- Table of Contents
- 1. A Brief Background of Triumph Bonneville T120
- 2. Triumph Bonneville T120 at First Glance
- 3. Triumph Bonneville T120: A Buyer’s Guide
- 3.1 How Fast Is the Triumph Bonneville T120?
- 3.2 What Is the Size of the Triumph Bonneville T120?
- 3.3 How Much Horsepower Does the Triumph T120 Have?
- 3.4 How Many Miles Per Gallon Does the Triumph Bonneville T120 Get?
- 3.5 Is Triumph Bonneville T120 a Good Motorcycle for Beginners?
- 4. Detailed Specifications (Triumph Bonneville T120 Specs)
- 5. Aftermarket Parts & Modification Options for Triumph Bonneville T120
When buying a motorcycle , a rider looks for a powerful engine, striking looks, and a superior ergonomic design for comfortable cruising and exciting long-distance trips.
Triumph is well-known for manufacturing performance-oriented motorcycles and it’s Bonneville T120 is the best example of these qualities. This legendary bike was launched in 1959 and never failed to meet the expectations of its riders. Its sleek frame, light handling, and responsive throttle is now better than ever.
Read this article to find out what makes the Bonneville T120 one of the most iconic motorcycles of all times.
Also Read: Here's All You Need to Know Before Buying a Cruiser Bike.
1. A Brief Background of Triumph Bonneville T120
Introduced in 1959 by Triumph Engineering, the Bonneville T120 was the first model in the Bonneville cruiser series. Later, the Triumph Motorcycle Limited continued this motorcycle’s production. However, the production of the Bonneville T120 stopped after 1975 and a 750 cc cruiser designated as the Bonneville T140 was introduced in its place.
Here is a quick summary of the Bonneville T120’s backstory:
| HISTORY OF TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 | |
|---|---|
| Year | Developments |
| 1959 | Triumph Bonneville T120 with a 650 cc parallel twin motor was introduced. It featured a twin-carburetor cylinder, unconnected transmission system, crankcases, and hot camshafts. Unstable at high speeds due to a pre-unit construction engine. |
| 1963 | A robust and small engine unit was installed. New forks were added to change the steering angle. The steer head and swing arm received stiff braces. |
| 1968 | The ignition system was updated. |
| 1971 | A new frame was introduced. It lacked a separate tank to store engine oil. |
| 1972 | The five-speed transmission was added. |
| 1975 | Production stopped as the workers of Meriden Motorcycle Cooperative staged a sit-in protest. |
| 2016 | Resurgence of Bonneville T120 motorcycles. |
In 2016, a bigger and updated motorcycle was launched. This was the new Bonneville T120, powered by a 1200 cc fuel injected engine, a five-speed transmission, and an X-chain final drive.
A Quick Comparison of New & Old Bonneville T120 Motorcycles
| TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 THEN VS NOW | ||
|---|---|---|
| Specs | 1959-1975 | 2016- present |
| Engine Details | 650 cc OHV Configuration 360° parallel twin Air-cooled |
1200 cc SOHC Configuration 270° parallel twin Liquid-cooled |
| Bore & Stroke | 71 mm; 82 mm | 97.6 mm; 80 mm |
| Fuel System | Carbureted | Fuel Injected |
| Torque | 51 Nm at 5500 rpm | 105 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| Horsepower | 46 bhp at 6500 rpm | 78.9 bhp at 6550 rpm |
| Top Speed | 108 mph | 120 mph |
| Transmission | Four-speed (Five-speed in later models ) |
Five-speed (2016) Six-speed (2017 onward) |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Weight | 182 kg | 236 kg |
| Seat Height | 770 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheel base | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
Bonneville T120 Mechanical & Aesthetic Changes
In 2017, Bonneville T120 motorcycles came with an updated six-speed gearbox. Moreover, the bike’s rake angle was reduced from 28° to 25.5°, and its trail was decreased from 4.7 in to 4.1 in. The rear tire size was also increased from 130 mm to 150 mm.
In addition to the mechanical upgrades mentioned above, the design team also launched exciting new color schemes to appeal to the target audience. The details are provided in the chart below:
| TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 COLORS | |
|---|---|
| Model | Colors |
| 2016 | Black Red |
| 2017 | Black Black & White Red Red & Silver |
| 2018 | Black Red White Silver & Red |
| 2019 | Jet Black Aluminum Silver Fusion White w/ Green Aegean Blue w/ Fusion White |
| 2020 | Jet Black Aluminum Silver Baja Orange w/ Storm Gray Aegean Blue w/ Fusion White |
| 2021 | Jet Black |
| 2022 | Jet Black Silver Ice & Cobalt Blue Silver Ice & Cordovan Red |
2. Triumph Bonneville T120 at First Glance
Triumph Bonneville T120 Styling
The latest Bonneville T120 models borrowed their styling cues and attitude from the original bikes. The modern engine technology augments the striking look of this bike.
At first glance, you are bound to notice the engine’s heart-shaped aluminum brushed cover featuring Triumph’s logo. The modern cooling fins and the engine’s robust throttle bodies add to the bike’s charming looks manifolds. The large fuel tank comes with stylish paint jobs and knee pads while proudly boasting the chrome-finished metal Triumph badge.
The black seat features white piping to give it a more classic touch. The saddle and passenger pillion are an elongated single seat featuring a ribbed top.
The classic cruiser styling is evident from the extensive chrome details throughout the bike, including the handlebars , mirrors, mudguards, headlight, silencers, silencers, and fuel tank cap. On the other hand, the blacked-out front forks and color-matched fenders create a stark contrast.
Triumph Bonneville T120 Engine
The 1200 cc liquid cooled parallel twin engine is designed to provide an exceptional riding experience. For this new engine, the engineers used light-weight and effective crankshafts to reduce the engine’s mass.
The powerful engine delivers high torque that starts from low rpm to mid-range. This claim is evident by the 105 Nm of peak torque produced at 3500 rpm.
With its liquid-cooling system, the engine gives out low emissions that ensure better fuel economy.
The upgraded assist wet clutch with multi plates and balancers help reduce inertia for more responsive throttle action. The torque assist clutch reduces stress on long hauls and traffic dense roads.
The two-into-two exhaust system comes with chromed twin-silencers to produce a deep sound. The exhaust hides the catalytic converter under the bike to give it a cleaner finish.
Triumph Bonneville T120 Drive Train
The advanced six-speed transmission delivers the engine’s power to the rear via a chain final drive with remarkable precision.
Triumph Bonneville T120 Handling
The dynamic handling of the Bonneville T120 makes it a hit among American cruiser enthusiasts. Even at a standstill, the bike has nimble steering that allows it to move with minimal effort.
The cartridge front forks and adjustable rear preload suspension offers plush wheel travel that make for a smooth riding experience. The suspensions also improve the bike’s ergonomic comfort. The Bonneville T120’s suspensions reduce the shock of bumpy roads and make your long-distance trips more enjoyable.
Triumph Bonneville T120 Wheels
The Bonneville features 32-spoke aluminum wheels which reduce the bike’s weight and inertia, enhancing the bike’s maneuverability.
The 100 mm front tire and 150 mm rear tire maintain the bike’s sleek silhouette. They offer optimum traction without causing the bike to slow down when turning corners.
Triumph Bonneville T120 Brakes
The front brake is a single disc with high-quality Brembo two-piston calipers and sliding rotors. At the rear, the two-piston Nissin calipers are responsible for braking. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) improves braking power considerably. The brake setup ensures maximum stopping power, safety, and riding control.
Triumph Bonneville T120 Comfort
The bikes feature a long seat perfect for two people. The firm seat will ensure maximum comfort no matter the duration of your ride. The forward-mounted foot-pegs and drag style handlebars offer a comfortable riding position for all riders.
Triumph Bonneville T120 Instruments & Ride Modes
The bike features a bar-mounted, twin dial instrument panel comprised of an analog tachometer and speedometer. Moreover, the Bonneville T120 is also equipped with a handlebar-mounted cruise control button and LCD for multi-functional displays. The ride by wire system features two throttle maps for absolute riding control.
The bike also features two distinct riding modes:
- Road Mode
- Rain Mode
Both riding modes adjust the speed, throttle, and traction control of your bike according to the climate and road conditions to better ensure a safer ride.
Triumph Bonneville T120 Lighting
For outstanding forward lighting, the Triumph Bonneville T120 features an LED headlight that creates a brighter beam of light to illuminate the road ahead at long distances.
The rectangular LED tail light is not integrated into the rear fender and looks stylish when coupled with small round turn signals.
3. Triumph Bonneville T120: A Buyer’s Guide
3.1 How Fast Is the Triumph Bonneville T120?
The 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 can attain a top speed of 120 mph on freeways.
3.2 What Is the Size of the Triumph Bonneville T120?
The Triumph Bonneville is a heavy midsize cruiser with an overall length of 2230 mm and wet weight of 520 lbs.
3.3 How Much Horsepower Does the Triumph T120 Have?
The Triumph Bonneville T20 possesses a 1200 cc engine that generates a peak horsepower of 78.9 bhp at 6550 rpm.
3.4 How Many Miles Per Gallon Does the Triumph Bonneville T120 Get?
The motorcycle company claims that the Triumph Bonneville T120 has an average mileage of 50 mpg.
3.5 Is Triumph Bonneville T120 a Good Motorcycle for Beginners?
The Bonneville T120 is one of the most powerful and biggest motorcycles of the Bonneville lineup. However, the bike’s agility, retro looks, smooth gear box, reliable ABS, and affordable price make it a suitable bike for beginners.
4. Detailed Specifications (Triumph Bonneville T120 Specs)
4.1 General
| Manufacturer | Triumph Motorcycle Limited |
| Production Years | 1959 -1975 2016 - present |
| Model | Triumph Bonneville T120 |
| Category | Classic Cruiser |
| Touring Ability | Average |
| Price | $12,300 |
| Colors | Jet Black Silver Ice & Cordovan Red Silver Ice & Cobalt Blue |
| Warranty | Two Years Unlimited Mileage |
4.2 Dimensions
| Max. Length | 87.8 in / 2230 mm |
| Height | 43.3 in / 1100 mm |
| Width | 30.7 in / 780 mm |
| Max. Weight | 520 lbs / 235 kg |
| Max. Seat Height | 31.1 in / 790 mm |
| Rake | 25.5° |
| Wheel Base | 57.1 in / 1450 mm |
| Trail | 4.1 in / 105 mm |
| Oil Capacity | 4.76 qt / 4.5 L |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.83 gal / 14.50 L |
| Fuel Economy/Mileage Range | 50 mpg |
4.3 Chassis
| Frame Type | Tubular Frame (Steel) Twin Cradles |
| Swingarm | Fabricated: Dual Sides |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm Forks (Cartridge) |
| Rear Suspension | Dual RSUs Preload Adjustable |
| Wheel Travel | Front & Rear: 4.7 in / 120 mm |
| Wheels | 32 Spoked Rims (Aluminum) |
| Front Tire Size | 100/90-18 |
| Rear Tire Size | 150/70-R17 |
| Brake Type | Single Disc |
| Brake Calipers (Front) | Two Pistons; Brembo Calipers w/ Floating Rotors |
| Brake Calipers (Rear) | Two Pistons; Nissin Calipers w/ Floating Rotors |
| ABS | Equipped |
4.4 Engine
| Type | Liquid-Cooled Four-Stroked |
| Bore | 3.8 in / 97.6 mm |
| Stroke | 3.1 in / 80 mm |
| Displacement | 1200 cc 73.22 cu in |
| No. Cylinders | Two |
| Engine Details | 270° Parallel Twin Eight Valves SOHC |
| Compression | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel System/ Induction | Fuel Injected (Electronic) w/ Sequential Multi Points |
| Exhaust system | Two into Two Exhaust Dual Silencer (All Chromed) |
| Emission | Euro Four |
4.5 Performance
| Maximum Power | 79.1 hp at 6550 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 105 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| Top Speed | 120 mph |
4.6 DriveTrain
| Clutch System | Wet Assist Clutch (Multiplate) |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Primary Drive | Gear |
| Final Drive | Chain |
4.7 Electrical
| Starter | Electric |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Instruments (Analog) |
Speedometer Tachometer (Dual-Dial) LCD for Multi-purpose Display |
| Light | Headlight (LED) |
5. Aftermarket Parts & Modification Options for Triumph Bonneville T120
Although a bagger motorcycle is more suitable for long hauls, you can travel on interstates with your Triumph Bonneville T120 as well.
Performance wise, this bike possesses everything you would need for an exciting motorcycle trip. A 3.83-gallon fuel tank, with good fuel economy, a 1200 cc engine for peak torque production, an ABS system for stability, powerful forward lighting, and high levels of comfort.
However, it lacks the basic travel accessories that can enhance your bike’s touring capabilities and ensure an enjoyable riding experience.
Consequently, you would need to set up your bike for long-distance travel with aftermarket parts. Install fairings, luggage racks, saddlebags,rider and passenger backrest, sissy bars, and crash bars.
With these add-ons, you can travel over 200 miles, camp at a beautiful and relaxing camping destination, and return home after a couple of nights without any trouble.
Once you return, your customized bike will have a new look that will attract admirers wherever you go.
Also Read: Best Motorcycle Luggage Options for Your Camping Trip
Featured Products
Bonneville T120 Saddlebags
Bonneville T120 Crash Bars
Bonneville T120 Handlebars
Triumph Motorcycle Saddlebags
Triumph Motorcycle Sissy Bars
Triumph Motorcycle Seats
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