It would appear your story & mine are virtually identical. I am just getting back into riding after a nearly 30yr break & am considering getting either a R NineT or T120. Looking for contrasting opinions is how I found this video. Ironically, I have been to both the dealerships you show in this video in the last week. I'm leaning towards the R NineT but favor the esthetics of the T120. I probably wont know which way I will go until I do it.
Very good choice sir. I had one of these, the black edition, and really loved it. The only reason I swapped her was to go for something sportier. Enjoy ! ✌️
As an owner of both a BMW R9T/5 and Triumph Thruxton R for awhile I'd like to testify. Of course neither are the same exact models as your rides but close for perspective. A fair comparison would be between an R9T vs Thruxton R or Speed Twin and between T120 and my R9T/5 suspension and price wise. The T120 is geared very with a 17/37 sprocket and in my opinion needs 16/40 combination to pep it up some. The 1200cc Triumph motors are extremely versatile and will pretty much pull any gearing you want and great mpg. The Pure models suspension wise are a little soft especially the rear but do a pretty good job in the twisties if you are not to heavy. Performance wise any version of the R9Ts have more power and will beat any version of the Triumph 1200cc twin line in a quarter mile sprint stocker to stocker. The new Triumph RS Thruxton is right there but the same rider on both bikes the BMW wins 7 out of 10 because the BMW is easier to launch. I love all the models in the R9T and Bonneville range so why not get one of each.
Thanks for the info...much appreciated - I actually ordered a R9T Scrambler 22" - waiting for it to ship from Germany....and I also ordered a T120 Black which hasn't come in yet...so without you knowing it...you talked me into buying both...I hope to review once they are in!!! Thanks for commenting and watching!!!!
Good video. Lucky you in having the space to garage 3 (maybe more?) bikes. I had a Yamaha MT-09 (FZ-09) stolen in July and decided to replace it to keep alongside my BMW R1250RT. I decided that I did not want another Boxer-engined bike as the riding experience would be too similar - it definitely had to be a contrast. I test rode the Triumph Bonneville T120 vs the Kawasaki Z900RS. The Kawasaki was extremely competent and is probably the "better" bike, but the Triumph has bags of character and really spoke to me - so I bought one. I really like the retro look as well - far more retro than the Z900RS. The Triumph is a cross between a naked and a cruiser. I have ridden the outrageously heavy BMW R18 and would not swop my T120 for it. To answer the guy who said if one had to choose between the T120 and R9T as the only bike - my answer would be neither. I would 100% go for the BMW R1250R as a naked all-rounder.
Well after having my t120 now for a couple of weeks...when I ride my 1250 GSA its night and day - but that classic look is so good...check out my new video soon on my T120...thanks!!!
I currently ride Tuono V4. I have tested R9T and today the T120. R9T scared me when i pull it hard but the T120 doesn't. I don't know why. On paper, the T120 should pull stronger.
I’ve been debating whether to get the triumph Speed Twin or the r9t scrambler red/black option 719 I’m also lusting for the Triumph Trident I’ve always had nakeds and I feel like the trident is the child of the speed twin and Speed triple modern but still shows the elegance and classic of its British Heritage family. I’d like to see more reviews of the r9t though not enough on TH-cam 😂 greetings from California 🤙🏼
Th Speed Twin and Trident are more racer feel than the T120...even the R9T is more like the Speed Twin...I'll post more once I get the bikes...thanks for stopping by!!!
Very timely video ..thanks… I too have recently test ridden a New Speed Twin and an R9T … Thought it would be slam dunk in favour of the ST, but the BMW got under my skin.. and think I’m going to head that way… It felt like the BMW had more character and less urgency …which is a good thing for me… I just hope the ‘character’ won’t wear off ..haha…
@@lifesjourneyat50 so an update… decision taken and 2018 R9T bought… I tried the T120 But was disappointed with the low speed feeling… It was either on or off and nothing in between at low speeds. The BMW on the other hand is super smooth and the noise is addictive. Very happy with my decision. Keep up the good work!
I think I'd prefer th R9T but would probably gravitate more towards the scrambler. Just like the looks. I'm guessing you're not too far from me. I'm 35-40 minutes south of Louisville.
Yes - just north of Cincy - I did buy the r9T as well…just hasn’t arrived yet…hopefully this month - the T120 is awesome 2/3/4 really kill it…perfect for riding around the city…Thanks for stopping by…
@@lifesjourneyat50 Congratulations. I'll be interested to hear/see some of your thoughts on it. Maybe in the upcoming months, if you have a ride/trip, maybe we could meet at some point to share some wind.
Sorry for delay - Im 6'2 - I still feel comfortable...the reason I chose the Scrambler on the R9T was a little taller....the T120 was a great feel....thanks!
Great question Erik - Full disclosure - I bought both - HA...if one - probably the Triumph - the classic Bonneville look just pulls it over the top..the BMW rides smoother. The R NineT I purchased is actually a scrambler 22' Kalamata version - The T-120 won't be delivered until Oct/Nov and the R9T Dec/Jan...so look out for more videos - The other thing is the T-120 has a huge selection of Kit available so you can customize to your desires - the BMW is their standard fair or customization which is limited - thanks for the question!
Thanks for the review. BTW There is no limitation in customization of R Nine T, rather it is one of the best one for it and there are some amazing examples. I haven't seen much Bonnies or STs as tastefully done as R Nine Ts, just search for it.
@@ridingdreamer I can't wait for the R(T to show up - I've been looking at a lot of others who have customized thier's and you're right - a lot of options...thanks for the comments.
He goes 5MPH and writes great shifting lots of power! lol that was slower then my bicycle.I am left with idiotic background music and nothing else.Wasted 2min of my life
It would appear your story & mine are virtually identical. I am just getting back into riding after a nearly 30yr break & am considering getting either a R NineT or T120. Looking for contrasting opinions is how I found this video. Ironically, I have been to both the dealerships you show in this video in the last week. I'm leaning towards the R NineT but favor the esthetics of the T120. I probably wont know which way I will go until I do it.
Very good choice sir. I had one of these, the black edition, and really loved it. The only reason I swapped her was to go for something sportier. Enjoy ! ✌️
As an owner of both a BMW R9T/5 and Triumph Thruxton R for awhile I'd like to testify. Of course neither are the same exact models as your rides but close for perspective.
A fair comparison would be between an R9T vs Thruxton R or Speed Twin and between T120 and my R9T/5 suspension and price wise.
The T120 is geared very with a 17/37 sprocket and in my opinion needs 16/40 combination to pep it up some. The 1200cc Triumph motors are extremely versatile and will pretty much pull any gearing you want and great mpg.
The Pure models suspension wise are a little soft especially the rear but do a pretty good job in the twisties if you are not to heavy. Performance wise any version of the R9Ts have more power and will beat any version of the Triumph 1200cc twin line in a quarter mile sprint stocker to stocker.
The new Triumph RS Thruxton is right there but the same rider on both bikes the BMW wins 7 out of 10 because the BMW is easier to launch.
I love all the models in the R9T and Bonneville range so why not get one of each.
Thanks for the info...much appreciated - I actually ordered a R9T Scrambler 22" - waiting for it to ship from Germany....and I also ordered a T120 Black which hasn't come in yet...so without you knowing it...you talked me into buying both...I hope to review once they are in!!! Thanks for commenting and watching!!!!
"so why not get one of each"
my wallet...
@@yuey0602 T120 coming in this week...so look for it in a couple weeks.
@@lifesjourneyat50 I was a 2019 R9T pure owner. going to sell my 1250GSA and buy a 2021 R9T classic soon.
Good video. Lucky you in having the space to garage 3 (maybe more?) bikes. I had a Yamaha MT-09 (FZ-09) stolen in July and decided to replace it to keep alongside my BMW R1250RT. I decided that I did not want another Boxer-engined bike as the riding experience would be too similar - it definitely had to be a contrast. I test rode the Triumph Bonneville T120 vs the Kawasaki Z900RS. The Kawasaki was extremely competent and is probably the "better" bike, but the Triumph has bags of character and really spoke to me - so I bought one. I really like the retro look as well - far more retro than the Z900RS. The Triumph is a cross between a naked and a cruiser. I have ridden the outrageously heavy BMW R18 and would not swop my T120 for it.
To answer the guy who said if one had to choose between the T120 and R9T as the only bike - my answer would be neither. I would 100% go for the BMW R1250R as a naked all-rounder.
Well after having my t120 now for a couple of weeks...when I ride my 1250 GSA its night and day - but that classic look is so good...check out my new video soon on my T120...thanks!!!
I currently ride Tuono V4. I have tested R9T and today the T120.
R9T scared me when i pull it hard but the T120 doesn't. I don't know why.
On paper, the T120 should pull stronger.
Agree…the t120 is smooth…and that R9T just wants to run…hahah
I’ve been debating whether to get the triumph Speed Twin or the r9t scrambler red/black option 719 I’m also lusting for the Triumph Trident I’ve always had nakeds and I feel like the trident is the child of the speed twin and Speed triple modern but still shows the elegance and classic of its British Heritage family. I’d like to see more reviews of the r9t though not enough on TH-cam 😂 greetings from California 🤙🏼
Th Speed Twin and Trident are more racer feel than the T120...even the R9T is more like the Speed Twin...I'll post more once I get the bikes...thanks for stopping by!!!
Very timely video ..thanks… I too have recently test ridden a New Speed Twin and an R9T … Thought it would be slam dunk in favour of the ST, but the BMW got under my skin.. and think I’m going to head that way… It felt like the BMW had more character and less urgency …which is a good thing for me… I just hope the ‘character’ won’t wear off ..haha…
It's a tough decision...so I went with T120 and the R9T but the scrambler version...when I get them I will showcase...good luck with choice!!!
@@lifesjourneyat50 so an update… decision taken and 2018 R9T bought… I tried the T120 But was disappointed with the low speed feeling… It was either on or off and nothing in between at low speeds. The BMW on the other hand is super smooth and the noise is addictive. Very happy with my decision. Keep up the good work!
@@stewartfox9195 awesome...congratulations....I'm still waiting on my Bikes...this supply chain stuff..ugh....safe travels
I own a r ninet for 3 years now. The character doesn’t wear off ;-)
@@Maart3nSl3g3rs Good to know...mine is still in production might not be here until 2022...looking forward to riding it!!!
Thanks for the comment!!!
Maybe next time cut the music? Couldn't really hear you speak properly and it's your thoughts on the bikes I'm more interested in. Cheers
Thanks...an early video in my journey and leanerd that real quick....Thanks again!!!
I think I'd prefer th R9T but would probably gravitate more towards the scrambler. Just like the looks. I'm guessing you're not too far from me. I'm 35-40 minutes south of Louisville.
Yes - just north of Cincy - I did buy the r9T as well…just hasn’t arrived yet…hopefully this month - the T120 is awesome 2/3/4 really kill it…perfect for riding around the city…Thanks for stopping by…
@@lifesjourneyat50 Congratulations. I'll be interested to hear/see some of your thoughts on it. Maybe in the upcoming months, if you have a ride/trip, maybe we could meet at some point to share some wind.
@@jimmyteevee9070 let's plan on that...
Juste curious about your height...
How did you feel on both bikes, ergonomically ?
Sorry for delay - Im 6'2 - I still feel comfortable...the reason I chose the Scrambler on the R9T was a little taller....the T120 was a great feel....thanks!
The bmw r9t or the t120 if you can choose only one?
Great question Erik - Full disclosure - I bought both - HA...if one - probably the Triumph - the classic Bonneville look just pulls it over the top..the BMW rides smoother. The R NineT I purchased is actually a scrambler 22' Kalamata version - The T-120 won't be delivered until Oct/Nov and the R9T Dec/Jan...so look out for more videos - The other thing is the T-120 has a huge selection of Kit available so you can customize to your desires - the BMW is their standard fair or customization which is limited - thanks for the question!
Thanks for the review. BTW There is no limitation in customization of R Nine T, rather it is one of the best one for it and there are some amazing examples. I haven't seen much Bonnies or STs as tastefully done as R Nine Ts, just search for it.
@@ridingdreamer I can't wait for the R(T to show up - I've been looking at a lot of others who have customized thier's and you're right - a lot of options...thanks for the comments.
Thanks buddy. I would say classic bike is my favorite. Regarding the video please do something with audio - too much music here. See you
perhaps an adjustment to camera would be an idea.
Got it - thanks...always working to get be†ter
The bmw 👍
Well - I bought both...hahah....my R9T is finally coming next week after waiting 5 months....so come back and check it out..thanks for the comment!!!
Ahhh, I miss my Bonneville some times. Such a classic.
yes it is - hope you get another one soon!!!
He goes 5MPH and writes great shifting lots of power! lol that was slower then my bicycle.I am left with idiotic background music and nothing else.Wasted 2min of my life
This has got to be the lamest review ever
yes - thats what happens when you're new to this stuff...completely agree!!!