[Trophy4]

Follow-up to this post: We took the Speedy to a different Triumph dealer for the 600-mile service and for a check of the strange DRL/Lo-beam problem. After lots of head-scratching & several calls to Triumph NA, this dealer reported a missing jumper in the headlight pod. Of course, this dealer didn't have one, but has promised to order one and replace it for no charge once it arrives. The wait continues.

Yesterday (3/12/21) was a beautiful day in AL. Time for a road trip back to the dealer above. (Allsports in Decatur, AL). We arrived about 11am. Checked in, explained why we were there. 15 minutes or so to wait for a stand to open in the shop, then the head mechanic rolled the Speedy around to the shop. 10 minutes later he brought it back, headlight now works as expected for a US bike. Hi/Lo beam, no DRL's (nor switchgear to control it), and we were back on the road. No charge as promised. The wait is over.

 

[ralphbell]

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.

what is a booster plug and where does it go

 

[Moto-Uno]

If you search for Triumph , booster plug on youtube you'll find a few videos on it and it's effects and installation . Peter

 

[Skwirl]

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.

 

[BoulderGT3]

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.

 

[:squish]

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.

 

[Jwschnader]

View attachment 766855

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 ?) !!

 

[Jwschnader]

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 ?) !!

As a follow up note, the headlight for night driving is lacking...not bright enough and the beam spread is lousy;, plus I had to adjust it for proper distance/ high beam use. The dealer never checked it from new. The LED light day driving feature doesn't work like the European models, just the low beam.

 

[MizenRun]

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 done the very same myself, stepping up from a Street Twin. Had a few issues early on with the bike stalling when doing tight U turns. This resulted in dropping the bike, second time doing some damage to exhaust, mirror and break lever, not to mention my ribs and pride. Discovered there was an issue with stretching the wiring loom. So got the loom sorted under warranty. Bought some mint condition Thruxton cans on the net at a great price and must say they look great. New break lever and mirror and as good as new (lucky no tank damage). Rear tire lasted about 4,000 miles and now coming up to yearly service.
Previous owner fitted tail tidy, heated grips and done the throttle snatching/play shim so all good now. I love the bike, fast enough for me and works for weekends away or daily blasts. I found the Street Twin more manageable, but love the extra power and stopping ability of the Speed Twin.

And if I don't mind saying so, it's a real looker and receives great comments almost everywhere. Thanks Triumph!

 

[Hybrid81]

done the very same myself, stepping up from a Street Twin. Had a few issues early on with the bike stalling when doing tight U turns. This resulted in dropping the bike, second time doing some damage to exhaust, mirror and break lever, not to mention my ribs and pride. Discovered there was an issue with stretching the wiring loom. So got the loom sorted under warranty. Bought some mint condition Thruxton cans on the net at a great price and must say they look great. New break lever and mirror and as good as new (lucky no tank damage). Rear tire lasted about 4,000 miles and now coming up to yearly service.
Previous owner fitted tail tidy, heated grips and done the throttle snatching/play shim so all good now. I love the bike, fast enough for me and works for weekends away or daily blasts. I found the Street Twin more manageable, but love the extra power and stopping ability of the Speed Twin.

And if I don't mind saying so, it's a real looker and receives great comments almost everywhere. Thanks Triumph!

Bummer about the drop.
I figured out that my issue with shifting was related to the clutch wire. Once I sorted that the issue went away.

The Ducati throttle spacers were a great purchase. I didn’t expect a major difference but it really does feel like a night and day change.

The best money I’ve spent was for the DNK Tune. Most bang for the buck in terms of performance.

 

[formula]

There are two members of our club with the T120s, so far no issues but a flat tyre. This 1200 motor is sensational.

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 am loving the performance n torque or this 2017. I am considering changing the rear sprocket. Like one up. My buddy says it will not make much difference. I say it will be c
Better for throttle roll on

 

[formula]

Bummer about the drop.
I figured out that my issue with shifting was related to the clutch wire. Once I sorted that the issue went away.

The Ducati throttle spacers were a great purchase. I didn’t expect a major difference but it really does feel like a night and day change.

The best money I’ve spent was for the DNK Tune. Most bang for the buck in terms of performance.

Does the t120 have a quick shift option/kit.

 

[JBT120]

Does the t120 have a quick shift option/kit.

Not a Triumph one.

 

[UncleDanDan]

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.

 

[tsmgguy]

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.

 

[nickjaxe]

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.

Agree with every thing you say Sir....even for my T100 watercooled....stock suspension is fine.....I think people change just cos other say.....follow the leader silly stuff.

Yeah is you love old classics.....these bikes will please you.....look great.....done several things to mine to get it looking a little more old school....happy now.....I like you Sir am 71.

Hope you have many more years on your Triumph.

Nick in the UK.

 

[sanford12]

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.

 

[Moto-Uno]

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 .

 

[sanford12]

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 .

Had a 2015 California and a 2021 V85 TT. Looks like I've been dwelling under a misconception. I thought both had straight cut gears but it turns out no modern Guzzi has straight cut gears. Was told they had them when I bought the 2015 as how it clunked going into gears I believed it. Glad to be corrected. Thanks.

 

[Moto-Uno]

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 .