanks. I had a 2020 Speed Twin where I felt the tank was wimpy and I felt I was sitting on top of the bike and not in it. Wonderful bike, though. I rode it from Vermont to Miami on the highway and it did great! 1,600 miles on the naked bike on I-95 for four days. I like the Guzzi rumble and seating position on a daily basis. Both in the same category, however. Fewer gas station trips with a 5.5 U.S. gallon / 21 litre tank.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Lots of people have said the Guzzi. It seems a test ride needs to be sorted out as I have never ridden a V7. Then at least I'll know! Ride safe Mate 👍

[@johnmartin7158]

You’re right. the tanks a tad small. I’ve had two 120s. V7 has a decent tank.

[@bonnie2020]

Love my T100 Bud Ekins. It is a beauty Queen and fantastic to ride (I have 30.000km on the clock, zero problems). Cheers from Germany 🇩🇪

[@shottostravels]

Wonderful, great to hear it hasn't given you any grief. Thanks for commenting. Ride safe mate 👍🇩🇪🇬🇧

[@user-qd6cs6rv2d]

I had an 18 plate Triumph Street Cup with 54 bhp.It had great torque and the gearing ratio was superb.It looked great and had a great exhaust note.I would still have it had it not have developed electrical problems.

[@shottostravels]

I guess that's the same engine as mine, it's a good one isn't it. As yet I haven't had any electrical gremlins Long may that continue! Ride safe Mate👍

[@guywolff]

I got the 2017 900 Street Scambeler as a left over in 2018 (at a great price of $9000.00 ) . I have put on 19K miles on the bike. I did add a pannier bar on the left side with a home made box for my rain suet and winter gear . Heated grips and center stand were almost imediate .. My favorite addition though were big old tiger adventure foot pegs so I can post when a see a bump comming on the almost adiquate suspention.. I am riding on farm lanes and bumpy B roads with maybe 10% on dirt and gravel . I like the fact that the lower compression means the bike is happy on low test gas and is still averaging 56 MPG US GAL ... My range on the smaller Scrambeler tank is 170 miles . My biggest plus to geting the Scrambeler version is the ease for getting at the chain for cleaning and adjustments . With winter riding and through all weather on dirt I have gone through three chains and am on my second set of sprockets (third chain is brand new ) . Yes I would love more suspention though I am happy with the seat height having a 29 inch inseam .I love the brakes on dirt, If she had Earls forks up front and a shaft drive she would be my perfect bike .As she is she owes me nothing for all the fun we have had together .. Yours from farm country New England ... Guy PS As a tradional potter I have spent years trying to make a jug like the one made at Mill Green between 1170 and 1250 AD .. One of Britons most important early pottery sites .. :)

[@shottostravels]

Wow Mate thanks for sharing. Sounds like you have it all sussed out. I have been to New England,I loved it but have never heard of the Jug you mentioned. I live just outside The Potteries which has now unfortunately gone to China over the last 50 years. Thanks for commenting and Ride safe Mate👍

[@guywolff]

@@shottostravels AT 21:55 is a sign for Sandon and Stone ,both are nr Mill Green where there was this Essex early pottery center.Making Jugs for London in the 11th& 12th centuries .. I worked out in west Wales (Haverfordwest) (Ewenny) and up in the Lakes (Penrith ) for traditional pottery in the early 1970's .I wish I had gotten to the big Shops of Stoke and the great museum there ... Cheers G

[@shottostravels]

@@guywolff Ah, I had no idea. Thanks for educating me. 👍

[@brahnseer3512]

Best looking bike? How about Kawasaki W800? Regrettably no longer imported into the U.K.

[@shottostravels]

Fair enough, you're not the first! Ride safe Mate👍

[@PhilipBallGarry]

2021 on: 4kg lighter Lightened crankshaft 64bhp Euro 5 500rpm higher redline Cartridge forks Brembo front brake Updated clocks Also (not mentioned by Triumph): Resituated reg/rectifier. Black engine and rims I rode the father in laws Bud Ekins back-to-back with my 2021 model and the differences felt minor: Better forks - yes. Slightly better brakes. But the extra 10bhp I couldn't really tell - probably because the the max torque is the same. The weight reduction I couldn't feel either. The rear shocks on both models are nice and compliant. They lack a little damping perhaps, but a notch or two of preload helps. If you regularly push on it can get out of shape a bit at the back end. Maybe a pair of Hagons wound help but I wouldn't rush to change them either. As for Triumph sorting the pre-2021 bikes before launch? Well, to be honest, despite many test miles, there's nothing better than actual use by real owners. Perhaps they should have paid us? 😂 Edit: I did regularly get just over 80mpg on mine, so the euro 5 changes were helpful here. But then, I weigh the same as Greta Thunberg. The 6th gear on the T120 is a nice-to-have, but not the deal breaker that some seem to think so Keith. At 75 mph, the T100 is showing just under 4000rpm which is the torque sweet spot anyway. Triumph were probably scared that the T100 would pinch too many sales from the T120 if they gave us a 6th. Like you, I find the seating position slightly comfier than my Classic 350. The pegs are a little too far forward on Ernie.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting Mate. So much information, that I wasn't aware of, must be useful to many! Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@FGRides]

It looks like you've found the right motorcycle for yourself. Congratulations!

[@shottostravels]

I like most bikes. But it's a good one. Ride safe Mate👍

[@ianhalliwell8604]

I owned a 2009 air cooled Bonnerville and loved it, although i did have a few problems including battery ones. I now own a BSA GoldStar which i think is the best looking modern classic. I did look at the T100 which i personally think is the sweet spot in the Bonnerville range but it's price, new, was a bit steep for my wallet. Like you I'm a big lump and put uprated tec rear shocks on my GoldStar made for my weight and there a great improvement.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting Ian. You're wrong about the BSA being better looking than the Triumph 😉 However it's good to know about the Tec shocks, thanks for that and enjoy your Goldstar👍 Ride safe Mate👍

[@ianbaines9705]

I have the same bike -T100 Bud Ekins. Owned for a couple of months now. Already got new exhausts to fit and over the winter intend to do swap out front and rear suspension for Hagons. Did this on my previous 2004 Bonnie and felt a lot more stable. The seat is good for me and I enjoy the torque - oh and I love the paintwork on the Bud Ekins which is why I bought it!! Great bike - enjoying getting to know it…….

[@shottostravels]

Brilliant. It sounds like you have everything in place. Wonderful. Ill do the front springs soon, never considered the exhausts. Ride safe Mate👍

[@EastboundDwn]

Another great video, Keith! Changing to a stiffer progressive front spring only reduces nose dive. So unless you're braking hard or cornering aggressively, which your tires are telling me differently, i don't see the need. I'm with you on the looks department, Bonnies are beautiful bikes

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Mate, I think you're spot on. Leave as is, including the tyres as I'll never reach there full potential anyway. Ride Safe 👍

[@johnlenart597]

All the current retro bikes bring back the memories to us older people., like me. Lol. Not sure if the younger riders would like them. The older folk has the extra $$ for adding these bikes to our stable. Time will tell.

[@shottostravels]

John, you may well be correct and as you say, time will tell.👍

[@Damien-omen666]

Great video mate no bull down to earth 👌👌 I do like the looks and sounds of it nice bike problem is you've started my dad off now he's just bought another bike 🫣🫣 may be tagging along with you if the future 😂

[@shottostravels]

Yes Mate, so I hear. That'd be good.👍

[@Damien-omen666]

Definitely mate be nice have a tickle round 👍

[@wallybuettner]

HA! I think the Royal Enfield chrome bronze classic 350 reborn is a little better looking Keith! I am a little biased 😅Your bike looks great! You are right, you have all the power one needs. I take the Goldwing or VTX when I ride the highways both are over 100HP, but for riding the back roads the CX500 and Lil' Darlin" (Classic 350) are my preferred rides at 51 and 20 or so hp. They will get you anywhere legally and with enjoyable riding and usually more able to relax and enjoy the scenery. Not to mention 87 mpg! Stay safe Keith!

[@shottostravels]

Indeed, I'm biased too. When I was a kid my brother had Triumphs, the factory is about an hour away and I guess I'm a proud Brit! ( Even though my Bonnie is made in Thailand!😯) I guess that's the world in 2024 though. Thanks for commenting, and for the photos. Ride safe bud👍

[@johnharris7353]

Agree the RE classic is just stunning, too bad its so low power. Can't give them away over here in the colonies (haha!) John in St Louis, Missouri !

[@shottostravels]

@@johnharris7353 That's interesting John, I do know of a number of people over there who are very happy with their Enfields but I didn't realize they were not selling perhaps in the numbers that they'd hoped for. Thanks for commenting Ride safe👍

[@nigeldalrymple4099]

Wonderfull looking bike. Have to say my thunderbird 900 just pips it at the post 😊

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. Ride safe Mate 👍

[@juliomatos122]

I agree lovely bike , thanks

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting Ride safe 👍

[@davidmacgregor5193]

I owned three Triumph Meriden 750cc twins in the early 1980's, Triumph fitted Avon Roadrunner tyres to their new machines in those days. I love Avon tyres, I've installed their Cobra Chrome tyres on my H-D Sportster.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. Others have also mentioned Avon tyres as a good replacement. Ride safe👍

[@johnmartin7158]

The breaks while not startling are more than adequate.

[@shottostravels]

Completely agree 👍

[@simonbowen6653]

Very similar experience with my 2018 "59" special edition. Stock seat isn't great, comfort seat is better but over £300!! Suspension could be better but it suits my relaxed style of riding. Pirelli Phantoms definitely track more than other tyres I've had.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Ride safe Mate 👍

[@mikehatswell3961]

Morning Keith, yep without a doubt the Bonneville is the best looking bike out there, it’s the definition of a classic bike and even non bike riders admire it and know what it is, it’s iconic. I’m just a bit biased 😂 no it’s not perfect but no bike is, it’s a good all rounder that’s a pleasure to ride and that’s the whole point we ride for pleasure. All the best buddy 👍

[@shottostravels]

Hi Mike, I thought you might agree. I was right, for once. Iconics a good word, as is all rounder. Ride safe Mate👍

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

Morning Keith, great video again 😊

[@shottostravels]

Thanks Ian.👍

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

Good review, I chose the T120 because I preferred the 6 speed gear box for touring it just makes it a bit more relaxed. I agree on the idiot lights they are not good but the worst one for me is the indicator idiot light I have to check every time that I've switched it off. I don't really have too much issue with the suspension tbh it is plenty adequate and I think sometimes people read stuff by professional road testers and convince themselves it needs upgrading when you have to remember that most professional road testers are pushing bikes to their limits when most of us will never get near the limit. It is definitely not as compliant as my 1200GS but it is fine even for relatively spirited riding. I've not had any major issues with the tyres but I think I will change them out for something else just to try. Looks are subjective but to me it is definitely one of the best looking bikes on the market and l think the quality of all the components makes it worth the premium price. I find the seat one of the most comfortable I've ever had. I will say the GS is more comfortable but I have done a multi day tour of the Bonnie doing a good 200 miles a day with no issue at all but we are all different I had a CBF1000 and people raved about the comfort and it nearly crippled me on a tour. It was so bad that by day 4 I had to find a cycling shop and go and buy some gel padded shorts to ride in lol.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Ride safe👍

[@johnharris7353]

A lot like my '77 Yamaha XS 650 twin looked. every bit as good as this one!

[@shottostravels]

Now that was a classic looker. Thanks for commenting. Ride safe Mate 👍

[@markwood9755]

Great content again Keith 😀, please don’t go down the road of playing music especially when talking, or too many visual effects, just my tuppence worth of positive critique. Hat on heading for cover 😮

[@shottostravels]

Mark. I appreciate it, thanks for your constructive thoughts. Taken on board. No hard hat required👍

[@markwood9755]

@@shottostravels Thanks Keith 👍😀

[@Bigbaldybear]

They're not very bright Keith because they're 'idiot' lights 🤦‍♂️ sorry. Enjoyed the video mate 😁👍

[@shottostravels]

Ha, I never thought of that! But then again, as you say🤔 Let's go for a ride soon, when we get a decent day?

[@Bigbaldybear]

@@shottostravels definitely mate. I'm away for just over a week but I will be in touch. Looking forward to seeing the bike 😁

[@shottostravels]

Away! Again, you jet setter you. You're like Alan Whicker! 👍

[@paulwhitehead3214]

Ey up you got it absolutely right best looking motorcycle out there 👌, the Enfield 650 is ok but can not compare on the look of the Triumph it just looks so right same as it used to do back in the day, and I’m jealous sorry to admit 🫣🤣🫣👍

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting Paul. It was just a bit of fun but if it's not the best looking it's certainly one of them. It pulls at the heart strings if you're a certain age. Ride safe Mate👍

[@bankruptpensioner]

Excellent vid Keith 👍👍

[@shottostravels]

Thanks Mate. Ride safe👍

[@thepipesmokingbeekeeper8917]

Hi Keith Wow you've opened a can of worms there mate How about Kawasaki w800 Classic 350 Moto guzzi v7 just for a start Have a good one

[@shottostravels]

I knew that! Can't disagree with your other suggestions either. Ride safe Mate👍

[@RanMachlof]

Hello there, yes the bonnei t100 is beautiful motorcycle, but v7 special is stunning 🙂

[@shottostravels]

No. The Bonneville is stunning. The V7 is beautiful. 😉 Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Ride safe👍

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Great video review it the triumph and a lovely looking bike I must say in that colour on looking bike I think my triumph rocket is the best looking bike on the market today but I would wouldn’t I but if I had anything else I would still say that because I do honestly think that but I will try the 900 out if they have one but the 1200 is still in my heart we will see anyway great video as I said take care bye for now 👋

[@shottostravels]

Wow, Rocket 3, 180 bhp on a naked bike! My cheeks would be clapping about 3 foot behind my head! It's a lot on a naked bike! Try them both, and see what you think. Thanks for commenting Mate. Ride safe👍

[@markpercy4277]

Like you Keith l love my Bonnie we are of a generation that idolises the look of the classic bike, but my son prefers my Z1000SX which my wife calls a Tron bike. l do love my Kwaka but l much prefer riding the Bonnie these days, take care bud 👍

[@shottostravels]

Hi Mark, I think it's an age thing and as John said in another comment it's probably an age thing. The youngsters of today when they are 60 plus will probably see a Zzzrrrzzrrzz 1800 as a 'classic bike" Nowt wrong with that it's just the way it is. Ride safe Mate and thanks for commenting.

[@johnlenart597]

I think my BMW R9T is better looking, but it also needs suspension upgrades. None is perfect. I fell in love with the Teal color color.

[@shottostravels]

No your wrong 😉 But thanks for your thoughts. 👍

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

I would say it's ONE of the best looking bikes out there on the market, I have a soft spot for the Kawa Z900RS and the Moto Guzzi range as well as some Royal Enfields. My taste is for the retro styling rather than something like the Suzuki 8S or Yamaha MT range (great bikes but not my taste)

[@shottostravels]

I agree, fair comment. Ride safe👍

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

@@shottostravels The Bonneville range is my favourite out of the Triumph line up and would be the most likely Triumph bike I'd purchase. I think your Bud Ekins bike looks great

[@ChadWinters]

I have been debating between this and the speed twin 900

[@shottostravels]

That's not a bad decision to make, ride them both! Enjoy. Ride safe Mate👍

[@markwood9755]

Definitely test ride them both, back to back. I am lucky enough to have both, I love them both for their distinctly different characters and riding positions. Do not let any salesperson tell you they are the same bike with only styling differences. I am sure you will know your preference straight away after a back to back ride. If I was pushed into a corner and could only have one it would probably be the T100 due it’s more upright riding position and lovely twin clocks.

[@shottostravels]

@@markwood9755 thanks Mark. Sound advice I'm sure. We are all different, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Ride safe👍

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

I totally agree about the looks , I have a street twin 900 and when I park up I always look back at it but I also agree as regards the downside but what bike is perfect ?

[@shottostravels]

Yes, very pretty yours is too. A Bonnie for the millennium. 👍

[@MrVinnyh]

Best looking? well I think the Moto Guzzi V7 special, of which I don't own. each is different to the eye, but having just seen the latest BMW R1300GSA what a ugly bike! 😵‍💫 I enjoy your little rides and bimbolings keep them up thanks.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. A fair shout! Ride safe Mate👍

[@SunofYork]

Bonnyville or Bonneville ? lol...

[@droptuned83]

It's just not got the right proportions to be said to be the best-looking retro bike in the world. You used to own one of the best-looking retros 😊

[@shottostravels]

Oh yes it has! 😉 Can't disagree with the thoughts on the Enfield though it's a very good shout for much less money. Ride safe Mate👍 Thanks for commenting.