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Help with decision please...

3K views 27 replies 16 participants last post by  Kahrooco 
#1 ·
Frequent visitor, now registered, first post here. Must say I enjoy the informative and polite discourse here.

I’m now officially 71, on and off rider / owner with intermediate skills. No longer into sport bikes...don't like cruisers. FJR and Weestrom were truly wonderful bikes but tall and tippy is now just unwanted extra work I’d rather be without. FZ 09 was more about controlling the excessive power vs riding fun. Sold. Now bike-less.

I’m a 6’, 190 lb conservative rider today giving a higher priority to comfort and slower back roads. That said, before it’s too late, I want to make my bucket list trip from NC south thru TX, UT, NM, circle North above the Dakotas, thru IA to see family, on to OH and back to NC thru VA and WV.

While a successful businessman (that is to say reasonably intelligent), unfortunately, I am not now nor ever been mechanically inclined. Thus, bike reliability is a VERY high priority for me. While my next bike “first” choice is the 2017 T 100, I now know it comes with tubed tires. This makes no sense to me compared to tubeless, but it is what it is. With regret, the T 100 is off my list. The Street Twin appeals to me, greatly, but the difference in ergos (too far forward), is keeping me from a purchase. Don’t want the T 120, same reasons as the T 100.

Purchase options also include the 2017 Versys 650 LT (lowered) 15 minutes away…and F700 GS, 35 minutes away. Triumph dealer is 1 hr away thru traffic.

I keep trying to talk myself into a Triumph ST, or T 100 and setting it up for my trip. I thought it’d be worth asking for your thoughts before leaving Triumph.

Comments on reliability and other issues would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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#2 ·
A trip as your planning..I'd prefer the power and comfort of the T120. I wouldn't hesitate to go anywhere with that 1200cc engine. I came off of sport bikes and 1700cc cruisers. Yes, I did buy a T120. I took my wife out on it today, first ride with two of us. Started nice and easy, found my balance and response features, along with braking. The T120 performed flawlessly. Good Luck with your search :)
 
#4 ·
I am 65, own 3 bikes, a 2014 HD RK CVO, and a 17 Triumph Bobber are two of them. The all around easiest to ride, most comfortable, well handling bike I have ever owned is the Bobber. Tube tires don't give me a moments pause and would not be a tipping point. If fun and easy to ride, but will handle as well as would like it to do, is an important factor, test ride the Bobber.
 
#6 ·
FWIW, tube-type tires are all I've ever run in almost 50 years of riding. I've never had a flat or other problem with them. It's a mature technology.

Gotta ask, why the 2017 T100 over the T120? The T120 weighs only 24 lbs. more, all of it in the factory installed center stand (very nice to have), low grab bar, and second front disc brake, which both bikes need. Handling is delightful on the T120, it gets 10-15 MPG better than the T100, plus it has six gears and a third again more engine displacement. And, you can retro-fit a true single-button electronic cruise control.

Can you tell I love my T120?
 
#7 ·
Frequent visitor, now registered, first post here. Must say I enjoy the informative and polite discourse here.

I?m now officially 71, on and off rider / owner with intermediate skills. No longer into sport bikes...don't like cruisers. FJR and Weestrom were truly wonderful bikes but tall and tippy is now just unwanted extra work I?d rather be without. FZ 09 was more about controlling the excessive power vs riding fun. Sold. Now bike-less.

I?m a 6?, 190 lb conservative rider today giving a higher priority to comfort and slower back roads. That said, before it?s too late, I want to make my bucket list trip from NC south thru TX, UT, NM, circle North above the Dakotas, thru IA to see family, on to OH and back to NC thru VA and WV.

While a successful businessman (that is to say reasonably intelligent), unfortunately, I am not now nor ever been mechanically inclined. Thus, bike reliability is a VERY high priority for me. While my next bike ?first? choice is the 2017 T 100, I now know it comes with tubed tires. This makes no sense to me compared to tubeless, but it is what it is. With regret, the T 100 is off my list. The Street Twin appeals to me, greatly, but the difference in ergos (too far forward), is keeping me from a purchase. Don?t want the T 120, same reasons as the T 100.

Purchase options also include the 2017 Versys 650 LT (lowered) 15 minutes away?and F700 GS, 35 minutes away. Triumph dealer is 1 hr away thru traffic.

I keep trying to talk myself into a Triumph ST, or T 100 and setting it up for my trip. I thought it?d be worth asking for your thoughts before leaving Triumph.

Comments on reliability and other issues would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I toured Europe on small bike (Triumph TR6R) when I was 21. Today at 68 in the US, no way. I'd need back support to ride 100 miles. Sounds like you are looking for something smaller but my 2012 TBird was a dream. The Commander LT is a real touring bike like a RK but better in every way. Supposedly being phased out though.
 
#8 ·
Go Triumph

Having come from a DL650 V-Strom myself to a Bonneville, you are in for a treat! Five years now on two different ones, I would not hesitate on the T120 for an extended trip. The suspension and cruise control in itself would make it worthwhile. Myself, I like the look of the pipes on my bike and the Street Twin comes closest to that look, but it feels the same as my current bike, making it not an option, (at this time anyway:wink2:) I would stay away from the Versys just because it is too much like the V-Strom in my view. Good luck and good trip.
 
#10 ·
I own a FJR and also a T120. I have about 6.5K miles now on my T120 and wouldn't hesitate taking it on a long road trip. It is way more comfortable than my FJR. There are pluses and minuses of course, the FJR has great wind protection and tubular tires. I don't think I'd worry about the tubed tires, just take a credit card and ensure you have towing service on your insurance in case you get a flat. I assume you're retired and won't be on a tight schedule on your trip, so you could take the backroads on the trip and take your time. That 1200cc motor in the T120 is sweet and the T120 handles like a dream. It is very stable and tracks well around the curves. With the overdrive on the T120 you can even do interstate travel and the motor is just purring along at 80 with no problem. With your height, you can easily flat foot the T120 and it is pretty easy to maneuver. As far as reliability, I haven't heard of any significant issues on the new T100/T120 and probably there would be no issues at all taking these on a long road trip. Good luck with you decision! My bucket list ride is the 4 corners ride - someday!
 
#11 ·
Folks...thank you. This has been tremendously helpful.

Sorry, the Bobber may be comfortable but I see touring issues.

I'm going to be up the creek if I have to fix a tubed tire flat. Will definitely look into what my current insurance covers and explore other options. Thanks.

Not sure I want the T 120 over the 100...but sure are some darn good reasons given here!!!

The Boss is calling...dinner is ready. Will check back in later.

Thank you again!!! http://www.triumphrat.net/images/TriumphRat_2015/icons/post_face_smile.png
 
#12 ·
It really boils down to your wallet and what kind of tour riding you will be doing. The T120 fixed with a nice windshield, saddle bags and the optional cruise control will tour without much fuss. It rips along at 80mph without fuss when needed and doodles along at 55mph likes its almost sleeping, the engine is so un-stressed. Gas mileage is awesome as well. If tubed tires are a worry for you, I'm curious as to what type of touring you are doing. Are you planning to change tires on the side of the road? If so, I would think a tubed tire would be better, swap the tube, air it up and away you go. Puncture on a tubeless will require a new tire, they are more cumbersome to carry then a tube. Anyway I'm dreaming of the day when I can take my T120 for a nice tour......4 kids and all.......good luck with your search.
 
#13 ·
Thanks MM.

I am a good rider...been thru the basic and advanced courses...probably have about 25-35K miles behind me...but have near zero mechanical ability. I envy those with that knowledge, thus my anxiety over tire and other reliability issues if I'm a long way down the road and a long way to go. I'm encouraged by what I've read here.

The FJR had all the accouterments and was a dream to ride "once you got it moving." The FZ 09 was very easy to handle but had too much power for that light bike. I like a bike with enough power, but not so much you have to constantly reign in that power...if you know what I mean?? Really do NOT want to make that mistake with the T 120. All to say, for the rest of 2017, most of my riding will be 60 mph and under with the occasional stint on the slab @ 70. I want to bond with the bike and its characteristics well before I leave on the tour.

I realize no one can make these decisions for me...totally up to me to do that. Seems a test ride on maybe all 3 is in order if I can get that done?

Definitely heard the post on Versys being a close kin to the Wee...COG being higher. :-(

Let me know when they make a Miata with 2 wheels.

Thanks again for the informative posts and encouragement.

DLee
 
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#14 ·
While we're still young, let's cut to the chase, and buy the T120 Bonnie. It will do the trip with luggage on, and when you get back, you have a great everyday ride. It should also be easy to get used to, if you haven't ridden in a while.

Case closed.

Weedie
 
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#17 ·
Based on the trip that you're planning, you're describing the T120.

I just did a 775-mile round trip on my T120 in pretty much every riding scenario that you might imagine (with the exception of off-road) and the bike was adept in all of them.

I barely had the bike over 3,200 rpm the entire time, but when I needed to roll on the throttle hard to pass some big rigs on the turnpike, I put bus lengths on them in a matter of seconds. In the city, the bike is totally docile and controllable.

Plus, pretty much everywhere you go, someone wants to talk or ask about the bike.

I did ponder the scenario of having to deal with a flat a couple times during the trip, but thought to myself...'Hey, it's all part of it.'

Get the T120.
 
#20 ·
Thanks Gents. As I said in my first post, even with the concerns, I already know I'll be most happy with 1 of the 3 Triumphs. Just did not want to make a mistake and why I posted.

This Saturday, the dealer an hr from here is putting their bikes out for test rides and discounts on the left-over 16's. I plan to be there w/helmet and jacket. Will likely call and reserve an early slot if I can.

I very much appreciate the support and honest opinions given here.

Have a good week and I will check back.
 
#22 ·
DLee,

Let us know how you get on with the rides. My guess is that once you ride the T120 it'll move to the top of your list. Its nearly a perfect ride for what you are describing as your needs. For reference I am 5'10" tall 190lbs with a 31-32 inch inseam. I have probably around 150,000 miles of riding in my life, but I got paid for it a while back (44 years young). I have owned all manners of bikes including an FJR and I love my T120 with no plans for it to leave the garage anytime soon, which is saying something for me.
 
#24 ·
I deduced it from your original message: "I want to make my bucket list trip from NC south thru TX, UT, NM, circle North above the Dakotas, thru IA to see family, on to OH and back to NC thru VA and WV."

I figured that since you were starting in NC and ending in NC, so you must be from NC :)
 
#27 ·
I very well might. I'm beginning to think my arms are too short? The ergos on the ST were just right and very close to the T100 which were perfect. The 120 was a bit too much down and forward for me. The smaller tank on the ST is a negative but the tubeless tires are a +. The bike will tell me when to change gears so the missing tach...? I plan to seriously minimize my time on the slab so 6th gear importance...not so much.

Really is coming down to the ST or T100.

Have a safe holiday everyone and thank you for the feedback.
 
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