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T120 Mods--Need Advice on Improving a Good Thing

13K views 17 replies 9 participants last post by  tsmgguy 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi, everybody.

I'm lined up to purchase a T120. I've test ridden it a couple of times now and am pretty psyched about bringing it into the garage.

When I rode it I was so very impressed with the engine. What a peach. The stock pipes make a great sound already so I'm not planning any change there.


However, the brakes seem like they could use an upgrade. My current stable includes a couple of Aprilia sportbikes so I'm used to brick wall brakes. Thus, I went to Canyon Triumph where they have a Brembo upgrade with floating rotors and new calipers. Has anyone tried this kit out? I'd love any feedback that y'all have.


Also, making the gearing less relaxed seems smart. T120 owners say that they don't even use sixth gear...so reducing the front sprocket from 17 teeth to 16 teeth (like the front on the Thruxton) seems smart. Has anyone done this? Maybe everyone does and I'm just new to the game. :wink2:


If there are other common mods I'd like to know. Thanks, all.
 
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#3 ·
Also, making the gearing less relaxed seems smart. T120 owners say that they don't even use sixth gear...
I can't imagine this is true unless it's someone who only rides their T120 in town, in low speed traffic, and the bike's capabilities are not being appreciated or used. A 900 would probably serve as well or better.

Don't like the T120's engine RPM in 6th gear? Use 5th. Triumph geared the T120 as they did for some very good reasons. The bike has power, virtually all of which is available from 3,100 RPM. The power curve is very flat, so the bike won't pull appreciably harder at higher RPM. Power actually drops off as the engine red line is approached, so it's counter productive to install sprockets that increase engine RPM just for RPM sake. Doing this is just an attempt to modify the T120 into bikes previously owned. It'll decrease gas mileage and negatively effect the bike's marvelous manners in high speed cruise.

I use the 6th gear constantly. 4,000 RPM is an indicated 88 MPH. The bike is smooth, stable, and poised. 70 MPH feels very relaxed, and the engine is at or near it's peak torque while giving excellent fuel economy. No need to down shift to pass. Cruising the back roads at 60 MPH in 6th gear is a joy, with plenty of power, low engine RPM, eerie smoothness, and fuel economy of 75 MPG or better.

Ride the bike for many months before making any decisions. During that time, the bike's character will reveal itself.
 
#4 ·
I concur with tsmgguy, ride it before attempting to project what you think it might ride like. With most of my other modern era bikes, it was advised that suspension be addressed first. While not as "sexy" as engine or drivetrain mods, it was what made very ridable bikes into seriously nice riding bikes.

I have ridden my '18 T120 7500 miles so far. During that time I have not had any issues with anything other than a headlight bulb and the usb port. The engine is by far the best I've owned and power and delivery seem to be spot on. I have not had the snatchy throttle issues some report or leaking o-rings. I used 6th every time I am on the highway and that is often.

There are plenty here and other forums that will tell you what you need to do to your bike. As Turnertwin and Tsmgguy have advised, ride it yourself for awhile and determine what is lacking for your experience then address those needs.
 
#5 ·
I just test rode a T120 Bonnie last week. I enjoyed the ride (as short as it was). I have never ridden a Triumph new or otherwise. I was surprised that it felt better to "short shift" it. Coming off a Buell I'm used to this as most of the power is developed around 5500 rpms. So I thought it felt right to not have to wring it's neck to get power out of it. I did think it felt a bit buzzy through the bars, but the bike had zero miles on it prior to going for the ride. I'm thinking once it got run in it would smooth out a bit. So the ride has defiantly piqued my ongoing interet in this bike, now I'm looking for a good deal!
 
#6 ·
I fully agree with TSMGGUY and ECT120 ,
I have had mine about 5 weeks now and really really love the Bike
I exchanged it from a 2017 Suzuki GSXS 1000F which is a good bike but too frenetic for me nowadays,
I sold it after seeing 140mph+ on the speedo too often,
decided to get rid before it got rid of me.
I have been riding for nearly 50 years now and had many bikes in that time
I reckon the T120 is the best bike I have ever owned ,
get one you will not be disappointed,then decide what things you want to change.
By the way the Brakes are more than adequate
 
#8 ·
Had also thought that my T120's suspension would have to be addressed, but it bedded in nicely in the first 5,000 miles. It's now compliant, and slightly firm.

When I took delivery of the bike I added one notch of rear pre-load. On stretches of road with a series of bumps, there was a difference in either the compression or rebound (couldn't tell which) causing the bike to pitch. Off came that one notch of preload. The bike's suspension is now great. No changes are contemplated. I've never yet dragged a peg.

I weigh 175 lbs. all geared up, and am 5'10" tall with a 32" inseam. The bike feels made for me. Comfort, I think, is an absolute. You're comfortable on the bike, or not. With my old T100, butt burn in the first hour is a fact of life. I have to plan a stop to stretch every hour. The T120 is comfortable all day, with the stock seat.

The grips initially seemed a little too far forward. After a few hours in the saddle, my body adopts a comfortable crouch, and the seating position becomes perfect. No changes needed to the bars, either.
 
#9 · (Edited)
I weigh 175 lbs. all geared up, and am 5'10" tall with a 32" inseam. The bike feels made for me.
The T120 and pretty much every other bike made. Maybe even a Guzzi.

I come in a little bigger with around 250 with gear, 6'4', 35" inseam. I had to do some padding mods to make the bike comfortable for longer periods (over 90 minutes before stopping) and added a factory flyscreen which made 400 mile days pretty easy.

Regardless, I too found that the T120 quickly became the bike that best fits my all around needs better than any others I've owned. It is easy and fun around town (not so with my R1150GS or Strat), is fantastic out in the country and good on fuel (not so much my thirsty Strat with the small tank), and I looks great.

In the best of worlds I would have something that could eat up the highway/superslab miles better AND the T120 for everything else. But the bikes that eat up the highways like that are not the joy to ride around town, on day trips, or other things the Bonnie is so good at. I have the right bike.
 
#10 ·
I haven’t tried the Brembo upgrade, but I did change to Galfer wave rotors and EBC HH pads with positive results. I’d see how the stock brakes work for you after you bed them in. I did use Canyon Motorcycles for my suspension upgrade. Adrian is highly regarded in the Triumph world in my neck of the woods. My bike is pictured on his website!

I changed my rear sprocket to a 39T vs changing the front one. I liked the difference it made. I can’t say which one is better to change. It seemed to me the rear would be easier to install. I liked the fact it “shortened” the chain and allowed more room for adjusting it.

Decatting with a x-pipe is another popular mod. Find the deficiencies and improve on them is my motto! Good luck..
 
#11 ·
Hey Jet, I agree with others: put some miles on the bike before you change anything. I use sixth gear anytime I'm on the interstate but not so much on surface streets. It's nice to have. Other than the occasional front brake groan during low speed stops, I have no complaints about the brakes. I'm 6'4" and 215 lbs geared up. I may eventually upgrade the front and rear suspension but I'll make that decision after I hit 10k miles.:sip
 
#14 ·
Triumph upped their game considerably with the new WC twins. We all noticed the greatly improved fit, finish, comfort, handling, and power, but other things got upgraded, too. The better suspension largely went unnoticed. Before, we all took it as an article of faith that any new bike (especially a Triumph) would need an immediate suspension upgrade. Now, not so much.
 
#15 ·
Actually own one now. Sort of.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I appreciate it!


I've gone through the purchasing process now and they say that I own a Competition Green/White Bonneville :grin2:, although the truth is that all I really have is a slim black folder that says "TRIUMPH" on it and a significantly lighter wallet.

Buying a bike (and even more so, a car) can be a struggle to get through the numbers and the negotiations. I feel like I should give big props to Triumph of Seattle, who made it fair and painless. The deal was so fair that I actually asked them to charge me more, and then include in that price the cost of the break-in service and include installing some upgrades.

Normally I'd ask the dealer to include the break-in service when selling me a new bike, because they can do it wholesale and I'd have to pay for it retail, so everybody wins there. But this time around I felt like they'd been spectacularly honest and reasonable, so we set it up a little differently.



It's particularly interesting to see how different heights and weights fit on the T120. I'm 5'-9" and go about 165 with gear, so I'm not a big guy. I find the T120 very comfortable and have no intention to change the bars or seat or pegs. And my better half says that the passenger seat is and seat-peg relationship is terrific.


So all that said, this thread is supposed to be about upgrades. I've ordered up the following:
1. Canyon Triumph rotor and caliper upgrade. tahtye, it's good to hear that Alec and the guys are well thought of in L.A. They've been good to deal with and seem very knowledgeable.
2. Ohlins rear shocks. Only the 765's, not the fancy ones with the remote reservoirs. This is not a racebike and this seems like plenty of suspension. From what the members on this thread have told me, the stock setup is pretty good these days.
3. Sliders from Sato Racing. The ones from Puig look a little more retro Triumph, but it seems like every US outlet is out of them. I will not have a bike without frame sliders.



Now it's down to the waiting. I'm pretty old, but I think I'll live until next Wednesday or Thursday when the bike is ready. Thanks again, all.
 
#18 ·
Jet City,

You'll love the bike. Congrats!

Funny but true: About the only item you'll have trouble with on your new T120 is the gas cap. It's really fiddly. Just remember, it's a two handed operation, with one hand for the cap rim and the other for the key. Keep in mind "leftie-loosie, rightie-tightie" with the cap, and the key. The cap is very heavy, so if it's dropped on the tank it'll scar that gorgeous new paint. That, and you want to hold the start button until the engine is running, not just until it kicks once or twice. The book recommends 5 seconds.

Enjoy!
 
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