When you review sportbikes, I don't hear you complaining that they don't have low-end torque like a Harley, but when you review bikes like these that are specifically designed for low- and mid-range power, you criticize them for not having sportbike power. Not everybody wants to ride a screaming sportbike. Recognize that.
So many reviews out here exactly like that. Its like driving a Toyota Camary and comparing it to a Porche. "well theyre both 4 cylinders why dosent this one make 200 hp??". Kind of annoying they totally miss what and who the bikes were designed for.
I bought a very lo-mile '13 Honda CB1100 a couple of months ago, and love it! It is so smooth, so quick, so easy to ride. It ticks all my boxes, but I am keeping my BMW R1100RT for touring duty.
Besides the video motorcycle review, THANK YOU for using the USS IOWA BB61 as a backdrop. It's an honor to say that I served on her as well as being a plankowner (part of the commissioning crew) and it's always exciting to see her. Anchors aweigh! PS....Triumph all the way!
Nice review, guys. They are all worthy for sure, but For my money it's the Honda. All day. By far the best looking bike of the bunch and seemingly the most comfortable.
I have a 73’ CB350F and I adore it… The inline 4, styling, everything. The CB1100 looks great and is something I’d love to add at some point. Fiddling with vintage bikes is great, but having something modern and reliable is nice too.
They done bonked their heads. The Triumph is hands down the most attractive of the bunch, then the BMW and then the Honda. They're all pretty bikes. From what all three people said, the Bonneville sounds like the best pick... and it's also the least expensive (which surprised me). I like how they pointed out positive aspects of all the bikes.
That CB110 is just so damn handsome and smooth, kinda like me. I think I need it. And the guy that looks like an old Christian Bale really liked it too, so there's that.
I *ALMOST* went with the CB 1100, but I already have a classic '76 750k, and the Street Twin stole my heart with it's easy going, forgiving charm. Putting miles on the poor beast at lightspeed this summer.
I own a Triumph T120 and I agree with your comments regarding the handling on the Triumph . The stock setup doesn't inspire much confidence, however this can be greatly improved upon with a few upgrades. I installed Progressive front fork springs, YSS Top Line rear shocks and Continental Road Attack 3 tires. And, WOW!! what a difference that made, she handles great now!
On January 10th. 1977 I purchased a new leftover 1976 T140V Triumph Bonneville. She won every cafe road race on the back roads of Long Island NY for 10 consecutive years when at that time I got married in 1986. Fast forward to 1992 and I went hunting once again. Now my Triumph Bonneville was 16 years old and had never failed me. In 1992 the Kawasaki Ninja 1100cc fuel injected motorcycle has a top spreed of 179 mph which was in fact limited by a government agreed upon speed governor. They still accelerated like a bullet. Also Honda had their V4 Interceptor 1000cc street racer. My Bonneville raced and won against both of them. The guy riding the Kaw admitted to hitting 179 mph on a long straight. Here is how it happened. We were not supposed to race as I had just did a valve adjustment and in my cheapness I used a new but torn valve rocker cover gasket. After that It was leaking oil onto my rear tire on the right side. That night I was at a hamburger joint called NeDick's ina town called Commack where all the bikers would gather. He got to braggin saying his Kaw could beat any bike. I said, excuse me but my Triumph can win against your Kaw. I said but that will have to wait a few day's as I explained about my stupid mistake in using a torn gasket that he could see was indeed leaking oil onto my rear tire. We set of to go to a dance club on the South shore named OBI South about 11 miles away. As soon as we left the parking lot he started gunning it. I had a choice, I went after him. I easily caught him and beat him to the Southern State entrance ramp and took a lead. I kept that lead for around 6 miles (he may have been playing cat and mouse with me at that time) until we had to turn off the Southern State and get onto Robert Moses Causeway south. It was a right handed clover leaf and all I could think about was "do not lean her over on the right" any way for the first time ever since my Bonneville was new another motorcycle passed my Bonneville in a curve! I yelled it's not fair I have an oil soaked rear tire. Well by the time I finished entering and exiting the entrance ramp that Kaw was accelerating ferociously and by the time I put her in 5th (Top) gear the Kaw was about 1,000 feet ahead and running away like a bullet. I did the best I could but my 16 year old machine was kind of clapped out and would just hold 105 mph and that was with my chin on the has tank and even putting my ear on the tank to remove every bit of wind resistance I could. I watched the white pebbles in the black top road and was able to determine that I was holding a straight line. I also did look up every 20 seconds to verify that I was where I thought I was on the road. I started crying. I was around 42 years old and I was crying because my Triumph was experiencing her first loss. The compression was low and I needed new rings and maybe I could have grind down the seats of my valves earlier in the day, instead of only setting the valve lash. Anyway I decided not to give up. So I chased him for a few miles, shutting the throttle completely momentarily every 30 seconds or so just as my owners manual advised as this sucks up a certain amount of oil into the head. She never blew. An 16 year old stock 750 chasing an new 1100 that was fuel injected and it's rider was wearing full track leathers. I only had on my leather jacket and my leather motocross pants-so a two piece suit that was not zippered together. I was wearing boots and leather gloves, a shorty helmet and old time goggles. Yes he was ahead but it was night time and I knew he would have a little trouble seeing the exit ramp which meant I thought he might slow down early. Me? I stayed on the throttle and I could barely see his tail light, but eventually he was slowing down and I was coming closer until finally he hit his breaks. I may have hit my breaks, I usually do not so that I can keep both wheels rotating in trim so that she steered perfectly on any bumpy road. I just slow down by closing the throttle and sitting bolt upright. Wam-instant air breaks! I passed that Kaw in the apex at around 70 mph and stayed ahead the 1/8 mile distance he was close on me but did not catch me until we came to a hair-pin U-Turn and he almost "T"-Boned my leg he was behind but trying very hard. So I did not let up. I did scream at him not to hit me. Ha! Anyway it was a first and second gear drag race about 100-200 feet to the entrance on the right to the OBI South and I got there first. I was ready to let up but that bastard still wanted to race, the parking lot had what looked like coal slag to me, pieces larger than a walnut and with sharp edges and this guy wanted to race on that shit. If you dumped you will lose all your skin, leathers won't help much. So I raced him in the parking lot, I maintained my lead and I pulled up to the front door where there was a crowd cheering. I jumped off my Bonneville, set the side stand and pulled the key in one motion and stuck the key into the night sky in Victory as he was still rolling. The crowd gathered around and they said they say me and my Bonneville beat the Kawasaki. He made a comment that he was not really trying. But I over heard him bragging that he was doing 179 mph while he was ahead of my Bonneville. I walked up to him and said clearly-"Your bike has a top speed of 179 mph and you admitted to doing 179 mph in our race-no way were you not really trying. OI walked away. I still have my 1976 T140V Triumph Bonneville and she sits around 20 feet from me as I type this. I did my part I raced her and she never blew up and she never lost, she won against every street motorcycle that was racing on the streets of Long Island. That included a 1975 Norton 850 Commando, a 1977 Laverda SFC750 Track racer made street legal, all Kaw's two-stroke 750 and 500 Triples included, all Honda's, all Suzuki's, all Yam's all BMW's. Yes I got top ended once by a Harley-Davidson Big twin but I expected that, so it was only a top speed run not a cafe race. I got an 1/8 mile ahead of him and was doing around 108 mph and tucked under the wind. Along he comes sitting bolt upright and walks on by! He could do at least 120 mph. A cafe race was a race from point A where we are now to a point B of our choosing. It included drag racing and top speed and curves and turns. I made a few other rules eventually as in when I come upon a group of cars while leading the race is over. Sure enough some idiot on a Kaw did not grasp my intent and he and then all the rest went around me and drove a grandmother with a car full of children off the road. I caught them later and told them what they almost did. I said ok, get it? The race is over when we come upon a group of cars because racing is racing and you are not to kill an innocent family, especially if I was leading when I rolled off the throttle for their safety. I never changed that rule. Also you did have to stop at all stop signs and red lights. Other than that-let the better man and machine win. I would always point out that on the tank and rear of the seat my machine said Triumph". My T140V has a 4020/4030 Chrome Molly frame (I'm getting old as I am 67 and I froget exactly what no. chrome molly) which is both lighter than steel and stronger than steel. The only mod's I ever made was to replace the factory handlebars with drag bars in order to tuck under the wind. Also I removed the seat cushion to have a lower CG (it's still out-off the bike), and I removed the two very large mufflers. The motorcycle was from the factory 395 pound. I figure the 2 mufflers total weight's to be around 30 pounds. So I say the machine is around 365 pounds wet. Not bad for a 750. Also my model T140 held the 60mph to 0 mph stopping distance at 112 feet, until a 650 Yamaha street racer came along around 15 years later and stooped in 1 ft. shorter. Took em long enough! My sentiment is this. Handling not power provides victory on the streets. My Bonneville never wobbled. I steered using the engine torque. meaning I would counter steer just to initiate a drop into a curve. I would then roll off the throttle to let her drop into the exact line I wanted. I would roll on the throttle to pick her up in the turn. To do this you must have a torque(y) motor and the 4 cy's of the day just did not have the been's. They were H.P. motors using high r.p.m.'s. Don't think my Triumph was slow as it could and did drag race and win against the Kaw 500 two stroke and the Honda 750 and even the newer Honda V4 750 Interceptor. But those 1000's and 1100 fuel injected motorcycles were in another league when it came to acceleration and top speed. But it is the handling that I exploited and trusted my life with as I was tired of so many people saying "Oh Triumphs leak oil and will blow up and are slow". That is why I made it my off the books career as a street racer, racing only for honor for Triumph. I would race unto death meaning it got kind of scary at times. I never cut off another racer and my rule was if he can beat me and my Triumph, Sportsmanship must carry the day and, well, I have to let him pass. This never happened, well except once see the story above. He lost in the end! If you have oil on your rear tire on the right side would you go and fight a life and death race with a newer faster machine? She and I did and she kept her honor. That Kaw guy should have said your right, we will face off anther day but he didn't and he lost anyway. I love my Triumph!
I still have my T140V Triumph Bonneville 750 and she sits around 20 feet from me as I type this. These day's I have nothing to prove as I am now 67 years old and I did my street racing for over a decade and never lost because I had the best road holding machine that was also very powerful, yes even at around 48-52 h.p. she was fast and had torque. My sister and her husband each had the 79 h.p. stock motored KZ900 and then my younger brother got himself a KZ900 and bored it out to a 1016cc and slapped a Kerker collector on it. They never beat my Triumph either. I once raced my brother and his KZ1016 on Center Moriches Hwy for 25 miles, from near Riverhead to Smithtown. I had to put her into 4th gear to get in front and then shift back into the speed holding gear - 5th. gear. He would pass me. I would then downshift down to 4th gear and re-pass him. This went on for 25 miles. Don't anyone of you doubt that my Triumph was a fast stock machine. We pulled over to smoke a cigarette near Hauppauge and guess what? One after another 5 Police cars came speeding by with their lights flashing and sirens blaring. It would seem to me that we collected without our knowledge every Police speed trap Pursuit vehicle on that highway and so in 25 miles there were a lot of them after us. We were so far ahead we did not even know they were giving chase. I had to torque the head bolts the next day because we had top ended for 25 miles without giving quarter to the other. I over-revved into the red-line in 4th gear but he was not able to keep ahead when I did this. However I knew I could not run flat out in 4th. gear fro 25 miles so every time I took the lead I up shifted to save the motor. She did not blow. He would re-pass me. Still it was a fairly even race and who among us would think a stock 750 could hang in against a worked Kaw 900 that was now a 1016cc motor with a Kerker header. My bike's motor was always stone stock and still is! These day's I ride mostly my (purchased when new) 2015 Harley-Davidson FLHP Road King Police. I usually ride on deserted narrow back roads but only at around 20 to maybe 30 mph average. I have nothing to prove. I ride slow and enjoy my retirement from street racing. I will ride my new Harley-Davidson until I am no longer strong enough to lift her 825 pounds off the side stand. Then I will get another Triumph, a 675 Daytona because at 368 pounds she is light enough and being a triple I am hoping that she has enough torque for my style. I thing she does. Remember "Slippery Sam"? Owning my Triumph has been the most wonderful experience of my entire life.
I own a 2014 Honda CB1100 and it has proven to be a most enjoyable bike for all around real world everyday riding. I also own a sport bike and a sport tourer. Each of the three bikes I mentioned does what it’s supposed to do. The CB1100 has plenty of power, more than Ill ever need.
Owner of a 2013 CB1100 here. Great all around bike with a super smooth engine and deceptively fast. Max torque at almost any rpm is why. Cons are its very porky at about 550lbs, and it gets a little tiring to ride if you're on a long twisty ride. It's a beautiful bike, especially in red. Mine has a single exhaust.
I like the Triumph the best of the three. No Triumph dealer near me so I ended up with a Moto Guzzi V7 Carbon. Love the shaft drive, air cooled, simple maintenance, and fun to ride on the curvy back roads where I live.
The CB is for riding along at a nice relaxed pace. You can get a CB1000r. You can get a CBR1000rr. So I like the CB. The Triumph is great. The Beemer is great. But I like the CB. Old skool!
The CB1100 puts out a specific 71hp/l and weighs 255kg. The 1969 CB750 puts out 91hp/l at a weight of 233kg. From an engineering point of view, one might really ask what Honda has been doing the last 48 years. No sane person will race a retro, but if after 50 years of advancement in technology the orginal icon still performs better than it's alleged successor, it's a bit underwhelming. On the other hand, it shows what a brilliant piece of engineering the CB750 four was.
FR he's talking about specific output, horsepower per liter. He's not technically wrong but I'd call his viewpoint extremely myopic because honda didn't devote engineering into making this bike a performer, they made it to be smooth and easily rideable
I thought so too, but why exhibit the all black variant?. Better to show the T120 in the red and silver with chrome mufflers etc., to compete choice wise along side the Honda, also a genuine classic...
No way, owned (own the CB now) both and the Honda is so much prettier not just in overall looks, but fit and finish, with no sharp edges and spots that looks like something better could have gone there, as on the Triumph.
An interesting comparison. I considered buying each of these three, but eventually opted for the Triumph. It's a great bike, although the only criticism I do have is that the brakes are acceptable, but not brilliant. The price difference is anther factor too. The BMW is quite a bit more expensive and none of them are cheap.
I've ridden all three, and although I am biased towards the BMW, if I spending my money for a 'retro' I'd buy the Triumph. It's the most comfortable for me and I think the best all rounder. With the R9T's BMW have kind of forgotten one of their key selling points and that is the bikes should be comfortable and they are not.
I have a 2007 Honda CB1300 Bol D’or and a 2016 T120 Black - love them both and they do different things. The T120 is lazy for 1200cc but they’re really just not intended to race. But it’s an efficient and quick tourer. They’re in a fairly de-tuned state and the supplied Pirelli’s are terrible. If you’d put the Thruxton in the mix here things would be different. Good video chaps !
Don't really care about the BMW. But I just let go of a '15 Bonneville and a '14 CB1100. They are very similar in many ways. But the Honda is better between the two just for build quality alone. Plus the Honda's six speed transmission feels a billion times better than the Triumph's five speed did. The Honda's FI is perfect. Triumph is still rough in some spots. You can tell there's 50 years of refinement in the Honda. Where the Triumph still has some "British character" in it.
I own a CB1100 and have ridden the '15 Bonneville, but I could not agree with your assessment of "very similar in many ways". They are chalk and cheese in terms of the riding experience. American commentators have mentioned the CB1100 engine's "blandness" and even as a happy owner I cannot disagree with that. The Triumph engine oozes character, is mellow and yet still quite strong while not being at all buzzy at real highway speeds.
Zen Den My first “big” bike was a ‘92 CB750...now that epitomizes blandness. The new CB1100 is really the same bike with just more/better of everything. The CB1100 I just went through had a cheap aftermarket muffler on it. Raspy, popped on decel, and really just woke that bike up a lot and gave it some character.
The 2017 Bonneville has nothing to do with the previous generations. It’s a totally new bike, increíble build quality that puts Hondas to shame. Try one, see one, feel one before making remarks. In this test, praising the Honda is just stupid, since it’s the most rudimentary out of the 3. The T120 outclasses it in every aspect.
I had a 75 CB 750 four , and it was a quick old bike. And it came with everything. Now I have a 2005 Triumph bonneville t100. I love the look but,,,no center stand, no grab bar, no center stand help lift handle like the old honda had standard. Plastic instruments cept for an accent ring and aluminum dash. Still looks sweet sounds great. But when parts are missing and they want a fortune to buy them, because the American Triumph market is so lacking of parts. So u have to order everything. Was just comparing two bikes with very similar looks and characteristics. But tuning 4 carbs was always more work than 2. Point for a twin. Thanks for the video.
Before watching the guy's review I would've been inclined to lean towards the Pure for its Boxer motor and shaft drive. Contrary to Mr. Burns, I love the sound of Boxer twins as they have a lot of soulful character, IMHO. But that Honda CB1100 is just downright gorgeous. I had a CB Custom 650 (4 cyl.) back in the early 80's and it was a fantastic bike. Aesthetically, the Honda wins the competition hands down for me, but I'd have to ride both the BMW and the Honda before making a final decision. I wouldn't even consider the Triumph T120, now the Speedmaster is a totally different story.
The Honda looks so versatile, it seems you could put a big Vetter wind jammer fairing on it a couple side cases and trunk and head cross country, pop them off when you get home and just cruise, Of course you could do the same with the Bonnie but 8 years from now good luck on getting parts, I have experience trying to get parts for an older Triumph and lets just say $32 for a special fuel hose(pipe they called it) and six weeks delivery is just crazy.
My eyes say triumph, my heart says bimmer, but if it was my money I'll go with the Honda. You're getting comfort, classic beauty and most importantly reliability. Non-relaible motorcycles get on my nerves.
They didnt pay for this advertisment. You do know this is simply advertising made to seem like a review. Thats why it is so very rare that they just tear any bike apart as crap. The Harley street models are so horrible that they are universally panned by all reviewers. 3rd world garbage bike.
A tech spec that no one talks about but is real important is seat height. Sitting low in the bike makes it more maneuverable, stable, and more accommodating at stop signs.
Excellent review chaps. Very informative, honest and easy to watch with a brew and biscuit. I have owned a r9t and T120 black and second your opinions. They are both lovely machines and as long as people dont pre judge them (because they are NOT performance bikes how can they be?) and mellow out a bit to just enjoy the ride they will love them. Just ordered a CB1100 and await delivery. I am really looking forward to getting it.
@@pallasalpiede Lovely bike. If you fancy one go get one. There are plenty of minters out there and probably (due to emissions regs) they won't be available new that much longer.
@@pallasalpiede No worries. Listen don't be put off by weight. It's superbly balanced and extremely easy to ride, a pussycat if you like. There's a TH-cam blogger called Gakimoto who took one out in Manilla traffic. Take a look, if she can do that I am sure you can 👍👍
I would like a ride review on the massive one floating behind you guys. LOL. Man, that thing looks impressive, good thing we had it in our arsenal and not the other way around. Nice review, guys ! Keep up the good work and the drone assisted HD filming !
GAS TANK SEAM!! Finally a few bikes loosing the horrendous gas tank seam. The Triumphs are great looking bikes but they have a flange around the perimeter of the gas tank that you could hold a sanctioned MotoGP road race race on. The lack of a seam on the Honda moves it up into a completely different class of styling. One of the best styling clues that Harley has is the lack of a gas tank seam. My motorcycles from the 1970s have a flange around the gas tanks but it is literally 1/8 the size of the new Triumphs.
In my country Vietnam, these are 3 best selling high class retro motorcycles. And CB1100 is first choice of bikers in my country when they choose a big retro bike
You stated the Honda had least power of the group, but when you put up the stats the triumph had the least power. BTW, love my 08 Triumph America...bought new and have 77,000 miles.
Good review, lots of valuable info, bmw is far more expensive than the other two, not to comfortable after 50 miles or so compared to the others, honda and triumph are smooth as silk, drove all 3 and liked all 3 for different reasons, if money is no object buy all 3, lol , if it is , its a tough choice, gotta do what works for u and puts a smile on ur face, thanks guys,
For me the Honda CB1100 is a winner, it’s a proper modern day classic like the others in this comparison are, it’s an in-line 4 and It’s Honda smooth and will be reliable as well. Triumph is the best looker though
Thanks for commenting on passenger comfort as I am lucky (or not) that my wife loves riding with. So my choices become more limited as I need to consider her in my buying decision.
Bottom line: all three are great bikes with their own unique personalities. Though not these exact models, I happen to own a BMW, a Honda, and a Triumph so I might be biased =D
Motorcycle.com did not mention reliability of the bikes i.e. which bike will be in the shop more costing you $$$. 1 The Honda is the most reliable for sure. 2 The Triumph is probably not as reliable as all the Japanese motorcycle companies. 3 The striped down BMW boxer roadster is easily the least reliable of any motorcycle company out there. Food for thought. EDIT: Second Post
The Triumphs nowadays are extremely reliable. I'm on my 5th one since 2003, putting around 5000 miles/year on them and have never had any issue whatsoever. And their fit and finish is second to none. I just got a 2018 T120 (only about 500 miles on it so far) and if it has a flaw I haven't found it yet.
How do you mention reliability after a test ride? Ive owned 5 Triumph's and have never had a problem. The Triumph looks the best and the Honda is so de-tuned it doesnt sell.
I’m a JDM guy and love how that Honda looks. However, if i only have one bike in my garage, I’d go BMW. It’s the best all rounder. If I had two bikes, then the Honda.
Post processing for the video should've caught that audio issue with echoing and amplification. The reviews are getting better and better, more indepth. Good job.
I like all of them! Beautiful, all three. My preference would be the Honda, but these bikes are pretty equivalent. (I used to ride a Beemer, believe it or not.) I now ride a Kawasaki Z900RS, and I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Nice review.... I like your reviews... I am waiting for the 2018 Bagger shootout... hard cases and no top cases... just the way we like it... Honda F6B, BMW K 1600B, Yamaha Eluder, Indian Chieftain, and the Harley Davidson Street Glide... a lot of bikes... some updated, some evolved and some brand new... would be great.... have fun riding... see you until after the review... and good job
I think these are all nice bikes but would eliminate the BMW because I just don't care for its motor. The Triumph is a good looker too but don't care for that wave rotor, that is like anti retro. The Honda while being a little porky and low on power is just a beauty with all of its chrome and it's sound really brings you back. If I had to pick from only these three, I'd get the CB. But given a wider choice and limited money, I'd opt for a new Africa Twin.
The Harley Sportster is basically the same bike that was introduced in 1957-surprised you didn't include a bike that not only looks retro, but has basically been unchanged since the 50s
Yeah, I agree that the Triumph T-120 does take effort when riding on twisty roads. The "NEW" 2019 Triumph Speed Twin looks very promising though. Much lighter, more HP and Torque and looks as if it will handle much better overall than the T-120 does for about the same price.
When you review sportbikes, I don't hear you complaining that they don't have low-end torque like a Harley, but when you review bikes like these that are specifically designed for low- and mid-range power, you criticize them for not having sportbike power. Not everybody wants to ride a screaming sportbike. Recognize that.
True that ! I for ones Don't intend to take my bike over 80MPH.
So many reviews out here exactly like that. Its like driving a Toyota Camary and comparing it to a Porche. "well theyre both 4 cylinders why dosent this one make 200 hp??". Kind of annoying they totally miss what and who the bikes were designed for.
Agree 100% with Kevin. I enjoy cruising and don't need to rip around at light speed.
@@pauld.b7129 Lada Niva all the way. Thats mah dream car. :p
Better recognize!!!!!!!!!!!!
Truest to the original in every detail.
Honda CB 1100.
One of the best comparison videos yet. I'm interested in all of these bikes but have to say the Honda is looking like the one for me. Great work.
I bought a very lo-mile '13 Honda CB1100 a couple of months ago, and love it! It is so smooth, so quick, so easy to ride. It ticks all my boxes, but I am keeping my BMW R1100RT for touring duty.
Love that CB1100! The updates are nice. We need the RS version.
Amen to the RS version. I have called/email Honda USA and told them so several times already!
Yes sir,also do check the latest Honda CB 350 RS
Honda was a beauty at that time and it is now too!!!
Honda CB really looks classy retro, handsome and well equipped.
Honda will still be running in 2069 😊😍😁
3069*
Wheres the MG V9?
Yup i'm agree with you...honda built it to last.
I absolutely love that Honda!! Wish it came to Australia. So weird its not sold here. Love the BMW also however the Honda is just so classic!
Besides the video motorcycle review, THANK YOU for using the USS IOWA BB61 as a backdrop. It's an honor to say that I served on her as well as being a plankowner (part of the commissioning crew) and it's always exciting to see her. Anchors aweigh!
PS....Triumph all the way!
Thank you for reviewing the bikes in front of my home for three years. Love the IOWA! Battleships or nothing!
Thank-you guys for a great good natured discussion of these wonderful retro bikes!
Nice review, guys. They are all worthy for sure, but For my money it's the Honda. All day. By far the best looking bike of the bunch and seemingly the most comfortable.
you don't know what review is if you think that was "nice"
Just bought the 1100 EX last week - perfect for my style of riding!
I have a 73’ CB350F and I adore it… The inline 4, styling, everything. The CB1100 looks great and is something I’d love to add at some point. Fiddling with vintage bikes is great, but having something modern and reliable is nice too.
The Honda CB1100EX is Immaculate!
15 minute vid on 3 of my favorite bikes. Very nice.
Honda is my pick. Absolutely no doubt for the price and intended use of motorcycle.
... and you meet the nicest people on a Honda !
MrCarGuy20 i have the 2014 CB1100. Glorious bike
MrCarGuy20 I have a 2014 Honda cb1100. It’s class. Nicest and most satisfying I’ve ever owned.
They done bonked their heads. The Triumph is hands down the most attractive of the bunch, then the BMW and then the Honda. They're all pretty bikes. From what all three people said, the Bonneville sounds like the best pick... and it's also the least expensive (which surprised me). I like how they pointed out positive aspects of all the bikes.
Honda, easiest decision of this group for me. Always loved the cb line.
That CB110 is just so damn handsome and smooth, kinda like me. I think I need it. And the guy that looks like an old Christian Bale really liked it too, so there's that.
My choice of the three was the Triumph T-120. I've owned one for two years now, and find that it does everything well and fits me perfectly.
Trumpy all day long for me ... Bonnie is pure class!
The triumph for me you guys have the best job in the world 🤟🏼
The Bonneville looks great, love the engine how they should of made it in the 60s! Don't like the other two.
I *ALMOST* went with the CB 1100, but I already have a classic '76 750k, and the Street Twin stole my heart with it's easy going, forgiving charm. Putting miles on the poor beast at lightspeed this summer.
I can't help it... I LOVE the air/oil cooled Boxers- The torque, low center of gravity and yes, THE SOUND!!!
I own a Triumph T120 and I agree with your comments regarding the handling on the Triumph . The stock setup doesn't inspire much confidence, however this can be greatly improved upon with a few upgrades. I installed Progressive front fork springs, YSS Top Line rear shocks and Continental Road Attack 3 tires. And, WOW!! what a difference that made, she handles great now!
On January 10th. 1977 I purchased a new leftover 1976 T140V Triumph Bonneville. She won every cafe road race on the back roads of Long Island NY for 10 consecutive years when at that time I got married in 1986. Fast forward to 1992 and I went hunting once again. Now my Triumph Bonneville was 16 years old and had never failed me.
In 1992 the Kawasaki Ninja 1100cc fuel injected motorcycle has a top spreed of 179 mph which was in fact limited by a government agreed upon speed governor. They still accelerated like a bullet. Also Honda had their V4 Interceptor 1000cc street racer. My Bonneville raced and won against both of them. The guy riding the Kaw admitted to hitting 179 mph on a long straight. Here is how it happened.
We were not supposed to race as I had just did a valve adjustment and in my cheapness I used a new but torn valve rocker cover gasket. After that It was leaking oil onto my rear tire on the right side. That night I was at a hamburger joint called NeDick's ina town called Commack where all the bikers would gather. He got to braggin saying his Kaw could beat any bike. I said, excuse me but my Triumph can win against your Kaw. I said but that will have to wait a few day's as I explained about my stupid mistake in using a torn gasket that he could see was indeed leaking oil onto my rear tire.
We set of to go to a dance club on the South shore named OBI South about 11 miles away.
As soon as we left the parking lot he started gunning it. I had a choice, I went after him. I easily caught him and beat him to the Southern State entrance ramp and took a lead. I kept that lead for around 6 miles (he may have been playing cat and mouse with me at that time) until we had to turn off the Southern State and get onto Robert Moses Causeway south. It was a right handed clover leaf and all I could think about was "do not lean her over on the right" any way for the first time ever since my Bonneville was new another motorcycle passed my Bonneville in a curve! I yelled it's not fair I have an oil soaked rear tire. Well by the time I finished entering and exiting the entrance ramp that Kaw was accelerating ferociously and by the time I put her in 5th (Top) gear the Kaw was about 1,000 feet ahead and running away like a bullet. I did the best I could but my 16 year old machine was kind of clapped out and would just hold 105 mph and that was with my chin on the has tank and even putting my ear on the tank to remove every bit of wind resistance I could. I watched the white pebbles in the black top road and was able to determine that I was holding a straight line. I also did look up every 20 seconds to verify that I was where I thought I was on the road. I started crying. I was around 42 years old and I was crying because my Triumph was experiencing her first loss. The compression was low and I needed new rings and maybe I could have grind down the seats of my valves earlier in the day, instead of only setting the valve lash. Anyway I decided not to give up. So I chased him for a few miles, shutting the throttle completely momentarily every 30 seconds or so just as my owners manual advised as this sucks up a certain amount of oil into the head. She never blew. An 16 year old stock 750 chasing an new 1100 that was fuel injected and it's rider was wearing full track leathers. I only had on my leather jacket and my leather motocross pants-so a two piece suit that was not zippered together. I was wearing boots and leather gloves, a shorty helmet and old time goggles.
Yes he was ahead but it was night time and I knew he would have a little trouble seeing the exit ramp which meant I thought he might slow down early. Me? I stayed on the throttle and I could barely see his tail light, but eventually he was slowing down and I was coming closer until finally he hit his breaks. I may have hit my breaks, I usually do not so that I can keep both wheels rotating in trim so that she steered perfectly on any bumpy road. I just slow down by closing the throttle and sitting bolt upright. Wam-instant air breaks! I passed that Kaw in the apex at around 70 mph and stayed ahead the 1/8 mile distance he was close on me but did not catch me until we came to a hair-pin U-Turn and he almost "T"-Boned my leg he was behind but trying very hard. So I did not let up. I did scream at him not to hit me. Ha! Anyway it was a first and second gear drag race about 100-200 feet to the entrance on the right to the OBI South and I got there first. I was ready to let up but that bastard still wanted to race, the parking lot had what looked like coal slag to me, pieces larger than a walnut and with sharp edges and this guy wanted to race on that shit. If you dumped you will lose all your skin, leathers won't help much. So I raced him in the parking lot, I maintained my lead and I pulled up to the front door where there was a crowd cheering. I jumped off my Bonneville, set the side stand and pulled the key in one motion and stuck the key into the night sky in Victory as he was still rolling. The crowd gathered around and they said they say me and my Bonneville beat the Kawasaki. He made a comment that he was not really trying. But I over heard him bragging that he was doing 179 mph while he was ahead of my Bonneville. I walked up to him and said clearly-"Your bike has a top speed of 179 mph and you admitted to doing 179 mph in our race-no way were you not really trying. OI walked away.
I still have my 1976 T140V Triumph Bonneville and she sits around 20 feet from me as I type this. I did my part I raced her and she never blew up and she never lost, she won against every street motorcycle that was racing on the streets of Long Island. That included a 1975 Norton 850 Commando, a 1977 Laverda SFC750 Track racer made street legal, all Kaw's two-stroke 750 and 500 Triples included, all Honda's, all Suzuki's, all Yam's all BMW's. Yes I got top ended once by a Harley-Davidson Big twin but I expected that, so it was only a top speed run not a cafe race. I got an 1/8 mile ahead of him and was doing around 108 mph and tucked under the wind. Along he comes sitting bolt upright and walks on by! He could do at least 120 mph.
A cafe race was a race from point A where we are now to a point B of our choosing. It included drag racing and top speed and curves and turns. I made a few other rules eventually as in when I come upon a group of cars while leading the race is over. Sure enough some idiot on a Kaw did not grasp my intent and he and then all the rest went around me and drove a grandmother with a car full of children off the road. I caught them later and told them what they almost did. I said ok, get it? The race is over when we come upon a group of cars because racing is racing and you are not to kill an innocent family, especially if I was leading when I rolled off the throttle for their safety. I never changed that rule. Also you did have to stop at all stop signs and red lights. Other than that-let the better man and machine win. I would always point out that on the tank and rear of the seat my machine said
Triumph".
My T140V has a 4020/4030 Chrome Molly frame (I'm getting old as I am 67 and I froget exactly what no. chrome molly) which is both lighter than steel and stronger than steel. The only mod's I ever made was to replace the factory handlebars with drag bars in order to tuck under the wind. Also I removed the seat cushion to have a lower CG (it's still out-off the bike), and I removed the two very large mufflers. The motorcycle was from the factory 395 pound. I figure the 2 mufflers total weight's to be around 30 pounds. So I say the machine is around 365 pounds wet. Not bad for a 750. Also my model T140 held the 60mph to 0 mph stopping distance at 112 feet, until a 650 Yamaha street racer came along around 15 years later and stooped in 1 ft. shorter. Took em long enough!
My sentiment is this. Handling not power provides victory on the streets. My Bonneville never wobbled. I steered using the engine torque. meaning I would counter steer just to initiate a drop into a curve. I would then roll off the throttle to let her drop into the exact line I wanted. I would roll on the throttle to pick her up in the turn. To do this you must have a torque(y) motor and the 4 cy's of the day just did not have the been's. They were H.P. motors using high r.p.m.'s. Don't think my Triumph was slow as it could and did drag race and win against the Kaw 500 two stroke and the Honda 750 and even the newer Honda V4 750 Interceptor. But those 1000's and 1100 fuel injected motorcycles were in another league when it came to acceleration and top speed. But it is the handling that I exploited and trusted my life with as I was tired of so many people saying "Oh Triumphs leak oil and will blow up and are slow". That is why I made it my off the books career as a street racer, racing only for honor for Triumph. I would race unto death meaning it got kind of scary at times. I never cut off another racer and my rule was if he can beat me and my Triumph, Sportsmanship must carry the day and, well, I have to let him pass. This never happened, well except once see the story above. He lost in the end! If you have oil on your rear tire on the right side would you go and fight a life and death race with a newer faster machine? She and I did and she kept her honor. That Kaw guy should have said your right, we will face off anther day but he didn't and he lost anyway.
I love my Triumph!
I still have my T140V Triumph Bonneville 750 and she sits around 20 feet from me as I type this. These day's I have nothing to prove as I am now 67 years old and I did my street racing for over a decade and never lost because I had the best road holding machine that was also very powerful, yes even at around 48-52 h.p. she was fast and had torque. My sister and her husband each had the 79 h.p. stock motored KZ900 and then my younger brother got himself a KZ900 and bored it out to a 1016cc and slapped a Kerker collector on it. They never beat my Triumph either.
I once raced my brother and his KZ1016 on Center Moriches Hwy for 25 miles, from near Riverhead to Smithtown. I had to put her into 4th gear to get in front and then shift back into the speed holding gear - 5th. gear. He would pass me. I would then downshift down to 4th gear and re-pass him. This went on for 25 miles. Don't anyone of you doubt that my Triumph was a fast stock machine. We pulled over to smoke a cigarette near Hauppauge and guess what? One after another 5 Police cars came speeding by with their lights flashing and sirens blaring. It would seem to me that we collected without our knowledge every Police speed trap Pursuit vehicle on that highway and so in 25 miles there were a lot of them after us. We were so far ahead we did not even know they were giving chase.
I had to torque the head bolts the next day because we had top ended for 25 miles without giving quarter to the other. I over-revved into the red-line in 4th gear but he was not able to keep ahead when I did this. However I knew I could not run flat out in 4th. gear fro 25 miles so every time I took the lead I up shifted to save the motor. She did not blow. He would re-pass me. Still it was a fairly even race and who among us would think a stock 750 could hang in against a worked Kaw 900 that was now a 1016cc motor with a Kerker header. My bike's motor was always stone stock and still is!
These day's I ride mostly my (purchased when new) 2015 Harley-Davidson FLHP Road King Police. I usually ride on deserted narrow back roads but only at around 20 to maybe 30 mph average. I have nothing to prove. I ride slow and enjoy my retirement from street racing. I will ride my new Harley-Davidson until I am no longer strong enough to lift her 825 pounds off the side stand. Then I will get another Triumph, a 675 Daytona because at 368 pounds she is light enough and being a triple I am hoping that she has enough torque for my style. I thing she does. Remember "Slippery Sam"?
Owning my Triumph has been the most wonderful experience of my entire life.
I own a 2014 Honda CB1100 and it has proven to be a most enjoyable bike for all around real world everyday riding. I also own a sport bike and a sport tourer. Each of the three bikes I mentioned does what it’s supposed to do. The CB1100 has plenty of power, more than Ill ever need.
richard casey same. I didn’t buy the CB1100 to scream down freeways. I bought it because it’s a blast to ride. And because it’s a Honda
Owner of a 2013 CB1100 here. Great all around bike with a super smooth engine and deceptively fast. Max torque at almost any rpm is why. Cons are its very porky at about 550lbs, and it gets a little tiring to ride if you're on a long twisty ride. It's a beautiful bike, especially in red. Mine has a single exhaust.
I like the Triumph the best of the three. No Triumph dealer near me so I ended up with a Moto Guzzi V7 Carbon. Love the shaft drive, air cooled, simple maintenance, and fun to ride on the curvy back roads where I live.
The CB is for riding along at a nice relaxed pace. You can get a CB1000r. You can get a CBR1000rr. So I like the CB. The Triumph is great. The Beemer is great. But I like the CB. Old skool!
where’s my kawa Z900RS at?ü
The Honda blows them away in looks, brakes and did I say looks.
I love the CB1100 EX 🤟
Lol 85HP to the wheel and these guys still complain. These aren't sport bikes for fucks sake
The CB1100 puts out a specific 71hp/l and weighs 255kg. The 1969 CB750 puts out 91hp/l at a weight of 233kg. From an engineering point of view, one might really ask what Honda has been doing the last 48 years.
No sane person will race a retro, but if after 50 years of advancement in technology the orginal icon still performs better than it's alleged successor, it's a bit underwhelming. On the other hand, it shows what a brilliant piece of engineering the CB750 four was.
FR he's talking about specific output, horsepower per liter. He's not technically wrong but I'd call his viewpoint extremely myopic because honda didn't devote engineering into making this bike a performer, they made it to be smooth and easily rideable
Good point their more like dogs.
Great review professionals and 4k, great audio editing really awesome thank you
The Triumph is by far the best looking bike!
I thought so too, but why exhibit the all black variant?. Better to show the T120 in the red and silver with chrome mufflers etc., to compete choice wise along side the Honda, also a genuine classic...
Black honda looks better
Nah, the Honda. For me, at least. Well, in the all painted RS version, anyway. That red and black.... **jizz**
Gary Smythe no the Honda by far
No way, owned (own the CB now) both and the Honda is so much prettier not just in overall looks, but fit and finish, with no sharp edges and spots that looks like something better could have gone there, as on the Triumph.
Thu Honda for me without even thinking about it!
That triumph is beautiful🤩
I prefer my 2020 Kawasaki W 800 street retro,Candy apple red …best looking retro , half 1958 Triumph and half 1958 BSA.
A review of a Moto Guzzi Griso would make this video that much better.
Jane Leelavathi yup!
The Moto Guzzi is not a relevant bike.
A review of you would make this video that much better! 😍😍😍
Griso is out of production.
Look up their retro shootout from 2013...cb1100 vs r nine t vs griso
An interesting comparison. I considered buying each of these three, but eventually opted for the Triumph. It's a great bike, although the only criticism I do have is that the brakes are acceptable, but not brilliant. The price difference is anther factor too. The BMW is quite a bit more expensive and none of them are cheap.
I've ridden all three, and although I am biased towards the BMW, if I spending my money for a 'retro' I'd buy the Triumph. It's the most comfortable for me and I think the best all rounder. With the R9T's BMW have kind of forgotten one of their key selling points and that is the bikes should be comfortable and they are not.
I have a 2007 Honda CB1300 Bol D’or and a 2016 T120 Black - love them both and they do different things. The T120 is lazy for 1200cc but they’re really just not intended to race. But it’s an efficient and quick tourer. They’re in a fairly de-tuned state and the supplied Pirelli’s are terrible. If you’d put the Thruxton in the mix here things would be different. Good video chaps !
Don't really care about the BMW. But I just let go of a '15 Bonneville and a '14 CB1100. They are very similar in many ways. But the Honda is better between the two just for build quality alone. Plus the Honda's six speed transmission feels a billion times better than the Triumph's five speed did. The Honda's FI is perfect. Triumph is still rough in some spots. You can tell there's 50 years of refinement in the Honda. Where the Triumph still has some "British character" in it.
I own a CB1100 and have ridden the '15 Bonneville, but I could not agree with your assessment of "very similar in many ways". They are chalk and cheese in terms of the riding experience. American commentators have mentioned the CB1100 engine's "blandness" and even as a happy owner I cannot disagree with that. The Triumph engine oozes character, is mellow and yet still quite strong while not being at all buzzy at real highway speeds.
Zen Den My first “big” bike was a ‘92 CB750...now that epitomizes blandness. The new CB1100 is really the same bike with just more/better of everything. The CB1100 I just went through had a cheap aftermarket muffler on it. Raspy, popped on decel, and really just woke that bike up a lot and gave it some character.
The T-120 has a 6-speed gearbox.
The 2017 Bonneville has nothing to do with the previous generations. It’s a totally new bike, increíble build quality that puts Hondas to shame. Try one, see one, feel one before making remarks. In this test, praising the Honda is just stupid, since it’s the most rudimentary out of the 3. The T120 outclasses it in every aspect.
Florin Nitulescu Yep! This new Bonneville is incredibly refined. Makes me want to buy a new one.
I had a 75 CB 750 four , and it was a quick old bike. And it came with everything. Now I have a 2005 Triumph bonneville t100. I love the look but,,,no center stand, no grab bar, no center stand help lift handle like the old honda had standard. Plastic instruments cept for an accent ring and aluminum dash. Still looks sweet sounds great. But when parts are missing and they want a fortune to buy them, because the American Triumph market is so lacking of parts. So u have to order everything.
Was just comparing two bikes with very similar looks and characteristics. But tuning 4 carbs was always more work than 2. Point for a twin. Thanks for the video.
Before watching the guy's review I would've been inclined to lean towards the Pure for its Boxer motor and shaft drive. Contrary to Mr. Burns, I love the sound of Boxer twins as they have a lot of soulful character, IMHO. But that Honda CB1100 is just downright gorgeous. I had a CB Custom 650 (4 cyl.) back in the early 80's and it was a fantastic bike. Aesthetically, the Honda wins the competition hands down for me, but I'd have to ride both the BMW and the Honda before making a final decision. I wouldn't even consider the Triumph T120, now the Speedmaster is a totally different story.
Honestly one of the best vehicle review channels around.
The Honda looks so versatile, it seems you could put a big Vetter wind jammer fairing on it a couple side cases and trunk and head cross country, pop them off when you get home and just cruise, Of course you could do the same with the Bonnie but 8 years from now good luck on getting parts, I have experience trying to get parts for an older Triumph and lets just say $32 for a special fuel hose(pipe they called it) and six weeks delivery is just crazy.
Triumph forever
Not really,they don't last forever at all 😁😆
@@DavidSenna57 🤣
Great review! I love all three bikes, but the Honda is my fave too.
I test rode the BMW and it just connect to your soul.
Unbelievable ride.
The R9T is such a sexy bike. Just nervous about some of the design issues like the shaft drive and the exposed cylinder heads
Shaft drive onBMWs been around since the Jurassic period. It’s reliable. Put bars around the heads; then it’s easier to padlock to surroundings!
I would do the CB.. that is the riders bike. Total fun fighting that beast through the twisties.
that cb1100 does not ride like a 550lb bike. will easily scrape pegs.
why would you want to fight something through the twisties? You want something that moves with you!
i have 6,000 miles on a cb1100 you dont have to fight it thing rides like a small bike.
The 1100 honda just looks so polished. It's by far the most beautiful bike out of the three. Only that engine output? I need more than just show.
My eyes say triumph, my heart says bimmer, but if it was my money I'll go with the Honda. You're getting comfort, classic beauty and most importantly reliability. Non-relaible motorcycles get on my nerves.
2018 Kawasaki Z 9oo RS omitted from this article? My heart is sad.
Excellent review. Being a biased Brit it's the Triumph all day long for me.
Always the same damn bikes. Put a Moto Guzzi V7 or V9 in there for a change.
They didnt pay for this advertisment. You do know this is simply advertising made to seem like a review. Thats why it is so very rare that they just tear any bike apart as crap. The Harley street models are so horrible that they are universally panned by all reviewers. 3rd world garbage bike.
A tech spec that no one talks about but is real important is seat height. Sitting low in the bike makes it more maneuverable, stable, and more accommodating at stop signs.
Excellent review chaps. Very informative, honest and easy to watch with a brew and biscuit. I have owned a r9t and T120 black and second your opinions. They are both lovely machines and as long as people dont pre judge them (because they are NOT performance bikes how can they be?) and mellow out a bit to just enjoy the ride they will love them. Just ordered a CB1100 and await delivery. I am really looking forward to getting it.
@@pallasalpiede Lovely bike. If you fancy one go get one. There are plenty of minters out there and probably (due to emissions regs) they won't be available new that much longer.
@@pallasalpiede No worries. Listen don't be put off by weight. It's superbly balanced and extremely easy to ride, a pussycat if you like. There's a TH-cam blogger called Gakimoto who took one out in Manilla traffic. Take a look, if she can do that I am sure you can 👍👍
I would like a ride review on the massive one floating behind you guys. LOL. Man, that thing looks impressive, good thing we had it in our arsenal and not the other way around.
Nice review, guys ! Keep up the good work and the drone assisted HD filming !
Honda looks great, but I would buy the BMW
GAS TANK SEAM!! Finally a few bikes loosing the horrendous gas tank seam. The Triumphs are great looking bikes but they have a flange around the perimeter of the gas tank that you could hold a sanctioned MotoGP road race race on. The lack of a seam on the Honda moves it up into a completely different class of styling. One of the best styling clues that Harley has is the lack of a gas tank seam. My motorcycles from the 1970s have a flange around the gas tanks but it is literally 1/8 the size of the new Triumphs.
Video quality is amazing good job guys that triumph really looks the part
I love how Burns shit on the BMW every chance he got, made me laugh.
In my country Vietnam, these are 3 best selling high class retro motorcycles. And CB1100 is first choice of bikers in my country when they choose a big retro bike
You guys know your bikes.
dunno why,
but i love these guys
lol
I can still remember reading about John Burns adventure in the Iron Butt Rally on a GL1500 GoldWing.
The Honda all day long!
Beautiful cinematography. Well made video.
Anyone old enough to relate to these guys will already have decades of experience and probably have found their preferred brand years ago.
Out of the three I would go with the Honda!
retro roadster ... without Guzzi?
superdupermax AGREED!!!!!
If it was good, everybody would remember it.
well, guzzi is not doing reinterpretation of caféracer, they are the caféracer's bikes.
Should have been instead of bmw, because it doesn't look retro
Nah, the Guzzi broke down on the way there
Did you post the wrong HP numbers? You show the Honda with almost 20 more HP than the Triumph yet say its the slowest?
Road Toad it's how the power was delivered. It makes the least torque and it's heavy. Honda could easily fix that though...
I have bought a Triumph Bonneville T100 Black last Christmas. It uses 3.5 Ltrs / 100 kms.
You stated the Honda had least power of the group, but when you put up the stats the triumph had the least power. BTW, love my 08 Triumph America...bought new and have 77,000 miles.
Good review, lots of valuable info, bmw is far more expensive than the other two, not to comfortable after 50 miles or so compared to the others, honda and triumph are smooth as silk, drove all 3 and liked all 3 for different reasons, if money is no object buy all 3, lol , if it is , its a tough choice, gotta do what works for u and puts a smile on ur face, thanks guys,
For me the Honda CB1100 is a winner, it’s a proper modern day classic like the others in this comparison are, it’s an in-line 4 and It’s Honda smooth and will be reliable as well.
Triumph is the best looker though
You have to REALLY love the vintage look of wire spokes to live with the laborious cleaning and trueing.
Worth every minute!
Thanks for commenting on passenger comfort as I am lucky (or not) that my wife loves riding with. So my choices become more limited as I need to consider her in my buying decision.
Bottom line: all three are great bikes with their own unique personalities. Though not these exact models, I happen to own a BMW, a Honda, and a Triumph so I might be biased =D
Do a new video on same bike platform
Yes, the Triumph has a helmet lock under the left side of the seat. The seat is removable with the ignition key.
Motorcycle.com did not mention reliability of the bikes i.e. which bike will be in the shop more costing you $$$.
1 The Honda is the most reliable for sure.
2 The Triumph is probably not as reliable as all the Japanese motorcycle companies.
3 The striped down BMW boxer roadster is easily the least reliable of any motorcycle company out there.
Food for thought.
EDIT: Second Post
It's the engineering that matters. The Japanese know how to engineer a reliable bike, the Germans and Americans don't.
The Triumphs nowadays are extremely reliable. I'm on my 5th one since 2003, putting around 5000 miles/year on them and have never had any issue whatsoever. And their fit and finish is second to none. I just got a 2018 T120 (only about 500 miles on it so far) and if it has a flaw I haven't found it yet.
Agree, the BMW would break down if you look at it the wrong way
How do you mention reliability after a test ride? Ive owned 5 Triumph's and have never had a problem. The Triumph looks the best and the Honda is so de-tuned it doesnt sell.
The BMW is built in Berlin man, only the G310R is the only BMW built outside of Berlin, Germany.
Honda for the win.
Drove my mate honda and straight away went to hit the horn instead of the indicator! 😂
It’s like going back to the 60’s, Triumph twin against Honda four, I think Triumph have it this time ! So great to see.
I’m a JDM guy and love how that Honda looks. However, if i only have one bike in my garage, I’d go BMW. It’s the best all rounder. If I had two bikes, then the Honda.
Post processing for the video should've caught that audio issue with echoing and amplification.
The reviews are getting better and better, more indepth. Good job.
They certainly know how to make a bike in Thailand!😊
Excellent review gents (you too Burn's), well done!!!
I like all of them! Beautiful, all three. My preference would be the Honda, but these bikes are pretty equivalent. (I used to ride a Beemer, believe it or not.) I now ride a Kawasaki Z900RS, and I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Nice review.... I like your reviews... I am waiting for the 2018 Bagger shootout... hard cases and no top cases... just the way we like it... Honda F6B, BMW K 1600B, Yamaha Eluder, Indian Chieftain, and the Harley Davidson Street Glide... a lot of bikes... some updated, some evolved and some brand new... would be great.... have fun riding... see you until after the review... and good job
I think these are all nice bikes but would eliminate the BMW because I just don't care for its motor. The Triumph is a good looker too but don't care for that wave rotor, that is like anti retro. The Honda while being a little porky and low on power is just a beauty with all of its chrome and it's sound really brings you back. If I had to pick from only these three, I'd get the CB. But given a wider choice and limited money, I'd opt for a new Africa Twin.
I'm a Triumph rider,but the Honda and BM both made in their country of origin? Triumph made in Thailand.
But not assembled there. It's assembled in Hinckley, UK.
Quality speaks for itself, so the origin of the country in which they’re assembled is irrelevant. The new Bonnevilles look sharp at any distance.
A year on I'm sure you've noticed that the Thai assembled trumpys kill the Hinkley ones for build quality so yeah.. Irrelevant.
Dat Honda though!!!!
The Harley Sportster is basically the same bike that was introduced in 1957-surprised you didn't include a bike that not only looks retro, but has basically been unchanged since the 50s
I want one of those CB1100s....
Get one while you can..They will be all gone soon. I bought two, the 2013 and the 2017...love them both!
Retro charm 😍💓 its timeless
Yeah, I agree that the Triumph T-120 does take effort when riding on twisty roads. The "NEW" 2019 Triumph Speed Twin looks very promising though. Much lighter, more HP and Torque and looks as if it will handle much better overall than the T-120 does for about the same price.