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ST versus T120... torn

5K views 48 replies 24 participants last post by  ggfh 
#1 ·
So I have a Vespa PX 125 (now 177) for a couple of years now. I wanted to get my motor drivers license before crossing the 125cc line so I would be in line with regulations in Belgium. But learning how to drive a motorcycle made me want to have one :) I got my license one and a half years ago, never done any real riding since on a big bike, just some test rides here and there. I now want a bike I can cruise with and use to go to work every now and then (40km, mostly highway).

My dealer has a nearly new T120 with quite some options available with 230km on it. It's 9 months old, and hardly been driven. Been in a garage of a guy that had to sell it in the end for reasons known to me but not really relevant here. The bike cost him €12.600, I can buy it for €10.000.

I haven't driven a T120 yet, but did drive a T100 last week. I enjoyed the ride, though it was some getting used to again for obvious reasons. But I am not sure buying this bike as a starter would be a good idea. 1200cc is quite a lot.

So I asked my dealer if he had a good second hand Street Twin. He did. His demo bike can go for €7790. A new one would cost €8900. So now I'm a bit torn. As a starter bike I think the ST would be a good choice for that price. But is there really a big difference in handling between the ST and the T120? Wouldn't the T120 be a better choice longer term? I'd say it has had better starting kilometers as it wasn't a demo bike. Does that really matter? And what about size? I'm 1m87, wouldn't I be more comfortable on a T120? And would I be able to handle the extra power of the T120 without crashing into the scenery (I'm a very careful driver)?

Questions questions...
 
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#2 ·
I owned a Twin; it got totaled. I test rode a Street Triple and T120, and then got another Twin.

The T120 feels so much heavier for what more power you get. If you are going to be mainly doing city, twisties, commuting < 1 hour I would 100% go Twin. If you want to do long range touring, than the 120 may be better.
 
#3 ·
If you are going to be mainly doing city, twisties, commuting < 1 hour I would 100% go Twin. If you want to do long range touring, than the 120 may be better.
I would say that this is pretty sound advice here. I don't think you can go wrong with either. I test rode the ST extensively a couple times and ended up buying a T120...primarily because of the extra power and the 6th gear.

As for the weight of the T120, I kind of shake my head by the folks who think that the T120 is "heavy". I don't think the bike is heavy at all...in fact, it feels "light" to me. Then again, I'm a prior HD softail owner.

Coming from a Vespa, however, I'm guessing that the T120 might feel like a tank to you. One thing to definitely consider...you could potentially "outgrow" the ST and want the added power that the T120 offers. Again, I've had extended seat time with both bikes and the T120 is the stronger bike.
 
#4 ·
I agree with everyone so far. Going from a scooter, I would say the ST would be the logical choice. Having said that, if I did the conversion correctly you are over 6 feet tall. I am 5 ft 10 in and the ST seemed too small to me. I have been riding for more than 30 years and love my T120 and it does not feel big or heavy.
So bottom line is if the ST feels okay and not too small, go for that.
 
#5 ·
I'm 1.82 and the Street Twin is too small for me to be comfortable.
I own a T120 and it is nice on the highway when the weather is fine. Not like today as you know.
But to got to work (Diegem) I have a preference for the Tiger with a pizza-delivery box.

Most of the time I take a longer route avoiding the highway.
 
#8 ·
I'd get the T120. It's not that heavy and, even though you may not go long distance often, when you do it will be welcomed. Commuting will be just as easy. If you enjoy motorcycling as much as I do, you'll find excuses to go for rides that last longer than you think they will. The T120 will be the right ride.
 
#9 ·
My advice, go ride the T120 and then decide. Both bikes are excellent but the power difference is significant. I rode an ST and thought it was an excellent ride. I then rode the T120 with it back to back and was giggling in my helmet 2 minutes into the test ride. Both are smooth, well built machines and it will come down to what you want. If you are a responsible rider the T120 will not overwhelm you. I am personally a torque geek so I had to have the T120 after riding it and when you are on the freeway the extra oomph is welcome. As for weight it is slightly heavier I guess but I didn't really notice it all that much on the test ride. Maybe if you flog them in the twisties for a while it might be noticeable. Go ride them both and decide........Good luck its a great problem to have.
 
#10 ·
i have the T120 i ride to work most days 50km in busy traffic,im 5ft7/75kg,i also live near the hills so weekend rides are twistys
its a very good all rounder,i find bike weight not an issue,ive had a few friends ride it big blokes and small blokes
they have all loved the bike,if you buy one of these triumphs be prepared most times at traffic lights,other drivers wish
to ask about it and praise the beauty of it,test ride both either way you will get a nice bike
 
#14 ·
Weight - T100 vs. Street Twin

The T100 is listed at 470# and the Street Twin at 437#. Where did they manage to lose that extra 33 pounds? I know ST only has a speedo (no tach). Neither has center stand. Wheels are different but no idea what the weight difference there is.

Thanks!

Bob
 
#16 ·
Thanks all for taking the time to share your experience and advice. It is really appreciated. My main concern is indeed the size of the ST, something I did notice last year when I did a test ride. The T100 is a good mix of size and engine, but my dealer says for all the extra's you get on a T120, he would not advise a T100, even though he has 2 in stock he wants to sell. So for me, it comes down to can I handle the extra weight and power?

I wanted a Vespa for the looks. Wanted one for years. Not the new Sprint, Primavera or GTS, but an original PX. Metal, no plastics. So I went to the dealer, and ordered one. I went to collect it on a Saturday morning, I'll never forget. The dealer told me how to start, how to shift and how to break. Then I was on my own. I was late thirties at the time, never even driven a simple moped before. Now I had to drive a 125cc Vespa with manual gearing.

As I said, it was a Saturday morning, and there was a lot of traffic. I had to drive 15km home. It was a nightmare. When I arrived home I was as white as a sheet. I regretted buying the thing, what was I thinking? But the next day I took the Vespa out for practice. Just stopping, starting and gearing up. I also took a few hours of lessons from a guy that does classes for motorcyclists. A few years later now, my Vespa and I are good friends, and I'm totally comfortable.

Why am I telling this? Maybe the same will happen with a T120? Maybe it's just some getting used to, like the Vespa, and all will be good and we will live happily ever after. But maybe it is just foolish to buy such a big bike, I will be too insecure to drive it, and I will regret buying it. Or worse.

I think I should rule out the ST because of my size, even though it would be a great catch for €7800. So that leaves a T100 that would cost me more than the nearly new T120 and has a lot less to offer...
 
#17 · (Edited)
Power on a T120 is not overwhelming.
When I got mine to replace my 2006 T100, I was a bit surprised it didn't have more Oomph. It has such a linear powerdelivery, it is very easy to ride.
What bike did you use to learn to drive before certification?

a T120 could be a bit harder to steer as the extra disc has its impact on the gyroscopic effect on the front wheel.
I certainly found the old T100 (with wider bars) steering lighter.

You could also experiment with seats, but most of us know it can become a costly affair before you find the right seat.

PS I don't know where you're from but BMC Assenede has testing days this weekend if I'm not mistaken. And they have most models available for testing.
 
#18 ·
I learned how to drive on a KTM Duke 690. I was wondering if I would be able to perform all required exam tests on a T120.

I'm from Hamme, so Assenede is not that far, but unfortunately I won't be able to make it. I will ask "my" dealer to test drive the 120. I asked him, and he was OK, but as the second hand T120 technically isn't his yet, he said not to go out too far.

The dealer said the weight difference between a T100 and a T120 is not really a factor, but I did read elsewhere the second disc on the front wheel does have its effect. Then again, people here say it doesn't. :)

So if power really is not that much of an issue, the only factor left would be handling?
 
#19 ·
If you are leaning towards a T120, but you are riding much in town, don't hesitate to change the rear sprocket: as little as 2 teeth more make a beautiful, light ride, and you do not give up much in terms of top gear (that would be illegal anyway)
 
#21 ·
If you know to ride a DUKE 690, power of a T120 will be very civilised. I had a DUKE myself. Great bike, but a bit too nervous in slow traffic.
The weight of the Duke is about half that of the T120, so that's the biggest obstacle for you.

Exam tests will be much easier on a Duke, except the slow riding bit.
 
#23 ·
Weight is not the only thing. Lighter is not necessarily better. The T120 is my eighth motorcycle. It isn't the lightest one of the bunch, but it wears its weight well. I'd call it a middle weight. 800 lbs. plus it isn't. The T120 never feels heavy, and it's additional capabilities are welcome. I'm 5'10" and 175 lbs. The T120 feels like it was made for me. The ST was too small.
 
#25 ·
That was exactly the plan! But then I keep hearing with over 6 foot 1 I'm too tall for an ST and I will be too cramped. I'd love to get that ST for €7790. Saves me quite some cash and I get a feel for riding a real bike. But if I'm going to be uncomfortable, I probably won't ride it...
 
#30 ·
Bever,

You really just need to test ride them back to back, you'll know after that. As for ergo's, the Bonneville platform is easily modded to work that out for a little extra coin. You can get a seat that is a bit taller, pegs that are a bit lower and adjust the bars, not a big deal, so if that is your main concern for an ST I would not let that be a deal break. That said I think you need to go test ride them both back to back and you'll know.
 
#33 ·
The new T100 Bonneville seems like it would be the ticket. The ST feels the same size as my 2015 Mag wheel Bonnie. If it was still 2016 I'd go for the T120. But now that the T100 is out with ABS and traction control and at a mid-range price tag maybe that would work. You would also be further ahead in a trade to a T120 down the road.
 
#35 ·
I thought so too the moment it got released. And the T100 is what I drove last weekend. But I don't get a chance to get one second handed right now, and a new one starts at €9.680. For €320 more I get a fully equipped T120 with 230km on it. Seems a waste then. And it is €2.000 more than the ST I can buy for €7.790.
 
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