Triumph T120 Review Tour Europe 2700 miles in 12 days. Learning from the T120 ride

After 2700 miles across Europe, what I have learned about the T120. Here is a real review of the things you should know about the T120 before buying.
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[@seanconnell2065]

A David Attenborough of motorcycles. Very watchable without any backing. Helpful.

[@bankruptpensioner]

😆. thanks ever so Sean 👍

[@robgerety]

Nice review of this bike. I am back to riding after a 50+ year hiatus. I bought a nearly new 2022 T-100 with 400 mile on the clocks. I love these bikes. I cruise around the country roads of Vermont and New Hampshire. What a joy. I am taking it pretty slow, working on my skills. After 50 years you are not much different than a new rider. It is a tad on the heavy side for me to re-learn on, but I am doing fine given my calm style and rural environment.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Robert, well done returning to riding. You have made a great choice in bike. The T100 is wonderful and a great starting point and to be fair, you won't need to change it. A great flexible bike. Congrats on starting to ride again and safety first 👍

[@lh4980]

I am watching this vidéo from France . I am looking for a T120 and KZbin send me here . Thank you for your review and for speaking slowly .👍

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks, speaking slowly is a management art 😆. I am so pleased you found the video useful, it means lots to me 👍. Go get your T120, you won't be disappointed ❤

[@russzitaruk9702]

Just the video I wanted to see. I'm hoping to get one of these next year.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Russ, glad to be of help and hope your get one in the next year 👍

[@fonsideluxe]

Great review of the T120 after a long trip! 👍🏻 Not only I liked it, but you also convinced me to embark on a similar adventure with my own T120 🤞🏻 Thanks for the inspiration!

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hey Fonsi, that's great news. You will have a great time on your T120 going away for a longer trip. I found the long riding days a dream on the T120 👍

[@Mr_JP_Thats_Me]

Looking at T120. They are just classic. I do have a concern with tubed tires. Probably making bigger concern than needed. I have tube-less on my current bike. I wish they would do a spoked set up that works with tube-less. ADV are starting too. Thanks for the great review. Ride safe.

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

I bought mine secondhand because I wanted a particular colour scheme. I found a one owner bike with 5,000 miles on and it has been superb. You are absolutely spot on about the attention it draws and about the ladies who show interest lol I was getting on it one day and a little old lady stopped her car next to me to look at it and tell me all about her brother having a Bonneville back in the 60s. It certainly isn't a rocket ship but that torque is fantastic for making spirited progress on twisty roads and as long as you are not trying to get your knee down the suspension is adequate. Seats are very subjective but I find the standard seat absolutely fine even for touring. You get about 200 miles from a tank and that is about the right time when I want to get off and stretch my legs a bit anyway regardless of what bike I'm on.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Great machine Grumpy, only pity is the wet weather over in Europe as I too was hoping to stretch this pony a little harder. You are right about the seat and I was very surprised. I thought I would have been wriggling all the way to Austria but this was not the case. All in all, a great bike for pulling pensioners 😆

[@stickyviews368]

Enjoyed the review and agree with almost everything said. For me built like a retired rugby player who has put on a few pounds found the seat and rear suspension lacking so had to change them and pleased to report comfort is now acceptable. I typically only cover 2k miles a year with a long run of 150miles being my limit for comfort. It's a good bike for getting admiring looks and even more so conversations when loaded with camping gear, but as you say it really is an older generation thing so my wife has nothing to worry about lol.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Sticky, changing the bike is a good thing and if it better meets your dimensions, then so be it. It's a beautiful bike and reminds the older generations of different times I guess 😆

[@waynedilworth5706]

Great review, I've got 6k on mine now and the chain hasn't stretched at all. Fuel, I'm getting about 60 mpg but that maybe the hills around here in the Peak District and my 100kg, so when we're touring we fuel up between 150 and 170 miles, my mate has a 15 plate 865 T100, I agree completely with the gear box comments, FYI I've got the comfort seat and I don't think it's any better than the OE one, just looks nicer. Not sure if you have a centre stand, I have and just pop it up at the end of the day and give the chain a gentle waxing while it's warm, I wouldn't have a scotoiler due to fling on the rear wheel. As I've mentioned before, I believe a fender extender, dresser bars, a radiator guard and heated grips are must haves for me. I know the weather wasn't kind to you on this trip, but did you feel any heat through feet from the catalytic converter ? I am considering decating mine due to this heat, and the way it gobbles petrol while it heats up PS Get it bloody cleaned 🤨

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Decatting and KN air filter or similar I think are common sense mods........

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks Wayne, a good few suggestions here. I do need a centre stand 👍 fender extender is a must 👍Interesting question on heating. I had no issues with heating on the ride however, alot of the time, the ride was cool to cold. At some points of the ride, I would bring my legs against the tank to get warm air from the engine but no heat issues from the cat. 😆, the bike is now clean 👍

[@waynedilworth5706]

Glad to hear it is now clean 😍

[@stonecold2653]

Great review.Thanks

[@user-fv1576]

Interested in the screen and how effective it is on motorways - noise , wind buffering etc

[@bankruptpensioner]

OK, I have taken time to respond to you. Important subject 😆. The screen I used in the video worked great from an aerodynamics perspectiver however, the bolts that held the screen were made from monkey metal. I therefore removed the screen and now that screen is redundant. I have another vlog coming up on a new screen that has been fitted to the T120. Early testing is positive. The video will become available in a week or two so keep your eyes open. Puig is the make and the screen was for the 400X but it does not fit BUT it fits the T120. Cost in the UK was £78.

[@larrywade9041]

Really nice review Richard as I truly enjoyed it. I loved the phrase "it's got enough power to start a planet". I agree with you that I don't need a rain mode, I control that from my throttle. We learned that in the old fart school. I also am good with a progressive squeeze of the brakes. Lastly, I loved those shoes that you were wearing. They looked like an expensive oxford. I'd like to have a pair of those. Have a great day my friend! Cheers!! Illinois

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Larry, it's good to know that there are still riders that don't use the riding mode 😆. I shall find you a pair of the same shoes and send them over to you. I bought them from the country town of Nantwich in Cheshire. Tell me your size and I will have a look 👍

[@aliandtheharley1606]

I have rhe T100 and love it. I went to France on it last year and it was perfect with all the luggage. I understand why you like the T120 so much 😁

[@bankruptpensioner]

I have had a few 856's in the past Ali, and they are wonderful. Very underrated on the market and often command a high second hand price. If looked after, they will run forever 😆

[@markhenry192]

Great review, Sir. Recently sold my beloved HD Softail Low Rider for the T100. The HD was too getting too heavy and quite the pain to park. The T100 is a joy to ride, so much more suitable for our roads. I do miss the power and comfort of the Harley but a small price to pay all things considered. Chose T100 over the T120 based on KZbin reviews (All Year Motorcyclist for one). Seems it handles a little better than the T120, is lighter and cheaper! I did change out the seat for a low seat. A lot more comfortable, not to mention bringing me nearer to the ground. It's a looker, too, but does not quite garner as much attention as the Harley did, but that is a good thing sometimes! Thanks.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks for the comments Mark, much appreciated. The T100 is wonderful. I had the SE versions and I am sure I have had about 5 of them. Great machines but mine, the 865 engines. Great bikes all around. Used to ride a Newchurch when i lived in Qatar for a couple of years. Looking after it, it never let me down at all. Easy to work on as well 👍

[@Lau-s6p]

We have bought the 1200 speedmaster 2022 one owner with under a thousand on the clock and absolutely love it we traded a tiger 800xrt2017 and think the speedmaster is a very comfortable and relaxing ride .for us it's by far the best bike we've had so far .

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Lau, speedmaster is a great bike. I would have loved one but for touring, I was not wanting to get some 45mpg, I needed more. Still, the speedmaster is wonderful 👍

[@Lau-s6p]

@@bankruptpensioner were did you get 45 mpg from. I get about 62.7 but I am an old plodder (67 years old)

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@Lau-s6p Hi Lau, you are right. I was thinking of the Speed Twin 1200 - the one with upside down forks. Yes, I suspect the speedmaster has the same mapping as my Bonneville and as such, will get very similar mileage - which......is very very good 👍

[@MikesGlitch]

Thanks for the review. Random question, when you tour do you go with others or alone? I've never toured before and I'm interested in how people do it.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Mike, I have done both. Alone, went through Europe with no issues. When in a group, I find that I need to know the people well and have an understanding of their riding style. As a group, I tend to go with Mark and Charlie, we know how we all ride so have no issues or concerns. One year, another guy came with us and due to his urgency, a lot of things went wrong. So pick your riding buddies carefully. Alternately, take your loved one on the back and you will have a great time riding with one bike 👍. Just take the leap - you will have a great time and you will question why you did not do this earlier in your life 👍

[@TriumphLover]

Forget the GSX-R600! 😂 The T120 sounds like the better behaved version of my 22 Thruxton RS. The Thruxton is brutal😂 I'm 66yo. I wish my seat was as comfortable as the T120. 100 miles and my arse needs a much needed break. I think I'm a gluten for punishment cause I have the Daytona Moto2, Speed Triple 1200RR, Street Triple Moto2. The only thing saving my bum is my 2012 Explorer, which I have talen to Newfoundland. I do like the T120. Maybe when I'm older😊 Thank you for your review, very insightful.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Kenny, great selection of bikes present and from the past. When you are ready, you will find the space for a T120 - and then get harassed by old ladies 😆

[@conrad152]

A really interesting review from an experience rider.

[@bankruptpensioner]

thanks very much Conrad 👍

[@wingandhog]

I asked my local dealership today (7.16.2024) to give me a trade in estimate for my GoldWing with the intent of purchasing a new T-120. I love the British modern classics. Just waiting to see what they come back to me with.

[@bankruptpensioner]

wow, completely different bike from the GW. I think, you will love the agility of the T120 👍

[@lauriebloggs8391]

What an excellent review of the bike......real world practical stuff that owners/potential owners need to know. By and large.....I am tall!..... I would agree with most of which you have said, although I did find as standard, the front suspension poor. Ok but poor, as I felt it got "busy" or confused on less than perfect roads, so I swapped the OE non progressive springs for TEC progressive springs, a simple and cheap swap and made a significant difference. Far more controlled ride. Fuel consumption and riding exactly match mine with similar usage, as I ride the same way. The saddle.....in itself is excellent, but the pegs for me, are too high and far forward, so I am sitting on my "pin" bones, and after 1-2 hrs get fidgety. My Bonny is a second hand (dealer) 2017 model that I have had since 2019/20. It is a bit of a "garage queen", lol!! I think you've got it spot on, and although I do get the third party reactions that you mention, I do not think of it as a "retro" , as under the cosmetics, it is a modern and capable machine? As for performance, yes it is grunty.....also it is an 80bhp bike which is very similar to the Z900 of my youth.....and no one thought of that as slow! It has for the 14000 plus miles it has done, been utterly faultless mechanically or electrically.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Laurie, I think a sit down with dialogue can better provide needed information at times. Riding an narrating does take lots of brain power 😆. Good points you have rasied. It's a great middle of the road bike with loads of style 👍

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@bankruptpensioner 👍😀 I don't have any brain power.........

[@rafaelcordoba13]

I have a T120 too and was wondering if this windscreen you have works well on the highway at 80mph? Does it create a nice bubble? No wind buffeting? I live in Stockholm and to travel to the Alps I must take some highways :) cheers!

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Rafael, yes, the screen does a great job. Well worth getting a screen for the long fast journeys. Makes the long fast days easier - not perfect, but easier. A good investment 👍

[@rafaelcordoba13]

@@bankruptpensioner thanks for the reply, please could you tell me what is the model of your windscreen?

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@rafaelcordoba13 Hi Rafael, the screen I used was a generic screen. Unforetunately, I have had to replace the screen. Ultimately, I have used the following screen which was designed for the 400x but fits better on the T120. I will be uploading a video on this very soon so take a look. After a couple of rides, this screen appears to be just as good as the screen I took to Austria. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285961962054?_skw=triumph+400x+screen&itmmeta=01J87EJ3TBFH8WKHZHYSQ8TRFV&hash=item4294a94246:g:TXoAAOSwXXFmkN-Q&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlDeMFkZqxtytSIR5NfxsVcCqEm8%2BrTDSoVs8mrgWM3AguoEUCIOip7Nz4ZIgHkg9o2%2FddUwC%2Fp7vBH%2BKPIO95BqGiEZXJJOHZL94oYwsa%2BNyYyBxaduPcYSJ3wMMTilMnUoGIXCXnAUgVXzEPEuxTXT8uklsY6alBHu5UXj8NsB%2FNY%2BZBqrE0wqXppIGp9NDrS1n1DobZz%2B4hmpjHXQxGqYI5uX1OawzvKi7ql87D0GKFNUy4Qr7XU%2BKEm6PfHJ5s%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6y9yO7BZA

[@Banditmanuk]

I hired a T120 on Tenerife earlier this year and very much enjoyed the experience. For me, as a 6ft 3 big guy, I'm too big (and perhaps heavy) to get properly comfortable. You definitely dont need a touring/adventure bike to tour Europe. Wife & I have very recently visited the Pyrenees on an MT10 and Street Triple. Tubed tyres are definitely not ideal when touring as it makes self repair much more difficult. I wish I could get more than a week away from work! I need to retire

[@bankruptpensioner]

Sorry for the slow response 🤯. Tenerife is a great place to ride 👍 to be fair, I would be happy to tour on a cub 125 👍😂

[@DJPTEXAS]

Great review !

[@bankruptpensioner]

thanks ever so, much appreicated 👍

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Think that’s my next bike definitely more end of year that could be a good deal time round to January February next year and get a new one take care nick

[@bankruptpensioner]

Go for it Nick, I am sure you won't be disappointed. She is a real workhorse with loads of style 👍

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

@@bankruptpensioner i totally agree I had a new 750 bonnie in 1978 bronze &gold tear drop tank half ape bars it was a fantastic bike I was 18 then I had a 1976 850 commando mk3 with electric start that was rubbish bonnie was amazing 😻

[@sarkiskopushyan]

Hello, does the T120 have a gear indicator on the dashboard?

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi S, thanks for the comment. Yes, a gear indicator is available and works perfectly well. Personally, I don't need it but that's because I am an old fart 😆

[@rogrrr]

Amazing review of the Bonnie! 😍💕 Did you do the whole video in one shot? Or are you a master of ultra smooth editing? 😄 Great work anyway!! Cheers mate! 👏🏻👍🏻

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Rog 😆all in one shot, no editing 😆. I think this is the real world when it comes to reviews. Sometimes, I think, and I may be wrong, it is best to sit down and have a chat about the bike and just see where it goes. I am about to do the same today (Friday) for the first month with the Scrambler 400X. and that will be issued in a week or so. Thanks for the comment and see you in a future video 😆

[@barriebland8765]

What was the screen like for wind protection ??

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Barrie, the screen was great. This screen was kindly donated from a subscriber however, I understand that this is a generic screen and can be easily found on eBay etc. Riding such long miles keeps the wind pressure off you and makes the long days riding a little easier. I have now removed the screen, more for aesthetics, but, if I knew I was to be riding for 200 miles, I might consider putting it back on. If I was about to go back to Europe for a few days, I would definitely put it back on. Which takes about 5 mins to do. Hope this helps 👍

[@barriebland8765]

Thank you​@@bankruptpensioner

[@johnkennett617]

Would prefer the brakes had to be worked especially coming off or going onto highways. That gravel is tricky.

[@bankruptpensioner]

You are right John, as I said, progressive, which allows any unexpected shocks to be put to sleep 😆

[@dalewintle8099]

Nice review mate , just goes to show you do not need a big adventure bike to go touring abroad.

[@bankruptpensioner]

that's a good point Dale 👍

[@robertthole9320]

Tires really tubed?

[@bankruptpensioner]

They really are 😆. Don't worry about it Rob, they seem absoloutly fine 👍

[@malcolmpatton9314]

Did you try the 900 before making your decision ?

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Malcolm, I have had about 5 of the 865 or 900's. I had three over in Qatar and they are brilliant 👍. I just thought the 1200 might be better than the 900 for touring. And based on my experience (which with the new 900's may well be incorrect), they only did about 50 MPG. The 60+ MPG of the 1200 swayed me over to the 1200 for the touring etc 👍

[@user-fv1576]

73! 😂

[@markonmotos]

And that’s the average! 😮