Thankyou for taking the time to put together such a detailed review...being a new biker at 55...yes 55, was'nt sure what kind of biker I wanted to be...took a while and wasn't sure I wanted the retro route initially...but once I got into it and found the Bonneville's I knew it was what I wanted from biking... Learned on a Kawasaki 650 but when I rode the t100 it really was a revelation...can't think what I would ever change it for or upgrade it to...love the style and simplicity, its future proof...enjoy your biking !!
Great video well done young man..I have the same bike for over 3 years its black like yours and its great , I have triumph heated grips that look loads better than after market ones great in spring or autumn, a medium Givi screen, also a booster plug which is dead easy to fit and irons out(about 30%) the jerky low speed snatch. A center stand from T E C made here in the UK which is adjustable and easy to fit, apart from the spring tension. Also I have the seat you talked about which looks better in my opinion. I get over 80 mpg at car speed .i do all my own servicing and do not bother with dealers unless i have to. The chain is a bit of a pig to adjust as you will know and the front brake could be better, i think triumph will upgrade to a Brembo soon, but overall a great package.
Saw one parked the other day on the street. 2020 model, black tank but chrome engine and pipes, so not t100 black. Looks class. And when you hear sound of one approaching behind you, when walking down the road, one can tell it is paralel twin bonnie. Awesome sound. Great review and great motorbike.
Nice! Mine is not a T100 black either. My bike cost $1000 less, but I feel it looks more expensive than the matte black painted ones. I love the blacked out look too though.
THANK YOU!!! I finally found a guy to honestly review the bike using terms I understand. I am looking at both the T100 and the T120 and am frankly torn between the two. I like both very much, but from your review and a few others I have found online, it sounds like the T100 is a perfect throwback to what motorcycling was all about. Yes, I love Harley Davidson, especially their touring bikes, but there is truly something about having a simple machine that you really don't have to think about and just enjoy the road and the ride.
Good review but I would like to add a few points. I have a 2017 street twin with17,000 miles on it now. Took it cross country through all types of riding; mountains, desert, highway at all speeds and this bike rides nice at high highway speeds no problem, other than wind, but I have a small wind screen which helps a lot. Also the rear shocks can be adjusted for preload. Not sure why you have to remove the pipes to lube the chain, maybe the slightly up swept pipes on the twin don't get in the way, but that seems like a big hassle. I love this bike. I have ridden with sport bikes and this bike will stay with them on twisties and I have friends with harley cruisers and we do long weekend rides and stay together nicely. The heated grips are a nice add on.. The bike does everything. By the way the transmission issues by Stuart filingham were on a T120 not this bike. Enjoy your ride.
Hi, nicely paced and structured review. Love my T100. Whilst relaxed riding is the order of the day, if you do start to hurry through very tight bends you can ground out the pegs earlier than you’d want. I would have preferred better access for chain maintenance plus found fitting a centre stand was first aftermarket addition. Feel that centre stand should have been standard.
Good points Gordon. Thank you for your kind words. I agree about the center stand and chain maintenance. It costs $360 CAD for a center stand, but I still want one 🤦♂️
Wow, even in 2020 , still no center stand? Mines a 2005 and I just bought a center stand , haven't installed yet, i use a rear end lift stand, but have to remove the slip-on s to use it. Such the center stand. Thanks for your review. Good riding in the new year.
@@hermanderaeymaecker4134 I just throw it on when I do any maintenance. Cause I have some slip-ons as well and it doesn't have the rubber mounts where the stock pipes were. So i know what you mean. I bought a swing arm lift, but I still have to pull the mufflers to use it. I guess you make sacrifices for mods. Many times I wish I had gotten a 120,,but couldn't find any used around me. But I imagine if I put different tail pipes on it, id still have the problem. Take care.
Passenger comfort is my main concern, not so much about the seat or foot position but the ride itself. My wife, who always rides with me is crippled due to battling cancer eight times, but she still loves to ride. Our last two motorcycles were HD trikes because one of the six places of cancer in her brain was causing seizures. Now that she had brain syrgery to remove that spot she hasn't had any more seizures and I'm wanting to go back to two wheels. The HD trikes ride like an old dump truck. We are looking at the best and smoothest ride I can get in a motorcycle. From what I have researched the Triumph Speed Twin 900 and the Bonneville T100 offer about the best in the business. So, I am looking at a Bonneville T100 because I can buy a passenger back rest for the T100 where I can't for the Speed Twin 900. My question for you is how does the T100 take bumps in the road, pot holes, and road seams ? Thank you for this review it helps people like me make up our minds. I've owned many motorcycles since 1967, but never a Triumph. I am very excited at the thought of finally owning a Triumph. Ride safe and enjoy every journey.
The seat is good, although I would recommend the king queen seat for you. The suspension is good considering it's a vintage inspired bike. It floats down the highway pretty fairly well with 2 people aboard. Sorry to hear about your wife's condition. My wife enjoys riding with me too, so I can understand your desire to ride with her. It's a sacred time together for sure. All the best 🙏
@@davidmuir6818 We have rode over 300,000 miles together. We used to average 15,000 miles a year. But this year was down to 10,000 miles. Right now I'm bikeless... I fell naked without a bike in the gargae.I hope to buy a Bonneville T100 before next Spring. I started riding in 1964 and only had one accident. Tore my leg up pretty bad so I learned to slow down and enjoy the ride.
January 4, 2021 my Triumph Bonneville T100 Black will be three years old. The first two years I completed 22,000 km. This past year, since March with the Communists Dictatorship restrictions, I have only completed 2,000 km. It has been a great motorcycle. I nearly purchased a T120, but I could not afford the extra $3,000.00 Aus. The motorcycle, with all the accessories fitted (Great Saddle Bags, Rear top bag, windscreen, Satellite Navigation and crash bars) cost $15,500.00. I manage 400 km per tank full. I love the motorcycle.
This is really nicely presented review, which gives good overview. I do however think that the bike (with no wind protection) is good up to 120kmh in most weather conditions. The other thing is while Triumph offer reasonable accessories, their accessory range is nowhere near that of BMW or Harley. All in a gorgeous looking retro bike that gives the looks of an old British bike without the pain of ownership of an old bike.
I am contemplating between this and the Street Twin . I really love the dual cluster gauges on this T100 . Dam these Triumph bikes are so nice ! They sound really awesome too !
I was sold when I went to see the street twin and t100 in person. The dealer fired up both bikes. Both sound great although the street twin has more of a hot rod sound. All the best with you decision!
@@davidmuir6818 Hey ! You’re not going to believe this ! My dealer has ONE ☝️ 2022 Street Twin Goldline Limited Edition on order . I’ve made my deposit 💵 only one thousand of them being produced in the entire world 🌎 and if I choose not to buy it , they will put the deposit towards another bike no problem 😉
Nice straight up review! I'm considering that bike how's the lean angle? Can you tip it over pretty well in tight corners? How's the bike on the highway? Which rack and topcase do you have? Thx USA
Thanks! It's a great bike with so much character and style. It's good for short blasts on the highway, but not ideal for longer highway runs unless you put a massive windshield on it. It's very stable in the curves, but takes some getting used to. It doesn't tip in super easy like a sport bike, but it's very satisfying to run a twisty road. All the best 😎
I understand from a dealer that the rear shocks need upgrading on the T100 & T120, including the new 2021 models, if you are taking a passenger/pillion on a regular basis.
@@davidmuir6818 - i can recommend the King & Queen seat. I had one on T120s, along with a sissy seat back rest it worked very well for both rider and passenger. I took the touring windshield off though.
I am 56 and currently own a 2016 harley sportster. I have been riding and had my license since I was 14. I really think a lot about trading my Harley for a triumph. However I wonder about this..my Harley has mag wheels and about a month ago I picked up a roofing nail in my rear tire. Being to get it home without having to remove the wheel and take out the innertube made that whole mess much easier. (I ran in walmart and bought a plug kit for like $8 and it worked great. I can hold my own with wrenches and I think I am pretty knowledgable but is there away quickly and easily repair a flat on a spooked wheel I am not aware of?? Just enough to get to a gas station or motel etc?? When I was a kid I had a Honda 400 four and I also got a nail in it's rear tire. I was about 15 when that happened and it still stands out in my mind as the worst motorcycle experience I have had to date.
Yes, mag wheels have their advantages for sure. The triumph Street Twin has mags as well as the speed twin. I have ridden my friends 1200 sportster. The Bonneville has a similar feel to it, but is much smoother and more refined.
I have the same bike but in agean blue and white. Have read about the gesrbox issues Stuart Fillingham on TH-cam? Im getting worried when I saw that video. What do you think?
Honestly the shifting is the only thing I don't like about my bike. It improved when I adjusted chain tension and clutch free play. I am going to try heavier oil in the spring. I will make a video detailing the shifting issues when the weather clears up here in Canada.
@@davidmuir6818 thx! Btw I have a 2022 model and Triumph uses an Allen wrench for the oil drain plug I’ve never seen that on a bike before. Does yours? Wonder why.
Hi owned my T100 for a year now....1800mls...love it to bits....one niggle....30seconds after a full cold start I hear a tinkling slight rattle.....heard it from 500mls.....may have always been there and I just did not notice. Anyway love to know....have you heard the tinkle I hear....as I say....starts 30secs after starting.....goes as soon as the motor starts to warm...I do wonder if its connected with the cold start part of the fuel injection. My dealer does not know what it is.....but says seeing it soon goers ignore it. Not what I want to hear really. Nick in nick in the UK.
The t100 will do 70 to 75 no problem and the engine is still smooth at that speed. The only drawback is the lack of wind protection on both bikes above 60mph. Trust me, I've tried all kinds of flyscreens. You need a barn door of a windscreen like a madstad to make this a highway cruiser.
@@davidmuir6818 ok I want to do a road trip traveling the U.S. I need a bike that is reliable, versatile, and not too expensive. I was going to find a used Bonneville because they just look cool but everyone is telling me to get a KLR 650 so I’ll probably go with that because it has fairings to help defect wind, and I can put a big wind screen on it and it won’t look as weird.
Hi teacher, I write you from Spain, are You sure that the engine is crossplane? I though just Yamaha makes this kind of engine. Sorry for my english, regards.
Hi, from Canada. I hope to visit Spain one day. Yes, the liquid cooled bonnevilles are a crossplane configuration. Some of the older air cooled models also shared this design including the speedmaster and scrambler as well I believe.
Generally thorough and interesting review. But putting a black bike against a glaring white background is bad, photographically. there is too much contrast. You did not mention the clutch, which I believe is quite light?
Those Triumph parallel twins sound sooooo good!!
Thankyou for taking the time to put together such a detailed review...being a new biker at 55...yes 55, was'nt sure what kind of biker I wanted to be...took a while and wasn't sure I wanted the retro route initially...but once I got into it and found the Bonneville's I knew it was what I wanted from biking... Learned on a Kawasaki 650 but when I rode the t100 it really was a revelation...can't think what I would ever change it for or upgrade it to...love the style and simplicity, its future proof...enjoy your biking !!
Good description ! I'm owner too from a T100 Bonneville black for 2 months now i'm so happy to Drive it.
Enjoy my Friend 🤟🏍️ take Care
Great review! Exactly the same one i'm looking to get
Thanks so much! You will love it 😎👍
How'd it go?
Great fun bikes, lovin mine. Just don't look for high performance power on the T100, it's more for enjoying the ride and just taking it easy.
Great video well done young man..I have the same bike for over 3 years its black like yours and its great , I have triumph heated grips that look loads better than after market ones great in spring or autumn, a medium Givi screen, also a booster plug which is dead easy to fit and irons out(about 30%) the jerky low speed snatch. A center stand from T E C made here in the UK which is adjustable and easy to fit, apart from the spring tension. Also I have the seat you talked about which looks better in my opinion. I get over 80 mpg at car speed .i do all my own servicing and do not bother with dealers unless i have to. The chain is a bit of a pig to adjust as you will know and the front brake could be better, i think triumph will upgrade to a Brembo soon, but overall a great package.
Saw one parked the other day on the street. 2020 model, black tank but chrome engine and pipes, so not t100 black. Looks class. And when you hear sound of one approaching behind you, when walking down the road, one can tell it is paralel twin bonnie. Awesome sound. Great review and great motorbike.
Nice! Mine is not a T100 black either. My bike cost $1000 less, but I feel it looks more expensive than the matte black painted ones. I love the blacked out look too though.
THANK YOU!!! I finally found a guy to honestly review the bike using terms I understand. I am looking at both the T100 and the T120 and am frankly torn between the two. I like both very much, but from your review and a few others I have found online, it sounds like the T100 is a perfect throwback to what motorcycling was all about. Yes, I love Harley Davidson, especially their touring bikes, but there is truly something about having a simple machine that you really don't have to think about and just enjoy the road and the ride.
Thanks! The T100 has a satisfying amount of power. You won't be dissappointed. It's a premium machine and quicker than my friends 1200 Sportster too 😎
My 2017 T100 has 80,000 km. I love it as much as I did on day 1.
It's a better balanced bike than T120 but that too is a fine machine.
what are some maintenance recommendations to get a long life out of these?
Bikes are so fun to ride! Glad I got one!
I am also glad I chose this bike. After hours of watching reviews and multiple dealer visits, It became more clear that I needed this bike.
I own the exact same one. Spot on review!
I appreciate you commenting on how the bike handles with a passenger. That matters to many of us who actually like riding with our wives.
Good review but I would like to add a few points. I have a 2017 street twin with17,000 miles on it now. Took it cross country through all types of riding; mountains, desert, highway at all speeds and this bike rides nice at high highway speeds no problem, other than wind, but I have a small wind screen which helps a lot. Also the rear shocks can be adjusted for preload. Not sure why you have to remove the pipes to lube the chain, maybe the slightly up swept pipes on the twin don't get in the way, but that seems like a big hassle. I love this bike. I have ridden with sport bikes and this bike will stay with them on twisties and I have friends with harley cruisers and we do long weekend rides and stay together nicely. The heated grips are a nice add on.. The bike does everything. By the way the transmission issues by Stuart filingham were on a T120 not this bike. Enjoy your ride.
Great Review! Thanks for sharing!
Hi, nicely paced and structured review. Love my T100. Whilst relaxed riding is the order of the day, if you do start to hurry through very tight bends you can ground out the pegs earlier than you’d want. I would have preferred better access for chain maintenance plus found fitting a centre stand was first aftermarket addition. Feel that centre stand should have been standard.
Good points Gordon. Thank you for your kind words. I agree about the center stand and chain maintenance. It costs $360 CAD for a center stand, but I still want one 🤦♂️
Wow, even in 2020 , still no center stand? Mines a 2005 and I just bought a center stand , haven't installed yet, i use a rear end lift stand, but have to remove the slip-on s to use it. Such the center stand.
Thanks for your review. Good riding in the new year.
I removed the center stand on my 2006, because it doesn't work with the slipons I have.
@@hermanderaeymaecker4134 I just throw it on when I do any maintenance. Cause I have some slip-ons as well and it doesn't have the rubber mounts where the stock pipes were. So i know what you mean. I bought a swing arm lift, but I still have to pull the mufflers to use it. I guess you make sacrifices for mods.
Many times I wish I had gotten a 120,,but couldn't find any used around me. But I imagine if I put different tail pipes on it, id still have the problem. Take care.
Passenger comfort is my main concern, not so much about the seat or foot position but the ride itself. My wife, who always rides with me is crippled due to battling cancer eight times, but she still loves to ride. Our last two motorcycles were HD trikes because one of the six places of cancer in her brain was causing seizures. Now that she had brain syrgery to remove that spot she hasn't had any more seizures and I'm wanting to go back to two wheels. The HD trikes ride like an old dump truck. We are looking at the best and smoothest ride I can get in a motorcycle. From what I have researched the Triumph Speed Twin 900 and the Bonneville T100 offer about the best in the business.
So, I am looking at a Bonneville T100 because I can buy a passenger back rest for the T100 where I can't for the Speed Twin 900.
My question for you is how does the T100 take bumps in the road, pot holes, and road seams ?
Thank you for this review it helps people like me make up our minds. I've owned many motorcycles since 1967, but never a Triumph. I am very excited at the thought of finally owning a Triumph. Ride safe and enjoy every journey.
The seat is good, although I would recommend the king queen seat for you. The suspension is good considering it's a vintage inspired bike. It floats down the highway pretty fairly well with 2 people aboard. Sorry to hear about your wife's condition. My wife enjoys riding with me too, so I can understand your desire to ride with her. It's a sacred time together for sure. All the best 🙏
@@davidmuir6818 We have rode over 300,000 miles together. We used to average 15,000 miles a year. But this year was down to 10,000 miles. Right now I'm bikeless... I fell naked without a bike in the gargae.I hope to buy a Bonneville T100 before next Spring. I started riding in 1964 and only had one accident. Tore my leg up pretty bad so I learned to slow down and enjoy the ride.
Great review. Thinking of switching from a sports bike to triumph or Indian bobber but haven’t decided yet
I switched. You won't regret it!
January 4, 2021 my Triumph Bonneville T100 Black will be three years old. The first two years I completed 22,000 km. This past year, since March with the Communists Dictatorship restrictions, I have only completed 2,000 km. It has been a great motorcycle. I nearly purchased a T120, but I could not afford the extra $3,000.00 Aus. The motorcycle, with all the accessories fitted (Great Saddle Bags, Rear top bag, windscreen, Satellite Navigation and crash bars) cost $15,500.00. I manage 400 km per tank full. I love the motorcycle.
Great to hear! I also love the black model 😎👍
This is really nicely presented review, which gives good overview. I do however think that the bike (with no wind protection) is good up to 120kmh in most weather conditions.
The other thing is while Triumph offer reasonable accessories, their accessory range is nowhere near that of BMW or Harley.
All in a gorgeous looking retro bike that gives the looks of an old British bike without the pain of ownership of an old bike.
great review!
Relax man... enjoy what you do...overall wellsaid.nice review really
I am contemplating between this and the Street Twin . I really love the dual cluster gauges on this T100 . Dam these Triumph bikes are so nice ! They sound really awesome too !
I was sold when I went to see the street twin and t100 in person. The dealer fired up both bikes. Both sound great although the street twin has more of a hot rod sound. All the best with you decision!
@@davidmuir6818 Hey ! You’re not going to believe this ! My dealer has ONE ☝️ 2022 Street Twin Goldline Limited Edition on order . I’ve made my deposit 💵 only one thousand of them being produced in the entire world 🌎 and if I choose not to buy it , they will put the deposit towards another bike no problem 😉
@@NorthwoodsNomad Wow! That's such a nice version of the ST!! Only 1000 made. Congrats!!
@@davidmuir6818 thank you 🙏 I’ll be sure to upload some videos when I get it ( they’re saying end of May / June )
I'm considering a Street twin and putting wire spoke wheels on it.
Great bike!! 😎👍🏼👍🏼
Sweet
Nice straight up review! I'm considering that bike how's the lean angle? Can you tip it over pretty well in tight corners?
How's the bike on the highway?
Which rack and topcase do you have?
Thx
USA
Thanks! It's a great bike with so much character and style. It's good for short blasts on the highway, but not ideal for longer highway runs unless you put a massive windshield on it. It's very stable in the curves, but takes some getting used to. It doesn't tip in super easy like a sport bike, but it's very satisfying to run a twisty road. All the best 😎
And the rack and other accessories are from triumph
I understand from a dealer that the rear shocks need upgrading on the T100 & T120, including the new 2021 models, if you are taking a passenger/pillion on a regular basis.
I take my wife all the time. We find it works well, but I am sure upgraded shocks would improve things. A seat upgrade is what I want to get first.
@@davidmuir6818 - i can recommend the King & Queen seat. I had one on T120s, along with a sissy seat back rest it worked very well for both rider and passenger. I took the touring windshield off though.
Very preferred bike. looks like the Genuine 400 C ( but the genuine is 350 lbs)
Nice chilled informative review. Where are you riding in this review? I’m in Australia but grew up in Ontario - thought it looked like home...
Thanks! Yes, It's Ontario not too far from Peterborough.
@@davidmuir6818 Cool - home of the world famous Bryston amps!- From Ottawa originally. Happy riding next spring!
Thanks !
t100 vs Street twin. wich to pick?
I am 56 and currently own a 2016 harley sportster. I have been riding and had my license since I was 14. I really think a lot about trading my Harley for a triumph. However I wonder about this..my Harley has mag wheels and about a month ago I picked up a roofing nail in my rear tire. Being to get it home without having to remove the wheel and take out the innertube made that whole mess much easier. (I ran in walmart and bought a plug kit for like $8 and it worked great. I can hold my own with wrenches and I think I am pretty knowledgable but is there away quickly and easily repair a flat on a spooked wheel I am not aware of?? Just enough to get to a gas station or motel etc?? When I was a kid I had a Honda 400 four and I also got a nail in it's rear tire. I was about 15 when that happened and it still stands out in my mind as the worst motorcycle experience I have had to date.
Yes, mag wheels have their advantages for sure. The triumph Street Twin has mags as well as the speed twin. I have ridden my friends 1200 sportster. The Bonneville has a similar feel to it, but is much smoother and more refined.
I have the same bike but in agean blue and white. Have read about the gesrbox issues Stuart Fillingham on TH-cam? Im getting worried when I saw that video. What do you think?
Honestly the shifting is the only thing I don't like about my bike. It improved when I adjusted chain tension and clutch free play. I am going to try heavier oil in the spring. I will make a video detailing the shifting issues when the weather clears up here in Canada.
80,000 km and no mechanical problems at all with my 2017 Bonnie
Hi ,nice video.
What is the valve clearance intervals ?
20000km or 12000 miles
Did a set of tools come with your Bonneville? For example the oil filter removal wrench?
Thx
There is some kind of small screwdriver type thing behind one of the side covers. Not much else!
@@davidmuir6818 thx! Btw I have a 2022 model and Triumph uses an Allen wrench for the oil drain plug I’ve never seen that on a bike before. Does yours? Wonder why.
Yeah, same as mine. Triumph seems to make servicing fairly easy
@@davidmuir6818 you would think a socket bolt would be more secure
Hi owned my T100 for a year now....1800mls...love it to bits....one niggle....30seconds after a full cold start I hear a tinkling slight rattle.....heard it from 500mls.....may have always been there and I just did not notice.
Anyway love to know....have you heard the tinkle I hear....as I say....starts 30secs after starting.....goes as soon as the motor starts to warm...I do wonder if its connected with the cold start part of the fuel injection.
My dealer does not know what it is.....but says seeing it soon goers ignore it.
Not what I want to hear really.
Nick in nick in the UK.
Hi Nick, I can't say I have noticed this on mine. Might be worth mentioning on the T100 owners Facebook page.
@@davidmuir6818 Ok thanks for getting back to me.....asked everywhere.....even Triumph tech guys dont know....and they have heard it on mine.
Any problems with the wiring harness ? A common issue on the Bonnies.
Nothing so far 👍
so if I want to go over 62 miles per hour this bike isn't for me. I guess ill get the T-120 because I need to go around 70-75 top speed
The t100 will do 70 to 75 no problem and the engine is still smooth at that speed. The only drawback is the lack of wind protection on both bikes above 60mph. Trust me, I've tried all kinds of flyscreens. You need a barn door of a windscreen like a madstad to make this a highway cruiser.
@@davidmuir6818 ok I want to do a road trip traveling the U.S. I need a bike that is reliable, versatile, and not too expensive. I was going to find a used Bonneville because they just look cool but everyone is telling me to get a KLR 650 so I’ll probably go with that because it has fairings to help defect wind, and I can put a big wind screen on it and it won’t look as weird.
Are u sure about the 270degree crank angle?
YES it is
Hi teacher, I write you from Spain, are You sure that the engine is crossplane? I though just Yamaha makes this kind of engine. Sorry for my english, regards.
Hi, from Canada. I hope to visit Spain one day. Yes, the liquid cooled bonnevilles are a crossplane configuration. Some of the older air cooled models also shared this design including the speedmaster and scrambler as well I believe.
Generally thorough and interesting review. But putting a black bike against a glaring white background is bad, photographically. there is too much contrast. You did not mention the clutch, which I believe is quite light?
Thanks for the feedback! Yes, the clutch is very light and easy to use.
The 865cc has 64hp !
I've never ridden an 865. I would like to!
Did you ride and compare a T120 ?
No I haven't. I have often wondered if it would be worth the upgrade...
Been told the finish is terrible on then poor biuld quality
What's ya view of low revs, at low, speed u think u need a booster plug ???