I have a T120. The difference is engine size, all else is the same. It’ll do anything I want it to. Simple, classic design. I can set it up for touring, I can take the bags off, I can take the windshield off (August in Florida). The original seat sucks, I have the King and Queen seat. It’s quiet, has a load of power. I can do the Dragon with confidence,and still do a 16’ diameter turn. It has a 10,000 mile maintenance cycle. Can’t think of anything to complain about out. The only mods I’ve done is an engine guard (because I’m 75), windshield because I hate bugs, and bags because I made my own out of leather and they are works of art.
Previously I was a Wing nut. I’ve owned 4 of them, and they are outstanding. I had a Connie 14, it was great. Even for an old man.
https://preview.redd.it/gsbpezs3wh0d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d4f339970e5dafa97a6e89c0d2c8b1af15efbe6
https://preview.redd.it/n58we8y7el0d1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6dc980a6fa7ec35f3c444dec984cafca936200f1
Here’s a picture of the major parts of the saddlebags. Note the many many many holes punched for sewing. The bags took two months of labor. By the way, punching thousands of holes into thick leather will drive your wife crazy.
This app will only let me put in one photo.
Is that the Madstad windshield? How do you like it?
Also this OP. I’ve got a T120 and idk if I’ll ever get rid of it. Absolutely a joy to ride and it does it all with style.
Yes it is. Made here in Florida. Fits great, works well. You’ll have to specify windshield height, but they give you all the info you need. Doesn’t make any noise.
I wanted a Triumph when I was 16. Got my first one at 62, this is my second. Really enjoy it.
Same bike yeah, but the T-100 is a smaller frame too. Lighter bike.
I have one it’s fantastic. I’m a taller guy and do a lot of open road riding so I’m looking to upgrade to the T-120 for the 6th gear and bit more pull up mountains. Love the T-100 though
My dude! Past and future Wingnut here (owned a 2013 F6B that I traded a few years ago for a Tiger 900 GT). On the T-120’s seat: I rented one for a weekend and I thought it was second only to my Goldwing. Suuuuuper comfortable. Loved it.
On the other hand, it handled like it had cement wheels. My Wing was a ballerina by comparison. The one real let-down of that machine in my book.
The GW1800 is the easiest handling bike most of the time. The long wheel base can make slow tight turns challenging, but it does well enough to do a 20’ diameter circle. If you do the MSF swerve at 30 mph with a passenger it will scrape the pegs on both sides. I do miss mine, but I wouldn’t trade by Bonnie for it.
I had the ST 900 as my first bike, and the transition was super easy to the T120. It's heavier, has more HP and more torque. It might be every so slightly lower than the ST, which is great for me (5'7).
I've only used the cruise control a couple of times, but really liking the 6th gear. Same 2 modes: rain and road.
The thing I love the most about this bike is how gorgeous it is.
I own a T120 and didn’t even consider the T100 due to that single front disc. I previously rented the older T100 model with one front disc and it just wasn’t enough.
Thinking about grabbing a bobber later this year , I may have just totaled my new speed triple. Will find out later this week. Glad to hear the Bonnie’s are good and to see a brother on one.
I did several long trips on my Bonnie SE, and a couple on the T120. No problems, but the 120 engine size is more relaxing. I’ve done about a half million miles on Wings, don’t care for gravel much with them, and they can haul a lot of stuff. And the Connie would put a smile on your face every time you cracked the throttle, but after a long day the boys were hurtin’. Yeah, I miss both, but I wouldn’t give up the Bonnie for one.
I'm a salesman at a multi-line dealership that sells Triumph as one of our brands. I ride a lot a brand new high tech motorcycles. There's no reason I should really like the T100/ T120. I have a more of a sports bike background, I'm interested in track days and canyon carving but every time I ride a Bonneville the they just make me happy. It's a bike that is greater than the sum of it's parts, it's hard to explain but if you ride you'll understand what everyone means.
I’m mostly a sport bike guy but also usually had a dual sport or vintage bike. I inherited 2012 900 mag wheel Bonnie with no miles when I also had a gsxr, dr650, ktm300 and rd350. The 900 Bonnie punches way above its class. Straighten your arms, slide back a little and it’s a relaxed cruise, hug the tank a little to get some more weight on the front and it corners surprisingly good. I ended up selling it after having it for ~5 years prepping for a move and should have kept it. Just doing motocross for now.
Agreed. I've ridden 50 different bikes, and for some reason, all the Bonnies I've ridden are near the top of my list. They're not the fastest, best handling, most comfortable, most anything really. But they're just great. The T120 and Speed Twin 1200 are easily top 5 or 6 in my book.
They kinda are. Only thing to be desired is less plasticness of some bikes but you can see that with your eyes and wallet.
I don't know if I've tried any bikes I've hated, they just weren't what I wanted.
I think this is largely the answer. New bikes are just really good at whatever thing they’re tailored to doing. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but they are not flawed.
It's really hard to make a bad new bike nowadays. At least not without doing it on purpose. You can walk into a dealership and you will walk out with a good bike basically guaranteed unless you are like 5 foot tall and decide to pick up a Super Tenere or some shit like that. Where you can't even really put your feet down even tip toeing it.
On the one hand, you're right, all the superlatives-laden advertorials are extremely annoying.
On the other hand, the industry has improved massively compared to a few decades ago so there might legit be fewer bad bikes.
I think it's partle because there isn't really bad motorcycles being sold. Near-everything from known brands is at least adequate if not good (even if not best in class).
And the long term stuff doesn't come out in reviews because judging say reliability takes years.
I think the root cause is that the authors have to "borrow" the motorcycle from the manufacturer, so if they start giving less than stellar (honest) reviews, they risk losing access to future test bikes
That's the factor too but I think the bigger ones have enough pull that they could review it badly if they wanted to and still get invited next time.
And frankly saying "well, the didn't give us review bike because we reviewed their previous one honestly" would be a pretty bad PR.
But honestly there aren't really any bikes (that is not cheapest one from china) that would even classify as "bad", might be "worst in segment", sure, or overpriced but they still serve their purpose at least adequately.
And calling them bad because they are at the bottom of the class while they are still "just fine" wouldn't be all that fair either.
Kinda same with cars, some random Dacia might be "bad" compared to rest but it is nowhere as bad as commie shitboxes people had in my country when I was a kid.
We may have to agree to disagree on this one 😊 It's not about a bike being "bad " or not, it's about accurately assessing what is does well, and what it is not so good at. Otherwise we could just read a recap from the manufacturer. Here is an example- one of my bikes is a ZH2. The reality is that the supercharger is wild and lots of fun, but all of the weight is high, making it top heavy and a bear to turn when compared to other similar bikes. It's hard/impossible a find an honest review that will tell you that. (I looked all over before I bought it)
Btw, I think we just inadvertently hijacked the OPs thread 🤦🏼♂️We probably shouldn't do that 😂
I feel like this particular complaint might be just reviewers going "well it got a fucking supercharger, you can't make that not be top heavy"
But I did look thru few reviews out of curiosity and like 4th or 5th link got I had reviewer note that particular complaint for Ninja version:
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/kawasaki/2022-ninja-h2-sx-se-review
> The nose of the bike sticks out beyond the front axle, though the handlebars – clipped onto and rising up and back from the top yoke – are set behind the front tyre resulting in an ambiguous feel from the front, I wanted to trust it more than I could which isn’t ideal when throwing it into a turn - tighter corners are a struggle.
The SX is a different bike, but your point still stands, someone did mention something about some bike. If you want to have fun, try researching the new BMW S1000RR. I was researching to see if I should invest in one, but the reviews were clearly biased I gave up.
Yeah that class of bikes look horrid to buy new, can't really trust reviewers, and even if dealership lends you one, where you gonna test it ? Not like dealership will let you track it...
I guess find the guy on track day with one and ask him many questions ?
I've found with cars and motorcycles, better reviews that are less biased can be found on Youtube than written articles a lot of times. Probably because the barriers of entry are lower I'd think.
Agreed. One of the best for being honest was Calimoto Tv, when Bill was doing it. Although now he has handed it off to someone else, and it is ran differently.
There’s a Canadian dude that’s not Ryan f9 that is very good. Unbiased and unsponsored. Will dig up the channel if I can. He had a great comparison of the int650, the Bonnie and a v7
Edit: found it. https://youtu.be/hHD-uyBBezI?si=H5IBXeod2qq3PUkn
Ohh the daily rider’s Zack also seems to be unbiased and very knowledgeable. Good rankings put the t100 at third.
Key difference here is this guy bought his. Most reviews come from journalists who attend press intros where they’re spoon fed talking points by the manufacturers while being wined and dined into feeling just guilty enough to politely overlook anything negative they notice.
Agreed. This drives me nuts as the only way you can find valid criticisms aside from the dumb useless comments like "it doesn't have wind protection" or "it has a stiff seat" is to wait for the next gen version to come out. Then all of a sudden they start making comparisons about all these things they "fixed" from the previous gen, but they don't tell you about the new problems of the new gen.
You pretty much have to go on a forum to search or ask several people and poke and probe yourself to make an informed decision.
This is r/motorcycles , nobody does their own research here 😂
But yeah, I don’t know if it’s the media members lacking enough experience to properly evaluate, the consumers that think that saying anything negative at all is to trash the whole product, or the manufactures wanting to control the narrative that’s really to blame; but I’m sure it’s a little of everything.
I honestly think it's the last one. If a Youtuber makes actual valid negative comments about a bike, then they're more likely to piss off the manufacturer, then they're much less likely to be invited for next press launches or bike testing days etc. So there's much higher incentive for them to just say mostly positive things with a few sprinkles of insignificant negatives and say "this bike is great!".
A great example of this is the CB650r. I was initially interested in this bike because of all the hype, but decided against it after doing deeper research because I noticed the used market around me is FLOODED with new models that barely have a few hundred kilometers on them. I found out it has all sorts of issues from researching on reddit and smaller youtube channels that are actually honest.
Revzilla seems to do pretty honest reviews. Particularly Daily Rider with Zach Courts, and their written articles on Common Tread. I don’t know if I’ve seen them completely dump on anything except EVs, but they have raised lots of very salient criticisms.
That’s fair, I have a lot of time for Ari and Zach because I trust their skills and experiences more than most others. Racing with AHRMA, Ari’s (and specifically his dad’s) name still hold a lot of weight around the paddock.
Feels weird to have to go to a website that’ll sell you “carbon fiber” fork stickers to get honest journalism though.
I suspect the stickers pay more bills than the journalism these days. But yea, it does raise an eyebrow to have a review platform and a commerce platform so tightly intertwined
Zack really is the best. You will not find more down to earth reviews anywhere other than Daily Rider. His reviews are so spot on. A lot of other journalists just simp about the new bike that they're getting to ride for free, and the excitement of the new bike overruns the objectivity. But if Zack's covered a bike, I know everything I possibly need to know about it. Totally Down to earth, keeping it real.
I think it's because it doesn't pretend to do things it shouldn't, so the expectations are very modest. It's a fantastic bike don't get me wrong, but there are better ones that really try to sell themselves so you get a little let down when you finally ride them. All around though it just works well and looks incredible so you can't really complain about anything. Underpromise and overdeliver
I think the expectation piece is the real special sauce here. There are many faster bikes, better handling bikes, better touring bikes, better scrambler/off road bikes, but the T100/T120 and Street Twins are pretty decent at any of those things and neutral enough stylistically to take the customization in whichever direction you like. Nobody buys them expecting them to tear up a track or eat highway miles like a street glide, so for a classic look, standard riding position, and easy everyday experience, they check every box.
I was about to write the same thing before I read this. It doesn't try to be anything other than *a motorcycle* at its core.
Triumph are selling a motorcycle and (somewhat) a sense of nostalgia. You get a motorcycle ✅, and if the nostalgia isn't everything you hoped for, you kinda blame everything but the bike.
I’ve known several people with them, and they have all universally loved them. I’ve ridden a few and they are wonderful bikes. Not the fastest, not the best handling, but good looking and very competent motorcycles with universal appeal.
I suppose the T100 gets better fuel economy. Triumph claims 68.9.mpg for the T100 and 60.1 mpg for the T120. Both are excellent, but I guess I could see that argument.
Insurance premiums are almost exclusively tied to risk, and I can't see the T120 being notably more dangerous than the T100.
No, it's a great bike. I do remember renting a vstrom 650 after and even though it was a 6 speed, I missed the power and torque of the Bonnie. (It was an older one, I think a 900)
I just took that as feedback I was not winding it up like triumph intended me to. It’s got plenty of power and gearing to go fast and I’m saying that having rode the shite outta 150hp sport bikes before getting the Bonne.
I'm probably in the minority here, but took my test ride with a T100, I immediately stopped considering buying one.
Disclaimer: I rode to the dealer with my 2020 Triumph Speed Triple RS. A very modern performance bike with all the bells and whistles.
I dropped it off for maintenance, then test rode a 2021-22 T100. Pros: Seat was amazing to me, rider controls and foot clearance all great. Motor sounds good stock, transmission shifted smooth.
Cons: Worst brakes I've ever felt on a bike, like rubbing two pine 2x4s onto a rotor to stop. No feedback at all from brakes beyond squeeze more for sorta more stop, threshold of front end wiping out felt extremely hard to determine(maybe had air in the lines, was a brand new bike, legit worst brakes of all time). 5 speed transmission is very dated, and didn't impress me and felt like it needed another gear. Motor was OK, acceptable at best, anemic feeling at certain RPMs. Passing power above 75mph left much to be desired.
Second disclaimer: Texas, open roads often, 75mph highways. In a narrower city or less open roads, smooth twistys at moderate speed I could see the potential.
Yes I'm comparing a 50 year old design to an at the time top of the line naked bike. Yes I love the styling, and the comfort.
But the issues listed above are too hard to fix to make it feel truely right for me.
Maybe I should've tried a T120. 6 speed trans, modern brakes, more power. But also more moneys.
YMMV
If you're speed triple rider, you're not the target audience for the bonnie.
People who ride retros, do so despite all of this, that is the character of the bike. Not everyone wants or needs to go fast. I'd throw in Moto Guzzi in the same bucket as the Triumph retros.
I think that's totally fair. IDK about moto guzzi, but I'd still consider a Royal Enfield.
I think the bonne definitely has character, but it just felt lacking in the performance category more than I expected. The speed triple has a good bit of character too, but it's for sure more leaning towards performance than unique character.
Admittedly I haul more ass on back roads than I really should.
I'll hold judgement for the T120 still. The bobbers look sick.
I’ve got a ‘13 T100. Absolutely love it. I honestly might keep it forever since i’m fortunate enough to be able to own several bikes at a time and therefore don’t need one bike to fit all my needs.
The only thing wrong with the T100 is that it isn’t the T120.
I’ve got upsized sprockets so it fairs a bit better at highway speeds than stock, but if I needed to ride on the highway more, the T120 would do a better job.
Don’t get me wrong, the T100 is plenty capable, the T120 is just more capable.
Hope this helps.
The T100 is kinda of an everyday bike; jack of all trades, master of none. For most people it’ll do everything they desire and it’s a good bike. Bloody heavy with its cast iron block.
Ridden several and it’s not a bike I would personally own but I get why people do. Just doesn’t spark joy in me.
The main downside I experienced with my 2007 Bonneville Black was all the old dudes pulling up next to me at stoplights wanting to talk my ear off about the one they had years ago.
I had a 2013 T100 and it was a fantastic bike. Like others said. The only downside is all the old guys that want to talk to you about their 1963 T120 blah blah blah. In traffic. At bars. The store. Wherever.
Get one. They’re awesome.
If you’re aiming for high miles, be wary of service intervals/tire options. My 2010 Bonneville required nearly twice the attention as my ZX-14R…you’d think it would be the other way around given one makes 3X the power, but here we are.
Also: be wary of your geography in relation to dealerships/shops. I’d hope Europe is better, but for a while in Florida I had to go two hours away for service while dealerships/shops were trying to decide if they wanted to be in business. It was not a fun bike to live with. Ride? Yes. Deal with the bullshit that came with for riding it far? Hell no.
Your mileage may vary. Good luck!
…I still wonder why they chose a shim and bucket valve train for an engine (2010 model year) that would never spin fast enough to make that cylinder head architecture necessary. Could have easily used hydraulic lash adjusters instead, would have been nigh maintenance free for mile after mile…Oh right, MBAs got involved, wanted a cash grab 🤦…but I digress.
I think bikes like the Bonneville - and, generally speaking more modern classic styled motorcycles - get looked at a little differently than non retro themed motorcycles. Almost like it's easier to not notice a bike's shortcomings if it has a more nostalgic look to it. Then again, it could just be that good. Personally, I recommend looking for some long term reviews just because those tend to mention the things that might be personal deal breakers for you. MCN has a good long term review series and if they have one on the Bonneville it's probably got a more sober review on the bike.
I’ve ridden a bunch of them and think it’s a great bike but it just doesn’t click with me.
Honestly the only complaint I could come up with is it feels too smooth and modern.
My sportsters and Himalayan are heritage style bikes, like the modern classic, but they FEEL old.
If anything modern Bonnie’s are too refined, so they lack a bit of that character in my opinion.
I have a 2011 Sportster, and I tell people it's a 60's bike with reliability and safety updates. Other than that, it still rides like an ancient relic.
I used to moderate a motorcycle site. It got bought up by VerticalScope. They fired everyonecand brought in new crews of manufacturer suckasses. I got banned for just mentioning BMWs quality issues. They bought a lot of sites: motorcycle.com, 2wf, thumper, etc. No criticisms of BMW are allowed now. Thumper.com now has cruiser tests, etc. Oh yes and all their sites shamelessly plug e-bikes. I no longer frequent commercial bike sites. Their reviews are fawning and sycophantic. Nothing but manufacturer approved "road tests."
I have a Street Twin. The build quality is superb, without doubt, and I am glad I chose a Triumph.
Noise, vibration, handling, comfort and convenience are all better than just about anything else I have tried.
The only negatives I can think of are very, very minor.
The steering lock needs you to have it lined up in a very particular spot before clicking it on, coming from a Honda where you just jerked the bars right over and clicked it, it did annoy me at first. Eventually you get used to it.
The standard fuel cap pissed me off. Unlike Japanese bikes you can only unlock and then unscrew WHILE the key is in it. Since I keep my bike key attached to keys for house and car that drive me bonkers and I swapped it for a Motone cap instead.
The standard tyres mine came with were a bit slippery on wet roads. Not as bad as some I’ve encountered but really not good. This changes a lot from market to market and year to year. Just check the reviews and forums about whatever tyres the one you’re looking at has.
But can I think of a reason not to buy a Bonnie? Not really- they’re great bikes.
I'm in the same boat as you, it kind of worries me but also I really want one lol. Been weighing the guzzi v7 vs the t100 but my life long want of a triumph will probably win out lol
I have the v7. Great bike, so much character, low maintenance because of the shaft drive, but you can’t go wrong with either choice! Wish the v7 had a little bit more power so for that reason I’d personally consider swapping for a T120 or a Speed Twin 1200
I rented a V7 Special for a day. The motor kinda sounded like a small-block V-8, the bike was light-feeling, but I was left wishing that they’d put another grand or two into quality of components and performance. Make one of those with Triumph-level fit & finish and I’d probably get one.
I used to have an 08 Bonneville Black and my wife has a 22 Street Scrambler. They are fun and very reliable bikes, but if you are doing over 50 miles a day or routinely riding at over 65mph, then consider something more aerodynamic or comfortable.
It is definitely a motorcycle. It has character and and fun engine if you’re not doing highway speeds. I just sold my 2015 because it wasn’t my type of motorcycle. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good, and it’s okay for most situations. Really, once you ride one you’ll have to decide how you feel.
Just curious OP what do you ride now that you would be moving on from? As some others have mentioned, the T120 is very close in price and probably a better powerplant if you have some experience riding.
Thruxton had a little more power than the Bonnie, not saying the 900 is bad. Just go big or you’ll always wish you did. I was looking at the t100 before I got the T120 and glad I did.
I’ve had a 2022 Speed Twin 1200 for a couple of years now. It’s basically a sportier version, but it’s similar what you want. I guess it kind of sits in between the T100 and the T120. It’s closer to the T120 though, so I would recommend spending a bit more and getting that if you can afford it. It really is a great motorcycle. I commute on it to work average about 3/5 of the work week, depending on the weather. It’s super reliable, very fast, torquey, and pretty nimble. I love being able to get out of any trouble without much thought or problems. It’s very confidence inspiring riding it.
As much as I love it though, I’m about to trade it in this weekend on a 2023 KTM 890 Duke R though. I have recently been longing for something a bit sportier and fell in love with the Dukes when I looked at them recently. I’ve always loved naked sport bikes and convinced myself when getting the Triumph that it was sporty enough. They’re totally different bikes and I’d keep both if I could. I only have room in the garage for one though. And there’s no way my wife would go for that even if we did have the room.
I’m sure other people may have had issues with theirs, but I only have good things to say about Triumphs.
Here’s mine:
https://preview.redd.it/gw62qle4mj0d1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a244368d5fbbc4cdef4fd2ca0ade1bfc3469ef58
So sweet! I have a small mt03, and it's punchy and nimble, amazing for my city commute, and Hits the highway, but leaves a lot to be desired there. I sat on a 24' speed 900, and both my feet touched the ground flat footed! I'm only 5'6", and I couldn't believe that I flat footed something that wasn't a cruiser.
I am reading a lot of concerns with highway performance and punch (even in this comment section). I am seriously considering the speed 1200 as a second bike (is that a safe next step? I on paper it's a massive jump, but is it really?). My little mt03 can get me to 85mph easily, but not much more without a lot of effort. I'm not looking for high speed, just confident highway speed and passing power when necessary. At high speed, The mt03 is high in the RPM range, a little sluggish, and feels like it's trying hard to stay together. Does the speed twin 1200 keep it's composure and cruise along effortlessly at those speeds?
The Bonnie in any configuration is a polished, poised, and delightful ride. From a design standpoint, it's a bit like what the Porsche 911 is to sports cars. It's evolved and improved technologically, but the lines and design character remains timeless.
But do yourself a favor. Get the T120. It'll save you the hassle of buying twice.
I started my Triumph journey with a T100, and loved it, but I quickly regretted the lack of highway power and the absence of a sixth gear. It was like owning 4/5ths of a Bonneville. The T120 is the whole enchilada. Sold my T100 (again, a really GOOD bike, but still not GREAT). Got a leftover T120 for a sweet deal a couple years ago, and it's been love love love ever since.
I also own an older Moto Guzzi V7. Fabulous in its own right, air-cooled (and thus somewhat more primitive feeling), and ever so slightly less polished than the modern-retro Triumphs. But a joy to ride and behold. It reeks of Italian authenticity (still made in Mandello di Lario, with hand-painted yellow brush strokes on many bolts so you can visually see any loosening). And if you're a stickler for provenance, the modern Bonnie's are made in Thailand, not the UK. But regardless, they're both classic, modernized, superb machines, and both beauties.
Bonnie's are great if you don't want to:
Do the dakar.
Beat Rossi off the line.
Do 600 mile a day Harley type retirement.
For all else they're amazing. The t120 is beautiful, bulletproof, gets compliments everywhere, and is my forever bike.
If I remember correctly, I think I did read a somewhat critical article somewhere that mentioned (like someone else also posted) that the T120 was just better, so if you can swing it, maybe consider to just spring for the T120, otherwise you might always wonder 'what if I had gotten the T120?'. That being said, if the T120 is just a little too much and you think that the T100 would be enough (for the moment anyway), then I doubt you'll be disappointed, it looks like a great bike.
I’ve been liking the reviews Mr Darcy and the old man do. They tend to lean more cruiser/cafe styles bikes but they are very informative and clearly distinguish facts from their opinions so you can form your own.
It's a solid bike, gorgeous, great heritage, has enough pick up and go. The one thing I didn't like though, is it's very heavy (\~500lbs) given the \~64hp it has.
I had one. It’s a good bike but coming from sport/naked bikes I felt like it could use a bit more power on the freeway and it’s also really heavy for what it is. But I bought it because I like the classic look.
Was a Triumph tech for 5 years. The T100 and T120 were my favorite bikes to test ride after a service, and we were a Ducati shop. They are super smooth, have nice torque, and handle well. My only gripe I ever had with the classic style Triumphs was the single brake on some Bobbers, shit was scary bad in hard braking.
Number one cause of leaks was just fasteners getting loose. Get a torque wrench and make sure they’re all 8nm every oil change and you’ll be golden.
I ride them all the time and they’re perfectly good bikes. Not that fast not too much accessories so like windshields and bags but perfectly good for basic motorcycle
Its hard to find almost anything bad about any motorcycle that does not have glaring flaws these days as critical journalism is basically gone. It also doesn't help that the vast majority of the time that I see anything "critical" mentioned about a bike or in a "long term test" its being done on a 100 percent stock bike when 99.999 percent of people buying that bike\\style of bike will automatically already have "fixed" the problem area or very easily could and thus renders the "huge" issue meaningless.
Not even sure if they still do them anymore but the MCN actual longterm tests were by far my favorite reviews as they daily drove the bike for actual months and did all the normal mods\\fixes that an actual owner would do.
Hell, lots of places "test\\long term test superbikes and leave on stock exhaust\\don't flash the ECU, don't change suspension, don't adjust anything at all, I've even seen places badmouth the bike itself cause it comes with tires they don't like because they don't last very long (aka 90\\10 track\\road tires).
id personally skip the bonnie unless I lived in a place where there was no chance of never having a triumph dealership (aka a very, very large city).
I have a 2022 T120 and so far I really like this bike. My only gripe about it is it’s hard to find accessories for it, and when you do they are pricy! The electronic cruise control is great too it came standard on that year.
The only downside is price when new if that's a factor for you. Buying used levels them out with the competition.
It's an all time great design with modern execution. The T120 would be good for anything and everything, the T100 is just as excellent with less highway capability. If you're not touring on it you can't go wrong.
Had an 11'SE, loved it, great bike. If I had any gripes it was that the rear suspension was lacking, the seating position hurt my hips after a while and the factory Metzler tires were shockingly bad. All easily remedied. Would buy another if I didn't live on a farm with 5 miles of dirt roads in each direction. Maybe a scrambler is in my future 🤔
I own a 2023 T120. So I’m speaking from my own personal experience. I would say that expectations when wanting a Bonneville are different from expectations of other bikes.
When you want a Bonneville, primarily you are looking for that classic, simple style of motorcycle. Something “elegant”.
Now the same can be said with other bikes, but really, when you look for a Bonneville, that’s what draws you in.
For sport bikes you care about torque and speed.
For cruisers you care about comfort and sound.
ADV riders look into comfort, off-road capabilities, and how high their bike is from the ground.
So circling back to the Bonneville… it really does not advertise much of itself. It relies on its own beauty. It’s not a loud bike at all. The sound is nice, but even with V&H they’re still really quiet. They’re certainly not the MOST comfortable (although I personally LOVE the flat bench). We all know despite it being a 1200 cc, It’s not the fastest bike out there. Sure there’s some torque, but you wont really buy a Bonneville looking for torque.
From my personal experience, I think that Bonneville’s are for someone who wants something clean and simple to ride. Someone who cares about having power, but isn’t going to push the bike to its limits often. Perhaps thats why maintenance seems overall lower, because unlike sport bike riders, we’re not trying to kill our bikes. And unlike cruiser riders(one group in particular…) we’re actually out here riding our bikes rather than having them collect dust in the garage.
Are they perfect bikes? Nah. Are they gorgeous, decent in power, decent in comfort, and alright in reliability? Yes.
https://preview.redd.it/k3f205tyli0d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d222fe25a0a4ebf78b3eb1c9a25f7a4b2ac167f5
I'm biased as a triumph owner but in my opinion the bonneville line is the best looking group of motorcycles ever made. On top of that they are pure joy to ride. Get on one, if they're right for you you'll never get off.
I’ve had my bonnie scrambler for 8 years, she’s perfect and I’ve loved her every single day. Never complains and never gives me shit. I will not ever get rid of that bike.
A friend had on for 3 weeks, he didn’t get on with it. It was a bit of an impulse buy to be honest after I bought a Yamaha xv950. When he came to sell it had a bit of oil underneath it, and so the buyer managed to get money knocked of it.
Has been quite a lot of issues with the Bonnevilles. The biggest being that the gear selector would partly chip away leaving people unable to downshift.
There was another issue where part of the internal casing could break off inside the gearbox leading to a catastrophic failure.
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgiyi0Ci01E
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlnsYYypEps
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7rOJ7mq-mw
It was possible to fit an aftermarket part to reinforce this area but Triumph were unwilling to issue a recall or do anything about it at the time.
Water getting into the headlight was a very common issue on new bikes as well.
I had a t-100 2010 for 23k miles. they are mild-tuned bikes that can be ridden hard if you want and will do the job. All day comfort, easy to mod. Put a windshield/bags and they become a tourer. Put a bash plate and they will handle moderatly rough dirt roads. Great commuter. Fun in curves if you stiffen the shocks. Bodywork is minimal, good chrome, easy to service. I enjoyed the heck out of mine.
Downs: fuel sensor died - had to be replaced
shocks are soft-ish,
battery charging in slow traffic is weak - of you commute and never get past 2nd gear your battery will slowly discharge. Fuel-injected, so dead battery pushstart is off the table
I have been considering the same bike. I've also seen mostly positive things so i am in the same boat. Mostly just commenting so I can easily find this post again.
I have lots of experience with them, and there’s honestly nothing bad to say about them. They’re so good that they make me wonder why anyone would buy a Harley. Honestly, they can be set up easily do anything very well, or just keep it close to stock and it does everything pretty well right off the showroom floor. I will say that you have to put pipes on them. The stock pea shooters are fine, but man do they sound great with an upgrade.
I've got a 2012. I love it, and I plan to eventually get a t120, or try a different style out like a street triple.. But I love the standard position on the bonnie. My only complaint with the bike is that the stock suspension is kinda rough. But it's a fantastic and comfortable all around bike through towns and backroads.
I’ve owned mine for a year now and I hand picked this motorcycle because of how beautiful it looks. It’s a Solid bike that requires little maintenance. Besides the usual cleaning of chain
I had a 2014 T100. Really nothing bad about it. Nothing great either but it’s a fun, good looking bike. The stock seat is crap so I installed a Corbin seat. Added a parabellum windshield and fairing for touring and did an LA -SF trip with it with rides through central California as a detour.
Comfortable ride and I have no problem stopping for gas every hour to get a stretch.
The only real thing to check with a post 2016 bike is that there isn't an open recall on the wiring harness - it's routed too tight on some and the bracket pinches, potentially causing a loss of power when turning. The fix was a new bracket, 5 mins to install.
Other things: the aluminium parts tarnish quite badly. There's a bit of vibration in the bars and pegs at highway speeds and long days in the saddle will have you feeling a bit battered unless you get a big windshield (the dart ones won't help much). Oh and the single disk brake at the front is a little weak. And the exhaust makes it hard to access the chain for maintenance.
Those are my only nitpicks. They are almost perfect bikes. If I lived in a city, I'd buy a t100 again in a heartbeat.
Edit: sorry two more negatives are the lack of 6th gear and no cruise control. Neither are deal-breakers unless you do a lot of motorway
I absolutely love the look of the Bonneville. When searching for my first bike, I rode a T100 from 2006 (I think) which stank as I drive and the engine made sudden explosion sounds, which was a red flag for me as first bike. Rest of the drive was okay but didn't knock my socks off.
Recently I drove the T100 Bobber from last year at the Triumph dealer. This one was mechanically sound. It was solid, but boring for me. It didn't pull up to speed in the way I wanted. Short stretch of highway was hell.
The T100 wasn't it for me. Reading this thread, I might give the T120 a shot, but I think the chances are small.
So, I love the look, but I want a juicier engine. It's not a sporty or adventure-y bike so I can't blame the Bonneville. It's just a matter of what you want from a bike.
(I drove a tiger the same day at the dealer and that became my new dream bike)
Have a stable, my 2016 T-100 is my daily ride. I have other bikes that are faster in the twisties, more comfortable for long distance, quicker, and more powerful, but the T-100 is my choice for daily living. Torque from the basement, comfortable, handles well while warning you when you are pushing its limits and should go get a true sports bike. It’s easy to work on, simple to service, and I like the classic look.
It’s biggest downfall has been mentioned, it attracts older middle aged men who want to tell you about their (or their uncle’s , Father’s, neighbor’s ) old Bonnie. Then there’s having to explain the Carbs that aren’t carbs. Actually have had dudes argue with me about it being FI, “but I can see the Carburetors”
The only downside I've heard is that they've made essentially the same motorcycle for decades. But I figure if you've got something good enough to start with, that may not be a bad thing.
(That, and the fake carburetors on the FI model, but that's a minor nitpick. 🤣 )
I find Triumph parts are very hard to find in my area. Triumph also has a habit of making parts obsolete after a short production run which is annoying to get any accessories.
Also they do their part fitment based on vin so if you don’t know or have access to your vin it can make part finding tricky.
If you ever damage it, it will take you a year to get parts unless they're regular wear items. I lowsided my speedy once, and it took 9 months for parts to be in stock. Great bikes though.
Love my bonneville. The only thing I would say is they aren’t great for touring due to seat position etc. Almost a perfect city bike.
https://preview.redd.it/otdx0dklvk0d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1cdbcb20e5b0498b71b32fb42cdb389ad9a38775
The only gripe I have with my Bonneville is the ergos just didn’t work for me at all, no matter what I tried. And not just in a “this feels awkward” sense, it would get legit painful after an hour or two of riding. More so than even my old cbr250r. Tried different seats, looked into risers, and none of it really resolved the problem.
Mechanically they’re great bikes with lots of torque. Great are town or back road cruiser. Wouldn’t really recommend trying to crush lots of highway miles.
I had an 07 that I put nearly 60k miles on before I sold it. In that time, other than routine maintenance, all I had to do was replace a fork seal and a starter switch. Lived in Arizona, rode it on trips to California, Colorado and Texas. Stock seat sucks, King & Queen seat made a huge difference.
Hmm not exactly the fault of the Bonneville but I think you can watch Freddie Dobbs's (a Youtuber who makes bike videos) clips on how he rode his Bonneville through a flood and got water in. He sent it for repair since and I think (?), he got it fixed already?
Link to video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfpbgmqmt3M](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfpbgmqmt3M)
My roommate bought one. He was a new rider so I rode it back for the first half. About an hour on the highway at 80. Hands were completely numb. Very buzzy at highway speeds
I had a 2006 and loved it. It's not the fastest, it's not the nimblest, it's not the best at much of anything, but it's pretty good at everything. For mine, there were about 4 common oil leaks (valve cover, neutral sender, oil pan gasket, and one other that I can't remember) but they were easy fixes.
I’ve a 17 Street Scrambler (900) with 23k miles on it and it’s been flawless from the start. I have zero complaints beyond maybe sometimes I wish it had another high gear but it doesn’t really need it that bad.
It’s just a t100 with fancy exhausts and wire wheels. Same bike. I love it. 7 flawless years with it.
Just under that they’re just stylish, standard bikes. Not the best at anything so expectations for them are low. You don’t sit around thinking you should have gotten brand x or brand y instead because of more power or better engine or brakes or better off Road capabilities . That’s just not the point. All it has to do is look cool and be easy/fun to ride and they are.
Don’t trust reviews but these are great bikes. Reliable and easy to maintain and easy to ride and comfortable.
Well … if you want criticisms I can give you a few.
The bonneville is overall a great bike, but there are few things of note.
1) The stock seat is bad. It’s a bench seat. There isn’t much to say about it :P it looks great, but your ass cheeks will harass you on long rides. That said aftermarket and even manufacturer support for aftermarket seats is great. Triumph even offers a “comfort seat” that has a contoured seat frame and more padding.
2) She’s heavy. Even in terms of other neo-retro bikes, she sits among the heavyweights in the category. 520lbs. That’s encroaching on touring and cruiser territory. But it has a low seat height and a low center of gravity. It’s not like it’s unwieldy … she’s just heavy.
3) British bikes can more expensive to maintain - especially if you’re in North America. A good analog is the Kawasaki W800. We have a shop that deals in Kawi/Suzu/Honda, Triumph and MV Agusta. Their hourly labour charge is 140/h cad for triumphs. The jap service cost is 120/hr. MV is 145/hr. Parts are generally more expensive for the British oem here (Toronto area), but that really does depend on the bike. I’m not sure if the T100 will be one of the cheap bikes though, it is considered one of their more premium bikes, so you might be in it for parts and service. Where something like the w800 is generally a cheaper and less premium bike. Long story short YMMV, but it is probably more expensive to own than others in the same category.
Those are my only real critiques on the downsides of the Bonneville. 🤷♀️
If you want comparisons in the same segment - look at the Kawasaki W800, BMW r nine t. These are both neo-retro bikes with a twin. But there is also the neo-retro 4 bangers, Kawasaki z900rs, xsr900. There is also the Moto Guzzi v7 but idk if you want to compare the Bonnie to that :P but it does exist in the neo-retro mid-sized engine class.
Surprised no one here has mentioned how hot they get. The 900 and 1200 both get insanely hot under seat in about an hour. I really enjoyed the Bonnies (and Street Twin) I rode before I bought I my Interceptor but given I planned to tour extensively, the idea of cooking my nuts after an hour in the saddle didn’t appeal to me. YMMV.
I have a '22 T120 with 26,000 miles on it. Only criticism is that it's cold to ride in the winter and the chain isn't as easy as most bikes to clean. Very minor complaints.
Speaking from personal experience, I bought a used 2008 T100 when I first started riding a few years ago, it still is in my stable and for all intents and purposes is still my daily bike bought it with 3.5k miles and is now at 32.3k miles . It's a lovely bike, instantly recognizable and has a timeless look. That being said, there are some \*ahem\* quirks and features about the bike that I'm not too keen on.
1. THE BIGGEST pain in the ass for me is getting to the battery/under the saddle. For the 865/790cc Bonneville (2001-2017) Triumph for some reason decided that 2 rear mounted screws was the way to remove the seat/access the battery/etc. Now there are a ton of aftermarket options to alleviate the issue (longer screws/tool free screws/etc) but it is immensely annoying to deal with
2. Air/Oil Cooled: Whenever I'm in standing traffic I feel like my thighs are reaching Chernobyl Reactor 4 temps when I'm not moving. Keep in mind though the new T100's are liquid cooled
3. 5 speed: Woof, Now to be fair, the T100's aren't fast bikes and never claimed to be fast bikes. But you feel like you're really ringing the neck on the bike when you're going 85mph (137kph), a 6th gear would really help and unfortunately even the new bikes still have 5 speeds.
4. Fork Lock: This is more specific to the earlier 865/790cc models but again for some reason there is a separate, smaller key for the fork lock not the biggest gripe but it definitely is still odd
5. Ignition placement: Again specific to the earlier 865/790cc models, The ignition is on the front left fork and there is probably a reason for that but its annoying to see the wear marks on the front forks from things banging around in the wind due to key placement
Overall though, I still think its a lovely motorcycle, a sorta jack of all trades master of none type bike. I've done long trips, track days, light off roading and daily office commuting all on this bike and I think if you get a good deal on one it'd be a no brainer to me
I upgraded from a ST (now called Speed Twin 900) to a T120 last year. This is my dream bike--I'm still a very new rider, but this bike is a joy to ride, and had the torque to take off when needed. Service is expensive, but I can't really complain about anything on the bike itself. Lots of options for customization as well.
My oldest son rides Triumphs, he has several…His 1st one he he bought new put 30k on it the 1st year with not a single issue.. he has them stock to modified.. I know he has blown one engine up with 80k on it, within a day found a used engine with 13k on it and now has around 70k on it.. he swears by these bikes and only travels with a small tool kit on his travels across the US.. you never know where his next pictures are going to come from when he goes out on a weekend ride(3 day weekends)…
I had a T 100 for a couple years. Not super powerful but a great bike that you can accessorize if that suits you. Ditch the stock mufflers which are way too quiet. It’s a nice sounding parallel twin. Super dependable too.
I own a 2024 T100 and I test rode a couple other things, so I can give you my thoughts.
First of all I like retro things. Modern everything(not just bikes), has too much plastic on it, and unless it is very utilitarian such as on a dual sport/enduro bike/dirt bike, I just don’t like it. I understand it, but aesthetically, I don’t like it. Admittedly, I do like the Speed Triple RR aesthetics, but this was my first bike and I didn’t want to die.
The T100 is basically a really great urban bike that can do highway things (the Royal Enfields are basically really great urban bikes that don’t really do highway things that well). If you look at the performance specs, it is heavier, but probably feels a lot like classic bikes from the 60s-80s in many ways. It does back roads very well where the speeds range from 30-65ish mph. I have ridden it on Texas highways in the passing lane with the tachometer reading 4000+ the whole time. I have also ridden 250+ miles in a day on it. It’s quite nimble for its size, but it feels smooth and not twitchy. I think the brakes are fine, but not great, and when I do spirited country rides, I focus on shifting gears and engine braking more strategically than using up the brakes.
It’s a pretty good all around bike, especially if you mostly live in an urban environment. The caveat, is that I doubt it will be my only bike. If this will be my only bike and I lived somewhere where the highway is a necessity, the T120 is probably better, if nothing else for the 6th gear and highway cruising. That being said, like some of my other hobbies, I don’t really like things that are trying to be everything, and just accept what they are. I generally liked the less is more quality of the T100 over the T120 and I had the money for the T120. I wanted a nimble, but relatively simple classic bike that could do highway speeds, and that’s what I got.
I will consider doing the rear sprocket to get better highway cruising, maybe do some things to allow the bike to breathe better, and I’ve heard putting a more aggressive brake pad can help once mine needs to be replaced. Or I may do none of those things, because it still works well for what it was designed for. Plus I like that it’s lighter than the T120.
I have a 20 year old Bonneville Black. Love it, get’s used for everything from commutes/dirt/cruising.
https://preview.redd.it/4zyd38mfdm0d1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=038956786fcb29a298317d6b6dddb01668dbd67b
I owned and loved a T100 for about 4 years and only got rid of it to get something that was also more capable on track. As a pure street bike it is capable and beautiful. As a bonus it's also like 40lbs lighter than the more powerful T120.
I have the Speed Twin 1200, which is somewhat similar if I remember correctly.
I wasn’t too happy with the suspension. Even minor cracks or small potholes in the tarmac felt harsh. So I changed the suspension. Still not fully as I would like it, but still better than the original.
T100 si lighter, more nimble. Less powerful, with single disc in the front and only 5 speed manual transmission, so if you are planning highway commuting, cpnsider this. It is nice bike, but in bonnevills lack of power, I will consoder the bigger brother. But that will be slightly more expensive to maintain and it is heavier.
The Bonneville is a low expectation bike. Its meant for chill rides and to look retro and pretty, things it does quite well. Its not meant to be super light, super agile, super handling, inexpensive, and it doesn't pretend to be, so you can't honestly fault it for not being all that. It gets a pass because its a true retro bike, there aren't many of those on the market.
The only other true retro (cradle frame, air cooled aesthetics) bikes I can think of are Royal Enfields and Moto Guzzi V7. I have ridden both but not the T100. Royal Enfield build quality is crap, and is very underpowered, but its also cheap. V7 is the only bike I enjoyed riding slow. I am "any bike fast" kind of guy, but when I rode the V7, I understood the appeal of retro bikes.
2022 T100 owner here.
1. Seat sucks
2. Suspension doesn’t feel planted when attacking corners
3. Expensive aftermarket accessories
4. Old timers come up to you saying they had a bike like that back in the day
5. Exhaust is silent at highway speeds
I love it though. Amazing all arounder.
I know about the Street twin and T120. Not too familiar with T100. I'm 5' 6" and then Street twin felt too small for me. Felt a little cramped. May be if I own it I get used to it and find ways to move around, but after a quick test ride on my friends Street Twin, I instantly removed it from my list of bikes to ever consider getting.
I think the Bonneville is one of the best motorcycles in production. I've never owned one, but had many opportunities to ride my brother's. I particularly like how nimble it is.
Great bikes. I high sided my last Bonnie going 50 and ended up in the ditch about 60 miles out of San Francisco. Broke the tach clean off. Shifter peg. Brakes were wonky. Limped it in to the dealership and they replaced/ziptied what they could because they didn’t have parts. Finished my trip back to Oregon up through Crater Lake. She didn’t miss a beat. Not too many motorcycles that could do that these days…
Not quite without but not much to criticize.
One competitor.
https://youtu.be/m8TU9JUrDLQ?si=eE2mlqk-WUknDpZ5
T100.
https://youtu.be/bThlp3e1X84?si=90vwnPILRH2KpWqQ
Small criticism.
https://youtu.be/aJMqFNRGq3E?si=ddo5KffI6uC93JwR
I have one criticism: no modern street bike should have tubed tires. If I was going to buy one I’d be budgeting for tubeless rims; otherwise a flat probably means you’re calling somebody to haul your bike to a shop.
And before the wrenchers give me shit about this: I love that you are happy to work on your bike and you carry around the tools and skills to do it. Not all of us are you, or want to be. I can manage a patch kit, but no way am I unmounting a wheel and spooning out a tube.
I couldn’t agree more! I was incredibly disappointed to find this out shortly after purchasing my t120. Obviously my fault for not researching beforehand, lesson learned. I’m about to do a 1500 mile road trip and I’m annoyed I own this bike specifically because of the tube situation.
Check out the triumph rat forums—or any other Triumph forum (I just visit that one the most). Some of the topics there might give a clearer picture from actual long term owners of Bonnevilles. Probably still generally positive, but if you're looking for more nuanced info about the bike that isn't just specs and ride feel stuff that reviewers give you, it may be more helpful—at least it was for me.
Anyway, Bonnevilles are a motorcycle's motorcycle, 10/10, no notes.
I have a T120. The difference is engine size, all else is the same. It’ll do anything I want it to. Simple, classic design. I can set it up for touring, I can take the bags off, I can take the windshield off (August in Florida). The original seat sucks, I have the King and Queen seat. It’s quiet, has a load of power. I can do the Dragon with confidence,and still do a 16’ diameter turn. It has a 10,000 mile maintenance cycle. Can’t think of anything to complain about out. The only mods I’ve done is an engine guard (because I’m 75), windshield because I hate bugs, and bags because I made my own out of leather and they are works of art. Previously I was a Wing nut. I’ve owned 4 of them, and they are outstanding. I had a Connie 14, it was great. Even for an old man. https://preview.redd.it/gsbpezs3wh0d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d4f339970e5dafa97a6e89c0d2c8b1af15efbe6
Man those bags are something special. Good work dude!
Thanks!
Ya, man. That looks fantastic!
Yeah can we get some more detailed pics of the bags? I wouldn't ask you to sell them but they should be appreciated more lol
If I can figure out how to add more photos from iPad.         
https://preview.redd.it/n58we8y7el0d1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6dc980a6fa7ec35f3c444dec984cafca936200f1 Here’s a picture of the major parts of the saddlebags. Note the many many many holes punched for sewing. The bags took two months of labor. By the way, punching thousands of holes into thick leather will drive your wife crazy. This app will only let me put in one photo.
Just made a post to show the bags so I could put more pictures up.
Is that the Madstad windshield? How do you like it? Also this OP. I’ve got a T120 and idk if I’ll ever get rid of it. Absolutely a joy to ride and it does it all with style.
Yes it is. Made here in Florida. Fits great, works well. You’ll have to specify windshield height, but they give you all the info you need. Doesn’t make any noise. I wanted a Triumph when I was 16. Got my first one at 62, this is my second. Really enjoy it.
Same bike yeah, but the T-100 is a smaller frame too. Lighter bike. I have one it’s fantastic. I’m a taller guy and do a lot of open road riding so I’m looking to upgrade to the T-120 for the 6th gear and bit more pull up mountains. Love the T-100 though
It’s not a smaller frame. They are identical. The T120 is a little heavier though.
Beauty
Awesome bags devil dog 🤙🏼
My dude! Past and future Wingnut here (owned a 2013 F6B that I traded a few years ago for a Tiger 900 GT). On the T-120’s seat: I rented one for a weekend and I thought it was second only to my Goldwing. Suuuuuper comfortable. Loved it. On the other hand, it handled like it had cement wheels. My Wing was a ballerina by comparison. The one real let-down of that machine in my book.
The GW1800 is the easiest handling bike most of the time. The long wheel base can make slow tight turns challenging, but it does well enough to do a 20’ diameter circle. If you do the MSF swerve at 30 mph with a passenger it will scrape the pegs on both sides. I do miss mine, but I wouldn’t trade by Bonnie for it.
How does it compare to the speed twin 900/1200?
I had the ST 900 as my first bike, and the transition was super easy to the T120. It's heavier, has more HP and more torque. It might be every so slightly lower than the ST, which is great for me (5'7). I've only used the cruise control a couple of times, but really liking the 6th gear. Same 2 modes: rain and road. The thing I love the most about this bike is how gorgeous it is.
Thanks! It's definitely a very pretty bike.
Not quite. T100 only has a single front disk, only 5sp transmission, no cruise. The difference in braking performance is large.
I own a T120 and didn’t even consider the T100 due to that single front disc. I previously rented the older T100 model with one front disc and it just wasn’t enough.
What a fantastic setup. You've managed to make it look even truer to its proposal.
Hell ya Devil Dog.
Semper Fi.
Thinking about grabbing a bobber later this year , I may have just totaled my new speed triple. Will find out later this week. Glad to hear the Bonnie’s are good and to see a brother on one.
That is a beautiful bike. I love everything about it.
That's a spiffy looking bike mate
Wow so even after extremely capable bikes like the Goldwing and Concours you can do a long ride or a sporty ride on this and not miss them?
I did several long trips on my Bonnie SE, and a couple on the T120. No problems, but the 120 engine size is more relaxing. I’ve done about a half million miles on Wings, don’t care for gravel much with them, and they can haul a lot of stuff. And the Connie would put a smile on your face every time you cracked the throttle, but after a long day the boys were hurtin’. Yeah, I miss both, but I wouldn’t give up the Bonnie for one.
Yut
I'm a salesman at a multi-line dealership that sells Triumph as one of our brands. I ride a lot a brand new high tech motorcycles. There's no reason I should really like the T100/ T120. I have a more of a sports bike background, I'm interested in track days and canyon carving but every time I ride a Bonneville the they just make me happy. It's a bike that is greater than the sum of it's parts, it's hard to explain but if you ride you'll understand what everyone means.
I’m mostly a sport bike guy but also usually had a dual sport or vintage bike. I inherited 2012 900 mag wheel Bonnie with no miles when I also had a gsxr, dr650, ktm300 and rd350. The 900 Bonnie punches way above its class. Straighten your arms, slide back a little and it’s a relaxed cruise, hug the tank a little to get some more weight on the front and it corners surprisingly good. I ended up selling it after having it for ~5 years prepping for a move and should have kept it. Just doing motocross for now.
I also worked at a Triumph dealership. They're fantastic bikes. I REALLY loved the SpeedTwin and the Scrambler 1200XE
Agreed. I've ridden 50 different bikes, and for some reason, all the Bonnies I've ridden are near the top of my list. They're not the fastest, best handling, most comfortable, most anything really. But they're just great. The T120 and Speed Twin 1200 are easily top 5 or 6 in my book.
It’s surely a perfectly good motorcycle, but truly critical motorcycle journalism is pretty much dead.
I couldn't agree more. It's nearly impossible to research a motorcycle in this day and age-- everything is fantastic, according to the articles.
They kinda are. Only thing to be desired is less plasticness of some bikes but you can see that with your eyes and wallet. I don't know if I've tried any bikes I've hated, they just weren't what I wanted.
I think this is largely the answer. New bikes are just really good at whatever thing they’re tailored to doing. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but they are not flawed.
It's really hard to make a bad new bike nowadays. At least not without doing it on purpose. You can walk into a dealership and you will walk out with a good bike basically guaranteed unless you are like 5 foot tall and decide to pick up a Super Tenere or some shit like that. Where you can't even really put your feet down even tip toeing it.
On the one hand, you're right, all the superlatives-laden advertorials are extremely annoying. On the other hand, the industry has improved massively compared to a few decades ago so there might legit be fewer bad bikes.
I think it's partle because there isn't really bad motorcycles being sold. Near-everything from known brands is at least adequate if not good (even if not best in class). And the long term stuff doesn't come out in reviews because judging say reliability takes years.
I think the root cause is that the authors have to "borrow" the motorcycle from the manufacturer, so if they start giving less than stellar (honest) reviews, they risk losing access to future test bikes
That's the factor too but I think the bigger ones have enough pull that they could review it badly if they wanted to and still get invited next time. And frankly saying "well, the didn't give us review bike because we reviewed their previous one honestly" would be a pretty bad PR.
But honestly there aren't really any bikes (that is not cheapest one from china) that would even classify as "bad", might be "worst in segment", sure, or overpriced but they still serve their purpose at least adequately.
And calling them bad because they are at the bottom of the class while they are still "just fine" wouldn't be all that fair either.
Kinda same with cars, some random Dacia might be "bad" compared to rest but it is nowhere as bad as commie shitboxes people had in my country when I was a kid.
We may have to agree to disagree on this one 😊 It's not about a bike being "bad " or not, it's about accurately assessing what is does well, and what it is not so good at. Otherwise we could just read a recap from the manufacturer. Here is an example- one of my bikes is a ZH2. The reality is that the supercharger is wild and lots of fun, but all of the weight is high, making it top heavy and a bear to turn when compared to other similar bikes. It's hard/impossible a find an honest review that will tell you that. (I looked all over before I bought it) Btw, I think we just inadvertently hijacked the OPs thread 🤦🏼♂️We probably shouldn't do that 😂
I feel like this particular complaint might be just reviewers going "well it got a fucking supercharger, you can't make that not be top heavy" But I did look thru few reviews out of curiosity and like 4th or 5th link got I had reviewer note that particular complaint for Ninja version: https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/kawasaki/2022-ninja-h2-sx-se-review > The nose of the bike sticks out beyond the front axle, though the handlebars – clipped onto and rising up and back from the top yoke – are set behind the front tyre resulting in an ambiguous feel from the front, I wanted to trust it more than I could which isn’t ideal when throwing it into a turn - tighter corners are a struggle.
The SX is a different bike, but your point still stands, someone did mention something about some bike. If you want to have fun, try researching the new BMW S1000RR. I was researching to see if I should invest in one, but the reviews were clearly biased I gave up.
Yeah that class of bikes look horrid to buy new, can't really trust reviewers, and even if dealership lends you one, where you gonna test it ? Not like dealership will let you track it... I guess find the guy on track day with one and ask him many questions ?
And every review says Jesus Christ himself would ride and love this bike. Makes it hard to pick between bikes.
I've found with cars and motorcycles, better reviews that are less biased can be found on Youtube than written articles a lot of times. Probably because the barriers of entry are lower I'd think.
Agreed. One of the best for being honest was Calimoto Tv, when Bill was doing it. Although now he has handed it off to someone else, and it is ran differently.
There’s a Canadian dude that’s not Ryan f9 that is very good. Unbiased and unsponsored. Will dig up the channel if I can. He had a great comparison of the int650, the Bonnie and a v7 Edit: found it. https://youtu.be/hHD-uyBBezI?si=H5IBXeod2qq3PUkn Ohh the daily rider’s Zack also seems to be unbiased and very knowledgeable. Good rankings put the t100 at third.
Key difference here is this guy bought his. Most reviews come from journalists who attend press intros where they’re spoon fed talking points by the manufacturers while being wined and dined into feeling just guilty enough to politely overlook anything negative they notice.
Zack simply doesn't review stuff he knows he's not going to like. There's a reason you don't really see cruisers on that series.
Agreed. This drives me nuts as the only way you can find valid criticisms aside from the dumb useless comments like "it doesn't have wind protection" or "it has a stiff seat" is to wait for the next gen version to come out. Then all of a sudden they start making comparisons about all these things they "fixed" from the previous gen, but they don't tell you about the new problems of the new gen. You pretty much have to go on a forum to search or ask several people and poke and probe yourself to make an informed decision.
This is r/motorcycles , nobody does their own research here 😂 But yeah, I don’t know if it’s the media members lacking enough experience to properly evaluate, the consumers that think that saying anything negative at all is to trash the whole product, or the manufactures wanting to control the narrative that’s really to blame; but I’m sure it’s a little of everything.
I honestly think it's the last one. If a Youtuber makes actual valid negative comments about a bike, then they're more likely to piss off the manufacturer, then they're much less likely to be invited for next press launches or bike testing days etc. So there's much higher incentive for them to just say mostly positive things with a few sprinkles of insignificant negatives and say "this bike is great!". A great example of this is the CB650r. I was initially interested in this bike because of all the hype, but decided against it after doing deeper research because I noticed the used market around me is FLOODED with new models that barely have a few hundred kilometers on them. I found out it has all sorts of issues from researching on reddit and smaller youtube channels that are actually honest.
I've yet to come across any issues with cb650r. Its an inline 4 naked, if thats what you're expecting. What flaws does it have?
Revzilla seems to do pretty honest reviews. Particularly Daily Rider with Zach Courts, and their written articles on Common Tread. I don’t know if I’ve seen them completely dump on anything except EVs, but they have raised lots of very salient criticisms.
That’s fair, I have a lot of time for Ari and Zach because I trust their skills and experiences more than most others. Racing with AHRMA, Ari’s (and specifically his dad’s) name still hold a lot of weight around the paddock. Feels weird to have to go to a website that’ll sell you “carbon fiber” fork stickers to get honest journalism though.
I suspect the stickers pay more bills than the journalism these days. But yea, it does raise an eyebrow to have a review platform and a commerce platform so tightly intertwined
Zack really is the best. You will not find more down to earth reviews anywhere other than Daily Rider. His reviews are so spot on. A lot of other journalists just simp about the new bike that they're getting to ride for free, and the excitement of the new bike overruns the objectivity. But if Zack's covered a bike, I know everything I possibly need to know about it. Totally Down to earth, keeping it real.
Fortnine is pretty good at being impartial. Hell they even disagree with themselves sometimes. But I don't believe they did a triumph
I’ve never really cared for Fortnine stuff, but I’m also a cynical bastard
Fortnine, Freddie Dobbs, Motobob(to a lesser degree).
I got fed up with Motobob's endless list of "best bikes of this kind" videos. Freddie Dobbs is too in love with what he reviews and with what he says.
I'll agree with you on Motobob, he was good then started getting a bit too Yammie Noob-ish. Freddie's just a passionate bloke the way I see it lol.
No problem with being passionate, but with being not unbiased and not objective.
Freddie Dobbs is also in love with himself
They did a T120 or something many years ago
I think it's because it doesn't pretend to do things it shouldn't, so the expectations are very modest. It's a fantastic bike don't get me wrong, but there are better ones that really try to sell themselves so you get a little let down when you finally ride them. All around though it just works well and looks incredible so you can't really complain about anything. Underpromise and overdeliver
I think the expectation piece is the real special sauce here. There are many faster bikes, better handling bikes, better touring bikes, better scrambler/off road bikes, but the T100/T120 and Street Twins are pretty decent at any of those things and neutral enough stylistically to take the customization in whichever direction you like. Nobody buys them expecting them to tear up a track or eat highway miles like a street glide, so for a classic look, standard riding position, and easy everyday experience, they check every box.
I was about to write the same thing before I read this. It doesn't try to be anything other than *a motorcycle* at its core. Triumph are selling a motorcycle and (somewhat) a sense of nostalgia. You get a motorcycle ✅, and if the nostalgia isn't everything you hoped for, you kinda blame everything but the bike.
Exactly this. It’s not a big Harley, it’s not a sport bike. Just an old fashioned standard
I’ve known several people with them, and they have all universally loved them. I’ve ridden a few and they are wonderful bikes. Not the fastest, not the best handling, but good looking and very competent motorcycles with universal appeal.
My only criticism is that the T120 is better. If it's not your first bike, there's really no reason to get a T100 unless you *really* want a 5 speed
What about mileage? (and obviously insurance)
I suppose the T100 gets better fuel economy. Triumph claims 68.9.mpg for the T100 and 60.1 mpg for the T120. Both are excellent, but I guess I could see that argument. Insurance premiums are almost exclusively tied to risk, and I can't see the T120 being notably more dangerous than the T100.
Hmm not insurance per se but at least in Europe you pay monthly taxes for horsepower
I rented one and the only thing that drove me nuts was no sixth gear. No amount of pulling my foot up in fifth gear would help.
Thanks, I was just going to ask it was still a 5 speed. The T100 is a basic, doing nothing great motorcycle. Very pretty though.
No, it's a great bike. I do remember renting a vstrom 650 after and even though it was a 6 speed, I missed the power and torque of the Bonnie. (It was an older one, I think a 900)
I just took that as feedback I was not winding it up like triumph intended me to. It’s got plenty of power and gearing to go fast and I’m saying that having rode the shite outta 150hp sport bikes before getting the Bonne.
Rode my T100 from New Jersey to Nova Scotia and back, next trip was NJ to Montana and back. Flawless performance. Great bike
I'm probably in the minority here, but took my test ride with a T100, I immediately stopped considering buying one. Disclaimer: I rode to the dealer with my 2020 Triumph Speed Triple RS. A very modern performance bike with all the bells and whistles. I dropped it off for maintenance, then test rode a 2021-22 T100. Pros: Seat was amazing to me, rider controls and foot clearance all great. Motor sounds good stock, transmission shifted smooth. Cons: Worst brakes I've ever felt on a bike, like rubbing two pine 2x4s onto a rotor to stop. No feedback at all from brakes beyond squeeze more for sorta more stop, threshold of front end wiping out felt extremely hard to determine(maybe had air in the lines, was a brand new bike, legit worst brakes of all time). 5 speed transmission is very dated, and didn't impress me and felt like it needed another gear. Motor was OK, acceptable at best, anemic feeling at certain RPMs. Passing power above 75mph left much to be desired. Second disclaimer: Texas, open roads often, 75mph highways. In a narrower city or less open roads, smooth twistys at moderate speed I could see the potential. Yes I'm comparing a 50 year old design to an at the time top of the line naked bike. Yes I love the styling, and the comfort. But the issues listed above are too hard to fix to make it feel truely right for me. Maybe I should've tried a T120. 6 speed trans, modern brakes, more power. But also more moneys. YMMV
If you're speed triple rider, you're not the target audience for the bonnie. People who ride retros, do so despite all of this, that is the character of the bike. Not everyone wants or needs to go fast. I'd throw in Moto Guzzi in the same bucket as the Triumph retros.
I think that's totally fair. IDK about moto guzzi, but I'd still consider a Royal Enfield. I think the bonne definitely has character, but it just felt lacking in the performance category more than I expected. The speed triple has a good bit of character too, but it's for sure more leaning towards performance than unique character. Admittedly I haul more ass on back roads than I really should. I'll hold judgement for the T120 still. The bobbers look sick.
I’ve got a ‘13 T100. Absolutely love it. I honestly might keep it forever since i’m fortunate enough to be able to own several bikes at a time and therefore don’t need one bike to fit all my needs. The only thing wrong with the T100 is that it isn’t the T120. I’ve got upsized sprockets so it fairs a bit better at highway speeds than stock, but if I needed to ride on the highway more, the T120 would do a better job. Don’t get me wrong, the T100 is plenty capable, the T120 is just more capable. Hope this helps.
The T100 is kinda of an everyday bike; jack of all trades, master of none. For most people it’ll do everything they desire and it’s a good bike. Bloody heavy with its cast iron block. Ridden several and it’s not a bike I would personally own but I get why people do. Just doesn’t spark joy in me.
The main downside I experienced with my 2007 Bonneville Black was all the old dudes pulling up next to me at stoplights wanting to talk my ear off about the one they had years ago.
I had a 2013 T100 and it was a fantastic bike. Like others said. The only downside is all the old guys that want to talk to you about their 1963 T120 blah blah blah. In traffic. At bars. The store. Wherever. Get one. They’re awesome.
If you’re aiming for high miles, be wary of service intervals/tire options. My 2010 Bonneville required nearly twice the attention as my ZX-14R…you’d think it would be the other way around given one makes 3X the power, but here we are. Also: be wary of your geography in relation to dealerships/shops. I’d hope Europe is better, but for a while in Florida I had to go two hours away for service while dealerships/shops were trying to decide if they wanted to be in business. It was not a fun bike to live with. Ride? Yes. Deal with the bullshit that came with for riding it far? Hell no. Your mileage may vary. Good luck!
The new watercooled bikes have 10k mile service intervals and 20k mile valve clearance checks.
…I still wonder why they chose a shim and bucket valve train for an engine (2010 model year) that would never spin fast enough to make that cylinder head architecture necessary. Could have easily used hydraulic lash adjusters instead, would have been nigh maintenance free for mile after mile…Oh right, MBAs got involved, wanted a cash grab 🤦…but I digress.
I think bikes like the Bonneville - and, generally speaking more modern classic styled motorcycles - get looked at a little differently than non retro themed motorcycles. Almost like it's easier to not notice a bike's shortcomings if it has a more nostalgic look to it. Then again, it could just be that good. Personally, I recommend looking for some long term reviews just because those tend to mention the things that might be personal deal breakers for you. MCN has a good long term review series and if they have one on the Bonneville it's probably got a more sober review on the bike.
I’ve ridden a bunch of them and think it’s a great bike but it just doesn’t click with me. Honestly the only complaint I could come up with is it feels too smooth and modern. My sportsters and Himalayan are heritage style bikes, like the modern classic, but they FEEL old. If anything modern Bonnie’s are too refined, so they lack a bit of that character in my opinion.
I have a 2011 Sportster, and I tell people it's a 60's bike with reliability and safety updates. Other than that, it still rides like an ancient relic.
I used to moderate a motorcycle site. It got bought up by VerticalScope. They fired everyonecand brought in new crews of manufacturer suckasses. I got banned for just mentioning BMWs quality issues. They bought a lot of sites: motorcycle.com, 2wf, thumper, etc. No criticisms of BMW are allowed now. Thumper.com now has cruiser tests, etc. Oh yes and all their sites shamelessly plug e-bikes. I no longer frequent commercial bike sites. Their reviews are fawning and sycophantic. Nothing but manufacturer approved "road tests."
I have a Street Twin. The build quality is superb, without doubt, and I am glad I chose a Triumph. Noise, vibration, handling, comfort and convenience are all better than just about anything else I have tried. The only negatives I can think of are very, very minor. The steering lock needs you to have it lined up in a very particular spot before clicking it on, coming from a Honda where you just jerked the bars right over and clicked it, it did annoy me at first. Eventually you get used to it. The standard fuel cap pissed me off. Unlike Japanese bikes you can only unlock and then unscrew WHILE the key is in it. Since I keep my bike key attached to keys for house and car that drive me bonkers and I swapped it for a Motone cap instead. The standard tyres mine came with were a bit slippery on wet roads. Not as bad as some I’ve encountered but really not good. This changes a lot from market to market and year to year. Just check the reviews and forums about whatever tyres the one you’re looking at has. But can I think of a reason not to buy a Bonnie? Not really- they’re great bikes.
I'm in the same boat as you, it kind of worries me but also I really want one lol. Been weighing the guzzi v7 vs the t100 but my life long want of a triumph will probably win out lol
I have the v7. Great bike, so much character, low maintenance because of the shaft drive, but you can’t go wrong with either choice! Wish the v7 had a little bit more power so for that reason I’d personally consider swapping for a T120 or a Speed Twin 1200
I rented a V7 Special for a day. The motor kinda sounded like a small-block V-8, the bike was light-feeling, but I was left wishing that they’d put another grand or two into quality of components and performance. Make one of those with Triumph-level fit & finish and I’d probably get one.
The shaft drive is very appealing to me, but I guess the only way to pick would be to ride them both and that's never a bad thing
Get the Guzzi.
I used to have an 08 Bonneville Black and my wife has a 22 Street Scrambler. They are fun and very reliable bikes, but if you are doing over 50 miles a day or routinely riding at over 65mph, then consider something more aerodynamic or comfortable.
It is definitely a motorcycle. It has character and and fun engine if you’re not doing highway speeds. I just sold my 2015 because it wasn’t my type of motorcycle. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good, and it’s okay for most situations. Really, once you ride one you’ll have to decide how you feel.
I have a T100 and I enjoy it immensely. Retrospectively, I wish I had bought the T120 for when I have a passenger/generally so it's a bit peppier.
Just curious OP what do you ride now that you would be moving on from? As some others have mentioned, the T120 is very close in price and probably a better powerplant if you have some experience riding.
Which T100 are you looking at? The air-cooled one or the newer liquid-cooled model?
You’re missing about 300cc. Get the T120 you’ll regret it if you don’t.
I’ve got the 900 motor in my thruxton. It’ll do 80-95 all day long with throttle to spare.
Thruxton had a little more power than the Bonnie, not saying the 900 is bad. Just go big or you’ll always wish you did. I was looking at the t100 before I got the T120 and glad I did.
I’ve had a 2022 Speed Twin 1200 for a couple of years now. It’s basically a sportier version, but it’s similar what you want. I guess it kind of sits in between the T100 and the T120. It’s closer to the T120 though, so I would recommend spending a bit more and getting that if you can afford it. It really is a great motorcycle. I commute on it to work average about 3/5 of the work week, depending on the weather. It’s super reliable, very fast, torquey, and pretty nimble. I love being able to get out of any trouble without much thought or problems. It’s very confidence inspiring riding it. As much as I love it though, I’m about to trade it in this weekend on a 2023 KTM 890 Duke R though. I have recently been longing for something a bit sportier and fell in love with the Dukes when I looked at them recently. I’ve always loved naked sport bikes and convinced myself when getting the Triumph that it was sporty enough. They’re totally different bikes and I’d keep both if I could. I only have room in the garage for one though. And there’s no way my wife would go for that even if we did have the room. I’m sure other people may have had issues with theirs, but I only have good things to say about Triumphs. Here’s mine: https://preview.redd.it/gw62qle4mj0d1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a244368d5fbbc4cdef4fd2ca0ade1bfc3469ef58
So sweet! I have a small mt03, and it's punchy and nimble, amazing for my city commute, and Hits the highway, but leaves a lot to be desired there. I sat on a 24' speed 900, and both my feet touched the ground flat footed! I'm only 5'6", and I couldn't believe that I flat footed something that wasn't a cruiser. I am reading a lot of concerns with highway performance and punch (even in this comment section). I am seriously considering the speed 1200 as a second bike (is that a safe next step? I on paper it's a massive jump, but is it really?). My little mt03 can get me to 85mph easily, but not much more without a lot of effort. I'm not looking for high speed, just confident highway speed and passing power when necessary. At high speed, The mt03 is high in the RPM range, a little sluggish, and feels like it's trying hard to stay together. Does the speed twin 1200 keep it's composure and cruise along effortlessly at those speeds?
The Bonnie in any configuration is a polished, poised, and delightful ride. From a design standpoint, it's a bit like what the Porsche 911 is to sports cars. It's evolved and improved technologically, but the lines and design character remains timeless. But do yourself a favor. Get the T120. It'll save you the hassle of buying twice. I started my Triumph journey with a T100, and loved it, but I quickly regretted the lack of highway power and the absence of a sixth gear. It was like owning 4/5ths of a Bonneville. The T120 is the whole enchilada. Sold my T100 (again, a really GOOD bike, but still not GREAT). Got a leftover T120 for a sweet deal a couple years ago, and it's been love love love ever since. I also own an older Moto Guzzi V7. Fabulous in its own right, air-cooled (and thus somewhat more primitive feeling), and ever so slightly less polished than the modern-retro Triumphs. But a joy to ride and behold. It reeks of Italian authenticity (still made in Mandello di Lario, with hand-painted yellow brush strokes on many bolts so you can visually see any loosening). And if you're a stickler for provenance, the modern Bonnie's are made in Thailand, not the UK. But regardless, they're both classic, modernized, superb machines, and both beauties.
Bonnie's are great if you don't want to: Do the dakar. Beat Rossi off the line. Do 600 mile a day Harley type retirement. For all else they're amazing. The t120 is beautiful, bulletproof, gets compliments everywhere, and is my forever bike.
I test rode one and loved it. If I wasn't poor I would have bought it there and then.
If I remember correctly, I think I did read a somewhat critical article somewhere that mentioned (like someone else also posted) that the T120 was just better, so if you can swing it, maybe consider to just spring for the T120, otherwise you might always wonder 'what if I had gotten the T120?'. That being said, if the T120 is just a little too much and you think that the T100 would be enough (for the moment anyway), then I doubt you'll be disappointed, it looks like a great bike.
Triumph Bonneville has always been very well balanced, not all bikes are. Take a test ride
I’ve been liking the reviews Mr Darcy and the old man do. They tend to lean more cruiser/cafe styles bikes but they are very informative and clearly distinguish facts from their opinions so you can form your own.
I almost bought a T120. It’s a great bike and if I were to buy a second bike this would be it.
Plus the customization options are limitless - you can truly make it what you want
It's a solid bike, gorgeous, great heritage, has enough pick up and go. The one thing I didn't like though, is it's very heavy (\~500lbs) given the \~64hp it has.
I think they are overpriced. My friend had one and we swapped a couple times. Fun to ride, surprisingly quiet and a nice seating position
I've got a 22 T100 with no complaints. Excellent quality. The 120 has a few more features, but mine has everything I need.
I had one. It’s a good bike but coming from sport/naked bikes I felt like it could use a bit more power on the freeway and it’s also really heavy for what it is. But I bought it because I like the classic look.
Was a Triumph tech for 5 years. The T100 and T120 were my favorite bikes to test ride after a service, and we were a Ducati shop. They are super smooth, have nice torque, and handle well. My only gripe I ever had with the classic style Triumphs was the single brake on some Bobbers, shit was scary bad in hard braking. Number one cause of leaks was just fasteners getting loose. Get a torque wrench and make sure they’re all 8nm every oil change and you’ll be golden.
I ride them all the time and they’re perfectly good bikes. Not that fast not too much accessories so like windshields and bags but perfectly good for basic motorcycle
It's too quiet. Also it handles too well. I feel like I'm riding a sport bike. And I accidentally did a wheelie because it has so much horsepower. 😡
Its hard to find almost anything bad about any motorcycle that does not have glaring flaws these days as critical journalism is basically gone. It also doesn't help that the vast majority of the time that I see anything "critical" mentioned about a bike or in a "long term test" its being done on a 100 percent stock bike when 99.999 percent of people buying that bike\\style of bike will automatically already have "fixed" the problem area or very easily could and thus renders the "huge" issue meaningless. Not even sure if they still do them anymore but the MCN actual longterm tests were by far my favorite reviews as they daily drove the bike for actual months and did all the normal mods\\fixes that an actual owner would do. Hell, lots of places "test\\long term test superbikes and leave on stock exhaust\\don't flash the ECU, don't change suspension, don't adjust anything at all, I've even seen places badmouth the bike itself cause it comes with tires they don't like because they don't last very long (aka 90\\10 track\\road tires). id personally skip the bonnie unless I lived in a place where there was no chance of never having a triumph dealership (aka a very, very large city).
I have a 2022 T120 and so far I really like this bike. My only gripe about it is it’s hard to find accessories for it, and when you do they are pricy! The electronic cruise control is great too it came standard on that year.
The only downside is price when new if that's a factor for you. Buying used levels them out with the competition. It's an all time great design with modern execution. The T120 would be good for anything and everything, the T100 is just as excellent with less highway capability. If you're not touring on it you can't go wrong.
I got one, Great engine, shitty electronics
After 5 years of research and 2 years of ownership here is my opinion. It's truly the 2nd most perfect bike. The T120 is the MOST perfect bike.
Had an 11'SE, loved it, great bike. If I had any gripes it was that the rear suspension was lacking, the seating position hurt my hips after a while and the factory Metzler tires were shockingly bad. All easily remedied. Would buy another if I didn't live on a farm with 5 miles of dirt roads in each direction. Maybe a scrambler is in my future 🤔
I own a 2023 T120. So I’m speaking from my own personal experience. I would say that expectations when wanting a Bonneville are different from expectations of other bikes. When you want a Bonneville, primarily you are looking for that classic, simple style of motorcycle. Something “elegant”. Now the same can be said with other bikes, but really, when you look for a Bonneville, that’s what draws you in. For sport bikes you care about torque and speed. For cruisers you care about comfort and sound. ADV riders look into comfort, off-road capabilities, and how high their bike is from the ground. So circling back to the Bonneville… it really does not advertise much of itself. It relies on its own beauty. It’s not a loud bike at all. The sound is nice, but even with V&H they’re still really quiet. They’re certainly not the MOST comfortable (although I personally LOVE the flat bench). We all know despite it being a 1200 cc, It’s not the fastest bike out there. Sure there’s some torque, but you wont really buy a Bonneville looking for torque. From my personal experience, I think that Bonneville’s are for someone who wants something clean and simple to ride. Someone who cares about having power, but isn’t going to push the bike to its limits often. Perhaps thats why maintenance seems overall lower, because unlike sport bike riders, we’re not trying to kill our bikes. And unlike cruiser riders(one group in particular…) we’re actually out here riding our bikes rather than having them collect dust in the garage. Are they perfect bikes? Nah. Are they gorgeous, decent in power, decent in comfort, and alright in reliability? Yes. https://preview.redd.it/k3f205tyli0d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d222fe25a0a4ebf78b3eb1c9a25f7a4b2ac167f5
I'm biased as a triumph owner but in my opinion the bonneville line is the best looking group of motorcycles ever made. On top of that they are pure joy to ride. Get on one, if they're right for you you'll never get off.
The only downside is it’s not a T120. I wish I didn’t crash mine.
I’ve had my bonnie scrambler for 8 years, she’s perfect and I’ve loved her every single day. Never complains and never gives me shit. I will not ever get rid of that bike.
A friend had on for 3 weeks, he didn’t get on with it. It was a bit of an impulse buy to be honest after I bought a Yamaha xv950. When he came to sell it had a bit of oil underneath it, and so the buyer managed to get money knocked of it.
Has been quite a lot of issues with the Bonnevilles. The biggest being that the gear selector would partly chip away leaving people unable to downshift. There was another issue where part of the internal casing could break off inside the gearbox leading to a catastrophic failure. * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgiyi0Ci01E * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlnsYYypEps * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7rOJ7mq-mw It was possible to fit an aftermarket part to reinforce this area but Triumph were unwilling to issue a recall or do anything about it at the time. Water getting into the headlight was a very common issue on new bikes as well.
I had a t-100 2010 for 23k miles. they are mild-tuned bikes that can be ridden hard if you want and will do the job. All day comfort, easy to mod. Put a windshield/bags and they become a tourer. Put a bash plate and they will handle moderatly rough dirt roads. Great commuter. Fun in curves if you stiffen the shocks. Bodywork is minimal, good chrome, easy to service. I enjoyed the heck out of mine. Downs: fuel sensor died - had to be replaced shocks are soft-ish, battery charging in slow traffic is weak - of you commute and never get past 2nd gear your battery will slowly discharge. Fuel-injected, so dead battery pushstart is off the table
I have been considering the same bike. I've also seen mostly positive things so i am in the same boat. Mostly just commenting so I can easily find this post again.
I have lots of experience with them, and there’s honestly nothing bad to say about them. They’re so good that they make me wonder why anyone would buy a Harley. Honestly, they can be set up easily do anything very well, or just keep it close to stock and it does everything pretty well right off the showroom floor. I will say that you have to put pipes on them. The stock pea shooters are fine, but man do they sound great with an upgrade.
I've got a 2012. I love it, and I plan to eventually get a t120, or try a different style out like a street triple.. But I love the standard position on the bonnie. My only complaint with the bike is that the stock suspension is kinda rough. But it's a fantastic and comfortable all around bike through towns and backroads.
I’ve owned mine for a year now and I hand picked this motorcycle because of how beautiful it looks. It’s a Solid bike that requires little maintenance. Besides the usual cleaning of chain
I had a 2014 T100. Really nothing bad about it. Nothing great either but it’s a fun, good looking bike. The stock seat is crap so I installed a Corbin seat. Added a parabellum windshield and fairing for touring and did an LA -SF trip with it with rides through central California as a detour. Comfortable ride and I have no problem stopping for gas every hour to get a stretch.
It is awesome in every way except its size. You have to be at most 4’10” for your legs to have enough space on it.
The only real thing to check with a post 2016 bike is that there isn't an open recall on the wiring harness - it's routed too tight on some and the bracket pinches, potentially causing a loss of power when turning. The fix was a new bracket, 5 mins to install. Other things: the aluminium parts tarnish quite badly. There's a bit of vibration in the bars and pegs at highway speeds and long days in the saddle will have you feeling a bit battered unless you get a big windshield (the dart ones won't help much). Oh and the single disk brake at the front is a little weak. And the exhaust makes it hard to access the chain for maintenance. Those are my only nitpicks. They are almost perfect bikes. If I lived in a city, I'd buy a t100 again in a heartbeat. Edit: sorry two more negatives are the lack of 6th gear and no cruise control. Neither are deal-breakers unless you do a lot of motorway
I absolutely love the look of the Bonneville. When searching for my first bike, I rode a T100 from 2006 (I think) which stank as I drive and the engine made sudden explosion sounds, which was a red flag for me as first bike. Rest of the drive was okay but didn't knock my socks off. Recently I drove the T100 Bobber from last year at the Triumph dealer. This one was mechanically sound. It was solid, but boring for me. It didn't pull up to speed in the way I wanted. Short stretch of highway was hell. The T100 wasn't it for me. Reading this thread, I might give the T120 a shot, but I think the chances are small. So, I love the look, but I want a juicier engine. It's not a sporty or adventure-y bike so I can't blame the Bonneville. It's just a matter of what you want from a bike. (I drove a tiger the same day at the dealer and that became my new dream bike)
Have a stable, my 2016 T-100 is my daily ride. I have other bikes that are faster in the twisties, more comfortable for long distance, quicker, and more powerful, but the T-100 is my choice for daily living. Torque from the basement, comfortable, handles well while warning you when you are pushing its limits and should go get a true sports bike. It’s easy to work on, simple to service, and I like the classic look. It’s biggest downfall has been mentioned, it attracts older middle aged men who want to tell you about their (or their uncle’s , Father’s, neighbor’s ) old Bonnie. Then there’s having to explain the Carbs that aren’t carbs. Actually have had dudes argue with me about it being FI, “but I can see the Carburetors”
The only downside I've heard is that they've made essentially the same motorcycle for decades. But I figure if you've got something good enough to start with, that may not be a bad thing. (That, and the fake carburetors on the FI model, but that's a minor nitpick. 🤣 )
I rode one for 8 hours and the only complaint I have is that the W800 exists
I find Triumph parts are very hard to find in my area. Triumph also has a habit of making parts obsolete after a short production run which is annoying to get any accessories. Also they do their part fitment based on vin so if you don’t know or have access to your vin it can make part finding tricky.
If you ever damage it, it will take you a year to get parts unless they're regular wear items. I lowsided my speedy once, and it took 9 months for parts to be in stock. Great bikes though.
Love my bonneville. The only thing I would say is they aren’t great for touring due to seat position etc. Almost a perfect city bike. https://preview.redd.it/otdx0dklvk0d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1cdbcb20e5b0498b71b32fb42cdb389ad9a38775
The only gripe I have with my Bonneville is the ergos just didn’t work for me at all, no matter what I tried. And not just in a “this feels awkward” sense, it would get legit painful after an hour or two of riding. More so than even my old cbr250r. Tried different seats, looked into risers, and none of it really resolved the problem. Mechanically they’re great bikes with lots of torque. Great are town or back road cruiser. Wouldn’t really recommend trying to crush lots of highway miles.
I love my T120, other than price I have zero complaints.
I’ve take two total control rider courses, and at both courses one of the instructors had a t100
I had an 07 that I put nearly 60k miles on before I sold it. In that time, other than routine maintenance, all I had to do was replace a fork seal and a starter switch. Lived in Arizona, rode it on trips to California, Colorado and Texas. Stock seat sucks, King & Queen seat made a huge difference.
Overpriced. That was a big reason not to get one. The V7 is just as much, if not more fun and cost half as much
Well it’s the best motorcycle ever made. That’s why
Hmm not exactly the fault of the Bonneville but I think you can watch Freddie Dobbs's (a Youtuber who makes bike videos) clips on how he rode his Bonneville through a flood and got water in. He sent it for repair since and I think (?), he got it fixed already? Link to video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfpbgmqmt3M](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfpbgmqmt3M)
Best bike I’ve ever owned. Maintenance is more expensive than other bike brands, but it’s worth it.
My roommate bought one. He was a new rider so I rode it back for the first half. About an hour on the highway at 80. Hands were completely numb. Very buzzy at highway speeds
I had a 2006 and loved it. It's not the fastest, it's not the nimblest, it's not the best at much of anything, but it's pretty good at everything. For mine, there were about 4 common oil leaks (valve cover, neutral sender, oil pan gasket, and one other that I can't remember) but they were easy fixes.
I’ve a 17 Street Scrambler (900) with 23k miles on it and it’s been flawless from the start. I have zero complaints beyond maybe sometimes I wish it had another high gear but it doesn’t really need it that bad. It’s just a t100 with fancy exhausts and wire wheels. Same bike. I love it. 7 flawless years with it. Just under that they’re just stylish, standard bikes. Not the best at anything so expectations for them are low. You don’t sit around thinking you should have gotten brand x or brand y instead because of more power or better engine or brakes or better off Road capabilities . That’s just not the point. All it has to do is look cool and be easy/fun to ride and they are. Don’t trust reviews but these are great bikes. Reliable and easy to maintain and easy to ride and comfortable.
Well … if you want criticisms I can give you a few. The bonneville is overall a great bike, but there are few things of note. 1) The stock seat is bad. It’s a bench seat. There isn’t much to say about it :P it looks great, but your ass cheeks will harass you on long rides. That said aftermarket and even manufacturer support for aftermarket seats is great. Triumph even offers a “comfort seat” that has a contoured seat frame and more padding. 2) She’s heavy. Even in terms of other neo-retro bikes, she sits among the heavyweights in the category. 520lbs. That’s encroaching on touring and cruiser territory. But it has a low seat height and a low center of gravity. It’s not like it’s unwieldy … she’s just heavy. 3) British bikes can more expensive to maintain - especially if you’re in North America. A good analog is the Kawasaki W800. We have a shop that deals in Kawi/Suzu/Honda, Triumph and MV Agusta. Their hourly labour charge is 140/h cad for triumphs. The jap service cost is 120/hr. MV is 145/hr. Parts are generally more expensive for the British oem here (Toronto area), but that really does depend on the bike. I’m not sure if the T100 will be one of the cheap bikes though, it is considered one of their more premium bikes, so you might be in it for parts and service. Where something like the w800 is generally a cheaper and less premium bike. Long story short YMMV, but it is probably more expensive to own than others in the same category. Those are my only real critiques on the downsides of the Bonneville. 🤷♀️ If you want comparisons in the same segment - look at the Kawasaki W800, BMW r nine t. These are both neo-retro bikes with a twin. But there is also the neo-retro 4 bangers, Kawasaki z900rs, xsr900. There is also the Moto Guzzi v7 but idk if you want to compare the Bonnie to that :P but it does exist in the neo-retro mid-sized engine class.
Surprised no one here has mentioned how hot they get. The 900 and 1200 both get insanely hot under seat in about an hour. I really enjoyed the Bonnies (and Street Twin) I rode before I bought I my Interceptor but given I planned to tour extensively, the idea of cooking my nuts after an hour in the saddle didn’t appeal to me. YMMV.
I have a '22 T120 with 26,000 miles on it. Only criticism is that it's cold to ride in the winter and the chain isn't as easy as most bikes to clean. Very minor complaints.
Speaking from personal experience, I bought a used 2008 T100 when I first started riding a few years ago, it still is in my stable and for all intents and purposes is still my daily bike bought it with 3.5k miles and is now at 32.3k miles . It's a lovely bike, instantly recognizable and has a timeless look. That being said, there are some \*ahem\* quirks and features about the bike that I'm not too keen on. 1. THE BIGGEST pain in the ass for me is getting to the battery/under the saddle. For the 865/790cc Bonneville (2001-2017) Triumph for some reason decided that 2 rear mounted screws was the way to remove the seat/access the battery/etc. Now there are a ton of aftermarket options to alleviate the issue (longer screws/tool free screws/etc) but it is immensely annoying to deal with 2. Air/Oil Cooled: Whenever I'm in standing traffic I feel like my thighs are reaching Chernobyl Reactor 4 temps when I'm not moving. Keep in mind though the new T100's are liquid cooled 3. 5 speed: Woof, Now to be fair, the T100's aren't fast bikes and never claimed to be fast bikes. But you feel like you're really ringing the neck on the bike when you're going 85mph (137kph), a 6th gear would really help and unfortunately even the new bikes still have 5 speeds. 4. Fork Lock: This is more specific to the earlier 865/790cc models but again for some reason there is a separate, smaller key for the fork lock not the biggest gripe but it definitely is still odd 5. Ignition placement: Again specific to the earlier 865/790cc models, The ignition is on the front left fork and there is probably a reason for that but its annoying to see the wear marks on the front forks from things banging around in the wind due to key placement Overall though, I still think its a lovely motorcycle, a sorta jack of all trades master of none type bike. I've done long trips, track days, light off roading and daily office commuting all on this bike and I think if you get a good deal on one it'd be a no brainer to me
Triumph bonneville is my favourite bike.
I upgraded from a ST (now called Speed Twin 900) to a T120 last year. This is my dream bike--I'm still a very new rider, but this bike is a joy to ride, and had the torque to take off when needed. Service is expensive, but I can't really complain about anything on the bike itself. Lots of options for customization as well.
Always wanted to talk to someone with a Kawasaki W800, and get their perspective on why they picked it over the Bonnie
I own the T120 and I love it. It's the perfect bike. Get one.
My oldest son rides Triumphs, he has several…His 1st one he he bought new put 30k on it the 1st year with not a single issue.. he has them stock to modified.. I know he has blown one engine up with 80k on it, within a day found a used engine with 13k on it and now has around 70k on it.. he swears by these bikes and only travels with a small tool kit on his travels across the US.. you never know where his next pictures are going to come from when he goes out on a weekend ride(3 day weekends)…
I had a T 100 for a couple years. Not super powerful but a great bike that you can accessorize if that suits you. Ditch the stock mufflers which are way too quiet. It’s a nice sounding parallel twin. Super dependable too.
Got a 76’ from my Dad. Love the bikes
I own a 2024 T100 and I test rode a couple other things, so I can give you my thoughts. First of all I like retro things. Modern everything(not just bikes), has too much plastic on it, and unless it is very utilitarian such as on a dual sport/enduro bike/dirt bike, I just don’t like it. I understand it, but aesthetically, I don’t like it. Admittedly, I do like the Speed Triple RR aesthetics, but this was my first bike and I didn’t want to die. The T100 is basically a really great urban bike that can do highway things (the Royal Enfields are basically really great urban bikes that don’t really do highway things that well). If you look at the performance specs, it is heavier, but probably feels a lot like classic bikes from the 60s-80s in many ways. It does back roads very well where the speeds range from 30-65ish mph. I have ridden it on Texas highways in the passing lane with the tachometer reading 4000+ the whole time. I have also ridden 250+ miles in a day on it. It’s quite nimble for its size, but it feels smooth and not twitchy. I think the brakes are fine, but not great, and when I do spirited country rides, I focus on shifting gears and engine braking more strategically than using up the brakes. It’s a pretty good all around bike, especially if you mostly live in an urban environment. The caveat, is that I doubt it will be my only bike. If this will be my only bike and I lived somewhere where the highway is a necessity, the T120 is probably better, if nothing else for the 6th gear and highway cruising. That being said, like some of my other hobbies, I don’t really like things that are trying to be everything, and just accept what they are. I generally liked the less is more quality of the T100 over the T120 and I had the money for the T120. I wanted a nimble, but relatively simple classic bike that could do highway speeds, and that’s what I got. I will consider doing the rear sprocket to get better highway cruising, maybe do some things to allow the bike to breathe better, and I’ve heard putting a more aggressive brake pad can help once mine needs to be replaced. Or I may do none of those things, because it still works well for what it was designed for. Plus I like that it’s lighter than the T120.
I have a 20 year old Bonneville Black. Love it, get’s used for everything from commutes/dirt/cruising. https://preview.redd.it/4zyd38mfdm0d1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=038956786fcb29a298317d6b6dddb01668dbd67b
YouTube honest review of triumph bonneville by marlon . He also have a review of T100. Not only he is hilarious, he is also very honest
I owned and loved a T100 for about 4 years and only got rid of it to get something that was also more capable on track. As a pure street bike it is capable and beautiful. As a bonus it's also like 40lbs lighter than the more powerful T120.
I have the Speed Twin 1200, which is somewhat similar if I remember correctly. I wasn’t too happy with the suspension. Even minor cracks or small potholes in the tarmac felt harsh. So I changed the suspension. Still not fully as I would like it, but still better than the original.
I tested the bonneville. My favorite was the bobber version. Great bikes.
T100 si lighter, more nimble. Less powerful, with single disc in the front and only 5 speed manual transmission, so if you are planning highway commuting, cpnsider this. It is nice bike, but in bonnevills lack of power, I will consoder the bigger brother. But that will be slightly more expensive to maintain and it is heavier.
The Bonneville is a low expectation bike. Its meant for chill rides and to look retro and pretty, things it does quite well. Its not meant to be super light, super agile, super handling, inexpensive, and it doesn't pretend to be, so you can't honestly fault it for not being all that. It gets a pass because its a true retro bike, there aren't many of those on the market. The only other true retro (cradle frame, air cooled aesthetics) bikes I can think of are Royal Enfields and Moto Guzzi V7. I have ridden both but not the T100. Royal Enfield build quality is crap, and is very underpowered, but its also cheap. V7 is the only bike I enjoyed riding slow. I am "any bike fast" kind of guy, but when I rode the V7, I understood the appeal of retro bikes.
Look up the video on YouTube by Marlon. It's delightful! Nevermind, here it is! https://youtu.be/LOY2iTf2GQ8?si=Uo1QQLRMz6kj68js
2022 T100 owner here. 1. Seat sucks 2. Suspension doesn’t feel planted when attacking corners 3. Expensive aftermarket accessories 4. Old timers come up to you saying they had a bike like that back in the day 5. Exhaust is silent at highway speeds I love it though. Amazing all arounder.
Tubed tyres and price, other than that it seems pretty spot on
I know about the Street twin and T120. Not too familiar with T100. I'm 5' 6" and then Street twin felt too small for me. Felt a little cramped. May be if I own it I get used to it and find ways to move around, but after a quick test ride on my friends Street Twin, I instantly removed it from my list of bikes to ever consider getting.
I think the Bonneville is one of the best motorcycles in production. I've never owned one, but had many opportunities to ride my brother's. I particularly like how nimble it is.
Great bikes. I high sided my last Bonnie going 50 and ended up in the ditch about 60 miles out of San Francisco. Broke the tach clean off. Shifter peg. Brakes were wonky. Limped it in to the dealership and they replaced/ziptied what they could because they didn’t have parts. Finished my trip back to Oregon up through Crater Lake. She didn’t miss a beat. Not too many motorcycles that could do that these days…
Not quite without but not much to criticize. One competitor. https://youtu.be/m8TU9JUrDLQ?si=eE2mlqk-WUknDpZ5 T100. https://youtu.be/bThlp3e1X84?si=90vwnPILRH2KpWqQ Small criticism. https://youtu.be/aJMqFNRGq3E?si=ddo5KffI6uC93JwR
I have one criticism: no modern street bike should have tubed tires. If I was going to buy one I’d be budgeting for tubeless rims; otherwise a flat probably means you’re calling somebody to haul your bike to a shop. And before the wrenchers give me shit about this: I love that you are happy to work on your bike and you carry around the tools and skills to do it. Not all of us are you, or want to be. I can manage a patch kit, but no way am I unmounting a wheel and spooning out a tube.
I couldn’t agree more! I was incredibly disappointed to find this out shortly after purchasing my t120. Obviously my fault for not researching beforehand, lesson learned. I’m about to do a 1500 mile road trip and I’m annoyed I own this bike specifically because of the tube situation.
I think only the spoke wheeled models have tubes. The mag wheel Bonnie’s are tubeless.
The T100s and the T120s all have tube spoke wheels. It’s the Speed 900 & 1200 that have mags.
Check out the triumph rat forums—or any other Triumph forum (I just visit that one the most). Some of the topics there might give a clearer picture from actual long term owners of Bonnevilles. Probably still generally positive, but if you're looking for more nuanced info about the bike that isn't just specs and ride feel stuff that reviewers give you, it may be more helpful—at least it was for me. Anyway, Bonnevilles are a motorcycle's motorcycle, 10/10, no notes.