Sticky thread area for: Ride and performance reports. Yes we know you got a new bike - Yes we want to hear how it does and what it does. Does it make you smile? Let us know about it. :smile2: Safe riding to you.
MarlinSpike
THRUXTON S review
Triumph and I go way back to Meriden. I have always loved the brand and have owned 2 -790s an 865 EFI and a Scrambler. All of which were great bikes but there was always that trying to shift into another gear while in 5th. I was so pleased Triumph went to the 1200 series Bonneville and the Thruxton in particular.
After seeing the bike on Cycle Trader in 16 I made an offer which was refused, again in 17 I made an even lower offer again a refusal. Finally in March 3 days out of the hospital for heart surgery I was at the dealer finalizing the transaction.
I have ridden enough to know by stats and specs just how a bike will perform, the only thing lacking was the in my hands feel. I sat on the bike, familiarized myself with the controls and started it, 100 mile ride home through country roads and town traffic. I can say in all my riding years ( started in 60) I only hoped for a bike that looked this good and performed with even better satisfaction. I always take care on new bikes, change the oil 3 times before the first service (5-600 miles) followed to throttle /RPM limits up to 1000 miles.
The motor is a gem of a lump very gobby loads of torque that pump out from 2500-6000. The seamless box allows swift and positive gear change, loafing along in low gear twisting the throttle returns a solid in your face sensation of thrust. Most modern bikes require a bit if rev. before they start to pull like the Thruxton, a little over 7000 the motor is done but before that is your playground. As for suspension I am not a "gottahaveOlinsandBrembos"cultist. if you outrun this stock "S" suspension on the road you are in trouble big time. The bike is brilliant suspension wise there is only one Rossi and none of us is him.
On the motorway running about 75-80 in 6th there is no reason to drop down a cog to overtake, the 1200 shows it's legs and is quite happy at triple digits, not that I would know....
Riding position is deceptively comfy, just lean back slightly and there is no weight on your wrists at the grips. The 100 miles back from the dealer still in slight discomfort from the heart incident was a truly pleasant experience.
Now at about 2600 miles I am getting roughly 55-65 MPG (US) and I am not always gentle. Overall the bike is easy to move around at my age (71) because the load is low in the frame.
In the end the 1200 Thruxton is everything lacking in the first 3 generations of the Bonneville. While I do have an FZ09/FZ07 and NC700X all of which are fantastic in their own right the Thruxton is the iceing on the cake. Any bike is purely what the individual perceives it to be, most sports bike riders or dual sport people would fail to"get" the Thruxton but if you love vintage bikes as I do, if you have experience of many bikes on many roads over many years you will "get" the Thruxton, it's just lovely to walk up to.
Triumph and I go way back to Meriden. I have always loved the brand and have owned 2 -790s an 865 EFI and a Scrambler. All of which were great bikes but there was always that trying to shift into another gear while in 5th. I was so pleased Triumph went to the 1200 series Bonneville and the Thruxton in particular.
After seeing the bike on Cycle Trader in 16 I made an offer which was refused, again in 17 I made an even lower offer again a refusal. Finally in March 3 days out of the hospital for heart surgery I was at the dealer finalizing the transaction.
I have ridden enough to know by stats and specs just how a bike will perform, the only thing lacking was the in my hands feel. I sat on the bike, familiarized myself with the controls and started it, 100 mile ride home through country roads and town traffic. I can say in all my riding years ( started in 60) I only hoped for a bike that looked this good and performed with even better satisfaction. I always take care on new bikes, change the oil 3 times before the first service (5-600 miles) followed to throttle /RPM limits up to 1000 miles.
The motor is a gem of a lump very gobby loads of torque that pump out from 2500-6000. The seamless box allows swift and positive gear change, loafing along in low gear twisting the throttle returns a solid in your face sensation of thrust. Most modern bikes require a bit if rev. before they start to pull like the Thruxton, a little over 7000 the motor is done but before that is your playground. As for suspension I am not a "gottahaveOlinsandBrembos"cultist. if you outrun this stock "S" suspension on the road you are in trouble big time. The bike is brilliant suspension wise there is only one Rossi and none of us is him.
On the motorway running about 75-80 in 6th there is no reason to drop down a cog to overtake, the 1200 shows it's legs and is quite happy at triple digits, not that I would know....
Riding position is deceptively comfy, just lean back slightly and there is no weight on your wrists at the grips. The 100 miles back from the dealer still in slight discomfort from the heart incident was a truly pleasant experience.
Now at about 2600 miles I am getting roughly 55-65 MPG (US) and I am not always gentle. Overall the bike is easy to move around at my age (71) because the load is low in the frame.
In the end the 1200 Thruxton is everything lacking in the first 3 generations of the Bonneville. While I do have an FZ09/FZ07 and NC700X all of which are fantastic in their own right the Thruxton is the iceing on the cake. Any bike is purely what the individual perceives it to be, most sports bike riders or dual sport people would fail to"get" the Thruxton but if you love vintage bikes as I do, if you have experience of many bikes on many roads over many years you will "get" the Thruxton, it's just lovely to walk up to.
2017 T120
I have 4500 miles on the clock and so far no real issues to speak of. This is my first RBW bike. Most of my riding is non-freeway and I rarely get into 5th gear. It is bone stock and it starts right up and idles fine. The two issues I had are:
Brakes:
If I brake using the front only, there is a squeal. But when using both brakes, nothing. Total quiet. I learned years ago to use both brakes so this is a non-issue for me.
Hesitation/Surging:
This problem shows up at low speeds and always when I want to carry throttle into a left/right turn from a stop light/sign. I almost put the bike up for sale because of it. Had it back to the dealer twice and got the standard response "we found nothing wrong".
I read that the fix for many others was a Booster Plug. I decided to get one and holy cow, it actually fixed my problem. I've put about 50 miles on the bike with it installed and I am in agreement it works as advertised. All I did was hook it up and let it idle for a few minutes and took it for a ride. I now have a bike that is what I hoped it would be.
I have 4500 miles on the clock and so far no real issues to speak of. This is my first RBW bike. Most of my riding is non-freeway and I rarely get into 5th gear. It is bone stock and it starts right up and idles fine. The two issues I had are:
Brakes:
If I brake using the front only, there is a squeal. But when using both brakes, nothing. Total quiet. I learned years ago to use both brakes so this is a non-issue for me.
Hesitation/Surging:
This problem shows up at low speeds and always when I want to carry throttle into a left/right turn from a stop light/sign. I almost put the bike up for sale because of it. Had it back to the dealer twice and got the standard response "we found nothing wrong".
I read that the fix for many others was a Booster Plug. I decided to get one and holy cow, it actually fixed my problem. I've put about 50 miles on the bike with it installed and I am in agreement it works as advertised. All I did was hook it up and let it idle for a few minutes and took it for a ride. I now have a bike that is what I hoped it would be.
That's really good IF they are going to change the fork oil, engine oil, oil filter, air filter, plugs, brake fluid, pack the steering stem bearing, and do the valve adjust.
Street Twin 7,000km report.
So I've had my bike a few months now and thought I'd chime in with my personal views and experience with this machine.
My background has included many bikes over the last 40 yrs, Japanese and Harley, from RD350 to 90" big bore Sportster.
No racing, no wheelies or burnouts, simply reasonable road riding, sometimes in a sporty manner.
I'm 160cm tall and weigh 75kg in all gear.
Engine is smooth and willing with a surprisingly strong midrange. The HP numbers don't really tell the tale. It feels stronger than the 49 or so on paper. Fuel economy is very good approx 4l/100k av.
Stock pipes look and sound pretty good to me.
Gearing is fine as is for me. I ride typically 105/110 kph on the open road....no problems there lots more on tap.
Suspension is ok on spring rate, 75kg rider, but a bit underdamped for me on our crappy bumpy roads. I will buy better shocks and look at springs and valves for the forks in the future but no rush, it's fine the vast majority of the time. Ride is good and pretty compliant, nice and stable in corners.
Tyres are ok, follow grooves a bit but not too bad for me. I've had the front slip a few times on dry smooth asphalt, just a warning, when pushed so that's letting me know it's no sports tyre. On chipseal they grip really well though. I'll probably see them to the end and replace with stickier ones.
The free play in the throttle off idle was too much for me so I shimmed out the slack.
I added the Triumph heated grips and they work really well.
A meerkat crossover and bar end mirrors were also added. The sound is great the mirrors just for style the stock ones were ok.
I also bought a Ventura rack and bag that fits really well.
Power is a little lacking at high revs and I have a TEC cam sitting in a drawer waiting till I feel like installing it. I'd like to dyno before and after so will try to organise that first.
I really like the ease of riding this bike. Low effort clutch with good engagement when warm. Easy light handling and compact riding position with pretty good all day comfort. I've ridden 12 hr days with only the normal aches and pains nothing really horrible.
Finally it looks great the styling is very classy.
My opinions only mind you.
Cheers
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
So I've had my bike a few months now and thought I'd chime in with my personal views and experience with this machine.
My background has included many bikes over the last 40 yrs, Japanese and Harley, from RD350 to 90" big bore Sportster.
No racing, no wheelies or burnouts, simply reasonable road riding, sometimes in a sporty manner.
I'm 160cm tall and weigh 75kg in all gear.
Engine is smooth and willing with a surprisingly strong midrange. The HP numbers don't really tell the tale. It feels stronger than the 49 or so on paper. Fuel economy is very good approx 4l/100k av.
Stock pipes look and sound pretty good to me.
Gearing is fine as is for me. I ride typically 105/110 kph on the open road....no problems there lots more on tap.
Suspension is ok on spring rate, 75kg rider, but a bit underdamped for me on our crappy bumpy roads. I will buy better shocks and look at springs and valves for the forks in the future but no rush, it's fine the vast majority of the time. Ride is good and pretty compliant, nice and stable in corners.
Tyres are ok, follow grooves a bit but not too bad for me. I've had the front slip a few times on dry smooth asphalt, just a warning, when pushed so that's letting me know it's no sports tyre. On chipseal they grip really well though. I'll probably see them to the end and replace with stickier ones.
The free play in the throttle off idle was too much for me so I shimmed out the slack.
I added the Triumph heated grips and they work really well.
A meerkat crossover and bar end mirrors were also added. The sound is great the mirrors just for style the stock ones were ok.
I also bought a Ventura rack and bag that fits really well.
Power is a little lacking at high revs and I have a TEC cam sitting in a drawer waiting till I feel like installing it. I'd like to dyno before and after so will try to organise that first.
I really like the ease of riding this bike. Low effort clutch with good engagement when warm. Easy light handling and compact riding position with pretty good all day comfort. I've ridden 12 hr days with only the normal aches and pains nothing really horrible.
Finally it looks great the styling is very classy.
My opinions only mind you.
Cheers
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Speed Twin 2000 mile report.
I love this bike.
It’s quick. Gun it in first and it rips through it, 2nd, and 3rd and before you know it your doing 90-100.
It handles well. No issues with wheels coming up since changing sprockets to a 17 in front. Lean angle has been good for me. No scraping pegs at all. Things get a little hairy at 100+ due to wind, which is a bit of a disappointment because I had no such issues on my Street Twin, but it’s manageable. Pulls up hill and coast down them without issues.
It’s a looker. While it’s stying has been a bit polarizing here on the board, everyone I run into has nice things to say about it. I personally love the more aggressive lines. It’s not aggressive to the point where another rider would suspect its fast, which makes toasting them that much more satisfying. There’s enough universal touring gear out there to take it on longer trips If one so desires.
The seat is a bit rough. It’s fine about an hour or 2 before my arse starts to go a bit numb. Oddly I’ve had other days where I rode for 4 hours with no issues, but that was more stop and go, giving my numb a reprieve when stopped at lights. Replacing the seat has moved close to the top of my list. Need a Corbin with a backer for my wife and another regular seat for myself.
2up riding is way better then on my Street Twin was. The power is still there and ready to go. We can both get comfortable but probably not for much longer then 1-2 hours without a pit stop. Our feet hit occasionally, which is why I’ll probably not install rearsets on the bike.
Little things:
Not crazy about the peg position. I can get comfortable but they just feel a little to far I the wrong direction for me. I’m short, so I’d prefer a slightly lower seat height so I can completely flat foot. May address this when I have the TEC adjustables installed.
Gears don’t always drop into place properly. I sometimes have to click down twice when lowering gears. It’s annoying but hasn’t caused any major issues so far.
Rear break isn’t great, but the front breaks makes up for it. I will say when using it suddenly I do feel like I’m going to go flying over the front. Not fun. Front does bite down quick though.
Overall, as stated, I love the bike. It was the perfect step up from a Street Twin. Money very well spent.
I love this bike.
It’s quick. Gun it in first and it rips through it, 2nd, and 3rd and before you know it your doing 90-100.
It handles well. No issues with wheels coming up since changing sprockets to a 17 in front. Lean angle has been good for me. No scraping pegs at all. Things get a little hairy at 100+ due to wind, which is a bit of a disappointment because I had no such issues on my Street Twin, but it’s manageable. Pulls up hill and coast down them without issues.
It’s a looker. While it’s stying has been a bit polarizing here on the board, everyone I run into has nice things to say about it. I personally love the more aggressive lines. It’s not aggressive to the point where another rider would suspect its fast, which makes toasting them that much more satisfying. There’s enough universal touring gear out there to take it on longer trips If one so desires.
The seat is a bit rough. It’s fine about an hour or 2 before my arse starts to go a bit numb. Oddly I’ve had other days where I rode for 4 hours with no issues, but that was more stop and go, giving my numb a reprieve when stopped at lights. Replacing the seat has moved close to the top of my list. Need a Corbin with a backer for my wife and another regular seat for myself.
2up riding is way better then on my Street Twin was. The power is still there and ready to go. We can both get comfortable but probably not for much longer then 1-2 hours without a pit stop. Our feet hit occasionally, which is why I’ll probably not install rearsets on the bike.
Little things:
Not crazy about the peg position. I can get comfortable but they just feel a little to far I the wrong direction for me. I’m short, so I’d prefer a slightly lower seat height so I can completely flat foot. May address this when I have the TEC adjustables installed.
Gears don’t always drop into place properly. I sometimes have to click down twice when lowering gears. It’s annoying but hasn’t caused any major issues so far.
Rear break isn’t great, but the front breaks makes up for it. I will say when using it suddenly I do feel like I’m going to go flying over the front. Not fun. Front does bite down quick though.
Overall, as stated, I love the bike. It was the perfect step up from a Street Twin. Money very well spent.
Second Triumph Water Cooled Twin
My first Water Cooled Twin was a 2016 Street Twin it was a nice bike but after the first 5000 miles I knew it wasn't what i really wanted I would always try shifting to a 6th gear that it didn't have and topping out at around 105 mph wasn't enough for me, I blew the motor after 14,000 miles and yes I rode it hard and rode it every single day that I could.
After I traded the Street twin in I got the bike i should have gotten in the first place a 2017 T120 I have 16000 miles on it and have modded it with the following:
X-pipe
British Custom Predator Pro slip ons
Puig windscreen
EBC sintered HH pads
Garmin GPS
Triumph Panners
TEC piggy back shocks
TEC pregressive fork springs
Michelin Pilot Activ Tires
K&N Air Filter
Chrome Engine Covers
Cruise Control
Shorty Levers
I ride every day and ride it hard and fast it will do 130 + verified. it doesn't turn in a quick as my old street twin but it has 300 cc's more, a center stand, a tach, and the 6th gear. And since my street twin blew up while under warranty and I had so many problems with it from the beginning i was able to get free maint. and free extended warranty.
My first Water Cooled Twin was a 2016 Street Twin it was a nice bike but after the first 5000 miles I knew it wasn't what i really wanted I would always try shifting to a 6th gear that it didn't have and topping out at around 105 mph wasn't enough for me, I blew the motor after 14,000 miles and yes I rode it hard and rode it every single day that I could.
After I traded the Street twin in I got the bike i should have gotten in the first place a 2017 T120 I have 16000 miles on it and have modded it with the following:
X-pipe
British Custom Predator Pro slip ons
Puig windscreen
EBC sintered HH pads
Garmin GPS
Triumph Panners
TEC piggy back shocks
TEC pregressive fork springs
Michelin Pilot Activ Tires
K&N Air Filter
Chrome Engine Covers
Cruise Control
Shorty Levers
I ride every day and ride it hard and fast it will do 130 + verified. it doesn't turn in a quick as my old street twin but it has 300 cc's more, a center stand, a tach, and the 6th gear. And since my street twin blew up while under warranty and I had so many problems with it from the beginning i was able to get free maint. and free extended warranty.
Attachments
5000mi in on a lightly modified Thruxton R.
EDIT
I have since removed the Analog FEK, and replaced with the European OEM tail tidy. I also replaced the massive F/R indicators with the Euro OEM LEDs (which are much smaller). Just added heated grips, which are fantastic in the northeast. Icing on the cake is a new engine map from DNK TuneWorks. Along with a high flow air filter, and the snorkel removal, Meerkat x pipe & Cone engineering "shorty performers".
The bike has a lot of character now, both in ride and sound. I love it! The only thing that I don't love are the crappy brushed silver engine parts and gas cap. Pitted and marked up after 3 years (garaged).
EDIT
I have since removed the Analog FEK, and replaced with the European OEM tail tidy. I also replaced the massive F/R indicators with the Euro OEM LEDs (which are much smaller). Just added heated grips, which are fantastic in the northeast. Icing on the cake is a new engine map from DNK TuneWorks. Along with a high flow air filter, and the snorkel removal, Meerkat x pipe & Cone engineering "shorty performers".
The bike has a lot of character now, both in ride and sound. I love it! The only thing that I don't love are the crappy brushed silver engine parts and gas cap. Pitted and marked up after 3 years (garaged).
Picked up my 2019 T100 3 days ago. I hadn't been on a bike (aside from the safety course 4 years ago) in over 10 years and even then I'd only ridden a couple of street bikes briefly. I did have dirt bikes most of my life though. I went back and forth on what bike I wanted to get. I didnt want something that I'd be bored with in a week, but i also didn't want something 800 pounds either. I decided on a T100. I had to pick it up about 45 minutes from home in what for me is a big city (Colorado Springs). I wasnt worried about the trip home once I got out of town, but I was nervous about the traffic in town. I shouldn't have been. There were no incidents of any kind and after about 10 minutes I felt completely at home on my new bike. I love this thing. Wind blast to your head is a bit tiring at 70+ with an open face helmet, but up to 65 or so is great and the bike was perfectly content to run at 70 if I'd chosen better suited head gear. For anyone considering a T100 for a first bike I say if you've got some experience on the dirt you couldn't pick a better option. If you've never ridden anything you might want to follow the common 250cc type bike suggestions, but this thing is perfectly manageable for someone comfortable with the mechanics of riding and would make a great ride for someone looking to get back into riding after some years off too. I intend to enjoy mine for years. Here it is when I picked it up at the dealer.
![726718]( "726718")
Quick one I threw together for fun... FYI ABS stopped working and now is??? I hate using the words like "Electric Gremlins" but as she ages things get weirder and weirder... Should hit 65K miles by day end tomorrow. Cheers!
If you search for Triumph , booster plug on youtube you'll find a few videos on it and it's effects and installation . Peter
Rode a 2020 Speed Twin yesterday, heres a few thoughts.
Geesh, it's not my t120 that's for sure.
It's a very impressive bike to ride. Quick handling and acceleration. Makes my t120 feel like a tank, lol. If I was 15 years younger and had more money to pay for the speeding tickets, I'd bought it.
I dont know how to Express the smiles it generated. You have to ride a Speed Twin.
Geesh, it's not my t120 that's for sure.
It's a very impressive bike to ride. Quick handling and acceleration. Makes my t120 feel like a tank, lol. If I was 15 years younger and had more money to pay for the speeding tickets, I'd bought it.
I dont know how to Express the smiles it generated. You have to ride a Speed Twin.
I haven't ridden my Speed Twin in a month or so. I've got a BMW 2016 1200 GS and 2017 BMW RT I've been spending most of my time on lately. I had forgotten what a joy the Speed Twin is. Nimble, great sound, enough power but not too much and that silky smooth transmission compared to the clunky BMW boxes. Just a blast to run through the gears on a crisp day. I like it more than the day I bought it.
![Image]()
I picked up a 2017 T100 on a sort of fluke earlier this year.
it was a low mileage bike that a buddies kid had bought, but their life got in the way and after a cross country move for his kid my buddy wanted the bike out of his garage.
initially i didn’t like this era of Thairumps. Fake cooling fins, fake exhaust pipes, made in Thailand. But the price I paid for mine overweighed all those “issues”
so far it’s been a great bike, easy to live with, a decent engine character. Handling that is right in the mix.
the T100 could use that 6speed but otherwise I don’t miss the larger engine and more weight of the dual rotor set up.
I would buy the bike again for the price I paid, but I would not pay full price for it.
it was a low mileage bike that a buddies kid had bought, but their life got in the way and after a cross country move for his kid my buddy wanted the bike out of his garage.
initially i didn’t like this era of Thairumps. Fake cooling fins, fake exhaust pipes, made in Thailand. But the price I paid for mine overweighed all those “issues”
so far it’s been a great bike, easy to live with, a decent engine character. Handling that is right in the mix.
the T100 could use that 6speed but otherwise I don’t miss the larger engine and more weight of the dual rotor set up.
I would buy the bike again for the price I paid, but I would not pay full price for it.
2020 T120 with crash bars, bar end mirrors, pillion back rest, and wind screen. Good bike for two up riding but shocks preload need to be at max.
Gears 1-4 are good for most local riding, but 5 & 6 are only good for freeway/highway/interstate runs. The throttle is a bit tricky at very low speed, first or second gear; it has a tendency to surge a little bit. The OEM tires work fine in all conditions. Did a ride in rain yesterday...no issues. I like the ABS feature, but haven't engaged it yet. It would be nice for Triumph to migrate to belt drive instead of chain. Lubricating the chain every 200 miles is a pain. The bike handles very well, even on wet road tar strips (snakes) in corners. I bumped up the tire pressures to 36/40 for two-up riding which does the trick for comfort and handling. The traditional upright riding position is quite comfortable compared to my 2000 Sprint RS lean-forward position. When I was younger it wasn't an issue; now that I'm a Senior citizen I've gotten soft!!
Overall a great bike (Where's the tool kit ?) !!
Reviving this to report on my 18 t120, bought new in 19. Over 10k miles, no problems so far. Rode it up mt Evans and all over the rockies. Love it as much today as when i bought it.
Review and riding impressions from the day I took delivery of my new T120 in 2016. I got a few of the details wrong but you get the idea. The biggest problem I had on that ride home was figuring out how to work the gas cap! I'm especially impressed with the bike's calm demeanor in high gusting crosswinds:
T120 Initial Impressions
I took delivery of my new T120 yesterday, May 28th. My dealer is in a different city so I had the pleasure of riding the new bike home, which was about a five hour journey, plus gas stops.
I chose the two-tone paint scheme in jet black and pure white. The scheme didn't look quite right to me in all of the photos that I've seen, but in person, it's stunning.
Pros:
Everything on the T120 has been carefully thought out and is beautifully executed and finished. BTW, I hope you like the name 'Triumph'. It's everywhere!
At first, the LCD readouts seemed a little small, but then I realized that they really compliment the beautiful black faced electronic analog tach and speedo. The readouts are perfectly usable without being too large, and I wouldn't change a thing.
The instrument cluster sits slightly high. Even at high speed (90 MPH) it cuts the wind somewhat. There was very little pressure on my chest, but my helmet caught the full wind flow.
My first few minutes in the saddle of the new bike were of concern because the throttle-by-wire twist grip seemed entirely too sensitive, giving a notchy, on-off kind of feel. As I rode, I realized that the throttle was feeling more smooth and precise. My brain and wrist had accommodated, and the throttle-by-wire set-up now seemed perfect, as it did for the rest of the day.
Brakes are positive and strong. The slipper clutch is absolutely amazing. A wimpy or imprecise nudge of the shift lever still gets you a clean, positive shift, every time, with no false neutrals and a barely perceptible clunk. Nice!
The T120's 1200 cc "high torque" engine is an absolute marvel. It pulls like a draft horse in any gear when above about 3,000 RPM. I can foresee no circumstances of load, altitude, or road grade that will cause you to wish for more power! It's absolutely smooth. There is no vibration at all in the grips, pegs, seat or mirrors. Gearing is perfect, as is shifting. I found that sixth gear gave an indicated 88 MPH at 4,000 RPM, my limit for engine break-in.
Even varying throttle, speed, and gear all the way home, the bike got an actual 48.3 US MPG. Slowing to a sedate 65 MPH, it indicated 65 MPG.
Suspension compression and rebound rates front and rear are identical. The bike deals with even large bumps with aplomb, without any tendency to pitch. Sweet!
The T120 is both extremely stable and very nimble. Its manners at any speed are impeccable, the best of any bike I've ever owned or ridden. It's completely immune to the effects of high, gusting cross winds.
The bike may be heavy, but you never feel it since the CG is so low.
Tires are bias ply Pirelli Phantoms. They feel a little vague on grooved pavement, but otherwise inspire absolute confidence.
The heated grips have three positions: off, warm, and hot. They're off when the bike is started, regardless of the last setting in use. There is no indicator.
I rode most for most of the day on the T120 and was never once uncomfortable. The seating position is just about perfect for my 5'10", 175 lb frame. There's no pressure at all on my wrists at any speed.
Last, there's the bike's sound. It's one of the nicest I've ever heard from any motorcycle. It's never loud, and at highway speeds you have to listen to hear it. The T120 has a beautiful voice, and what it's saying is well worth the listen.
Of all the bikes I've owned, the T120 is likely the best because it shines in every category. Looks like I'll have to sell my trusty T100!
Cons:
The turn signal and kill switches feel slightly cheap and could be more precise and positive.
There's no cruise control. My dealer's parts department tells me that this is on the way in the form of a retrofit kit which should sell for $382. He didn't know whether this would require reflashing of the ECU.
The indicator lamps are easily daylight readable, but are too bright at night; a rheostat would be nice. Instrument lighting is otherwise good, and very even.
The headlight beam hi/lo switch on US bikes should flash the high beams only, as I'll bet it does on Euro spec bikes. There should be a separate switch for hi/lo beam.
The daytime running lights (DRL) are disabled in the US and are used as a parking light.
The turn signals use standard bulbs instead of LEDs. Hopefully, there'll be an aftermarket fix for this.
T120 Initial Impressions
I took delivery of my new T120 yesterday, May 28th. My dealer is in a different city so I had the pleasure of riding the new bike home, which was about a five hour journey, plus gas stops.
I chose the two-tone paint scheme in jet black and pure white. The scheme didn't look quite right to me in all of the photos that I've seen, but in person, it's stunning.
Pros:
Everything on the T120 has been carefully thought out and is beautifully executed and finished. BTW, I hope you like the name 'Triumph'. It's everywhere!
At first, the LCD readouts seemed a little small, but then I realized that they really compliment the beautiful black faced electronic analog tach and speedo. The readouts are perfectly usable without being too large, and I wouldn't change a thing.
The instrument cluster sits slightly high. Even at high speed (90 MPH) it cuts the wind somewhat. There was very little pressure on my chest, but my helmet caught the full wind flow.
My first few minutes in the saddle of the new bike were of concern because the throttle-by-wire twist grip seemed entirely too sensitive, giving a notchy, on-off kind of feel. As I rode, I realized that the throttle was feeling more smooth and precise. My brain and wrist had accommodated, and the throttle-by-wire set-up now seemed perfect, as it did for the rest of the day.
Brakes are positive and strong. The slipper clutch is absolutely amazing. A wimpy or imprecise nudge of the shift lever still gets you a clean, positive shift, every time, with no false neutrals and a barely perceptible clunk. Nice!
The T120's 1200 cc "high torque" engine is an absolute marvel. It pulls like a draft horse in any gear when above about 3,000 RPM. I can foresee no circumstances of load, altitude, or road grade that will cause you to wish for more power! It's absolutely smooth. There is no vibration at all in the grips, pegs, seat or mirrors. Gearing is perfect, as is shifting. I found that sixth gear gave an indicated 88 MPH at 4,000 RPM, my limit for engine break-in.
Even varying throttle, speed, and gear all the way home, the bike got an actual 48.3 US MPG. Slowing to a sedate 65 MPH, it indicated 65 MPG.
Suspension compression and rebound rates front and rear are identical. The bike deals with even large bumps with aplomb, without any tendency to pitch. Sweet!
The T120 is both extremely stable and very nimble. Its manners at any speed are impeccable, the best of any bike I've ever owned or ridden. It's completely immune to the effects of high, gusting cross winds.
The bike may be heavy, but you never feel it since the CG is so low.
Tires are bias ply Pirelli Phantoms. They feel a little vague on grooved pavement, but otherwise inspire absolute confidence.
The heated grips have three positions: off, warm, and hot. They're off when the bike is started, regardless of the last setting in use. There is no indicator.
I rode most for most of the day on the T120 and was never once uncomfortable. The seating position is just about perfect for my 5'10", 175 lb frame. There's no pressure at all on my wrists at any speed.
Last, there's the bike's sound. It's one of the nicest I've ever heard from any motorcycle. It's never loud, and at highway speeds you have to listen to hear it. The T120 has a beautiful voice, and what it's saying is well worth the listen.
Of all the bikes I've owned, the T120 is likely the best because it shines in every category. Looks like I'll have to sell my trusty T100!
Cons:
The turn signal and kill switches feel slightly cheap and could be more precise and positive.
There's no cruise control. My dealer's parts department tells me that this is on the way in the form of a retrofit kit which should sell for $382. He didn't know whether this would require reflashing of the ECU.
The indicator lamps are easily daylight readable, but are too bright at night; a rheostat would be nice. Instrument lighting is otherwise good, and very even.
The headlight beam hi/lo switch on US bikes should flash the high beams only, as I'll bet it does on Euro spec bikes. There should be a separate switch for hi/lo beam.
The daytime running lights (DRL) are disabled in the US and are used as a parking light.
The turn signals use standard bulbs instead of LEDs. Hopefully, there'll be an aftermarket fix for this.
Got my 2024 11 days ago. On the test ride knew that the mirrors had to go. Ordered set of bar ends as soon as I got home and they were on the next day. Yeah I day shipping. Installed a fly screen mostly to keep the gauges clean. Was hoping it hoping it wouldn't cause buffeting, it didn't. That was important for me and one of the surprising things was how clean the air hitting you was. I've ridden bikes with fairings and windshield with more buffeting. Each gear covers so much ground sometimes forget to shift to 5th. Great tranny. Coming from a Guzzi with straight cut gears a lot less clunk. The tranny on the Guzzi was also great it's just how straight cut gears are. Have a rear rack, center stand and radiator protector in route. The radiator cover has a British flag cut into it that will be painted. It will make it stand out a lot more but I think in a good way.
Found that using 87 octane alcohol free gas makes a noticeable increase in performance a 100 rpm drop at idle and smoother all around. Was surprised that Buc-ee's carries both 87 and 90 octane alcohol free. Tried the 90 but there wasn't as dramatic a difference. This is a bike that is a joy to ride and I'm getting close the first service mileage already.
Found that using 87 octane alcohol free gas makes a noticeable increase in performance a 100 rpm drop at idle and smoother all around. Was surprised that Buc-ee's carries both 87 and 90 octane alcohol free. Tried the 90 but there wasn't as dramatic a difference. This is a bike that is a joy to ride and I'm getting close the first service mileage already.
As a Guzzi owner also, I'm curious , which Guzzi do you own that has straight cut gears ? And yes the Triumph tranny is a treat , can't tell you how many times when riding around town I suddenly realize that I haven't bothered with the clutch lever and the shift was effortless and silent 
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My pleasure , as it turns out a few years ago I was looking into a straight cut gear set from an American dealer (that he still had in stock for the earlier Le Mans ,) when I came to my senses and thought it's 40 years old , just leave it alone . Plus did I want to spend over a grand and take it all apart again ? I also owned a 2018 Eldorado .
Great , do you remember if there was any obvious difference in the sound of the trannies ?
And were those pics taken anywhere near New Mexico ?
And were those pics taken anywhere near New Mexico ?
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