Triumph Bonneville T120 - ( 2020 Bud Ekins) My Thoughts After 12 Months Ownership + Upgrades Fitted
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 เม.ย. 2021
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I Love My Triumph Bonneville But - How does it Ride ? Weight? Comfort ? Build Quality ? Dislikes ? Suitability for Novice Riders and Upgrades I've Fitted.
I am an owner and enthusiastic. I use my T120 Bonneville for city rides, long distances (Prague - Amsterdam vv) and for daily 120km rides through hill (mountain) landscapes from village to village on bad repaired roads with gravel and zand on it, and some unpaved field roads in the Czech Republic. I have ordered this bike with a center stand, groom bar classic fall protection ,and a middel high Triumph fantastic wind screen that you can apply or take down in one click. Also a original beautiful an really comfortable Triumph special gel Buddyseat. And the original classic Triumph leather rear site bags with the accompanying groom rack and rear passenger support/ rear luggage rack. I also ordered at delivery better tires and rear shock absorber’s. And also the (a bit illegal) more deep sounding by Triumph manufactured special exhaust dempers. It’s a bit extra money all together, but… than you have the best universal bike as possible.
One big disadvantage: if the bike tips over on the left side, ( even with the roll bar fitted) you can be 100% sure that the clutch lever brakes. This is a big problem because the bike won’t start without it. You can find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere. Better buy a spare clutch lever and the hex key tool for replacement..
And also… I find checking the oil level through the sight glass where the engine has to be straight annoying! this both in the evening and in the sunlight. I don't understand why a normal dipstick wasn’t used.
Triumph should provide a connection for a winter battery trickle charger as standard. Before delivery I immediately had other tires fitted. It is also recommended to replace the rear suspension/shock absorbers. The front wheel suspension on the other hand works great, even in bumpy bends the wheel follows the road surface perfectly and the motorcycle does not dive under heavy braking. People With a length of approximately 180 CM can easily reach the ground with both feet flat, on the other hand, the standard mirrors are vulnerable at tipping over and with narrow sited for a broad-shouldered Rider or a thick winter coat blocking mirror view. Conclusion: My Bonneville is the best and safest motorcycle ever in my 35 years riding experience for my application. Also, for example, in bad sharp corners with sand or grit on the road, we proudly stay upright after some controlled minor sliding. Effortlessly we take a U turn in narrow streets with no feet on the ground. I always feel confident under all circumstances and the bike stays also stable on the German highway above 180 km/h without swaying or hard braking problems. At unexpected and fast dodging, counter steering, trail braking in unexpected braking turns and under unexpected steering conditions, the T120 follows the right track incredibly accurately without strange waddling movements. The Bonneville is also easy to maneuver in small spaces, parking spaces, unpaved roads, etc., This, without being awkwardly top-heavy..
A Gentleman's Cruiser.....What a great way to describe the bike. Thanks for the video.
Nice review, thx. I got the Bud Ekins T100 4 weeks ago, drove the first 10 days already 800 km and I'm more than happy. A planned shoulder surgery forced now the bike to stand in garage for a while. But few times a day I must a have a view to this beauty.
Thank you. Glad you enjoy your T100 and I hope you manage to get out on it soon
Thanks for this nice and honest review. I have on my list exactly the same bikes you had on yours, before you bought this beautiful motorcycle.
Lovely stuff. I own a 2020 T120 and find the throttle fine. Live out in the US now, but originally from Cheshire, so it was lovely to see you out and about in familiar places. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you James
I also love your bike. Everything about the old Bonnie's appeal to me! The newer version of that classic is very close to the original appearance/production models. Those bars end mirrors are very nice. Just a lovely all around rider's motorcycle. Today's bike riders will never know just how nice it is to sit on the beach seat! Wanna slide up or back? Be my guest! A pleasure to be sure.
Thank you Edysin 👍
Thanks Jack. Great review. It's a BEAUTIFUL bike!!! I'm in the market for a T120 in Australia. Buying one soon. Very useful review.
Hi Dave. A fantastic bike I love mine 👍
Thanks for the nice review.
I have the same bike in the same color in Japan. I like this color scheme because it stays in a classic mood but at the same time it has a vivid, casual taste. It is a little bit unique in Triumph's modern classic line.
I agree on your comment about its jerky throttle response at a slow speed. I feel Street Twin and T100 are more smooth in terms of lower speed acceleration and operability .
By the way, another negative for me is its difficulty of chain cleaning.
But these things don't bother me very much. I love this bike.
What a great review! I'm American, and I can't help but think that your manner of speaking, eloquent and decidedly British, lends itself nicely to making this review the success that it is.
Subscribed soly because you have a dream bike
Nice bike i've been thinking of buying one for a while
When I bought a new Shadow, I did 600 miles within the first month. I remember because that number was the first break-in service interval. I do hope you're enjoying the bike. It's a beautiful thing.
Good informative video, from a potential T120 purchaser!!
Hi Mark it's a great bike. Have a good test ride also try a T100 and there are some deals to be had with dealers.
Think they junk 🐝 looking at them
Excellent review of this beauty! (I own a 2020 Street Twin and love it.). I'd give it two thumbs up if I could!
Thank you Jim much appreciated
I just purchased this bike !. I'm in Boston and it's in Iowa. I plan to take a train there and ride it home, time for an adventure !
thank you for the great review. I had a special edition Triumph t214 before this bike, it was really fun and quite beautiful. I added a Dart wind screen, and will do the same for this bike, hope I don't need to add LED headlight. I had to for the t214, it was so dim it was dangerous at night
Congratulations Ralph. That is an adventure ride. Have a fantastic journey. All the best Jack. 👍
Moto beauty, congratulations. My Yamaha SR 400 is beauty also, but in lower level.
I love the SR400. I wish I bought one new about 4 years ago. They were stopping them in the UK and I could have had a brand new one for £4k. It would cost me more than that for a second hand one now 😭
This is an Engineering Marvel. Apart from those rear view mirrors, this motorcycle is an absolute beauty. I prefer the stock mirrors, this beauty doesn't need any changes, it looks awesome in its original state. Today is 24th April 2021 and I already bought Triumph Bonneville T120 in future before 25th May 2021.
It's funny how everyone's preferences vary - the very first thing I'm doing to my T120 is removing those stock mirrors, blocking off the holes, and putting bar-ends on 🙂
Congrats on the new ride!
@@csc-photo Agree totally. I changed mine to bar end. My visibility was nearly zero with the standard mirrors.
Gorgeous Bonnie!!
If you invest in a booster plug (160 quid out of Denmark- simple tech, quick and easy install) it will solve the jerky throttle response at low revs! :)
Thanks for making this video! Looking forward to seeing more!
Thank you much appreciated. I will check that out but to be honest I have got used to it :-)
Great video and thank you for sharing your experience.
I’m on the same path. I had the Yamaha XSR 900 (Abarth version). I enjoyed to ride that absolutely beast of a machine. With the time passing , I started to loose the interest in it because It became excessively uncomfortable, and once it was designed as a solely pilots bike, (Yamaha, made the Abarth version with a single seat), I started to feel crumped inside the seat, and most of the time with my upper body bent over the gas tank - I only could feel a little relaxed riding it way faster than I should.
So, I looked for something different and tried the Speed twin. Coming from the Yamaha I found the Triumph roadster too regular, too civilized for it’s purpose. No quick shifter, no Cp3 Yamaha’s engine torque…So, after the failed attempt with the Speed twin, I noticed ,at the dealership, that they had a big window with a gold line green and Silver T120 in display, and the bike caught me by surprise, just by looking at it I felt immediately attracted like a magnet. I asked and they arranged one for a test ride. After riding it, I don’t know really why, but the bike felt so good, nice and right, that After negotiations I decided to buy it.
It is a real pleasure and has been a wonderful sensation to possess it. I have two other bikes. One for long distances and another to free the horses through the Twisted back roads in a more aggressive riding manner.
But for the present moment the bike I’m looking to take out every day, is the Triumph T120.
I enjoy the Mickey mouse’s mirrors, don’t feel the need to replace it. In the end they fall just in the right place on a classic bike conception and I can see everything very well with them. I installed a little original wind deflector that enables to go in comfort it helps with the higher paces you can choose to run on the motorway.
The bike already comes with cruise control which is a very nice feature. Now I’m thinking to add the heated grips ( they are an extra) and install a central stand for cleaning and lubricate the chain. The bike was supplied just with the side stand. I found the night lights in medium and maximum power a little weak. Maybe Triumph has something better. Would like to know your opinion about this aspect.
The daytime running lights are beautiful and the led bulbs produce a very nice effect but the night lights I think they are regular halogen lights. I’m also thinking to install a proper horn, such as Denali sound bomb, because the stock horn is just ineffective. Besides that the bike will be the perfect everyday ride for me.
Be well and ride safe. Thanks, once more for this fine video. ✌️✌️😎
Thank you for watching the video. The goldline does look great. 👍They must have removed the heated grips on the goldline . It was the same on my Bud Ekins but to be honest I don’t miss them. The centre stand is really useful especially when cleaning and lubricating the chain. Re the headlights bulb 💡 I am wondering if a stronger one can be fitted. Mine is ok on the unlit lanes where I live but to be honest I don’t use the bike at night much. I’ve not heard it mentioned before, sorry. The Triumph technicians at your dealer may be able to advise which stronger bulb it will take . Mention it at service. It may even be a fault with the bulb 🤔.
@@JackBonhamMotorcycles thanks 👍🏻
Good comments,,,, nice bike!
A Booster Plug will remove the jerkiness. You won't be disappointed. I had the same gripe on my 2018 T120, and it totally eliminated the problem. It's also a cinch to install.
Thanks Jim. A subscriber Laurie Blogs also noted the rain mode also eliminates jerkiness when in the city.i tried the rain mode and it works really well.
High recommend a decat and switching to the Norman Hyde Toga pipes.
Nice review, every one who buys a bonny either t100 or t120 isnt buying for speed or cafe racing , just a clean and easy ride, with the power if you need it on the t120. Snatchy throttle, just try changing to rain mode even in the dry you might be surprised 😎
Thank you Carl. Yes another subscriber suggested rain mode in the city which does work well although to be honest for some reason now the bike has some extra miles on it seems to have gone away, that or I am getting used to it 😀👍
Nice little vid., although the "jerky throttle response" is new to me? But the rain mode makes it even smoother in town, without cutting power output. It just makes the throttle less sensitive..... I too left the pipes as standard, but fitted a Motone cross pipe and K and N filters. Ooh and a Tutoro chain oiler............
Thanks Laurie, I will try the rain mode when in the town. To be honest I've gotten used to it but it may make the ride experience better.
@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Pretty sensitive to chain adjustment too?
I tried the Rain mode in the city yesterday. Yes it does make the throttle less jerky. 👍👍
I have one as well. I bought mine for the same reasons as you. I got mine in September have managed 1,600 miles. I agree with your opinion on everything you have said. My “customisation” exists so far of Motone luggage bobbins and an external power (Hella DIN) socket so I can connect it up to its battery maintainer (Optimate 4). My next upgrades will be a sump guard and swapping out the catalytic converter for a Motone X-pipe. Regarding the slow speed jerkiness (roll on/roll off response) I have tried the booster plug. However... after noticing the exhaust pipes showing evidence of rich running I’ve just removed it. I have since found very little difference in the slow speed running of the bike.
Top tips so far? Replace the inner white face of the number plate with self-adhesive black vinyl (it looks prettier). I use Autobrite Direct’s “Blendz” wheel seal all chrome except the exhaust pipe. Blit Hamber’s Speed Wax is an excellent wax and at £12 a tin a steal and a Beeline GPS is superb nav device which is also very unobtrusive.
Great video.
Trevor thank you for your comments. I fitted the optimate charging lead which works well. The luggage bobbins are really useful. I will look at them. I have also heard mixed reviews re the booster plug and to be honest the throttle is no worse than the Yamaha XSR. Thank you also for the tips. The number plate black out is a great idea.i also use bilt hamber wax but tend to use pro prep on the wheels, frame and sump etc. Ps I've also heard great reviews re the bee line gps although to be honest I tend to use my mobile in my pocket connected to a wireless earpiece. I cant see the map but hear a turn by turn. I have considered just placing the phone in a magnetic tank case. Trip Machine do a great one I think I will buy
For me it's between this and the new speed twin, it's a tough call. Thanks for a great review. If it had the power, suspension and brakes of the speed twin, it would be a no contest.
Hi Michael. Yes both great bikes. I had the same dilemma myself when choosing but I had an XSR 900 at the time and the speed twin was a bit of a beast like the XSR. I wanted a laid back gentleman’s bike, something a bit more sedate. So in the end it was an easy choice for me 😀
@@JackBonhamMotorcycles the xsr is another great bike, I love the look of those too. I will keep pondering and visiting the dealer and maybe next year I will make a decision and purchase one of them.
Im surprised nobody's told you about the throttle spacer kit,IT'LL take care of that slack in the throttle and make it smooth the way it should be....
Thanks James. Yes I was aware of the kit just hadn’t got around to purchasing one. To be honest I’ve gotten used to it 👍
Remove the ugly labels on the tank using a hair dryer
Excellent review and Thank You!!
Would you mind doing a review about riding comfort comparison between Speed Twin and T120 .
Regards,
Anoop
Kumarakom/Cayman Islands
Thank you. Maybe I will do a comparison later in the summer
Can it be Spring already... I want to ride my Bonnie again...
Regarding the snatchy on/off throttle, a booster plug will make a world of difference. If you're savvy enough you can also remap the bike using tune ECU. The maps they list have all the bugs worked out. Your bike will be the same in every way minus the wonky throttle.
Thank you
Whats a booster plug ?
Whats a booster plug ?
Another good option for a novice or beginner rider is the little brother of this bike: The Triumph Bonneville T100. It's lighter, more nimble and respectable power.
Hi Daniel totally agree and better than the T120 if a novice 👍
Nice bike....
Thanks Henry. I'm really pleased with it. It's a great bike
Top marks for your video 👍🏻 I have a Speed Twin at the moment but I am looking to purchase a T120 this year. Have you considered the throttle spacer kit to sort the snatchyness? It improved things on my Speed Twin. Your Bud Ekins edition looks great, I like the look of the Black but would still be happy with standard. The Bonneville is what a proper motorcycle should look like.
Thank you for your comment 😊 the speed twin is an excellent bike. I have not tried the throttle spacer kit but the rain mode seems to stop it when riding in the city
With all the ways to remedy the stache throttle, you would think Triumph would have a recall & fix it, after all, it is a premium bike.
Yep your right there Frank
You should get rid of your cat and get an x pipe , makes a world of difference with the sound and performance 👍 I have an Ace cafe special edition T120 I love it 😍
Yes I’m considering that. Just putting off because it’s a fiddly job 🤔
They started welding the cats on the new models so you can’t really remove them anymore unless you’re good with a welder. 😢
@@ethereal_synapse wow they caught on lol that sucks
Great video! I had a similar journey and went from the XSR 900 but to the Bobber.
I've gone with the Motone x-pipe and the booster plug plus similar accessories from Motone. Have you looked at a DNK tune to smooth the throttle response?
Finally the thing that really stuck out to me was all the health and safety stickers, I think that beautiful tank would look a lot better without them.
Looking forward to the next video, cheers.
Hi Matthew. Yes I agree. I need to remove the stickers. The Motone cross pipes seem to be a popular upgrade. Did you notice any differences after fitting them
@@JackBonhamMotorcycles- I think so although it was one of the first things I did so not much experience with the cat in place. I just know that I love the way it sounds and runs. 🙂👍
@@matthewburton3555 If nothing else, just getting rid of the cat, and allowing a bike to breath better (I also fitted K and N air filter) has got to be a good thing. It runs cooler too (the fan isn't so eager and constant). Quiet enough when around town or on a trailing throttle, but with a lovely bark when accelerating briskly. (original silencers)
@@lauriebloggs8391 K & N filter makes a difference and a highest quality spark plug.
The Rolex of classics. Faster u go less of the sights you see
You can get rid of some of the jerky throttle by turning off the traction control. You can get rid of it ALL by adding a Booster Plug to the ECU.
Thank you MJ P. It also works by putting the bike on rain mode in the city. To be honest now the bike has done over a 1000 miles it seems to be much better, that or I am getting used to it 👍
@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Hi Jack ! Yah, I’ve kinda just put up with the low rev jerkiness. Hope to pick up my Matt Black T120 in late January in 2022. Have you ridden the new generation yet ? If ya ever in NZ Jack let me know ?
@@johnmartin7158 I would like to know the answer to this as well. I had a 2017 Harley that was just awful at slow speeds in lower gears. The surging was terrible and bad enought that it was one of the reasons I got rid of the bike. I replaced it with a 1400 Moto Guzzi. It was better but not by much, I put a Booster Plug in it and it was better but still not good. I also purchased a V7lll 750 Moto Guzzi whichhas been absolutely perfect as far as fueling goes. Never a jerk, shutter or stumple. The 1400 is getting too heavy for me an I am looking to replace it. I want something I can tour on comfortably, the 750 is just too small and light. Something in between the two would be perfect. I have to insist on classic styling so the T120 would be perfect. It is middle weight, a good sized frame, etc. However I do not want another bike with a low speed fueling issue. I have yet to ride a 2022, sat on one but due to weather couldnt test ride it. I will in a week or so. However I don't know if they will let me ride it long enough to check out the fueling when it gets hot. I don"t want to spend the money and then find out there is a fueling issue. At this point I think it is the perfect bike for me. We will see. If you have found out anything further please post.
@@karlbishop7481 Hi Karl ! You wrote a very interesting post and is much appreciated. Form what I have heard, the booster plug and also the people who have reprogrammed, their has been significant improvement, not that it is totally disconcerting to begin with. And it is a low revving bike and with EU emissions standards, I guess they make them run lean. The V7 is a very comfortable bike. Actually I think Jack is right in away, you don’t notice it most of the time, unless you’re stuck in 1st or second gear continuously.
I am excited to be picking up the new 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 Matt Black trim level with brown seat next year. I shall install Ohlins rear shocks and side mirrors and centre stand as well. Am sure you’d be happy with the T120.
Feel free all of you guys to visit beautiful NZ.
@@johnmartin7158 I would love to visit NZ, from all the pictures I have seen you have a beatiful country. I don't think it is in the cards though. A buddy visited a year ago and loved his time there. He rented abike and did quite a bit of touring.
Heard about people driving in the Rain mode at low revs...
Yep, it's great for city riding
Hi
Subscribed. You have a very similar delivery to Rocket Man. That’s a good thing by the way.
Den
Thank you Denis. I took a look at Rocket Man after you mentioned it. Yes 😊 I see what you mean 👍
What about gearbox issues? Some say that is very often in BNonnevile family included T120 and T100 engine. Any information about it because official Triumph web side and dealers keeps shut.
Super review, thanks! Questions - Does the T120 come with a factory radiator guard? I like the one you installed (radiator protection is a must-have). Also, reported fuel efficiency is quite high - are you getting around 60mpg?
Thanks Craig . Yes the Bonneville has a factory radiator grill which is pretty decent . Yes I get about 60mpg but I don’t check it often. The trip computer reckons about 65
@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Very helpful, thanks!
Have you tried throttle spacers for the "jerkiness" at low speeds? They will help!
Hi Jim. No ive not tried them. I have discovered that the rain mode does work really well though when riding in the city
Ditto
Does the Bud Ekins model come with cruze controll ?
I am creeping up on the 25k mile mark on my 2018 T120. Judging from a visual inspection it looks like it's time for a new chain and sprocket. Any suggestions for a high quality brand for replacement?
thanks for the video
Hi Daniel. Its not something Ive had to change on my T120 but I did change the chains and sprockets on the XSR900 and went for a D.I.D heavy duty gold coloured set. They were pretty good quality
I've just bought a new black edition t120, I was torn between that and the bud ekins version.. Truimph were doing an offer where they gave you £1000 worth of accessories of yr choice so one of the extras were the bar end mirrors which I think look amazing.. Your bike is STUNNING thou, where did you get the radiator guard from?
Hi Willie congratulations re your T120 . Yes the Triumph offer is good. I purchased the radiator grill from Motone customs. Take care ride safe Jack
@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Cheers Jack 👍🏾
One question, will be convenient for 188 cm rider?
How d'you keep your grey bar grips clean? Mine are always dirty after I ride
Mine just don’t get that dirty but I do clean them about once a week. Make sure it’s not transference from your gloves🧤. I have known the colour to rub off on some cheaper gloves 😂
it's got exactly the same frame of the Street Twin but it weighs 30kg more... don't get where all that weight comes from
600 Miles in 12 month? I have 4500km on my t 120 bought in june 2020.
Had already issues with the gearbox and with the heated grips. Nice bike to ride- quality not outstanding imho.
Sorry to hear about that Gernot. I had been informed that the gearbox issues had been sorted out on the 2020 models 😒. When I purchased the bike I had two other bikes and a car hence the low miles, although to be honest I was shielding for many months due to CoVid
Why have you still got the stickers on the tank and chain guard?
Picked the bike up day before lockdown 1 and have never got around to taking them off. 😀
What gloves are you wearing?....I would worry about staining those grips
Goldtop predators. Had Goldtop for years. Great gloves and never any dye leakage. Only cheaply made gloves 🧤 will lose dye. 👍
Nice motorcycle. Will you be removing those Fugly safety decals on the gas tank?
Yes definitely 😏
@@JackBonhamMotorcycles We picked up a new T100 Bud Ekins at the weekend. Salesman was insistent that the safety decals be removed as soon as possible. Apparently they can slightly change the colour of the tank if left on. Probably a bit more sunshine here in NZ though. 😎
@@northlandrider5396 thank you. Yes I removed mine a few weeks back as they were annoying and I had gone past my running in period. Good look with the T100 it’s a great bike
Those light grey grips look good but they are a night mare to keep clean
Hi ASA. Actually they are not too bad and do clean 🧼 up easily 👍
712 👍
Hi I got a number plate coming up for sale T120 TWC you interested?
What's happened to you Jack?
Nice bike looks good but had aride on the Enfield it was awful In every way. Sorry
It’s not to everyone’s taste. It’s very old school. Try the Meteor if you liked the look of the bike.. it’s not as ‘agricultural’ as the bullet. 😀
You could nearly buy a Royal Enfield interceptor and a Continental GT for the price of this bike.
Ha ha, you can and I almost did. In fact I almost purchased a interceptor when I bought the bullet but the dealer wouldn't do a deal at the time. I always wanted a bonni but couldnt justify a interceptor as well 😀
@@JackBonhamMotorcycles I think RE have a hit a sweet spot on price and value. I feel triumph sell cheap bikes at premium prices and push the fake heritage and fake history to sell them. I have owned a fair number in my time but as a company they make my skin crawl these days.
@@RichardsModellingAdventures Yep you cant beat RE for value at the moment although I will be interested to look at the Honda CB350 Highness if they release it here. If they hit the price point like India and Japan then it will fly off the shelves
@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Deffo> i love Honda CB anything.
I owned an enfield 500 and I find the bonneville I replaced it to be better in every sense
Great review, but the music was really distracting and annoying...
Nice video, but I was very close to downvoting it for the pointless looping background music. It is VERY annoying. If I were you, I’d remove it and re upload the video.
good video, I got a 2018 street cup, ride by wire, "floppy throttle", something triumph should sort out.
I put this in; www.squaredeals-ltd.co.uk/triumph-900--1200-throttle-spacers-kit--thruxton-1200-speed-twin-street-twin-cup-scrambler-900-40213-p.asp,, it helped a lot.
There not showing any for you bike, contact them they may be able to help. cheers graham
Thank you Graham. Much appreciated 👍