I have owned a 2020 Triumph Bonneville T120 with currently showing around 14,000 US miles on it. The bike has the reliability of a Honda in many ways, with a smooth transmission, good clutch, and good brakes. For the money, you can't buy a better bike that looks as good as it does. My BMW dealer has a hold-over R9T Pure that he has priced to move. I started to get serious about it, but the more I spec'd it out, the more I figured out a new Bonneville T120 was the way to go. The engine on the Triumph is very smooth, and it is geared to the moon, which I like. How many times have you been on a Japanese bike, and as you are getting onto the roadway, you are looking for another gear? Not on the Bonneville! I also like the twin clocks vs the BMW, the Triumph has a fuel gauge as well as a MPG average I can keep my eyes on...which by the way, commuting I get around 56 mpg, if I am just out cruising on a county road, I will see 70+ mpg. The BMW...you feel good if you are getting 45 miles per gallon.

 

I, too, own a 2020 with 9000 US miles on it. I average about 53 mpg. I have set mine up for touring and I think nothing of doing a 300 to 500 mile ride. I bought this bike used with 1300 miles on the clock. I've added factory cruise control; it came with heated grips. Other than adding a Madstad windshield, I've made no other mods.

It is comfortable, smooth running bike with plenty of power and torque. I have to be running at least 55 mph to shift I to 6th gear. I don't see why I can't at least 100,000 miles out of this bike.

 

I, too, own a 2020 with 9000 US miles on it. I average about 53 mpg. I have set mine up for touring and I think nothing of doing a 300 to 500 mile ride. I bought this bike used with 1300 miles on the clock. I've added factory cruise control; it came with heated grips. Other than adding a Madstad windshield, I've made no other mods.

It is comfortable, smooth running bike with plenty of power and torque. I have to be running at least 55 mph to shift I to 6th gear. I don't see why I can't at least 100,000 miles out of this bike.

Same feelings here. Ive owned my 2018 Street Scrambler since 2020 and have owned 40 bikes in 55 years, ( owning more than 1 at a time) with 15 years off while raising a family, so 40 solid years of riding.

This SS is the only bike I still have zero intentions of moving on from. The Bonneville series is as reliable as anything else made by anyone. You can keep them naked or set them up for touring and you lose nothing.

 

There's a 2025 T120 being offered for sale right now, so there are no immediate plans for Triumph to drop the bike from its product line. When a bike becomes "old" is an entirely subjective call. I take care of my T120 myself and it still looks and rides "new".

I bought the first T120 delivered in the state of New Mexico. I have the bike to this day, and it still looks new. I especially like its smooth, even power delivery. The engine is a wonder. Mine's been utterly reliable. You might settle on something different, but it'll be hard to find something that gives the same joy of ownership. I still sneak out to the garage just to look at my T120. It's been a continuing pleasure to own.

The T120 was a "clean sheet" design. It was five years in development before the first one was sold. The kinks had been worked out before the bike ever made it to market. Triumph has continued to refine it, with changes that are evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Other than a light bulb or two, there is no parts commonality between the T120 and he earlier air-cooled bikes. Everything you liked about the earlier machines is better. Everything you didn't like is gone. The bike was highly refined on day one. Fit and finish are second to none.

My T120 is all-day comfortable. Long distances are not fatiguing. I never find myself making mistakes because I'm tired.

 

2018 T120 with 26,000 miles and still looks pristine and rides as good as she looks. Did have to replace the shifter rod assembly, but......

 

2024 T120: 400klm. It's been perfect so far.
Feels hugely under-stressed from an engine perspective. And does have that "this will go forever" feeling.
Same feeling I get from my 2022 76 Series Landcruiser (4.2 V8 Diesel)

 

Shifter rod assy broke...I only thought that was something a Harley has a problem with? What are the details on that one? 26,000 miles, any strange clutch issues IE a little noise at idle with the clutch pulled in?

 

I have 14500 miles on a 2018 T120. So far, no issues. There have been reports (mentioned above) of transmission issues and there are potential issues with wiring harness on the earlier models (pre 21 I believe). I've not experienced either so far.
I find the T120 to be very comfortable. It works for me as a "tourer, but I really don't do long, extended rides. 250-400 miles per day is about my limit these days. In fact, I like the T120 enough to have recently bought a 2024 model. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the 18 yet. The two are "almost" different enough to justify keeping them both, but I'll probably sell the 18 at some point.
I suspect no one on this forum really knows what the future holds for the T120, or T100 for that matter. They're not huge sellers, but they certainly have a special place in the Triumph line up given its nostalgia value. The Bonneville name is well known, and I believe Triumph will continue the line for a long time.

 

I have been considering trading my 2020 T120 for a 2024 or 2025 T120. What do you find as a difference between the 2018 and your 2024? I know the clocks look different, do the warning lights light up enough to be seen in direct sunshine? Anything with the ABS/Traction control? I know the wheels are now lighter for unsprung weight, which should help the handling, otherwise, is there anything else I am missing?

 

Beyond that "New Bike Smell..."
The new Bonnevilles have the tweaks you mentioned. The turn signal lights etc are a bit brighter and easier to see. The wheels are lighter and nicer looking but unfortunately still require tubes. The center stand has been eliminated which saves weight. Cruise is now standard.
The updated brakes (Brembo) are a bit less squishy and wooden feeling. The rectifier has been relocated and the wiring harness doesn't seem to be as prone to failure.
The updates they made to the engine make it spin up a bit quicker. It doesn't have more power but it just "feels" different/better. It's hard to quantify, but I like the way it runs.
Overall I think there's enough difference to justify the newer model.
Here's a quick review

2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 First Ride Review | Motorcyclist (motorcyclistonline.com)

 

Carl, I would agree that the centerstand should be standard on a bike like this. Checking the oil level, and mainly checking the chain tension as well as lubricating the chain makes this task much more convenient. I did see the cruise control was standard (I wish the Japanese manufacturers would note that one!), as I added it on my 2020 and it had heated grips...which I will add if/when I buy another T120 Bonneville. Glad to hear they updated the brightness of the warning lights including the flasher notification. Otherwise, a great bike and I most likely will make a move on a new one here within six months. What do you think of the "Elvis" edition?

 

Mike, I'm not the typical biker. I started riding in 1958. Motorcycles were a bit different then Unless you were very rich, you did your own maintenance-which was frequent. And a bike was pretty well worn out at 35,000 miles. I don't wish to go back to those "good ole days". I enjoy the reliability and longevity of modern bikes with hydraulic disc brakes and electric start! That said, I still have a 1968 Triumph Trophy TR6R. It starts on the second kick cold. BTW I'm 80 years old and still riding almost daily.

To answer your question, I'm not impressed with special or limited edition bikes. They're simply a marketing tool, a sales gimmick. With rare exceptions, in the long run, they are worth no more than the standard model. One does not get a return on the extra money one spends on a special edition. However, satisfaction of owner does count for something.

I tend to keep a bike for 10 or more years as long as it is running properly and I can get parts for it. My T120 may well be the last bike I buy - unless I fall for the temptation to buy a Triumph 400!

 

Here's my opinion of the Elvis bike

No thank you very much | Triumph Rat Motorcycle Forums

 

Yeah...the Triumph T120 centerstand doesn't seem to have that easy leverage to set it on the centerstand that some do, but my new BMW has a center stand which is easy to use and elevates the rear tire a few inches off the ground. I bought a Honda CB500X that my first order of business after purchase was to add the center stand, which was a bit** to install by the way! I do have an aluminum lift that I use on my Harley, as those things are HEAVY! Mine weighs 930 lbs ready to ride, which I thought would be a problem for a smaller guy like me, but I manage to get along with it OK.

 

For chain maintenance I use a floor jack. So far it seems to work well.

 

That works at home; but not when I'm traveling.

 

Carl, I grew up in poverty, not quite to the syrup sandwich for dinner, but damn close. Anyway, about 12 years old my cousins had a Honda 50, after riding my bicycle to get everywhere, my first 50 feet on the Honda had me smiling like I just kissed a hot supermodel! Anyway, 49 bikes later, I still love going out on a ride, whether it is a 10 mile or an all day, they hold a charm for me. I was a professional pilot for 26 years, health problems got in the way but still love getting on the bike, as it is the closest thing to flying and freedom. I thought I would stop buying motorcycles when I hit 50 of them, but the way I put miles on a bike, I think I am going to exceed that. Yes...I had a few of the older bikes like you mention, and yes, I did learn how to keep the carbs synced, the frequent valve adjustments, but as I explained to my neighbor who was bragging about his recently purchased Harley with a carburetor...I was like - no thanks, I would rather be out riding than always having to screw around with that thing! My best year for miles was around 20,000 annually, currently I do between 14,000 and 16,000 per year...not bad for living up north! My Triumph Bonneville has been a great daily rider, she doesn't burn a teaspoon of oil and starts right up. I recently was looking at a new BMW R9T Pure...nice looking bike, has a tough look to it but the Triumph just does everything else better, so will be buying another one in the next 12 months. I did consider the Speedmaster, but I like the upright and sitting on top of the bike feel the Bonneville has. The one thing I am going to do before I pick it up at the dealer, is to have the belt conversion installed and get rid of the chain drive. The kit is about $950 USD + installation, but I like the smoothness and no maintenance of a belt...not sure why they aren't a factory install on most bikes?

 

my neighbor who was bragging about his recently purchased Harley with a carburetor

My lawn tractor has a carburetor. What a coincidence. 😁

 

Roger that!

 

I recall back in the 1980's, Kawasaki had a 305 LTD entry level bike that had a belt. I assumed that unless you were on a dirt bike, every street bike would have a belt drive. I had a Vulcan 500 that was belt driven, absolutely zero maintenance and quiet. Some will tell you that they put a chain on the bike, because that is the classic look of the bike. Then I ask - Hmmm, all those Harley's with nothing but a classic look...they all have a belt drive!

 

Belts do pop, not often but when they do, you have to pull the swing arm.
With the big twin Harleys, you can crow bar the belt in there without completely pulling the swing arm but it's still a production. With the later Buells, they had a removable frame section so you didn't have to pull the swing arm which is a good feature.
Gearing changes are also a lot less expensive with a chain, cost of belt and sprocket replacement is up there.
There's a lot to be said for a modern chain.

 

The TBird 1600/1700 had a belt. Worked fine.

 

As I said, they work fine until they pop.
I put around 200,000 miles on various Buells and I averaged around 50,000 miles per belt.
I spent many years in Harley service depts as a mechanic, service writer and service manager. We replaced more than a couple of belts.
I had enough of belts as there's no warning sign, one second you're fine and the next you need a tow truck. I can tell when a chain's beat.

 

Yeah, I think a belt probably has a service life of 50,000 CARE FREE miles! How many bikes are ridden to 50K are very, very few. I have seen chain failures also, at about the same rate of a belt if you do a sim/sim comparison. The fact of life is a belt is quiet, requires no maintenance other than insuring the tension is good. Now that a lot of Harley's put out some real horsepower, the test of the belt integrity has shown to be good. Manufacturing costs may be a little more than going with the simple chain and sprocket set, but being a stock T120 Bonneville has that crazy thought of having to move the muffler to get to the axle nut...??? Anyway, my preference would be to have a belt over a chain, I have owned many bikes with a chain, and many bikes with a belt and shaft drive, the belt is the most practical solution to the drive system.

 

I wish Triumph would ditch the non functional DRL (for CAN, US, JPN) headlamp and just make the OEM LED lamp they fitted in the Thruxton TFC the standard light for ALL of modern classics.

 

Yeah...that one is a mystery to me also. Since the reliability and current draw of LED's is well documented now, along with the improved night time illumination, I am not sure why they don't include the real deal instead of old incandescent bulbs. I purchased a new Jeep Wrangler last year, the head lights AND the tail lights are still the incandescent bulbs, with had me scratching my head on that one!

 

I've got 42k+ miles on my 2018 T120 and it's running good as new. But the front forks needed rebuilding at the 40k service. And the turn indicators and left gauge started glitching out in July. I think the problem was due to the wiring bundle leading to the gauges rubbing against the ignition switch housing and one of the wires shorting out. I've since moved it away and insulated the bundle, and the problem has gone away. The newer T120's have improved wiring in that area and won't have this problem.

 

Was it 2022 when they made the changes? Center stand/ CC/ lighting?

 

I'm not sure. In 2020 cruise control was optional and heated grips were standard. I added CC to my 2020. I believe the centerstand was standard.

 

Once I figured out the right technique, the center stand has never really been a problem for me. I like it. I also like and use my CC although only on trips, but very glad I have it when I want it. It is a necessity for my needs, enough where I won’t buy a MC without it. Was not as important when I was younger as I was always on the throttle- not so much now. Haha

 

I can definitely relate to your last sentence!